There are four Bugatti sports cars that represent automotive innovation like no others cars do.

It would come as a surprise that the four cars that represent innovation in automobiles in its purest form are all Bugatti sports cars. Showcasing the evolution of automobiles in a way that is unique and amounts to flexing the boundaries of what machines can really be or do what they are expected to do to the fullest, the four Bugatti cars are the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition, Chiron Super Sport 300+ and the W16 Mistral World Record Car.

Successful in carving out a niche, each of the four cars – ultra super cars – have come to represent Bugatti’s incomparable legacy. The Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition, on a beautiful day of April 2010, achieved a new land speed world record for production cars on the proving grounds of the Volkswagen Group at Ehra-Lessien (nearby its headquarters at Wolfsburg). In the presence of the German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV) and a representative of Guinness Book of Records, the Super Sport achieved an average top speed of 431 kmph!

Bugatti’s Pilote Officiel Pierre Henri Raphanel put his helmet and gloves on, pulled the safety belts tight whilst the engineers checked the car a very last time for tyre pressure, temperature and all the systems.

The orange-black Super Sport crossed the light barrier within one hour by driving from South to North and then in the opposite direction. The driver being the only one to touch the car during the record run, the description of the Veyron as its headlights appeared at a certain point of the track was of a jumbo jet coming closer and simply jetting by.

The GPS-tachometer recorded a speed of as much as 933 kmph. The average speed generated by the TUV and Guinness representatives was a whopping 431.072 kmph, which surprised even the Bugatti team.

The roadster version of Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition, set the world speed record for open-top production sports cars at the Volkswagen Group’s proving grounds in Ehra-Lessien.

TÜV, the renowned independent German organisation for technical inspection and certification, officially confirmed that a top speed of 408.84 kmph was achieved when the super car was driven by the Chinese racing driver Anthony Liu in 2013.

On the market since the spring of 2012, the open-top sports car is fitted with an 8.0 litre W16 engine that pours 1,200 PS and a torque of 1,500 Nm at 3,000 to 5,000 rpm on the road. Its high-performance handling can be attributed to a racing chassis, which together with extremely fast-acting shock absorbers and reinforced anti-roll bars, guarantees exact control of both the four-wheel drive system and the entire vehicle.

The other factors that enable such performance at the upper limits include a standard carbon monocoque with high torsional rigidity and an outer shell made entirely of carbon fibre. With wind noise and air turbulence a particular concern with open-top vehicles, the Vitesse is offered with a specially developed roof spoiler along with an intricately designed windbreak that guarantees calm open-top driving.

The Chiron Super Sport 300+ is the fastest Bugatti ever made, redefining what is possible when it comes to speed and aerodynamics. Piloted by Bugatti’s Pilote Officiel Andy Wallace, the hypercar smashed through the 482.803 kmph (300 mph) barrier in 2019. Never had a production car reached such speeds ever!

Occupying a spot in the history and standing as a marker in the quest for greater performance and speed, the hypercar was fitted with a re-engineered version of Bugatti’s legendary 8.0 litre W16 engine that produced 1,600 PS of power. A new thermal management system for the engine and gearbox were developed. Refinements to the software governing the engine, gearbox and turbochargers were also made.

To ensure top notch stability, the car was fitted with a ‘longtail’ that extended the car length by approximately 25 cm. This allowed the laminar flow to pass over the body for a longer period of time, reducing aerodynamic stall by more than 40 percent. Air curtains adorning the hyper sports car’s front corners dispersed excess air pressure towards the car’s sides. Simultaneously, air outlets at the wheel arches and behind the front wheels guided excess pressure away from each wheel arch, reducing drag by also producing a small amount of negative lift. Liberal use of exposed carbon fibre – flowing through into the car’s engine cover and the windscreen wiper, thereby contributing to crucial weight-saving that helps the hyper sports car push the envelope of performance – was resorted to. Extremely light and strong magnesium alloy wheels were deployed.

Andy Wallace – Bugatti Pilote Officiel and winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours – assumed the controls of the one-off W16 Mistral World Record Car, warming up the vehicle’s bespoke high-performance tyres on a first anticipatory lap. Ascending to a specified speed of 200 kmph into the banking of the track (of ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH), he increased the speed before unleashing the full power of the vehicle as the straight opened up coming off the banking, taking it to new heights of record speed in November 2024. Under the meticulous control of SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH, the achievement of a new world top-speed record for an open-top car was officially confirmed at the end of the run, with Andy reaching an incredible 453.91 kmph.

The EUR 14 million hypercar is powered by an 8.0-litre, quad-turbo, W16 engine that does an impressive 1,578 bhp. Innovative is the W16 Mistral’s X-taillight arrangement, which channels hot air from the radiators through ducts towards the rear of the vehicle. The air is expelled through the vents in the X-taillight arrangement.

The hypercar’s ramp-design diffuser accelerates the air’s journey from the rear of the vehicle, which increases downforce and helps the model excel at high speeds. Contributing to the vehicle’s excellent stability are bespoke high-performance tyres.

MT

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Italian supercar manufacturer Automobili Lamborghini has recorded the highest revenue in its history for the 2025 fiscal year, reaching EUR 3.20 billion, which marks a 3.3 percent increase over the previous year and marks the second consecutive year the company has exceeded the EUR 3 billion threshold.

The company reported an operating income of EUR 768 million with a profitability rate of 24 percent. These figures were achieved despite a volatile macroeconomic environment and specific exogenous pressures.

Key Financial Impacts:

• Currency and Trade: Negative exchange rate fluctuations and the introduction of US tariffs influenced the operating result.
• Strategic Investment: Costs associated with the Direzione Cor Tauri electrification strategy were fully accounted for during the financial year.
• Mitigation: The impact of these factors was moderated through a refined product mix and cost control measures.

In 2025, Lamborghini delivered 10,747 cars, surpassing the 10,000-unit mark for the third year in a row. A significant driver of value was the Ad Personam personalisation programme, with 94 percent of all vehicles delivered featuring at least one bespoke element.

The Revuelto and the newly launched Temerario, which began customer deliveries in early 2026 – form the core of the brand's hybridisation strategy. The Temerario features a powertrain capable of 10,000 rpm, a first for a production engine from the manufacturer.

The current range, including the Revuelto, Urus SE and Temerario, is now fully hybridised. Lamborghini has also confirmed plans for a fourth hybrid model as part of its long-term industrial vision, which remains focused on sustainable growth alongside the eventual development of a fully electric vehicle.

For 2026, the company intends to unveil further product developments at international events, including the Goodwood Festival of Speed and Monterey Car Week.

Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “2025 shows that the strength of Automobili Lamborghini lies not only in numbers, but in our ability to manage complexity. In a challenging global context, we continued to grow, protecting profitability and further strengthening brand value. Our strategy is clear: discipline, long-term vision and product centrality. This balance allows us to turn external challenges into opportunities for consolidation and to continue creating sustainable value.”

Paolo Poma, Managing Director and CFO, Automobili Lamborghini, said, “External factors and the volatility of the broader macroeconomic environment made 2025 a particularly challenging year. In this context, we have closed a positive financial and business 12 months, safeguarding our level of profitability, which positions us among the most profitable players in the global luxury sector. The results achieved confirm our objective of sustainable growth while preserving profitability.”

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German luxury brand BMW Group India has introduced the MINI Cooper S Victory Edition at INR 5.75 million. The special edition model made its debut at the Sanghi Classic dealership in Jaipur. It is available as a Completely Built-Up (CBU) unit, with bookings open at all authorised dealerships and deliveries commencing immediately.

The Victory Edition serves as a tribute to the 1965 Monte Carlo Rally, where the Mini Cooper S, driven by Timo Mäkinen and Paul Easter, secured a win. The new edition incorporates bespoke styling elements intended to reflect this motorsport heritage while utilising modern vehicle technology and craftsmanship.

Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India, stated, “The new MINI Cooper S Victory Edition is a bold tribute to the legendary 1965 Monte Carlo Rally win, bringing a historic racing soul to modern Indian roads. This limited-run masterpiece captures the aesthetic essence of MINI's competitive DNA, meticulously crafted for those who demand a drive that looks as iconic as it feels. We are thrilled to offer Indian enthusiasts a unique opportunity to own a piece of motorsport history, reimagined with bespoke styling that honors our championship heritage. This special edition is a visual celebration of our past and a testament to the timeless spirit of performance that defines the MINI brand today.”

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German luxury automotive brand Audi Group has concluded the 2025 fiscal year with a revenue of EUR 65.5 billion, an increase from EUR 64.5 billion in 2024. The company reported an operating profit of EUR 3.4 billion and a net cash flow of EUR 3.4 billion, despite facing geopolitical challenges and industrial competition.

The group's operating margin for 2025 stood at 5.1 percent, down from 6.0 percent the previous year. Financial results were impacted by EUR 1.2 billion in US tariffs and additional expenses related to CO2 compliance provisions. The rescheduling of a shared electric platform for the D-segment also affected the margin.

Brand Group Performance (Deliveries):

• Audi: 1,623,551 cars (down from 1,671,218 in 2024).
• Lamborghini: 10,747 vehicles (up from 10,687).
• Bentley: 10,131 cars (down from 10,643).
• Ducati: 50,895 motorcycles (down from 54,495).

Profit after tax increased to EUR 4.6 billion, supported by a financial result of EUR 2.2 billion, which included EUR 504 million from operations in China.

Audi reported a 36 percent increase in fully electric vehicle (BEV) deliveries, totalling 223,032 units. The Audi Q6 e-tron and Audi A6 e-tron accounted for approximately 84,000 and 37,000 units respectively.

In China, the company launched the AUDI E5 Sportback under its new China-exclusive sister brand, AUDI. For 2026, the company plans to introduce the Audi A2 e-tron as an entry-level electric model and the Audi Q9 as a flagship SUV.

For fiscal 2026 the Audi Group has announced that it aims to increase its revenue upto EUR 68 billion, attain operating margin of 6-8 percent and net cash flow of EUR 3 billion to EUR 4 billion.

The 2026 season also marks Audi's debut in Formula 1 with the Audi Revolut F1 Team, following the season opener in Australia on 8 March 2026.

Gernot Dollner, CEO, Audi, said, “Geopolitical uncertainties and global competitive pressure kept the automotive industry on its toes again last year. In times like these, Audi has the right answers and takes bold decisions. In 2025, we introduced the first model from AUDI, our China-exclusive sister brand, and previewed a rigorously clean new design. We will continue to push our renewal forward in 2026, launching key new models, focusing on strong partnerships, and entering Formula 1 for the first time. In this way, we’ll accelerate our push in global competition.”

Jurgen Rittersberger, CFO, Audi, said, “Audi delivered a resilient performance under difficult conditions in 2025. The US tariffs in particular had a significant impact on us. Our results are bolstered by the robust development of delivery figures at the end of the year, the high level of cost discipline, and the consistent implementation of the performance program. At the same time, the pressure on margins and efficiency remains high. This year, we will again pursue our long-term financial goals with full commitment. The key is to seize all operational and financial opportunities to make Audi more efficient, competitive, and profitable. Lasting success demands time, discipline and resilience.”

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Kia India has introduced the Model Year 2026 (MY26) edition of the Carens Clavis EV, its first electric vehicle manufactured in India. The update adds a six-seater configuration featuring second-row captain seats and expands the range with GT-Line and X-Line trims for the Extended Range variant.

The Carens Clavis EV continues to be offered with two battery options, both supported by a motor delivering 255 Nm of torque:

• 51.4 kWh Battery: ARAI-certified range of 490 km (MIDC Full).
• 42 kWh Battery: ARAI-certified range of 404 km (MIDC Full).

The vehicle supports fast charging, capable of reaching 10 percent to 80 percent capacity in 39 minutes. Kia’s K-Charge platform provides owners access to over 15,000 charging points nationwide, with more than 100 dealerships equipped with DC fast chargers.

The new GT-Line (GTX and GTX+) trims feature sportier styling, including lime brake callipers, metal pedals and a new alloy wheel design. The X-Line variant introduces a rugged aesthetic with an exclusive Dark Gun Metal exterior colour.

The interior update focuses on passenger space, offering the six-seater layout across select trims, including HTX, GTX and X-Line. Top spec models now come with a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, a 26.62 cm dual panoramic display and digital key technology.

The MY26 model includes 18 safety features as standard, including six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC). The vehicle also incorporates over 85 connected car features and battery heater technology for thermal management.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice-President, Sales & Marketing, Kia India, said, “The Carens Clavis EV was developed to make electric mobility practical and relevant for everyday use. As more customers transition to EVs, their expectations are evolving beyond technology to include greater comfort, flexible seating and distinctive design. The MY26 reflects this feedback with new trims and a 6-seater configuration that enhances comfort and versatility while retaining the practicality Indian customers value.”

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