With Bugatti announcing a new convertible version of its extreme performance Veyron supercar, transmission supplier Ricardo will extend the production run of its pioneering seven-speed dual clutch transmission to satisfy the extra demand for the €1 million-plus two-seater.




Ricardo builds the Veyron transmissions in its ultra-sophisticated UK manufacturing center using clean-room processes and techniques closer to those for racing cars than normal roadgoing vehicles.




The seven-speed DCT of the 1001 horsepower Veyron, first presented in 2006, was the result of design and development collaboration between Ricardo and Bugatti which included both the transmission hardware and its electronic control unit and software.


 


Commentators have repeatedly praised this state-of-the-art transmission as an important contributor to the exceptional driving experience offered by the Bugatti which, with a top speed of over 400 km/h (248 mph), is the fastest production car ever made. The transmission - which may also be operated in full automatic mode - is engineered to the highest standards of refinement and quality as well as for functionality and safety, utilising the latest technologies in transmission design, electronics, control software and mechatronics.


 


The design objective of the open-roofed Grand Sport version was, quite simply, to create the world's fastest convertible car. Because of the very high speeds attainable by the car, the roof embodies a two-part solution. A rigid glass outer layer provides all the comfort and security of a closed coupé; this can be removed and stored on what Bugatti describes as a special interior fixture. With the roof off, Bugatti recommends a maximum speed of 360 km/h (223 mph). Should rain unfortunately intervene, the Grand Sport has a textile canopy which can be deployed. With this in place the suggested maximum speed is cut to 130 km/h, beyond which a buzzer sounds to warn of potential turbulence problems.




Story Filed: 1/16/2009
By Tony Lewin, managing editor DCTfacts.com