Bugatti

The production version of the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 makes its U.S. debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It is only a few weeks since production of this new Bugatti super sports car started in the Alsatian town of Molsheim, France, where Ettore Bugatti established the “Bugatti legend” in 1909.

“We have decided to choose Los Angeles for the North American premiere of the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4, because the United States, and California in particular, are extremely important areas for our new car,“ said Dr. Thomas Bscher, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., at the Bugatti stand at the L.A. Auto Show. “Among the classic markets for top-end luxurious and exclusive automobiles,“ Dr. Bscher continued, “the West Coast of the United States has traditionally been of key importance. In addition, the Bugatti marque is very well recognized in North America, and some of the most valuable vintage Bugattis are presently owned by American collectors. Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. is leading the legendary Bugatti brand values into today’s automotive environment. And the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 not only proudly features some of the Bugatti heritage and its philosophy, but is without any doubt the most exciting and technically the most sophisticated car ever built as a production model.”

Dr. Bscher concluded by saying, “The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 has unanimously been very highly appraised by the international media and a few selected customers who have already had the privilege of experiencing the car. And we are delighted to present the new Bugatti to a wider audience here in Los Angeles.” It was at the end of 2003 that Dr. Bscher took overall responsibility for the Bugatti project and led the car to a successful start of production at the end of 2005. The Molsheim “Atelier”, a tribute to the Bugatti myth, has an annual production capacity of around 50 to 60 units, and the total number of Bugatti Veyron 16.4s built will not exceed 300.

The technical specifications of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 are unrivalled in the automotive industry: 1,001 hp – 16 cylinder – 8-liter engine – a torque of 922 lb.ft from 2,200 to 5,500 rpm – 253 mph – four turbochargers permanent four-wheel drive. Never before has such a concentration of technical innovation and performance data been realized in a production automobile. In spite of this accumulation of high-performance technical data, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 can be driven in everyday traffic like a “normal” car – that too is a hitherto unattained synthesis between practical utility and fascinating peak values.

Yamaha R6

This has got to be the golden age of sportbikes.

Sure, there were times when we thought we were living in great times, but you know we've reached a new mark for sportbikes when a company like Yamaha can justify stocking their line-up with not just one or two 600cc sportbikes, but three.

R6, this is the one that had Supersport fans salivating from the moment we saw a spec sheet detailing a host of technology:

• The 599cc engine sports a wider bore and shorter stroke than last year, which, coupled with lighter pistons and wristpins, is designed to promote quick revving.

• Small wings on the bike's nose help add downforce to the front wheel at high speeds.

• A lap timer triggered from the handlebar is standard, as is a programmable.

Consider all these features, and the machine screams "track bike" at the top of its lungs.

This is a motorcycle designed for racing and track days first, and the street second.

Climb aboard, and the track bias is immediately clear—this is one tiny motorcycle. Bars are low, the reach from the seat is short, the rear set of footpegs are high.

That's not the best mix for stop-and-go commuting, but in case you haven't been paying attention, that's not what this bike was built for.

The low bars and short tank bring your weight more toward the front wheel for better handling. The high pegs yield ground clearance.

The price for all this tech? MSRP ranges from $9,199 (Rs 4,14,000) for blue and $9,499 (Rs 4,27,500) for the 50th Anniversary Yellow/Black limited-edition model.

No matter what color you get, you'll wind up with one of the most track-happy Supersport machines available anywhere.

Yamaha R1

Yamaha's new top of the line 379-pound R1 sportbike has more horsepower than Ford's SVT Focus--173, to be exact. In fact, the new R1 is the most powerful sportbike you can buy. Its heart is a 20-valve 998cc 4-cylinder engine. It's more oversquare in its bore than the previous model and has a higher compression ratio of 12.1:1, as well as longer duration and higher lift cams.

This monster of a motor is mounted to an all-new frame that is lighter, narrower and stiffer than the previous R1. Unlike many sportbikes, the R1's riding position is fairly upright making it more comfortable. Brakes are 320mm discs in front with radial-mounted 4-piston calipers.

The new R1 is remarkably docile with plenty of low-end torque. Couple that to the riding position and this bike could be a commuter. If you have the guts, twist the right grip until the hits 13,000 rpm and the R1 will turn your hair white. The bike tops out at about 190 mph. With a 56° lean angle, the R1 will flatten just about any corner. You can buy one of these terrific devils for $10,699 (Rs 5,00,000).