bugatti eb218 is real

["Dave Eaton" <Dave.Eaton@clear.net.nz>]

peter robinson drives the bugatti eb218 in last week's autocar, albeit as a
"working prototype".  he is the only journo to drive the car (albeit
accompanied).  the running gear is based on the a8q setup, while the engine
is based on the 1.4 and 1.8l 3/4cylinder audi/vw motors.  these apparently
share the same bore spacing (piech strikes again, or was that lopez?).  the
new audi w12 is based on the same motors, as is the w16 bentley motor.
specs for the w18 motor are impressive none-the-less.  6 camshafts, 5.6l and
over 500hp.  accordingly to robinson, who was limited to 3,000rpm, the
engine has a ton low-down torque.

the awd setup is unknown, although the front differential is mounted on the
rhs engine sump, so clearly it has some differences to the audi setup.

the car is a monster with enough room in the back for top-hats (apparently).
fittings include a wine chiller and cigar de-humidifier...

confirmation from robinson that the bugatti will now occupy the top of the
vw family tree.

dave
'95 rs2
'90 ur-q
'88 mb 2.3-16