Some time ago I was not sure I liked Ferdinand Piech but now I will gladly concede I love him.
Not only is he proving to be a fantastic engineer who built some of the fastest racing cars in the history of automobiles (remember the unbeatable Posche 908 and 917 of the late 60s and early 70s) but also an astute businessman with a vision and a unique ability to motivate people and lead companies.
However, the deep ground of my admiration is the supersonic speed at which he is capable of making (wise) decisions, of moving a giant like the VW Group and yet keep his feet on the ground to put a human touch in his relations (not always easy) with the people who work for him.

An example of this is his approach with the young Fabrizio Giugiaro and his father, Giorgetto. Piech has perfectly guided the hands of Giorgetto Giugiaro who fully understood what he had to do. Giorgetto's son, Fabrizio - supported by King Ferdinand - has made sure that the creation of the prototype was of superlative quality.
The Bugatti EB 118 and EB 218 "product studies" unveiled respectively last September in Paris and this March in Geneva are brilliant examples of what can be achieved so quickly when the team is a winner.

Shortly after VW acquired the right to the Bugatti label, after the Rolls-Royce/Bentley tussle, Piech wasted no time to start planning the products Bugatti had to create to conquer its place under the sun in the upcoming "over-the-top-luxury-car-niche". Mercedes-Benz was first to book its berth when it unveiled its Maybach and it is granted that BMW are working at a radically new Rolls-Royce for the year 2003, when the brand name will come under its control.
Piech is working at positioning the next generation Bentleys (to be produced at an annual rate of 9,000 units in four years time) above the Mercedes-Benz S-Class but not quite as high as the Rolls-Royce.
The role of establishing VW's absolute supremacy under the Piech administration is attributed to Bugatti.

The EB 218 designed and constructed by Italdesign is the reference draft for the job.

Reportedly, Piech is only thinking of a highly sophisticated production run of 50 pieces per year. That would also ensure the Bugattis become the most exclusive luxury cars worldwide, the best mode of trasport for a business tycoon, apart from his private jet.
First they rushed to create the most exotic two-door coupé, then the much refined, spontaneous and somewhat roughly designed concept, finally making it into a four door limousine.
Is there an EB 318 waiting in the pipeline? I think the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show shall give an answer. My guess is that it will be a wondeful sport car, perhaps painted in a bit lighter Bugatti blue.
For the time being let us concentrate on the ultimate Bugatti. This is - of course - the EB 218, the luxury limousine that beautifully translates, with a modern frame, the charisma and style of the Bugatti myth.

The 218 has the style of a contemporary car, with the soul, shape, look and elegance that is most appropriate to a Bugatti of the new millennium. But above all, what makes it so attractive is the fact that despite its imposing size (overall length of 5375mm, width of 1990mm and height of 1455mm.) the EB 218 has beautiful proportions that, I am sure, Ettore would join Ferdinand in approving Giorgetto's talent and sensitivity.
But the EB 218 speaks, not only of history and elegance, but also of power and technical sophistication.
The 218 is a perfect example of that, starting with the 'Blu Notte Perlato' colour and quality of its painting that protects a bodywork made of large, hand beaten alluminium claddings and assembled over a modern space-frame structure incorporating the most advanced technology.
Under the elegant and well balanced shape of its bodywork you find the extraordinary 18-cylinder engine, the first of its kind to be used in a passenger vehicle.

This engine, which was developed at Volkswagen, has three rows of 6-cylinder banks, which are joined in a 'W'. With a capacity of 6.3 litres, the direct injection engine has an output of 408 kW / 555 bhp at 6,800 rpm and a maximum torque of 650 Newton metres (Nm) at 4,000 rpm.
The engine has three rows of 6 cylinder banks. The engine design is a 2 x 60° W configuration, which combines the lowest possible noise levels and the most compact engine design. Each of the six crank pins serves a group of three cast conrods. The drive is taken off via a gear set in the centre of the crankshaft.
Moreover, the engine features a dry sump lubrication system and a directly integrated water-cooled alternator. The front axle differential, with a hypoid gear oil reservoir, is incorporated in a unit comprising the crankcase and engine sump. Power is transferred by a five-speed automatic gearbox.
Permanent four-wheel transmission drive, through automatic gearchange with the assistance of an electronic differential lock (EDS) enhances traction. The system also includes the very convenient four-wheel steering system and aluminium multi-link suspensions. They all are designed to make sure the Bugatti EB 218 really stands out for impressive driving dynamics and excellent traction.
This is all very nice and attractive but what is the point if no one drives the car?

________Only in Italy.

Only in Italy can you design, engineer and build such an exclusive car in such a short time and than take that car, worth a million dollars or two (to be very conservative) to the road with a fake Swiss number plate.
In the rest of the world it would be easier to register such an outstanding prototype as the Bugatti 218.

At this stage, it does not matter how brilliant, smooth and fast the car can be or actually is, especially with an automobile that weights some 1780kg (but will get leaner before it is produced in a limited number) and powered by an experimental 18 cylinder engine that has neither been properly developed nor tested.
Maybe one day Fabrizio will drive it flat out on some motorways, as he has done with several prototypes built by Italdesign, such as the Nazca and, more recently, the Structura. But not today.
Today, what really matters is to demonstrated this is a real automobile rather than a huge decorative piece for motor-shows or PC screens; to see how the car actually looks on the road and in action; and feel how comfortable you can be in such a vast and powerful motorcar and anticipate the ownership and driving pleasure it can deliver.
Well, on the road and in action the car looks fabulous and in this respect my impression is that both the owner and the driver will have enjoy the very exclusive pleasure of ownership and motoring the EB 218 is meant to deliver.
The Bugatti EB 218 has all the right dimensions and fundamental design virtues it takes to be the most comfortable luxury car but you cannot expect a 'study' prototype to fully demonstrate it. You can only sense whether it has the potential to deliver what it promises. Then, it is really up to the quality of body engineering and testing.

Nevertheless it is clear that this car has style. On the outside it is imposing and majestic even though the design treatment banks on simple, efficient, soft lines and a moderate but supreme use of chrome, symbols and highlights.
The powerful and sporty appearance of the vehicle is underlined by the wide track and the long wheelbase with a short body overhang. At the four corners,
the limousine sits on impressive wheels made from shining magnesium and fitted with eye-catching and performing 285/50 R 18 Michelin tyres.

On the contrary, interior design tends to make concessions - with a bit of exaggeration - to the recollection of the best examples 'Art Nouveau' and with an eye to the Renault Initiale show-car.

The harmonious lines of the body continue into the comfortable and elegant interiors. The instruments are oval in shape and the instrument panel is framed in the finest leather. The interior is further enhanced through the use of light walnut. The special silk-finish leather is in a delicate and light 'cream' colour.

Travelling long hauls inside the plush and highly sophisticated cabin of the EB 218 must be absolutely delightful and the challenge here for the engineers is to establish a new benchmark. The 'product study' presents a series of attractive conveniences but I think that each invididual Bugatti EB 218 will have to be furnished and equipped according to each buyer.

I am not sure wether this taste should be satisfied, whatever it is. It is out of question that a single Bugatti that does not reflect the spirit of Ettore Bugatti is built and delivered by the shops Ferdinand Piech wants to be recreated in Molsheim. A Bugatti must be only a form of art on wheels moved and governed by the most sophisticated technology.

________A design masterpiece

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The style and size of the bonnet emphasise the size and power of the engine.
The line of the bonnet is completed by the radiator grille, whose appearance further emphasises the power of the EB 218. The body shape runs into the bumpers that flows into the wings without a flare. This creates a front section with a tone that recalls the aesthetics of the early Bugatti.

The elliptical headlights, protected by glass lenses, wrap around the bonnet and underline the dynamics of the Bugatti EB 218.

Teardrop turn signals placed above the headlights round off the front section with a touch of decoration.

The swage line on the side of the rear bumper gives the Bugatti EB 218 an elegance worthy of note, running up to the wing, dividing and framing the side windows.

The rear view is characterised by a curving line, which moulds the side flanks, opening in two directions and framing the trapezoid rear lights.

The harmonious lines of the body continue into the comfortable and elegant interiors. The instruments are oval in shape and the instrument panel is framed in finest leather.

The multi-function display is concealed underneath the clock, which can be moved to the side by an electric drive.

The elegant appeal of the interiors is underlined by the use of light walnut and well-balanced metal features. The front seats have electrically adjustable head
restraints, which bear the 'EB' emblem. The rear seats are particularly generous and have footrests.

The special silk-finish leather is in 'biscuit' colour.
Equipment includes a navigation system, telephone and facility for satellite reception.
A TV and video screen is integrated for the rear seats. Remote control and an integrated cooling box with glasses ensure the presence of that special Bugatti EB 218 flare.

A special feature is the motorised loading tray in the boot, which moves luggage into the less accessible forward section of the boot. This not only makes stowing luggage easy, but also ensures that the space available is used to the maximum.