Just in case the current Bugatti Veyron and its 1001 HP quad turbocharged W16 engine just isn’t doing it for you anymore, don’t worry, Bugatti may be developing a higher-end successor, and as for plans for a more-affordable model? Forget that. In addition to an even more extreme version of the current hypercar, known to some as the “Veyron GT,” which will come at the end of the Veyron’s production run, a second saloon model may be launched to rival Rolls-Royce. In a recent interview Autocar had with Franz-Josef Paefgen, the Bugatti boss said:

“We will be staying on top of everybody else and we will not be producing a smaller, or cheaper car and we will not be moving volumes up. Bugatti customers are very extreme people,”

It may seem like a strange move to just keep making gas-guzzling ultra-luxury cars, but maybe the people Bugatti plan on selling cars to are the type that benefit from the ever rising oil prices. Either way, we’ll also be on the lookout for a future Bugatti to be based loosely on the next Bentley Arnage, which is due in 2012. As for that extreme “Veyron GT?” Top Bugatti engineer, Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, said:

“We can go to 1106 lb-ft of torque and we currently have [922 lb-ft] – and with a turbocharged engine, engineers are always working on getting higher power.”

Keep your fingers crossed and start investing wisely is our advice.[Autocar]

What makes a proper Road Trip? Do you have to cross political boundaries? Some minimum mileage that must be travelled? Do you have to be gone for days or weeks at a time? No freggin’ clue. But neither do the folks at Kelly Blue Book (KBB) who decided to compile an interesting mix of vehicles to meet the task of a Road Trip – ranging from the obvious choices like the Dodge Grand Caravan to surprises like the spirited Audi S5 and venerable Bugatti Veyron. And there’s even the VW Eos, not a car we’d enjoy to be crammed into for a long journey, but to each their own. The full list and press release below.

KBB.COM NAMES 2008 BEST NEW ROAD TRIP VEHICLES

IRVINE, Calif., May 20, 2008 – The expert editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com (www.kbb.com), the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today announce their picks for Kelley Blue Book’s 2008 Top 10 Best New Road Trip Vehicles. Memorial Day weekend ushers in the beginning of the summer driving season, and record gas prices will play a large role in trip-planning this year. But even with gas prices reaching $4 per gallon, Americans are still expected to hit the road in droves for summer road trips. From the two-person weekend getaway to the full-family excursion, this year’s Best New Road Trip Vehicles list is certain to accommodate any road trip.

In choosing this year’s Best New Road Trip Vehicles, the kbb.com editors evaluated all tangible and intangible attributes that would enhance any long drive, such as driving enjoyment, passenger comfort, cargo space and of course, fuel economy. Because not all road trips are the same, Kelley Blue Book’s 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles provide a potential perfect ride or two for every type of driver and every type of journey. Each vehicle offers different perks such as entertainment options, interior accommodations and driving performance to keep road-trippers satisfied. Depending on the type of trip and the number of companions the right vehicle could be a coupe, sedan, crossover, SUV or minivan.

Kbb.com Editorial Comments: 2008 Best New Road Trip Vehicles

Audi S5

Combining a silky 354-horsepower V8 engine, impeccably tuned suspension and quattro all-wheel drive, the Audi S5 delivers high levels of both performance and comfort, along with the elegance to arrive in grand fashion.

Bugatti Veyron

If the price of fuel has impacted your yacht time more than your driving habits, you might find the $1.5-million, 1,001-horsepower, 16-cylinder, quad-turbo, 250-mph Bugatti Veyron an ideal alternative the next time the jet is in the shop. Just keep in mind that at full speed, the Veyron burns through its 26-gallon fuel tank in about 12 minutes.

Chevrolet Malibu

We recently drove six top-selling mid-size sedans in a back-to-back comparison test, and the remarkably quiet and comfortable Chevy Malibu handily outshined the competition on the highway. The first car in the category to combine a flexible six-speed automatic transmission with a gas-sipping four-cylinder engine, the Malibu is capable of an impressive 32 highway miles per gallon.

Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

While the Tahoe Hybrid’s highway fuel economy rating of 22 mpg is only 2 mpg better than that of its gas-only counterpart (the hybrid’s bigger advantage is in city driving), it’s nevertheless the most fuel-friendly full-size SUV on the road and provides seating for eight, plenty of cargo solutions and the ability to tow your boat to the lake.

Dodge Grand Caravan

They say that getting there is half the fun. In the Dodge Grand Caravan, getting there can easily be all the fun. The Grand Caravan’s wide variety of entertainment options includes multiple DVD players, video game inputs, two overhead video screens, SIRIUS Satellite TV and radio as well as rearward-swiveling second row seats, all helping to transform the once humble minivan into a virtual party on wheels.

Ford Flex

Due in dealerships this summer, Ford’s new full-size, three-row crossover will be turning heads from coast to coast all year, while treating occupants to cold drinks with its class-exclusive refrigerated console.

Infiniti EX35

In addition to a plush, flexible interior, the EX35 offers a Lane Departure Prevention System that can help keep any driver — quite literally — in line. A small camera detects lane markers in front of the vehicle and, when inadvertent lane departure is detected, the system applies a small amount of left or right brake force to nudge the vehicle back on course.

MINI Cooper Clubman

With excellent fuel economy and a fun-loving attitude, the MINI Cooper has earned its way onto our list of top road trip cars for the second year in a row. The new Clubman offers more passenger and luggage space than the standard Cooper, making the largest member of the MINI family an even more ideal long-haul companion.

Toyota Prius

The iconic Prius doesn’t just deliver the best highway mileage of virtually anything on four wheels, it also features a flexible hatchback design and enough interior volume to qualify as a mid-size vehicle.

Volkswagen Eos

The Volkswagen Eos is a sporty coupe that’s also a sexy convertible, thanks to a sleek, sophisticated retractable hardtop. This chameleon also has an exceptionally wide glass sunroof for when you want the open-air experience without getting that wind-swept look.

The full report is here.

Its to our surprise there’s no mention of ANY Mercedes-Benz or BMW…

Top Gear host, and all around politically incorrect gent, Jeremy Clarkson is again facing some criticism from road safety activists over some comments Clarkson made in an interview with Daily Mail columist Rosie Boycott. Actually, it’s more than just criticism — it’s an outright call for his firing from his fellow countrymen.

Apparently, during this interview by Daily Mail columnist Rosie Boycott, the 48 year-old host of the world’s coolest motoring show was asked what was the fastest he had ever driven. Mr Clarkson replied: “On the public roads…186.” WOW.

Clearly he must have been talking about his trips on the autobahn while trying to beat a boat or plane right? Oh, wait, what’s that? Clarkson was actually talking about the the Limehouse Link tunnel between Central London and Docklands in a Bugatti Veyron? Oh. Well, that silly wanker, shouldn’t brag about that in public. Of course, this isn’t the 1st time he’s had run-ins over road going incidents, despite his proud claim of having “never been pulled over for speeding.”

We’ll let the Daily Mail continue:

“While Clarkson may not have been pulled over for speeding the 48-year-old was hauled before court on speeding charges last year.

The case was dropped because although Alfa Romeo had loaned the car to Clarkson they had no information as who the driver was.”

What a great guy. Can’t wait to see the next season of Top Gear and who will be hosting it.
Photo Credit: Top Gear You can read more on the story here.