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Volkswagen may 'carve out' Lamborghini to list on the stock exchange

FRANKFURT — Volkswagen is drawing up plans to set up Lamborghini as a more independent unit, and is discussing long-term supply deals that could make it easier to list it on the stock exchange, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. "Volkswagen is in the process of carving out Lamborghini, and to organize future supply and technology transfer deals," one of the sources familiar with the matter told Reuters. The Italian sportscar brand, which is currently a division of Audi, could be partially listed, with Volkswagen retaining a controlling stake, the first person familiar with the talks said. There is no formal decision to divest Lamborghini, a second source said, adding that the timetable of any deal remained unclear. "This is a first step which gives VW the option to list the unit further down the line," the second source told Reuters. A third source familiar with the discussions said the future of Bugatti, Lamborghini and Ducati was discussed during a supervisory board meeting last Friday. The possibilities for how to electrify the Lamborghini and Bugatti brands through partnerships and investors was discussed, the third source said. Bankers and potential cornerstone investors in an IPO have been approached by the carmaker, the sources said. Volkswagen declined to comment. Volkswagen Group's Chief Executive Herbert Diess on Wednesday said the carmaker will announce "important steps" about the company's future before the close of the year. Volkswagen is reviewing what role its high-performance brands Lamborghini, Bugatti and Ducati will play within the multi-brand carmaker as part of broader quest for more economies of scale, senior executives told Reuters. A global clampdown on combustion-engined vehicles has forced carmakers to accelerate development of low-emission technology for mainstream models, leaving Volkswagen managers struggling to find resources to electrify low volume sportscar models. Related Video:

You can now buy a certified pre-owned Bugatti Veyron or Chiron

Buying a used car can be a daunting experience, even if you're in the market for a W16-powered Bugatti. The company is giving customers valuable peace of mind by launching a certified pre-owned program for the Veyron and the Chiron that includes a one-year warranty plan. The firm explains that the cars eligible for the certified pre-owned label "exhibit the incomparable quality expected of the Bugatti macaron." There's no word yet on how Bugatti and its technicians decide if a car is eligible to join the certified pre-owned program, though it likely involves a series of comprehensive inspections. We've reached out to the company and we'll update this story if we learn more.  Bugatti's certified pre-owned cars come with a one-year warranty plan, but what it covers depends on the model selected. For the Chiron, it includes all parts and labor for mechanical, electrical, corrosion-, and paint-related repairs. For the Veyron, it covers parts and labor for mechanical and electrical repairs. It's valid worldwide, so you're covered if you buy a Chiron in Utah and ship it to Italy for a road trip. Enthusiasts who buy a certified pre-owned Bugatti will also receive a free annual service that needs to be performed within one year of the purchase date. And, every authorized Bugatti dealer can sell certified pre-owned cars, so the program will include a wide selection of cars. Bugatti isn't the only high-end company that offers a certified pre-owned program. Lamborghini, Ferrari, and Rolls-Royce operate similar programs. Many of these companies are sitting on a full order book, so investing in used-car sales makes sense from a business standpoint.  

Bugatti Chiron to get 3D-printed titanium brake calipers

Automakers have only recently started to take advantage of 3D printing. It's been interesting to see the wide variety 3D-printed parts being put into production. Mini now offers customizable trim and interior pieces. Michelin created an airless 3D-printed tire that looks a bit like an oversized sand dollar. The Koenigsegg Agera One:1 uses 3D-printed turbochargers. This week, Bugatti announced that it's testing 3D-printed brake calipers on the new Chiron. These eight-piston fixed calipers look wild, featuring an almost organic shape that ditches any unnecessary material in an effort to shave weight. Traditional calipers are limited in shape by the casting process. Aluminum must fill a mold, meaning there will always be some excess material. Using a 3D printer allows Bugatti to create the part layer by layer. While most calipers today are made from aluminum (including the ones currently on the Chiron), these new ones from Bugatti are crafted with titanium. The automaker says these calipers are the largest functional component made of 3D-printed titanium. The shape maximizes stiffness and reduces unsprung weight at the car's corners. Bugatti says this particular titanium alloy is used in the aerospace industry on parts like airplane wings and rocket engines. The new calipers weigh 6.4 pounds each, significantly less than the 10.8 pounds of the outgoing model. Tensile strength is up, too, meaning the parts are both lighter and stronger than before. The main drawback of the new part is the extremely long production time. It takes 45 hours to print each individual caliper. That's not really too much of an issue with a limited-production model like the Chiron. The first trials will begin early this year, and Bugatti hopes to reduce the production time as testing goes forward. Still, don't expect to see 3D-printed titanium calipers on a Toyota Camry anytime soon. Related Video: Related Gallery Bugatti Chiron: First Drive View 67 Photos News Source: Bugatti Plants/Manufacturing Bugatti Technology Coupe Luxury Performance Supercars brakes Bugatti Chiron