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Ricardo Selected to Supply Seven-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission for Bugatti Veyron Convertible

Posted on: Thursday, 4 December 2008, 08:16 CST

VAN BUREN TWP., Mich., Dec. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricardo has been selected as supplier of the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) for the upcoming convertible version of Bugatti's highly successful Veyron supercar. The seven-speed DCT, first developed for the coupe version of the Veyron, is the result of a highly successful collaboration between Ricardo and Bugatti that resulted in the development of both the transmission hardware and its electronic control unit and software.

This state-of-the-art DCT is an important contributor to the exceptional driving experience offered by the Veyron, which is widely acknowledged as being exemplary of a modern high-performance sports car. Gear selection is sequential in action, using steering-wheel-mounted paddles or the innovative multi-functional electronic gear lever. Ricardo engineered the transmission - which also can be operated in full automatic mode - to the highest standards of refinement and quality as well as for functionality and safety, utilizing the latest technologies in transmission design, electronics, control software and mechatronics.

In addition to providing support for the design and development of the Veyron DCT, Ricardo manufactures and supplies the vehicle's transmission from a dedicated production unit at the company's Midlands Technical Centre in the United Kingdom. This new production order will ensure that the plant remains in operation in order to supply the future needs of this exceptional vehicle.

"We are extremely pleased to have been selected by Bugatti to fulfill its on-going production requirements for the Bugatti Veyron's dual-clutch transmission," said Mark Barge, Ricardo's director of high performance transmission products. "The Veyron is arguably a vehicle without comparison, and the state-of-the-art technologies that it demonstrates in its DCT are the result of a highly successful collaboration between Ricardo and Bugatti."

About Ricardo

Ricardo, the Eco-Innovation Technology Company, is a leading independent provider of technology, product innovation, engineering solutions and strategic consulting to the world's automotive, military, transport and new energy industries. The company's skill base represents the state-of-the-art in low emissions and fuel-efficient powertrain technology, and can be best summarized: "Ricardo is Fuel Economy."

Ricardo offers TVFE(TM), its Total Vehicle Fuel Economy engineering service, to transportation manufacturers worldwide to provide objective evaluation of all available technologies to identify the most cost-effective strategies to optimize fuel economy and CO2 goals. For more information on TVFE, please visit www.totalvehiclefueleconomy.com .

With technical centers and offices throughout Europe, the U.S. and Asia, Ricardo provides engineering expertise ranging from vehicle systems integration, controls & electronics, hardware and software development, to the latest driveline and transmission systems and gasoline, diesel, hybrid and fuel cell powertrain technologies. Its customers include the world's major automakers and suppliers as well as manufacturers in the military, commercial, off-highway and clean energy sectors. The company also serves in advisory roles to governmental and independent agencies. Ricardo's U.S. operation, Ricardo, Inc., is headquartered in Van Buren Township, Michigan. Ricardo plc posted sales of $394 million in financial year 2008 and is a constituent of the FTSE TechMark 100 index - a group of innovative technology companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information, visit www.ricardo.com .

SOURCE Ricardo

Source: PR Newswire

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