Bugatti Veyron

Modern concept cars seldom become market success on a grand scale. This is because of two main factors, namely, limited units and very expensive price. Although they are stylish and sleek enough to catch the attention of the media, they are merely intended as publicity cars. Most of them are not really meant to be mass-produced on bigger scale. They are only meant to provide name recall for a particular car make or brand. The Bugatti Veyron is such a car. It is considered as a dram machine for all super car enthusiasts. No true-blooded car enthusiast will ignore this car. At 1,000 horsepower engine output and 250 miles per hour speed, only very few people will not be impressed.

The Bugatti Veyron, however, is not for the practical-minded. At US$1.5 million, very few will be able to afford this car. When it comes to fuel economy, forget about it! This beast consumes a full tank of fuel in merely 12 minutes when running at top speed. It is meant to impress. It is not meant to be mass-produced for the general public. Even rich people will be ambivalent when they are considering buying this car. Speed, sleek design, and the status symbol that it represents are some of the factors that might motivate a buyer. These factors may totally override practical considerations.

As a race car, it has the capacity to dominate a race track. However, it is not purely intended as a race car. It is meant to be a status symbol car. At present, only 300 of this model exist. The production time of these 300 units took over five years. So far, only 132 units have been delivered to customers. You are less likely to see this car running on your neighborhood streets very soon even if you live in an opulent neighborhood.

Basic Physics Lesson: Centrifugal Force

Have you ever experienced maneuvering your car on a corner at relatively high speed? You must have noticed the force that seems to pull you on the side as you steer your vehicle. It is called centrifugal force. It is the result of change in inertia and the tendency of the body to compensate. As the name suggests, the force seems to emanate from the center of rotation. However, no actual force is actually present. It is just the result of the sudden change of inertia. Even when you are driving straight, your body has the tendency to remain at rest. Hence, it creates the illusion that you are being pushed against your seat, especially if you are driving at fast speed.

What then is the implication of centrifugal force? For the sake of argument, let us consider it as an actual force. It has a direct consequence on your safety. When you are making a sharp turn when cornering, your body is not the only one affected by centrifugal force. The automobile itself is also affected. Like your body, the automobile becomes a little bit unstable. It has the tendency to tilt. The fictitious centrifugal force can be use to calculate the ideal weight and size of a car given its maximum speed.

Since centrifugal force cannot be eliminated, the size and weight of the car must be designed in such a way that it will remain stable even during sharp turns. Other factors should also be considered when designing a stable car to prevent it from rolling over. The tire traction, stability of the steering system, and the brake are also some of the other factors that should be considered. On the other hand, when it comes to the safety of the car occupants, proactive devices such as seatbelts must also be carefully considered.