Weber faster one: It's All In The Name

Motoring Channel Staff - 6/May/2008

Tobel, Switzerland — Ever since the Bugatti Veyron hit the scene, super car companies everywhere have been aiming to depose it is the most sought-after speed machine.

While the new Swiss design is as different (some would say ugly) and almost as expensive as the Veyron, the twin supercharged speed demon packs a 427 cubic inch V8 and comes very close to besting the current high velocity world champion.

Unlike the incredibly complex W16 multi-turbo engine of the Bugatti, the Weber 'faster one' (yep, that's the name - all lowercase) uses a comparatively low-tech V8 sourced from General Motors.

The mid-mounted LS7 V8 engine displaces 7.0-litres and features 2-valves per cylinder as opposed to the Bugatti's 4-valves, but with Weber's unique plumbing, featuring twin superchargers among other upgrades, the standard 370kW of power rises to an asphalt-melting 670kW (900hp).

Though it's not as much grunt as the 700+ kilowatts the Bugatti Veyron generates from its huge 8.0-litre engine, the Weber faster one accelerates almost as rapidly because it weighs significantly less - 1100kg compared to the Bugatti's hefty 1888kg.

Sporting exotic scissor doors, it has almost as much power as the Veyron but has to shift a lot less mass.

One of the reasons the Weber super car is so light is that its body if made from a carbon fibre kevlar composite (CFK), while the frame and chassis that underpins the car and provides a rigid base is made from light-weight aluminium.

Weber explains that aerodynamics were the key to achieving speeds of more than 400km/h: "Our technicians have spent a long time with the optimism. Over a period of nine months new models were designed again and again. 

"Reaching the final speed of over 400km/h is guaranteed," claims the European car maker, adding that it has a "power reserve of 15%, in order to reach the final speed".

Weber claims the zero to 100km/h sprint takes just 2.7 seconds, which isn't as quick as the Bugatti but the Swiss niche car maker is confident that it will reach a top speed of more than 400km/h. 

The record set by the Bugatti is around 407km/h, so it will be interesting to see how the fast the faster one can go.

Another acceleration benchmark is the zero to 200km/h dash, which takes the Weber faster one 6.6 seconds. It'll reach 300km/h from rest in 16.2 seconds.

The terrifying amount of power is transferred from LS7 V8 engine to the wheels via a 6-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox, which was built in-house by Weber. 

The gearbox can also be used in fully automatic mode, and together with switchable engines modes that reduce power and increase fuel efficiency, Weber's faster one can be driven in a less manic fashion if the driver so decides.

Like the Bugatti Veyron, Weber's super car features an all-wheel drive system complete with an active traction control system. The AWD driveline can divert about a third of the engine's power to the front wheels if required.

Featuring active aero control, the Weber faster one automatically can alter the rear wing for improved acceleration but also increased wind resistance by deploying almost vertically which can help brake the car more rapidly. This is another feature 'borrowed' from the Bugatti Veyron's book of go-fast tricks.

As well as the finely tuned body work, large 19-inch wheels keep the car glued to the road, fitted with 265/30 and 355/25 aspect ratio 19-inch tyres front and rear respectively.

Braking is taken care of by large ceramic disc brakes and gargantuan 12-piston brake calipers.

Inside drivers will grip a multifunctional steering wheel with shift lights and shift paddles, and will glean vital telemetry from a TFT multifunction cockpit display.

Clearly hoping to attract Bugatti buyers, the car also gets a lot of mod cons, including a remote controlled locking system with keyless entry functionality, rain sensing windscreen wipers, automatic climate control, CD stereo, rear view camera, sat nav, anti-theft alarm system and the list goes on.

This Swiss über car also has four separate fuel tanks which help it to achieve a perfect 50:50 front-rear weight balance, and can hold 110 litres of fuel.

Weber also has a long list of options, which include everything from a TV system, race computer and data logger, to a multimedia kit that provides Internet and email connectivity. For those who plan to race the faster one, Weber can also add a range of sensors to the car to ascertain aero performance, suspension loading, engine cooling, gearbox stress levels and tyre wear.

Though it's got a face that only a mother could love, the Weber faster one contains a massively powerful twin supercharged V8 engine and could best the Bugatti Veyron when official speed testing gets underway.

Priced at 1.6 million Swiss francs, it's about the same price as a Veyron.

Weber faster one Specifications:

Height: 1,150mm
Length: 4,500mm
Width: 2,040mm
Wheelbase: 2,900mm
Weight: 1,100 kg
Fuel Tank: 4 tanks, 110 litre capacity