Sidney004

No kidding:



Are Michelins Really That Expensive? For a Bugatti, Yes!
January 20, 2010


Ever wondered what the most expensive passenger car tires in the world are?

According to a report published on the Autocar Web site, Bugatti Veyron rubber must be a prime contender with a set of four new tires costing $38,482.

And if you were wondering which tire manufacturer won the OE contract to supply these products, a quick look at tyrepress.com’s online archive reveals that the 406 km/h car, which is capable of 0-300 km/h in under 14 seconds, fits Michelin Pilot Sport Pax System 245-690R520 A (front) and 365-710R540 A (rear) tires.

The main reason for the great expense, Autocar explains, is the fact that they have to be capable of 253 mph: “over 100 mph faster than Concorde’s landing speed.” However, according to the report, what’s worse is that every fourth tire change (assuming you can afford to run the car that long) the Veyron’s wheels have to be stress tested for cracks. The replacement cost for these 20-inch forged wheels is said to be another $11,544 each.

According to Autocar, a standard service for the Bugatti Veyron costs $21,069. So when you factor in a set of four new tires and one replacement wheel, a complete service could realistically cost a whopping $71,092.

No one mentioned if that is before or after VAT.

Little wonder then that one Veyron owner has reportedly taken to the comparatively more economical option of having his car trailed to wherever he wants to drive it, while he follows in his private jet. (Tyres & Accessories)

AtomicZ

I don't think that the guys that can afford the Veyron are worried about the maintance cost.

rgg16g

Why would one assume a replacement wheel is needed for the average service?

Kubs

Wow I was gonna buy one until I saw this! Thank goodness I didnt make a down payment!





That is a ridiculous cost! It doesnt surprise me that these are coming from Michelin though.

63Corvette

What they DON'T say is that the car MUST be shipped back to the Bugatti factory to have the tires changed bnecause there is no where here in America that can do the job correctly. Adds a new dimension to the cost of the ($38,000) tire change doesn't it?

StealthLT4

I recall some prince in the middle east shipping his Lamborghini back to the factory for an oil change... all said, it ended up being like $25,000 for the oil change...frickin ridiculous.

USA1C5

It is ridiculous to us average people. But, if you or I had enough money to blow, great sums of money in some cases everyday, like the kind of money that people have that would buy this car to start with. Well, why not? Lets face it money is no object to some people like it is to me or even the vast majority of people. In my case I have to watch what I spend. It must be nice not to have to worry about what you spend. It's just seems ridiculous to us, not to those that have that kind of money.