When Vincent drove the prototype back to the lab, Eric met with Luca to discuss the next steps for mass production.
Costs do need to be further reduced. Even with the technical support of the Volkswagen Group, the prototype alone cost $100 million to develop and the production cost reached a staggering $30 million.
"Mr. Wayne, I personally believe that the Veyron should be positioned as an unprecedented top-tier supercar. Its superior performance, far ahead of its time, is destined to be enthusiastically sought after."
Eric strongly agreed with Luca's opinion.
Even if we don't say we're 20 years ahead, we're at least 10 years ahead.
Despite the current economic downturn and the fact that the wealthy are tightening their belts, once this new Speed Myth is officially launched, it will definitely greatly stimulate the sports car market, which has been dormant for several years.
"Luca, you recorded a video just now, didn't you?"
"Yes, Mr. Wayne, you want to start the publicity now?"
"That's right, I plan to take the prototype to Paris, France and Frankfurt, Germany in September to participate in exhibitions."
There are five internationally recognized auto shows: the Geneva Motor Show, the North American International Auto Show, the Tokyo Motor Show, the Paris Motor Show, and the Frankfurt Motor Show.
The first three will be in the first half of the year, and the latter two will be in the second half.
Since we've decided to participate in the exhibition, we need to create momentum in advance.
Although Luca is a researcher, he understands the importance of publicity very well.
It's all for nothing if you build the best car but nobody knows about it.
"Was that bend also recorded?"
"Of course, our instruments can perfectly monitor the entire runway."
Eric chatted with him for a few more minutes, and then they went back to the car factory together.
Vincent has taken off his racing protective suit and is having a friendly chat with members of the research team.
Those who engage in scientific research are often very pure; their current attitude is even more enthusiastic than Luca's at the beginning.
Upon seeing Eric approaching, they all tactfully dispersed.
The father and son sat down on a sofa.
"How's the driving?"
"It perfectly matches my original design concept, except that the tires still need improvement."
One inertial drift almost destroyed it; it's not that Michelin isn't capable, but that the Bugatti Veyron is too powerful.
Just being able to withstand a speed of 400 km/h is difficult enough. To completely solve the tire problem, we need to work with them to customize a new one.
Eric considered the funds at hand, nodded to Vincent, and said, "I'll communicate with Michelin as soon as possible. Do you have any thoughts?"
"Let's try using the same standards as airplane tires; they should be more durable than the ones we have now."
The costs haven't even come down yet, and now they're going to rise even more.
Eric had a bitter look on his face.
The supercar market is a bottomless pit; it seems the little bit of US dollars I made from reselling arms in the Middle East last year is not going to stay.
But when he thought about the endless stream of orders in the future, his face lit up with a smile. "I asked Luca for the video of you driving on the track. You don't mind if I use it for publicity, do you?"
Vincent shrugged. "Anyway, I'm wearing a helmet, so you can publicize it however you want."
A young designer and talented test driver should be a great selling point.
"By the way, Rita is yours now, right?"
"Dad, I suggest you don't follow her example."
Eric's face immediately darkened. "You've gotten used to living a good life. Now I wish I could exchange all your Gold Galleons for greenbacks."
Replacing it is out of the question; the layout of the Magical Communicator still requires a large number of Gold Galleons.
Vincent, without batting an eye, replied, "I understand. Anyway, she doesn't have anything else going on lately, so she'll be more than happy to take on the publicity work."
Eric's expression softened. "I have to go to the lab to take a good look at the prototype now."
Vincent smiled as he watched his father's excited and thrilled back.
Men, after all, only have a few hobbies.
If gambling, drugs, and prostitution are unacceptable, then luxury cars, expensive watches, and beautiful women are the only options.
Uh... I'd rather not go for the pretty girl.
Eric stayed in the lab until evening.
By the time an impatient Evelyn dragged him out, it was already completely dark outside.
After saying goodbye to the researchers, the two families drove three EB110 vehicles to a nearby hotel.
Chris wore a bright smile throughout dinner.
No man can resist a sports car; if he can, it's only because the car's performance isn't good enough.
For the average person, the EB110 with 610 horsepower and a top speed of 350 km/h is more than enough.
After the meal, the two fathers went to the rooftop bar of the hotel for a small get-together.
The two mothers didn't follow; they went into the room hand in hand, probably to have something to say to each other.
Vincent and Hermione then went outside the hotel.
The young couple strolled hand in hand through the beautiful garden.
When they returned from their walk, both fathers were quite drunk.
Eric and Chris, arm in arm, had just stepped out of the bar when their two mothers dragged them back to their rooms.
Vincent and Hermione could both foresee what was going to happen next.
Having experienced this firsthand, the two didn't say much. They agreed to go to the hotel gym together after breakfast the next day and then returned to their adjacent rooms.
Both fathers had a very difficult time tonight.
Reeking of alcohol and still want to go to bed? Go sleep on the sofa.
After daybreak.
Chris, sporting huge dark circles under his eyes, left the sofa, washed up, and walked out of his room. As he passed his daughter's room, he saw her coming out wearing sportswear.
"Dad, were you alright last night?"
"I just couldn't sleep because I had been drinking."
Hermione didn't call out her stubborn father. "Dad, I've made plans to go to the gym with Vincent. Do you want to come?"
Chris glanced back at his room. "No, I still need to bring your mom breakfast."
Such attentiveness, it seems I haven't managed to appease her.
The Wayne also came out of the room at this time.
Evelyn linked arms with Eric intimately, and the two chatted and laughed.
Chris was utterly shocked.
I really need to find an opportunity to learn his skills in coaxing his wife.
The four of them went downstairs to the restaurant and immediately spotted Vincent sitting in the corner.
The dining table wasn't just occupied by him; it also included Cheshire and Abraham, as well as two adorable pets who had spent the entire day in the suitcase yesterday.
Pets are not allowed in the hotel in principle, so it seems that the faint magical power around us is aimed at Muggle.
Hermione walked toward them in the corner.
Having grown accustomed to the Alchemy Shop's employees in formal attire, seeing the two wearing matching outfits felt a bit odd.
"Boss, Miss Granger and your parents have arrived, so we'll be leaving now."
As Hermione brushed past the two of them, she suddenly realized what was strange about it.
Despite wearing matching outfits, they clearly maintained a certain distance, and the atmosphere was so reserved that it didn't seem like that of a couple at all.
The wizards' disguises...
I'm speechless.
Hermione walked up to Vincent, and before she could even sit down, the two adorable pets pounced on her.
Holding one in each arm, she glanced at the pile of empty plates on the table. "Did Crookshanks cause any trouble last night?"
Vincent smiled.
I was woken up by it and Gu Gu before dawn to eat breakfast, but it was quite well-behaved when it slept, though it was a bit too clingy.
"Of course not." He shook his head, then stood up. "I'll get you breakfast. What would you like to eat?"
Hermione thought for a moment, "Croissant and espresso, I'd like to try an Italy breakfast."