Bugatti Veyron 16.4

Ettore Bugatti, the Italian founder of the legendary Bugatti brand, had an artist’s eye for detailing and finish.  His cars were beautiful to look at and exhilarating to drive.

How appropriate then, that the new VW owned Bugatti should develop such a ground-breaking supercar in the Veyron. This mid-engined monster boasts a top speed of 407 km/h and is powered by a 8.0 litre engine (16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders).  There is a dual-clutch DSG computer-controlled seven speed manual transmission and the engine is cooled by no less then 10 radiators.  Made of high-tech carbon, ceramic, and titanium materials, the braking system allows this car to get from 100 km/h to 0 in under 5 seconds.  The cars rear spoiler serves as an additional air brake for speeds over 200 km/h.

So how does it drive?

“From behind the wheel of a Veyron, France is the size of a small coconut. I cannot tell you how fast I crossed it the other day. Because you simply wouldn’t believe me. I also cannot tell you how good this car is. I just don’t have the vocabulary. I just end up stammering and dribbling and talking wide-eyed nonsense. And everyone thinks I’m on drugs.”
- Jeremy Clarkson (www.timesonline.co.uk)

“In my first lap, I took the car up to about 185 mph, at which point the tire noise was fairly loud but the Veyron was otherwise calm and relaxed. One reason it felt so secure is that when you hit 137 mph, the Bugatti hunkers down, lowering its normal ride height of 4.9 inches to 3.1 in front and 3.7 in the rear. At the same time a small spoiler deploys from the rear bodywork and a wing extends about a foot, perched at a six-degree angle. Two underbody flaps ahead of the front tires also open up.”
- Csaba Csere (www.bugattipage.com)

“When I finally stopped accelerating I had to slow down and do it all over again, just to make sure I hadn’t been dreaming. Whatever your definition of fast, be it defined by Porsche 911, Ferrari F430 or Mercedes SLR McLaren, the Veyron will take it and, in one instant, burn it before your eyes. Time and distance fuse into one unintelligible fog in your head. In the public road environment, there has never been anything like this.”
- Andrew Frankel (www.channel4.com)

Model: Bugatti Veyron 16.4
Engine: 7993cc, 16 cylinders in a W
Power: 1001bhp @ 6000rpm
Transmission: 7-speed DSG, manual and auto
Fuel: 11.7mpg (combined)
CO2: 574g/km
Acceleration: 0-62mph: 2.5sec
Top speed: 253mph
Price: £810,345