Bugatti’s land speed record

05th July 2010

It’s official! The Bugatti Veyron is once again the fastest production car in the world. Bugatti’s official test driver Pierre Henri Raphanel completed two top speed runs at VW’s Ehra-Lessien test track, recording an average time of 268mph.

The car used for the run is the new Super Sports special edition of the Veyron which makes its public debut at the Pebble Beach Concours next month.

Taking the already potent standard coupe as a base, the firm’s engineers have increased the size of the four turbos and intercoolers. This has upped power to 1,183bhp and 1,500Nm of torque. New, motorsport-inspired dampers have also been fitted.

Road cars will be limited to ‘just’ 258mph, and the first five Super Sports cars, which have already been sold, will get the same exposed black carbon fibre and orange paint scheme as the record breaking Veyron.

All Super Sports cars feature different bodywork to improve aerodynamics. Made using a new carbon fibre weave to reduce weight, the body now features an elongated cover for the engine which incorporates huge ducts to scoop air into the engine. The front bumper also gains revised intakes.

So far, Bugatti has sold 260 Veyrons, 35 drop top Grand Sports and five Super Sports models, taking the firm to 300 cars. Bugatti originally planned to sell 300 cars by 2012, but this looks set to be extended due to the car’s popularity, despite its £1-million-plus price tag.