The Bugatti Veyron EB 16.4 is a mid-engined grand touring car. The Super Sport version is the fastest road-legal production car in the world, with a top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph).[4] The original version has a top speed of 408.00 km/h (253.52 mph).[5] It was namedCar of the Decade (2000–2009) by the BBC television programme Top Gear.
Designed and developed by Volkswagen Group (based on the Bentley Hunaudieres concept) and produced by Bugatti Automobiles SAS at their headquarters in Château Saint Jean in Molsheim (Alsace, France), the Veyron's chief designer was Hartmut Warkuss, and the exterior was designed by Jozef Kabaň of Volkswagen, with much of the engineering work being conducted under the guidance of former Peterbilt Trucks engineer and now Bugatti Engineering chief Wolfgang Schreiber. Though commissioned by Volkswagen, this car is only sold through the Bugatti manufacturers and cannot be found at any Volkswagen dealer.
A number of special variants have been produced, including two targa tops. In December 2010, Bugatti began offering prospective buyers the ability to customize exterior and interiors colours by using the Veyron 16.4 Configurator application on the marque's official website.[6][7]
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[edit]Name origin
The car is named after French racing driver Pierre Veyron, who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939 while racing for the original Bugatticompany. The 16.4 refers to 16 cylinders and 4 turbochargers.[8]
[edit]Specifications and performance
The Veyron features an 8.0 litre, quad-turbocharged, W16 cylinder engine, equivalent to two narrow-angle V8 engines . Each cylinder has four valves for a total of sixty four, but the narrow staggered V8 configuration allows two overhead camshafts to drive two banks of cylinders so only four camshafts are needed. The engine is fed by four turbochargers anddisplaces 7,993 cubic centimetres (487.8 cu in), with a square 86 by 86 mm (3.4 by 3.4 in) bore and stroke.
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The transmission is a dual-clutch direct-shift gearbox computer-controlled automaticwith seven gear ratios, with magnesium paddles behind the steering wheel and a shift time of less than 150 milliseconds, built by Ricardo of England rather than Borg-Warner, who designed the six speed DSG used in the mainstream Volkswagen Group marques. The Veyron can be driven in either semi- or fully automatic mode. A replacement transmission for the Veyron costs just over US$120,000.[9] It also has permanent four wheel drive using the Haldex Traction system. It uses special MichelinPAX run-flat tyres, designed specifically to accommodate the Veyron's top speed, which cost US$25,000 per set.[9] The tyres can be removed from the rims only in France, a service which costs US$70,000.[9] Curb weight is 1,888 kilograms (4,162 lb).[10] This gives the car a power-to-weight ratio, according to Volkswagen Group's figures, of 446.3 metric horsepower (328 kW; 440 bhp) per ton.
The car's wheelbase is 2,710 mm (106.7 in). Overall length is 4,462 mm (175.7 in), width 1,998 mm (78.7 in) and height 1,204 mm (47.4 in). The Bugatti Veyron has a total of tenradiators:[11]
- 3 heat exchangers for the air-to-liquid intercoolers.
- 3 engine radiators.
- 1 for the air conditioning system.
- 1 transmission oil radiator.
- 1 differential oil radiator.
- 1 engine oil radiator.
It has a drag coefficient of 0.41 (normal condition) and 0.36 (after lowering to the ground),[12] and a frontal area of 2.07 square metres (22.3 sq ft).[13] This gives it a drag area – the combination of drag coefficient and frontal area, represented as CdA – of 0.74 m2 (8.0 sq ft).
[edit]Engine output
According to Volkswagen Group and certified by TÜV Süddeutschland, the final production Veyron engine produces 1,001 metric horsepower (736 kW; 987 bhp) of motive power, and generates 1,250 newton metres (922 ft·lbf) of torque.[1][14] The nominal figure has been stated by Bugatti officials to be conservative, with the real total being 1,020 metric horsepower(750 kW; 1,006 bhp) or more.
[edit]Super Sport edition
The Veyron Super Sport features an engine power increase from the standard 1,001 metric horsepower (736 kW; 987 bhp) to 1,200 metric horsepower (883 kW; 1,184 bhp) and torque of 1,500 N·m (1,100 ft·lbf) and a revised aerodynamic package.[4] It was shown publicly for the first time at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August 2010.[3]
Bugatti's official test driver Pierre Henri Raphanel drove the Super Sport version of the Veyron on Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien high-speed test track to establish the car's top speed. With representatives of the Guinness Book of Records and German Technical Inspection Agency (TÜV) on hand, Raphanel made passes around the big oval in both directions achieving an average maximum speed of 431.072 km/h (267.856 mph).[15] Once produced for sale, the first five Super Sports will sport the same black and orange finish as the first production car, which was used to set the speed record, and all production models will be electronically limited to 415 km/h (258 mph) to protect the tyres.[4]
[edit]Top speed
German inspection officials recorded an average top speed of the original version of 408.47 km/h (253.81 mph)[5] during test sessions on the Ehra-Lessien test track on 19 April 2005.
This top speed was verified by James May on Top Gear in November 2006, again at Volkswagen Group's private Ehra-Lessien test track. May noted that at top speed the engine consumes 45,000 litres (9,900 imp gal) of air per minute (as much as a human breathes in four days). The Veyron has the highest top speed of any street legal production car. Back in the Top Gear studio, co-presenter Jeremy Clarkson commented that most super-cars felt like they were shaking apart at their top speed, and asked May if that was the case with the Veyron at 407 km/h (253 mph). May responded that no, the Veyron was very controlled, and only wobbled a tiny-bit when the air-brake deployed. May further commented “Absolutely yea, it’s totally undramatic. But I would give you a bit of a warning, It’s a bit disorientating doing that sort of speed, because after I came off the banking, I was slowing down to stop, and you know how you get a bit impatient and think ‘I’ll just open the door’, fortunately I looked back at the speedo, and I was still doing seventy.”[16]
On 4 July 2010, Bugatti's official test driver Pierre Henri Raphanel piloted the Super Sport edition and was clocked at an average of 431.072 km/h (267.856 mph) on the same track, taking back the title from the SSC Ultimate Aero TT as the fastest production vehicle of all time. The 431.072 km/h mark was reached by averaging the Super Sport's two test runs, the first reaching 427.93 km/h (265.90 mph) and the second 434.20 km/h (269.80 mph). The record run was certified by the German government and the Guinness Book of World Records.[17]
The car's everyday top speed is listed at 350 km/h (220 mph). When the car reaches 220 km/h (140 mph), hydraulics lower the car until it has a ground clearance of about 9 cm (3.5 in). At the same time, the wing and spoiler deploy. In this handling mode the wing provides 3,425 newtons (770 lbf) of downforce, holding the car to the road.[11]
For top speed mode the driver must, while at rest, toggle a special top speed key to the left of the driver's seat. A checklist then establishes whether the car and its driver are ready to attempt to reach 407 km/h (253 mph). If so, the rear spoiler retracts, the front air diffusers shut, and normal 12.5 cm (4.9 in) ground clearance drops to 6.5 cm (2.6 in).
[edit]Braking
The Veyron's brakes use cross drilled, radially vented carbon fibre reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) composite discs, manufactured by SGL Carbon, which have a much greater resistance to brake fade when compared with conventional cast iron discs. The lightweight aluminium alloy monobloc brake calipers are made by AP Racing; the fronts have eight[11]titanium pistons and the rear calipers have six pistons. Bugatti claims maximum deceleration of 1.3 g's on road tyres. As an added safety feature, in the event of brake failure, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) has also been installed on the handbrake.
Prototypes have been subjected to repeated 1.0 g braking from 312 km/h (194 mph) to 80 km/h (50 mph) without fade. With the car's acceleration from 80 km/h (50 mph) to 312 km/h (194 mph), that test can be performed every 22 seconds. At speeds above 200 km/h (120 mph), the rear wing also acts as an airbrake, snapping to a 55° angle in 0.4 seconds once brakes are applied, providing an additional 0.68 g (6.66 m/s2) of deceleration (equivalent to the stopping power of an ordinary hatchback).[11] Bugatti claims the Veyron will brake from 400 km/h (250 mph) to a standstill in less than 10 seconds, though distance covered in this time will be half of a kilometer (third of a mile).[11]
[edit]Specifications and statistics
| Basic stats[1][2] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Layout and body style | Mid-engine, four-wheel drive, two-door coupé/targa top | Base price | €1,225,000 (GB£1,065,000/US$1,700,000) Super Sport: €1,912,500 (GB£1,665,000/US$2,700,000) |
| Internal combustion engine | 8.0 litre W16, 64v 2xDOHC quad-turbocharged petrol engine | Engine displacement and max. power | 7,993 cc (487.8 cu in) 1,001 metric horsepower (736 kW; 987 bhp) Super Sport: 1,200 metric horsepower (883 kW; 1,184 bhp) |
| Performance | |||
| Top speed | 408.47 km/h (253.81 mph) (average) Super Sport: 431.072 km/h (267.856 mph) (average) | ||
| 0–100 km/h (0–62.1 mph) | 2.46 seconds | 0–240 km/h (0–149.1 mph) | 9.8 seconds |
| 0–300 km/h (0–186.4 mph)[18] | 14.6 seconds | 0–400 km/h (0–248.5 mph)[19][20] | 50 seconds |
| Standing quarter-mile (402 m)[20] | 10.2 seconds at 230 km/h (142.9 mph) | ||
| Fuel economy[21] | |||
| EPA city driving | 8 miles per U.S. gallon (29 L/100 km; 9.6 mpg-imp) | EPA highway driving | 13 miles per U.S. gallon (18 L/100 km; 16 mpg-imp) |
| Top speed fuel economy | 3 miles per U.S. gallon (78 L/100 km; 3.6 mpg-imp), or 1.4 U.S. gal (5.3 L; 1.2 imp gal) per minute | ||
[edit]Sales
| Units sold | |
|---|---|
| 2005 | 5[22] |
| 2006 | 44[22] |
| 2007 | 81[23] |
| 2008 | 71[24] |
| 2009 | 50[24] |
| 2010 | 40[25] |
| 2011 | 91 |
| Total | 300 |
- ^ The last Veyron, No 300 was sold September 2011.
[edit]Special versions
- Pur Sang
Launched on 11 September 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show the "Pur Sang"[26] (thoroughbred) is a limited run of five cars.[27] They have high-gloss bronze roadwheels with a diamond-cut glass-like finish and a clear body finish revealing the Veyron's silver oxide finish carbon fibre body, but are otherwise standard finish.
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- Fbg Par Hermès
A Hermès-themed model: Hermès monogram on the front grille, roadwheels with a single H in the center, and fuel filler door engraved with Bugatti Veyron Fbg Par Hermès. The interior is done in Hermès leather with internal door handles reminiscent of handles used on Hermès trunks – and a Hermès wallet and Hermès suitcase is included.[28][29]
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- Sang Noir
A limited run of 15 cars[30] with an all-black exterior colour palette and a bright orange interior.
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- Bleu Centenaire
A celebratory model unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.[31] for the 100th anniversary of the Bugatti brand. The entire body is painted in a combination of matte and gloss "Bugatti Blue",[32] the mid-section between the two wings on the hood is expanded, and a chrome strip up the middle added.
- Grand Sport
A targa top version unveiled at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance[33] on 15 August 2008, with production beginning in spring 2009. The model has extensive reinforcements to compensate for the lack of standard roof,[34] and small changes to the windshield and running lights. There are two removable tops, the second a temporary roof fashioned after an umbrella. The top speed with the hardtop in place is the same as the standard coupé version, but with the roof down is limited to 369 km/h (229 mph)—and to 130 km/h (81 mph) with the temporary soft roof. The first (chassis 001) was sold at auction, raising approximately US$900,000 for charity.[35]
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- Grand Sport Sang Bleu
Blue carbon fibre with polished aluminium, rims inspired by the Grand Sport Roadster highlighted in a Midnight Blue and Diamond Cut two-tone finish.
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- Grand Sport Grey Carbon
Exposed carbon fibre with metallic grey and lower portion in polished aluminium.[36]
- Grand Sport L'Or Blanc
Teaming up with Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur, Bugatti has created the one-off Veyron "L'Or Blanc" . Its name means "white gold", and the special Grand Sport uses porcelain to distinguish its body and interior with a blue and white pattern.[37]
- Super Sport
Improved aerodynamics kit, 1,200 metric horsepower (883 kW; 1,184 bhp) 1,500 newton metres (1,100 ft·lbf) torque engine upgrade. It has a 431.072 km/h (267.856 mph) top speed, making it the fastest road car in production,[2][38][39] although it is electronically limited to 415.07 km/h (257.91 mph) to protect the tyres from disintegrating. The first five of an unannounced production run made its debut in a matte black and orange colour combination, all of which have been spoken for. The public debut was at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August 2010. It is valued at GB£1.7 million and Bugatti have stated that only 30 will be produced.
The Super Sport was featured on Series 15, Episode 5 of Top Gear, where presenter, James May attempted to set the speed record. It managed 417 km/h (259 mph), briefly setting a new production car speed record. Later in the day though, one of Bugatti's test drivers (Pierre Henri Raphanel) broke May's previous record, claiming it through runs in both directions (May only did one run in one direction) and registering an average top speed of 431.072 km/h (267.856 mph). The car then went round the Top Gear Test Track and topped the lap leader board with a 1:16.8 time, beating the 1:17.1 record set previously by the Gumpert Apollo Sport.
- 16C Galibier Concept
Main article: Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept
The Bugatti 16C Galibier Concept is a prototype of a luxury sedan which was presented officially in September by Bugatti prior to the IAA 2009. A derivative of the concept vehicle is expected to reach the market in 2013. The car is a 4-door luxury sedan which shares the W16 8.0L engine of the Veyron, but with two superchargers instead of four turbochargers for improved torque.
