Volkswagen has formally announced the production version of the long-awaited Bugatti Veyron at Monte Carlo in June 2003. Staying true to the concept that was displayed at the 2002 Geneva Auto Show, with small changes such as air outlets behind the front wheels and slightly redesigned headlights. Expected to be very pricey indeed, the Veyron marks the truimphant return of Bugatti under the leadership of the Volkswagen Group.
Little has been spared in the way of interior luxuries, such as a full leather cockpit for two people, and other basic amenities missing in the McLaren. But it detracts from the original mission of the Bugatti - to be the fastest car in the world, no matter what.
The production Veyron retains the record-breaking 1001 DIN hp (987 SAE hp) output from its 8.0L quad-turbo W16, with 922 lb-ft of torque, but it narrowly missed its weight target of 3410 lbs, weighing in at 3520 lbs. With a power-to-weight ratio much better than a McLaren F1, performance claims of 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-186 mph in 14 seconds and top speed of more than 250 mph seem believable, making it the new fastest production car in the world for the 21st century. Sure, there are are numerous tuner Skylines and Corvettes out there that can go just as fast, but they are haphazard individual jobs.
Other notable new entries would be the Porsche Carrera GT and Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren, but they are not expected to even top the McLaren F1 in performance. The resurgent Bugatti brand raises the exotic car game to a whole new level.
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