Improving upon the Veyron’s already impressive 1,001 horsepower, Bugatti engineers have fitted the Super Sport model’s 8.0L sixteen-cylinder engine with larger turbochargers and intercoolers, resulting in a massive 1,200 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft or torque. To cope with that added power, the Super Sport features a revised chassis and improved suspension, allowing for lateral acceleration up to 1.4 G.
But the real story of the Super Sport is its incredible top speed. Using Volkswagen’s 13-miles Ehra-Lessien test track, Bugatti test driver Pierre-Henri Raphanel was able to pilot the Veyron Super Sport to a landspeed record-setting top speed of 267.91mph. That mark was reached by averaging the Super Sport’s two test runs, the first topping out at 265.96mph and the second at 269.86mph. The Guinness Book of Records was on hand to verify the record.
The Veyron Super Sport’s speed shatters the 255.83mph record previously held by the Shelby Supercars Ultimate Aero. Fittingly, the Ultimate Aero took its title from the Veyron in 2007.
The Bugatti Veyron Super Sport will make its first public appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours this August, with production scheduled to commence this fall. The first five Super Sport models – finished in a special black exposed carbon and orange color scheme – have already been sold. Pricing has yet to be announced, but just 30 examples of the Super Sport will be produced – ensuring a healthy premium over the standard Veyron model.
Does it really matter if Volkswagen Group makes a profit on any of these cars? Not really. Volkswagen Group is gunning to become the worlds foremost producer of vehicles, and is on pace to do just that. Showing off their technology in the new Veyron SS is surely one way to gain a real listening in the auto world and to make a bold statement.