April 19, 2005 – Bugatti Veyron sets production speed record

Developed by Volkswagen Group engineers in Germany and built in France by Bugatti, the Veyron combined technological prowess with cutting edge design elements that equipped the car to do one thing very well: go fast. Following a series of prototypes from VW Group following its 1998 acquisition of the storied automaker, chief designer Hartmut Warkuß unveiled the mid-engine Bugatti Veyron, the car that would succeed the EB110. Each concept that came before it contributed to the advancements that would result in the eye-popping speed and style of the car, officially known as the Veyron EB 16.4. What does 16.4 stand for you wonder? I am glad you asked.

The Bugatti 16.4

First off, EB stands for Ettore Bugatti, the founder of the car company. Veyron honors Pierre Veyron, a Buggati engineer and and racing driver who won the 1939 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 16.4, well that’s all about what powers this beast. Yes, 16 stands for cylinders, and the .4, well that references the four turbochargers. Yeah, four turbos. The stunning result is an 8 liter W16 making between 967 and 1,183 depending on the model and configuration. All of that is connected to a dual-clutch 7 speed automatic transmission that feeds all four wheels.

The engine itself is a marvel, but the true magic is getting it to push the car to speeds in excess of 250 miles per hour without sending the driver into a wall. The secret, a Top Speed mode.

Bugatti Veyron top speed

Achieving top speed in the Bugatti Veyron is a meticulous process, as demonstrated by German inspection officials who recorded an impressive 408.47 km/h (253.81 mph) during rigorous test sessions at Volkswagen Group’s private Ehra-Lessien test track on April 19, 2005. Activating the Veyron’s top speed mode is a deliberate action, initiated by the driver toggling a specialized key beside their seat. This triggers a sequence of adjustments, including the retraction of the rear spoiler, sealing of front air diffusers, and a significant drop in ground clearance from 12.5 cm (4.9 in) to 6.5 cm (2.6 in), all in preparation to push the car to its limits. Ultimately it raises the car’s top speed from 213 to 253+ mph.

Notably, on an episode of Top Gear in November 2006, James May came remarkably close to this feat, reaching 407.5 km/h (253.2 mph) at the same track. May’s observations highlighted the Veyron’s exceptional stability at high speeds, contrasting it with the typical experience of sports cars, which often struggle to maintain composure.

What came next?

The Veyron Super Sport, which debuted in 2010, would exceed the speed, becoming the fasted production car to date when it hit 431.072 km/h (267.856 mph). Between 2005 and its discontinuation in 2015, 450 Bugatti Veyron models left the factory. The Bugatti Chiron succeeded it, which has an electronically limited top speed of 261 miles per hour. A total of 500 Chirons went home with buyers, each spending a minimum of $2.4 million.