Bugatti Veyron
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The Bugatti Veyron is one of the most powerful and expensive street-legal cars in the world with its 1001bhp and 254mph top speed.
Originally an idea conceived by Bugatti Marque owners Volkswagen, the Veyron was to be fitted with a W16 engine and go on sale in 2003. But high-speed stability problems took it back to the drawing board, and customers such as Tom Cruise and Ralph Lauren did not get their hands on their car until early 2006.
The Veyron is a stunning looking machine with its body a mass of carefully textured curves. The characteristic grille, which harks back to Bugattis of old, means this supercar could never be mistaken for anything else. Inside, high-quality leather and aluminium feature heavily.
Since launch, Bugatti has released three, very limited-edition versions of the Veyron. The first was the Pur Sang, which was unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The only difference between this and the standard car is the Pur Sang’s unpainted aluminium and carbon fibre body - just five were produced.
A partnership with the French fashion house Hermäs was announced at the 2008 Geneva Motor Show resulting in the “Fbg Par Hermäs” trim. This Veyron limited edition included several new features and revised frontal styling. Inside, there’s Hermäs leather trim and specially designed luggage to fit in the boot.
Finally, Bugatti has announced the Sang Noir edition. Inspired by the classic Bugatti Type 57 Atlantique, most of the Veyron’s exterior details are painted black, including the fuel cap and the headlight assembly. The front grille, side mirror casings, and the roof rails are finished in chrome and the central section of the body is clearcoated carbon fiber. Inside, there are bright orange and black-piano lacquer trims. Only 15 of these special Veyron’s will be produced.
A triumphrant return for this classic French marque then, but with estimated costs of ú5 million per car, are Volkswagen making any money?