The Bugatti Veyron, a French sports car under the Volkswagen AG umbrella, made its grand debut at the 2001 Geneva Motor Show. From 2005 to 2015, this automotive marvel was meticulously crafted in Molsheim, France, by visionary designers Joseph Kaban and Hartmut Warkuss.
Based on the Bugatti EB 18/3 concept car and hailed as the distant successor to the EB110, the Veyron epitomized automotive innovation. Development commenced in 1999, accompanied by a host of technological challenges. The mission was clear: to create the fastest and most powerful sports car in the world. Remarkably, this ambitious goal was realized.
At its heart lies a 16-cylinder engine, boasting a staggering 1001 horsepower, later upgraded to 1184 horsepower in the Super Sport version. This powerhouse propels the Veyron to a mind-bending top speed of 431 km/h, with series versions capped at a still-impressive 408 km/h. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is a mere 2.5 seconds, showcasing the Veyron's unmatched performance prowess.
However, such unrivaled engineering excellence came at a cost. Despite commanding a price tag of approximately EUR 1 million, the Veyron project proved financially challenging, rendering each sale a daunting endeavor. Yet, its legacy as a pinnacle of automotive achievement remains unparalleled.