TODAY 6 FEB Exclusive Bugatti News

...optically different but also to create a sportier version with a more extreme driving experience. The result is an extremely powerful car with 1,200-hp (882 kW) and a maximum torque of 1,500 Newton meters, offering experienced drivers a whole new dimension of excitement. Top speed is limited to 415 km/h, to protect the tyres, but the specifications of the Super Sport will be identical to the world record car. The first five Super Sports to come off the production line will constitute a special series, with the same configuration as the land speed record car. The Super Sport is a result of the continuous development of the classic 1,001-hp Bugatti Veyron 16.4, launched in 2005. This model offers a stunning set of specifications, such as the twin clutch gearbox with seven speeds, the precise driving performance and excellent stability when braking and accelerating.

Constant development over the past 10 years has lead to advances, which have enabled the engineers at Bugatti S.A.S. to develop the Veyron to reach new dimensions. Every modification is designed to produce greater performance and a more agile ride. Larger turbochargers and bigger intercoolers have been used to increase the power of the eight litre, 16-cylinder engine. The chassis has been extensively tweaked to remain safe, in order to cope with the additional power and increased speed.

Revisions include a slightly raised main-spring travel, stronger stabilisers, and new shock absorbers with a complex architecture similar to which used in racing. This gives the car a more precise control of the wheels and the car as a whole. With lateral acceleration results of up to 1.4 g and improved interaction between the tyres and the intelligent all-wheel drive system, the Super Sport offers perfect handling and even more powerful acceleration.

The body has been fine-tuned to improve aerodynamic efficiency and maintain perfect balance in every situation, while the new fibre structure of the all-carbon monocoque ensures maximum torsion rigidity and passive safety – at a reduced weight. The skin is made entirely of carbon-fibre composites, and the new Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport is available in full body clear-lacquered exposed carbon on request.

Dynamic exterior

Every detail of this car, and not just its use of advanced motorsport technology, stems back to the pioneering spirit of company founder Ettore Bugatti. This brilliant designer came from a family of artists, and his philosophy was always to combine mechanical perfection and exterior beauty. This ethos remains alive and well at the company today, where every modification to the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport serves to coax greater performance from the car.

The Super Sport’s flat, elongated silhouette distinguishes itself from the standard car. Rather than scoops above the engine, the 16-cylinder engine is now fed air from two NACA ducts integrated into the roof. The front air intakes have been expanded and reshaped, with the lower one extending elegantly around the sides to the wheel arch. The revised rear end looks sportier due to the double diffuser and a centrally arranged exhaust system.

Bugatti has a tradition of making super sport versions of successful models, usually with racing chassis and supercharged engines. These cars were considered as true racing machines for diehard Bugatti devotees. The most successful versions was the type 55 and type 57S; with around forty of each built.

Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. has now sold 260 Veyrons and 35 Grand Sports, of which 249 Veyrons and 22 Grand Sports had been delivered. The Super Sport will begin production this autumn at Molsheim along with the Veyron and the Grand Sport. The first five cars – known as the World Record Edition – are in a special black exposed carbon and orange finish, and have already been sold.