Although Volkswagen has made a loss on every Bugatti it has sold, it seems the manufacturer is already planning the next Veyron.
This will not be a totally new car, but, apparently, an evolution of the current model. We expect that the new Veyron’s power figures will be at least in line with those pumped out by the current limited number of Super Sports models. This means the 8,0-litre W16 engine will be producing at least 895 kW and 1 500 N.m of torque, if not more. So if there will be no real gain in output, where will the performance increase come from?
Since Lamborghini is also part of the VW Group, Bugatti will be knocking on its doors for some much needed help in reducing the Veyron’s high kerb weight. Lamborghini has shown, and invested, significant amounts of time and money in weight saving technology such as carbon fibre and carbon reinforced plastics (CFRP). The Veyron was known as being the fat kid of the supercar scene, even with the Super Sport weighing less than the standard Veyron at 1 838 kg.
If Bugatti is able to shave another 100 kg or so, the new Veyron might indeed be able to sprint to 100 km/h in less than 2,5 seconds while the top speed might be as high as 435 km/h, equalling what was achieved by the Super Sport on its world record run, although production versions were limited to 415 km/h.
Expect to see the new Veyron in 2013, but don’t expect to see any change from £1 million (R10,7 million) – although it would theoretically cost closer to R20 million if it would ever reach our shores.