Bugatti Veyron 16.4

The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 (known as the EB 16/4 Veyron in concept stages) will be the most powerful and expensive car in the world when it reaches production. It is named for famed Bugatti racing driver, Pierre Veyron who won the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1939.

The Veyron will be built by Volkswagen Group's new Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. concern which is based in Molsheim, France. It features a W16 engine—16 cylinders in 4 banks of 4 cylinders, or two W8 engines mated together in line. Each cylinder has 4 valves, for a total of 64, but the narrow W8 configuration allows two camshafts to drive two banks of cylinders so only 4 camshafts are needed. The engine is fed by four turbochargers, and it displaces 7,993 cc (488 in³) with a square 86 by 86 mm bore and stroke. The W16 produces 1001 hp (820 kW) and 922 ft·lbf (1250 N·m), making it easily the most powerful production automobile engine in history.

Putting this power to the ground is a dual-clutch DSG computer-controlled manual transmission with 7 gear ratios. The Veyron also features full-time all wheel drive. Top speed is expected to be better than 370 km/h (230 mph). As of September 2004, the Veyron is expected to be released in the second half of 2005.

Special training will be required to drive the Veyron.