In the first of a series charting the wonders of the motoring world, Adrian Hearn looks at the Bugatti Veyron – the pinnacle of performance driving.

Bugatti boss Ferdinand Piech had a dream – a 1000bhp car capable of 400kph.

After years of fighting physics, the Bugatti Veyron raised the bar set by the McLaren F1. This is how:

Cost
With years of research and development behind the car, each Veyron costs £5 million. But head honcho Dr Piech said the car should be sold for a mere £830,000.

Performance
The Veyron accelerates from 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds, 0-124mph (200kph) in 7.3 seconds and 0-186mph (300kph) in 16.7 seconds before reaching a top speed of 253mph.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, chief designer Bugatti Veyron, described the acceleration as “more impressive than sitting in a jet plane that is taking off.” 

Engine
The eight-litre W12 engine uses 16 cylinders and 64 valves with forced induction coming from four turbochargers. The result? A car producing 1001bhp and 922lb/ft of pulling power – 380bhp more than the McLaren F1.

Transmission
The Veyron was the first car ever to use a seven-speed, twin-clutch DSG semi-automatic gearbox. The ‘box took 50 engineers five years to perfect. An F1 gearbox couldn’t be used as they’re designed to last for two hours – the Veyron’s needed to last for 20,000 miles.

Brakes
The DVLA suggests the stopping distance for a car doing 60mph is 73 metres. The Veyron - with its 400mm brake discs - needs just 31.4 metres to stop when travelling at 62mph.

Emissions
The UK Government wants all cars to produce less than 150g/km in an attempt to fight carbon emissions. The Veyron emits 960g/km while driving in an urban environment.

Desirability
Bugatti says only 300 Veyrons will be made. There are currently 12 in the UK, but one was seriously damaged in a collision in Surrey earlier this month.

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