Fastest Open-Top Production Car.
Not too long ago, the Hennessey Venom GT unofficially broke the top speed record for a production car held by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport. Right after, the title was reverted back to Shelby SuperCars (SSC) Ultimate Aero because the Venom GT’s number was considered unofficial and not verified. With all that drama going on, Bugatti stole the headlines once again by having the fastest open-top production sports car as the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse hit a speed of 408.8 km/h (254.04 mph).
At the Volkswagen Group’s proving grounds in Ehra-Lessien, Germany, the independent German Technical Inspection and Certification (TÜV) organization was on hand to witness and verify the top speed run. Armed with a black and orange Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, 29 year-old Chinese race driver and entrepreneur, Anthony Liu got behind the wheel to set a new record and break the 400-km/h barrier.
“This was a very exciting moment. In our training sessions we exceeded 400 km/h but the fact that I could surpass this unbelievable speed once again and even higher has made me very proud,” said Liu. “The car is even at such high speeds incredibly comfortable and stable. With an open top, you can really experience the sound of the engine and yet even at higher speeds I did not get compromised by the wind at all.”
The Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse with its 1,200 horsepower and 1,100 lb-ft. of torque spewing from its 8.0-liter W-16, quad-turbocharged engine and specially-designed spoilers and windbreaker provided the strength and stability to reach the top speed of 408.8 km/h (254.04 mph).
“When we introduced the Vitesse, we established the top speed for open-top driving to be 375 km/h. Still, we could not let go of the idea of reaching the 400 km/h mark with this car as well. The fact that we have succeeded in reaching 408.84 km/h is a thrill for me, and it reaffirms once again that Bugatti is the leader when it comes to technology in the international automotive industry”, said Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.
The record-breaking moment has spurred the French automaker to produce a limited run of eight Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Car (WRC) models that, along with the actual record-setting car, will be shown at the Shanghai Motor Show from April 21st-29th, 2013. The eight models will be priced at 1.99 million Euros (+/- $2.61 million).
Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Gallery
[Source: Bugatti]
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