Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Officially Sets Record as Fastest Convertible

BugattiBugattiFrance, 1909 > present41 models
976 photos
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brought its Veyron Grand Sport VitesseBugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand...Germany, 2012 > present18 photos
to the Ehra-Leissien test track to officially prove that the car is the fastest convertible in the world. It achieved its goal by hitting 408.84km/h (254.04mph) with Chinese driver Anthony Liu behind the wheel. The car’s next stop is a display at the Shanghai Motor Show on April 20.

The Grand Sport Vitesse has been on sale since spring 2012 and uses a 1,200ps version of Bugatti’s 8.0-liter W16 engine. The record-breaking car was painted in a black and orange color scheme similar to the one used on the Veyron Super Sport for its record-breaking run. Bugatti will sell a limited run of eight World Record Car Editions for €1.99 million ($2.6 million) each, plus applicable taxes.

The TÜV independently certified that the car reached the speed.

For comparison, Bugatti also had the TÜV certify the top speed of the Veyron Super SportBugatti Veyron Super SportGermany, 2010 > present7 photos
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in 2010 when in it 431.072km/h (267.855mph) around Ehra-Leissien.

“When we introduced the Vitesse, we established the top speed for open-top driving to be 375km/h. Still, we could not let go of the idea of reaching the 400km/h mark with this car as well. The fact that we have succeeded in reaching 408.84km/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 Bugatti President Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber.

Liu is a 29-year-old Chinese entrepreneur and racing drive.

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,” said Liu.