Bugatti Veyron goes out in fine style

The first five of the final 40 Veyrons will have the same black and orange colour scheme as the world record car. Photo / Supplied

The Bugatti Veyron blasted on to the scene in 2005, its 8-litre W16 engine delivering 736kW, or knocking on the door of 1000bhp.

But that wasn't enough for Bugatti. Even then it was planning an engine with more power. Now, five years down the track, it wants to round off the Veyron's limited production run of 300 variants with something special.

The last 40 Veyron examples to be built will run with the reworked W16 that Bugatti used to set a world land speed record for a production car of 434km/h, or 268mph.

The engine in the thoroughly revised Super Sports Veyron produces 883kW, or 1184bhp. The first five of the final 40 will wear the same black and orange colour scheme as the world record car.

The Veyron Super Sport is effectively the final iteration of the Veyron. The engine uses larger turbos and bigger intercoolers to push power to 883kW. Torque increases from 1234Nm to 1482Nm.

Highlights of the Super Sports Veyron:

* It sprints from zero to 100km/h in 2.5s, zero to 200km/h in 7.3s and zero to 300km/h in 16.7s.

* It uses racing-inspired dampers, longer-travel suspension springs and different anti-roll bars toincrease stability.

* The seven-speed DSG gearbox shifts in 0.1s and the Super Sports brakes from 100km/h to a stop in 31.4m, thanks to its rear wing.

* Newly designed double rear diffuser improves downforce at speed, but necessitated a new exhaust.

* All Super Sport models come with a lacquered carbon fibre body and carbon ceramic brakes, but it still tips the scales at 1838kg.

* The fastest Veyron features an aerodynamic, elongated roof with integrated ducts to feed air to the engine.

* The SS has revised front air ducts which can be closed at speeds above 377km/h for better aero efficiency.

* Fuel consumption is a thirsty 23 litres/100km (12.2mpg) while carbon dioxide emissions are a hefty 539g per kilometre.

* All Veyron Super Sports produce the same power and torque as the record-breaking car, but top speed is limited to 417km/h, 17km/h slower than the record, to preserve tyres.