In automotive legends, one name stands tall and sets a new standard for speed and luxury – the Bugatti Veyron. This masterpiece from the renowned French automaker Bugatti is more than just a car. It also symbolises engineering prowess and the relentless pursuit of perfection. The word “Bugatti” is synonymous with pure speed and the Bugatti Veyron is the epitome of automotive excellence. We will delve into the fascinating Bugatti Veyron history, a car that redefined the boundaries of automotive innovation.
The Bugatti Veyron History: A Thrilling Saga of Speed and Elegance
Bugatti Veyron is one of the fastest-accelerating production cars in the world. Let’s explore the thrilling history of Bugatti Veyron models by year and how the vehicle has evolved during its journey.
EB 118 (1998): The Revival Begins
After a 42-year hiatus from ’55-’56 to ’98, Bugatti came back to life in 1998 under the ownership of Volkswagen AG. The company quickly got to work, unveiling the EB 118 in 1998. This sleek coupe, with its 555 horsepower, marked Bugatti’s return to the automotive scene. Also, the EB 118 laid the foundation for the future of Bugatti supercars.
EB 218 (1999): Expanding the Horizon
In 1999, Italdesign Giugiaro S.p.A stretched the EB 118 to create the EB 218 sedan. While not directly influencing the Veyron, the EB 218 showcased Bugatti’s versatility and set the stage for future developments.
18/3 Chiron (1999): A Glimpse into the Future
Named after the legendary Louis Chiron, the 18/3 Chiron, designed by Fabrizio Giugiaro and Hartmut Warkuss, offered a sneak peek into the design elements that would later define the Veyron. With its lower profile and powerful engine, the Chiron set the tone for Bugatti’s resurgence. Uncover intriguing details about the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport facts here.
18/4 Veyron Concept (1999): The Birth of a Legend
In 1999, automotive enthusiasts were treated to a momentous spectacle in Tokyo as the first-ever Bugatti Veyron concept roared onto the stage. This concept also featured an 18-cylinder and 6.3-litre engine with 555 horsepower, a top speed of 300 km/hand a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds.
16/4 Veyron Concept (2001): Closer to Reality
In 2001, Bugatti unveiled the 16/4 Veyron Concept, bringing the car closer to production readiness. This model featured a W16 engine and two V8s with a 15-degree angle. Moreover, the engine was mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with an impressive output of 1,001 horsepower.
16/4 Veyron Pre Production (2002): Testing the Waters
Before the final production of the Bugatti Veyron hit the market in 2006, Bugatti showcased two slightly altered pre-production models in 2002. Moving on, with a focus on audio enhancements and cabin space, Bugatti was fine-tuning the Veyron experience.
Prototype (2004): Pushing the Limits
In the final phase of Bugatti testing, the brand built 11 prototypes and subjected them to rigorous conditions, totalling about 60,000 miles of testing. This ensured the Veyron could handle intense conditions while maintaining luxury and comfort.
Production (2006): The Veyron Hits the Streets
The production model of the Veyron finally hit the public scene in 2006. Packed with a W16 engine delivering a whopping 1,001 horsepower and 1248 Nm of torque, this car could reach a top speed of 407 km/h and go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.5 seconds. Bugatti also officially announced its comeback to the automotive world with a powerful statement.
Pegaso (2007): Customisation Takes Center Stage
In 2007, the Pegaso edition showcased Bugatti’s venture into fully customised special editions. Rumoured to be boosted to 1,200 horsepower, this edition also hinted at Bugatti’s commitment to catering to the diverse tastes of its clientele.
Pur Sang (2008): Embracing Raw Beauty
Bugatti designers introduced the Pur Sang in 2008, featuring a striking carbon and aluminium two-tone exterior. The design inspiration was taken from the raw beauty of the Veyron’s parts. Teaming up with Hermés, Bugatti introduced the Fbg par Hermes in 2008, featuring refined design elements such as eight-spoke wheels, a unique hood colourway and a grille.
16.4 Grand Sport Production (2009): A Convertible Marvel
As the Veyron’s success soared, Bugatti responded to the demand with the Grand Sport, a convertible model. Reinforced for safety and rigidity, the Grand Sport maintained its impressive performance, albeit with a slight power reduction. Here are some more fascinating facts about Bugatti for further exploration.
Bugatti Veyron Nocturne (2010): Special Edition for the Middle East
Created specifically for the Middle East market in 2010, the Nocturne featured polished aluminium contrasting with gloss black paint, offering a unique and luxurious design.
Moreover, acknowledging the importance of the Middle East market, Bugatti released the Sang d’Argent in 2010, featuring a refined contrast of aluminium and silver.
The Super Sport made headlines in 2010, achieving an average top speed of 431 km/h, setting a new world record for production cars. With 1,200 horsepower and enhanced torque, the Super Sport also solidified Bugatti’s reputation for speed.
Grey Carbon (2010): A Sinister Approach
Incorporating darker shades, Bugatti introduced the Veyron Grey Carbon in 2010 with a dark grey split over polished aluminium. The interior also featured extensive leather coverage.
Special Editions (2011): A Glimpse into Unique Veyron
- The Bijan Pakzad Edition Grand Sport, released in 2011 after the Iranian fashion designer’s passing, paid tribute with his signature yellow and a muralled Bocca della Verità logo on the hood.
- Also displayed at the Shanghai Auto Show in 2011, the Black Carbon Super Sport featured a dark exterior outlined in polished and anodised aluminium, with a captivating two-tone interior.
- Unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2011, the Red Edition aimed to attract attention with its full red-on-red-on-red look, a bold move in the automotive world.
- Recognising the unique preferences of Middle Eastern buyers, Bugatti unveiled three special editions at the Dubai Motor Show in 2011. The Yellow & Black Carbon Edition highlighted Ettore Bugatti’s favourite colours, delivering a split exterior and reverse stitching in the interior.
- The second Middle East special edition in 2011 featured a split-car design with blue carbon and polished aluminium, complemented by tangerine leather in the interior.
- Breaking away from tradition, the third Middle East edition in 2011 also featured a rare green colour, making it a standout in Bugatti’s lineup.
- Possibly the most visually stunning Veyron, the L’Or Blanc, introduced in 2011, incorporated porcelain into both the exterior and interior. Moreover, created in collaboration with Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur Berlin, it was a true work of art.
- Additionally, celebrating a special customer’s birthday in 2011, Bugatti created the Edition Merveilleux, featuring an unpainted carbon fibre body, black alloy rims and a flashy bright blue interior.
Besides, Veyron fans can also explore these Bugatti Veyron facts and learn more about this iconic car.
Le Saphir Bleu (2012): A Second Iteration of L’Or Blanc
Making a second appearance, L’Or Blanc returned in 2012 with a dark blue and light blue exterior, showcasing Bugatti’s commitment to continuous innovation.
In 2012, Bugatti unleashed the Grand Sport Vitesse, equipped with 1,200 horsepower and 1499 Nm of torque, making it the fastest roadster at the time. Also unveiled in Beijing in 2012, the Wei Long edition incorporated unique porcelain dragon relief parts into the interior and exterior.
Bugatti history reveals that the one-off Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse was showcased at the Quail Motorsports Gathering in 2012. The car drew inspiration from the iconic 1928 Bugatti Type 37A. Also, this special edition featured a unique colour scheme based on Bugatti’s historical roots.
Vitesse Rafale: A Special Debut in Sao Paulo
In São Paulo, the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse debuted in South America with the stylish Vitesse Rafale edition. Featuring a sleek “Gris Rafale” upper body finish and visible blue carbon, this edition also added a touch of elegance to the Veyron lineup.
Art Car (Current): A Vibrant Finale to the Veyron Legacy
The latest and most recent Veyron, a creation by Ian Cook, also known as Pop Bang Color, is a unique “BUGATTI” featuring a vinyl wrap instead of traditional paint. This vibrant masterpiece serves as a visual feast, offering a fitting conclusion to the Bugatti Veyron legacy.
FAQs
What is the origin of Bugatti Veyron?
All the new and Bugatti Veyron old models were crafted in Germany by Volkswagen and Bugatti. These models were then manufactured in France by Bugatti.
Is Bugatti Italian or German?
Bugatti is one of the popular French car brands, established in 1998 as a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group. Moreover, the company is headquartered in Molsheim, Alsace, France.
This is all about Bugatti Veyron history. While exploring the Bugatti Veyron’s past and you can also delve into the history of Bugatti’s logo. Moreover, the Most Wanted edition of Need for Speed Games featured open-world gameplay emphasizing exploration and police chases. It included supercars like the Bugatti Veyron.
The Veyron has not only pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering but has also redefined the notion of luxury and customisation in the supercar category. All in all, the Veyron remains a symbol of speed, elegance and the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.
By now you know the history of Bugatti Veyron. If you wish to own a car, explore these used Bugatti Veyron for sale in the UAE here. For other models, you can also get your hands on these used Bugatti cars for sale in the UAE.
If you are interested in knowing the history of other popular makes and models, stay tuned to the dubizzle auto blog.
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