Bugatti Veyron 16. Grand Sport test drive

[E36M3]

Today I got to drive a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport for the first time, and I have to say that it is quite a remarkable car.

The exterior

In a lot of ways, the Bugatti seems to me like the love child of a Mercedes SLR Mclaren and a Bentley GT. It has a huge street presence, and has a beauty that I never realized from the brief times I have seen them in the past and in photos.

Having seen some photos of a Bugatti Type 57 Atlantic just minutes before first seeing the Grand Sport, I realized that the styling is a perfect blend of modern form while still having the feel of the 57. It isn't trying to be a modern version of a classic in the vein of the Ford GT, Mini Cooper or VW New Beetle, but is definitely paying homage to its heritage. In the same way that a Ferrari is instantly identifiable as a Ferrari, the Veyron will remind those who love the type 57 instantly of where it came from.

The Grand Sport is an even more stunning car than the original, and the convertible roof looks great on and off. An excellent umbrella system replaces the roof if you get caught out in the rain. Unlike the Lamborghini Murcielago, the "umbrella" system on the Veyron is the real deal, can be installed in a minute or two and full functional up to 130 km/h.

The interior

Again, this car instantly reminds me of a Bentley or a Rolls Royce. Everything from the roof to floor is covered in gorgeous leather or high quality metal. The interior is classic and timeless, and the ergonomics are as good as it gets. Beautiful carbon fiber seats are extremely comfortable but very functional. The car is easy to get in and out of, and all the controls are very intuitive. The steering wheel is small and serious, and the pedals are the perfect size and placement.

The sound

Compared to many other exotics and hyper exotics, the Veyron is quite conservatively tuned. It lets out a nice low rumble, but in my opinion it is too quiet. Cruising around town you wouldn't know that you weren't in a Toyota Camry based on sound alone, and I don't think that is a good thing.

Press the pedal though, and the four turbochargers make their presence known.. they are loud and you never forget that there is a huge W16 behind your head.

...more to come, will describe the drive later, its late.

[E36M3]

the motor

[E36M3]

interior

[E36M3]

rear, spoiler up

[E36M3]

exhaust

[Jlude]

you lucky sob

[BenC]

U lucky fuck.

[Redlyne_mr2]

Awesome ... what's up with the manufacturer plate? Press fleet vehicle?

[E36M3]

Yup. They take it through North America for press and potential customers to see/drive. This one has 8000 miles on it already, so its been well exercised.

Originally posted by Redlyne_mr2
Awesome ... what's up with the manufacturer plate? Press fleet vehicle?

[bjstare]

That is awesome, good for you man.

[cannondale1]

You know you need one, man.

[Jlude]

Originally posted by E36M3
Yup. They take it through North America for press and potential customers to see/drive. This one has 8000 miles on it already, so its been well exercised.

Nice. Does that mean you were able to really get it going? That would be quite an experience, to put the pedal down on a Veyron.

[atgilchrist]

You lucky, lucky asshole (I mean that in the best way possible).

[Mar]

I don't get it. Can you afford this? Were you thinking about buying it? What's the deal?

[syeve]

I'm guessing he can afford it. Beautiful car...somehow just driving one strikes me as a lifetime accomplishment.

[CSMRX7]

[JAYMEZ]

Are you gunna be buying one? Lucky SOB for sure!!

[benz_890]

if you buy it can I ride shotgun?

[Jlude]

Originally posted by syeve
I'm guessing he can afford it. Beautiful car...somehow just driving one strikes me as a lifetime accomplishment.

+1 Of course it is!

[Kobe]

Originally posted by Mar
I don't get it. Can you afford this? Were you thinking about buying it? What's the deal?

The OP has a few very very nice cars already


That would be sick to test drive though.. Buy one pleaseeeee