The fastest and most expensive production car ever made, the $1.25 million Bugatti Veyron 16.4 had its world premiere at the Tokyo Motor Show in October, 2005. Hand-produced in Molsheim, France, this super sports car was also shown from October 11 to 18, 2005, in Madonie, Sicily, famous for the renowned Targa Florio race where, in the 1920s, the company’s founder Ettore Bugatti achieved the most racing victories.

The new Veyron 16.4 is named after Pierre Veyron, a Grand Prix motor racing driver most remembered for winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans race with Jean-Pierre Wimille in a Bugatti 57C in 1939. The Bugatti name has long been associated with top-of-the-line vehicles, particularly racing cars. In 1998, Volkswagen purchased Bugatti’s trademark rights, assuring that this legendary name lives on.

To say that the Veyron is impressive would almost be an insult, considering just how unbelievable this car really is. The luxurious, classic interior is reminiscent of the brand’s racing past while the outside is striking with dual color enameling, chrome-plated radiator shutter and protruding back fenders which enhance the car’s sleek, athletic look. With some cars, looks can be deceiving, but here any performance expectations you might have by just looking at the car are sure to be exceeded.

Reaching 60 miles per hour in just 2.5 seconds, the Veyron has a seven-speed DSG twin-clutch transmission, a direct-injection 8.0-liter W-16 engine with 64 valves and 4 turbos and a top speed of 250 mph. This means that if you want to grab dinner in Los Angeles and a show in Las Vegas, the Veyron will get you there in one hour! The car's speed capabilities are enhanced by aluminum and magnesium components, which help keep it light. Its power output tops at 987 horses (1,001 metric horses) at 6000 rpm with 922 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,200 rpm. Toggle switches on the steering wheel sequentially switch transmission, and power is evenly distributed with continuous four-wheel drive.

Technical Specifications Vehicle type: mid-engine, all-wheel-drive, 2-passenger, 2-door coupe Engine: 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 Horsepower: 1,001 bhp @ 6000 rpm Torque: 922 lb-ft @ 2200 rpm

Transmission: 7-speed clutchless manual Curb weight: 4,300 lbs Wheelbase: 106.3 in Length/Width/Height: 175.8/78.7/47.5 in Turning circle: N/A

Brakes: four-wheel disc with ABS, electronic brake assist and high-speed wind deflector air brake Suspension: adjustable independent front and rear

Traction: all-wheel drive, traction control, stability control, multi-vector automatic wind deflector Safety: N/A 0-60 mph: 2.5 seconds Top Speed: 253 mph (governed) EPA City: 7 mpg EPA Highway: 10 mpg