Underpowered Bugatti Veyron gets a power boost

[unixfool]

I read a recent mag article on the Saleen S7R (twin turbo 750HP). They specifically stated that Saleen was gunning for the Veyron in regards to top speed. 750HP may not be much, compared to 900+, but the Saleen weighs well under 3000lb. It's power-to-weight ratio is MUCH better, giving it huge potential to dethrone the top speed king. This is speculation on the mag's part, as they haven't had the chance to run the Saleen through their normal testing rigors.

 

[~Shard~]

Run out of gas at 272mph and I think you might be able to roll for a while.

Good point, never thought about that...

 

[~Shard~]

I read a recent mag article on the Saleen S7R (twin turbo 750HP). They specifically stated that Saleen was gunning for the Veyron in regards to top speed. 750HP may not be much, compared to 900+, but the Saleen weighs well under 3000lb. It's power-to-weight ratio is MUCH better, giving it huge potential to dethrone the top speed king. This is speculation on the mag's part, as they haven't had the chance to run the Saleen through their normal testing rigors.

Yeah, the power to weight ratio could be an important factor there.

I love how the Veyron's engine actually generates closer to 3000 hp in actuality, but due to the losses and design inefficiencies (as well as our good friend physics) only a third of that power is actually delivered and realized.

 

[pseudobrit]

I read a recent mag article on the Saleen S7R (twin turbo 750HP). They specifically stated that Saleen was gunning for the Veyron in regards to top speed. 750HP may not be much, compared to 900+, but the Saleen weighs well under 3000lb. It's power-to-weight ratio is MUCH better, giving it huge potential to dethrone the top speed king. This is speculation on the mag's part, as they haven't had the chance to run the Saleen through their normal testing rigors.

Weight has little to do with top speed.

Acceleration, handling and braking, yes, but all things being equal a very aerodynamic 1000hp, 4000lb car is going to go much faster than a slightly less aerodynamic 1000hp 2500lb car.

And seeing as how VW had to reinvent automotive aerodynamics (really -- no one in the entire field knew quite what to do after 220) for the Veyron, I doubt anything less than a full factory effort will topple it in the near future.

Cutting a few pounds does not bridge a 250hp gap.

 

[unixfool]

Was stunned by the car on Top Gear but left wondering one thing - what kind of lap-time would it do on the Top Gear track? We know it's fast, but, I don't know, just from the look of it I can't imagine it cornering very well. I am well prepared (and would love) for someone to prove me wrong though - the idea of a car that fast that could hold a good line is just staggering.

I think it was just too expensive a car (with too few made) for them to let The Stig race it. Shame.

I believe the Veyron is considered a GT car. I have the feeling that it'll corner better than you think, as a 250 MPH car needs to generate gobs of downforce to keep it stuck to the ground. I'm betting that the Veyron generates enough downforce to corner quite well for the type of car it is.

 

[pseudobrit]

I believe the Veyron is considered a GT car. I have the feeling that it'll corner better than you think, as a 250 MPH car needs to generate gobs of downforce to keep it stuck to the ground. I'm betting that the Veyron generates enough downforce to corner quite well for the type of car it is.

Clarkson said it felt like a big Elise.