www.QV500.com - Bugatti EB16.4 Veyron Part 3: 16.4 Veyron Prototypes

 
Despite having to ditch the huge W18 engine, Veyron development continued unabated, Bugatti presenting their 16.4 prototype during September 2000 at the Paris Salon. The VW board then went onto approve this 16-cylinder version for production on the 22nd. Visually unchanged other than for a silver and black T41 Binder colour scheme, the most obvious difference was a new 8-litre W16 engine. Incredibly compact, it was composed of two narrow angle V8's mounted side by side, placed in a Vee and driving the same crankshaft.
   

At the time, it was predicted this unit would produce 620-650bhp at around 6000rpm, although the possibility of a quad turbocharged example where output could rise to between 800 and 1000bhp was also mooted. Bugatti completed a second 16-cylinder example in time for the Geneva Salon in February 2001, this third Veyron prototype appearing all but unchanged save for its dark metallic blue and black livery. The real news was that bench tests of the engine would begin in May. After extensive mechanical and aerodynamic trials had been undertaken, Bugatti produced their third 16.4 prototype for the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2001. A car seemingly very close to being production-ready and giving the first real insight to the new cars detailed specification, it was longer, wider and had a wheelbase stretched by 50mm over previous incarnations. Finished in red and black, it also featured an adjustable rear diffuser that moved back into the air-stream, extending by 200mm to aid stability. Fitted with double wishbone suspension, coil springs and anti-roll bars, the 16.4 also got electronic damper control, variable ride height and Bugatti's electronic stability program (ESP).
 
Using VW's advanced Haldex four-wheel drive system and ASR traction control, the Veyron was to be equipped with carbon Brembo brakes, eight pot calipers, four channel ABS and Brake Assist to increase pressure on the brake lines in emergency stopping situations. New 20-inch wheels were designed to improve air flow to the brakes and were shod with Michelin PAX System tyres. Specially developed with sidewalls capable of withstanding the Veyron's massive speeds, they also offered run flat capability and continuous pressure monitoring.
   

Weighing in at 1550kg, Bugatti claimed 0-60mph would require less than 3 seconds while 0-186mph should take just 14. Top speed was estimated at 252mph and although it was originally thought that owners wanting to test this out would have to contact the factory who would despatch a mechanic complete with special high-speed tyres to check the car over and remove the electronic speed limiter, this idea was canned in favour of developing new 'all-speed' tyres. Aesthetically, the 2001 Paris Salon car received a few mild revisions to improve airflow around the radiators, engine bay, brakes and cockpit. At the front, the traditional Bugatti grille was extended down to the front spoiler while the air ducts either side got a decorative chrome strip. Re-profiled side skirts, extended sills and a panelled undertray further improved airflow, a rear aerofoil normally hidden within the tail rising by 200mm to provide additional downforce at speed. Inside, the spacious cabin was subtly revised over previous prototypes and was thought to be very close to the final production spec. A redesigned dash with a more curvaceous instrument binnacle featured tidier central console treatment and, for the first time, the sequential shift and paddle flippers behind the three-spoke steering wheel.

 
That curvaceous instrument binnacle housed the combined central analogue tachometer and digital speedo, this being flanked to the left by a novel engine output dial and to the right by an analogue speedo. Smaller water temperature and oil pressure guages were located just above. 12 months passed without much news and then at the next Geneva Salon in March 2002, yet another pre-production Veyron was displayed. It seemed persistent problems with tyres, cooling, the aero pack and excess weight were forcing production back another year at least.
 
Come spring 2003 and few were surprised when a new Veyron prototype went into circulation, debuting in Monaco. At the time, (the week after the Monte Carlo Grand Prix) the model was officially announced as production-ready by Volkswagen, the German firm claiming it was finally finished and would be sold to European markets later that year. A few minor tweaks had been made to the bodywork (slightly re-profiled headlights and a few extra intake apertures) but come late '03, it was clear Bugatti still had a lot of development still to do. This was confirmed at the Geneva Salon in March 2004 when recently appointed President of Bugatti, Thomas Bscher, announced there would be a new 18-month postponement before the first Veyron deliveries…