Bugatti considered a final, even more extreme version of the Veyron before the Chiron arrived, but ultimately shelved the project. The planned upgrade, dubbed the “MegaWatt Veyron,” would have delivered 1,341 horsepower – matching Koenigsegg’s One:1 at the time.
Why The MegaWatt Was Scrapped
Bugatti’s design chief, Frank Heyl, revealed the plans for a Veyron facelift to serve as its swan song. The W16 engine was intended to receive a significant power boost of 158 hp over the most potent Veyron variant. The goal was to beat Koenigsegg to the punch, but internal decisions led to a different path.
The real reason Bugatti canceled the MegaWatt Veyron came from its former CEO, Ferdinand Piëch. He wanted the Veyron Super Sport to hit 279 mph (450 km/h), requiring a further increase to 1,479 hp. The complexity proved too great, so Bugatti opted to wait for the Chiron to realize this level of performance.
The Chiron Takes Over
The Chiron eventually surpassed Piëch’s vision, reaching 1,578 hp in the Super Sport trim. At the Ehra-Lessien test track, the Chiron Super Sport hit 304 mph (490 km/h) in 2019, though production models were limited to 273 mph (440 km/h) due to tire limitations.
Bugatti initially abandoned speed records but has since shifted its stance under CEO Mate Rimac. There’s now a possibility of another record attempt, potentially targeting 500 km/h (310 mph) with the new V16-powered Tourbillon.
The Future of Speed
Bugatti’s next challenge is finding a suitable venue for record-breaking runs since it no longer has access to Ehra-Lessien. Options include the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds in Florida or closed sections of highways like Highway 160 in Nevada, where Koenigsegg set records.
The Veyron remains one of the most influential cars of its era, setting multiple records and solidifying its place in automotive history. Bugatti’s celebration of Piëch’s legacy suggests that pushing the boundaries of speed remains a priority, with the Tourbillon potentially becoming the next vehicle to exceed 500 km/h.
The Veyron wouldn’t have reached its peak without Piëch’s relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. The next logical step is pushing the Tourbillon to 500 km/h as a fitting tribute to his vision.
