Bugatti Veyron is not only a mean machine but also reins in the top spot in the list of fastest supercars of  2012. It has a top speed record of 268mph(431km/h), set by the Veyron Super Sport version , putting it at the top of fastest super cars of 2012.It is  based on the Bentley Hunaudieres concept and built at Bugatti’s HQ in France.

This mean beast is powered by a W16 power plant which produces a whopping 1,001 metric horsepower (736 kW; 987 bhp) of motive power, and generates 1,250 newton metres(922 lbf·ft) of torque. The real total remains at 1,020 metric horsepower. It gives a mileage of  24.1 l/100km / 11.7 mpg (imp.) / 9.8 mpg (U.S.)Veyron has a W16 engine which is equivalent to two narrow angle V8 engines. It is fed by quad turbocharger and has a displacement of  8 litres. The narrow staggered V8 configuration allows for two overhead camshafts. The transmission is a dual clutch direct shift gearbox with seven gear ratios. It also has a permanent four  wheel  drive using Haldex Traction system. It uses special Michelin  PAX run-flat tyres. Veyron has a total of ten radiators which includes heat exchangers for the air-to-liquid intercoolers, engine radiators, radiator for the air conditioning system, transmission oil radiator, differential oil radiator, engine oil radiator. It has a drag co-efficient of 0.41 in normal conditions and 0.36 after lowering its ground clearance(now Veyron has this thing. To achieve its top speed it’s ground clearance is reduced and this feature is activated by a  special  key to the left of the driver’s seat which activates the top speed configuration.).A supercar not only needs a special engine to power it up but also very good set of brakes to power it down. Veyron has cross drilled, carbon fibre reinforced silicon carbide (C/SiC) composite discs, manufactured by SGL Carbon. These brakes have greater resistance to brake fade compared to others. The front pistons have eight titanium pistons and the rear calipers have six pistons. Bugatti has installed Anti-Lock Braking System(ABS) on the hand brakes in the case of brake failure.

Performance wise, the car  hits  60 mph in just 2.5 seconds, 100 mph in 5.5 seconds, and 150 mph in 9.8 seconds. Getting to 200 mph took 18.3 seconds, and 250 mph takes 42.3 seconds. Unlike other supercars Veyron provides great handling experience even at top speeds, as conformed  by James May and Jeremy  Clarkson of Top Gear.

The latest version is Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, which boasts of 1200 horsepower and 1106 lb-ft of torque. Vitesse sports an open roof and additional chassis support had to be added to handle the car’s increased horsepower. It’s specifications remain the same except the fact that it is a roadster.

This mean beast comes for a cool $2,400,000.If you have set your mind on it, then head on to Bugatti’s official site  which offers a configurator   which will help  in customizing your mean machine.