Veyron successor faster, more powerful

The replacement for the world's fastest production car will be faster! Bugatti Veyron's hypercar successor is set to be capable of hitting 460km/h (286mph) thanks to a more powerful updated hybrid version of its unique W16 engine pumping out more than 1100kW.

A report filed by Autocar suggests Bugatti will up the performance ante with the new car. It comes two days after US-based supercar company Hennessey broke it's silence on its new Venom F5. The limited build F5 could reach 466km/h (290mph) thanks to its 1044kW twin-turbo V8, and potentially steal Bugatti's thunder as the world's fastest.

The UK website cites Bugatti company officials and insiders who say the plan is to have the Veyron's replacement ready by 2017. That would be a year after the Venom F5 arrives in 2016, giving the German-owned French car-maker the time to ensure it's next magnum opus is not embarrassed by an upstart US muscle car outfit.

The new Bugatti could be given a different name to the Veyron, which was launched in 2005. As we previously reported the next-gen hypercar will be based on a new chassis that leverages Lamborghini and Audi's carbon-fibre know-how.

Being a part of a Volkswagen Group, Bugatti would also have access to Audi and Porsche's Le Mans hybrid technology. Autocar adds fuel to the hybrid fire by saying an electric motor is being seriously considered – as are electrically-driven turbochargers.

The 8.0-litre, quad turbo, 16-cylinder W-configuration engine is expected to be heavily modified, taking advantage of direct injection for the first time.

With Bugatti desperately trying to reduce the car's weight from its current 2000kg, the Veyron's successor is likely to rip from 0-100km/h in 2.3 seconds, beating the current 2.5 second split, nudged along with all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox.

Like the current Veyron, total volume will be restricted to less than 500 vehicles.