267.81 mph production class record set by Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport!

You’ve got to hand it to the guys at Bugatti as they build one fast automobile. When it came out in 2004 everyone was a bit taken back by the fact that it had two major talking points. First off was the $1.2 million price tag and second was the 253.5 mph top speed. Pinned as the ultimate GT car the Bugatti Veyron in stock trim made an amazing 1,001 hp and 922 lb-ft tq. from its quad-turbocharged W16 engine and rocketed its passengers from 0-60 in 2.2 seconds. Since that time though another car, the SSC Ultimate Aero TT has eclipsed the Bugatti’s record with an amazing Guinness Book of World Records run of 256.12 mph.

Not one to be satisfied with a mere 253.5 mph and second place, Bugatti decided to go out and once again shatter the production car land speed record with a verified run of 267.81 mph. To accomplish this amazing feet power output was raised from 1,001 hp to 1,200 hp and 1,106 lb-ft tq. up from 922. A new aerodynamic kit was also added. The top speed was also “limited” to 257.9 mph to keep the tires in one piece. If you want to view this masterpiece of speed you’ll actually be able to do so, but not until the Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance in August. This record does make you wonder though what the guys over at SSC Ultimate Aero TT are doing now because you know damn well they’re not going to let Bugatti keep this title for long.

Lamborghini builds 10,000th Gallardo

Italophiles, take note: Lamborghini has announced it's built the 10,000th Gallardo. Naturally, the supercar manufacturer is pleased with this performance, pointing out that the now ubiquitous Gallardo is officially the most successful model Lamborghini has ever created. Says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.:

The Lamborghini brand is extreme, uncompromising and Italian, and the Lamborghini Gallardo has played an exemplary role in defining and delivering our brand reputation into our worldwide markets. Today Lamborghini is represented in 45 countries by over 120 dealers, with the strength and presence of the Gallardo product playing a significant role in the growth and recognition of our brand.

We feel obligated to point out that such success in the marketplace is something of a double-edged sword for Lamborghini. One reason exotic machines from manufacturers like Lamborghini have been so revered in the past is due to their rarity and exclusivity. One the flip side, small-scale automakers simply cannot continue to compete on a global scale without runaway success stories like the Gallardo.

That said, feel free to click on past the break as Lamborghini recounts the history of its Gallardo and to find out where lucky number 10,000 is headed.

[Source: Lamborghini]