Auto Express is reporting that a new, even faster Bugatti Veyron is in development.

While VW Group has lost money on each of the 300 Veyrons ever built, the car has become the ultimate status symbol for the brand, and VW chairman Martin Winterkorn believes it would be a big mistake to kill it off. He has reportedly said, “After 300 Bugattis, I believe we would be poorly advised if we were to allow that brand to become dormant again.”

The design of the new car will bring about many changes, but maintain the current car’s recognisable silhouette. Because Walter de’Silva is now the head of design at VW Group, the new car could take design inspiration from his 1999 Veyron design proposal. The proposal was outdone by Hartmut Warkuss’ Veyron concept, and never shown to public, but now could be Silva’s time to bring it into the light.

Under the new skin, Bugatti will likely stick to the 8.0L quad-turbo W16 found in the current car, as well as the same seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. They’ll both be tweaked for efficiency, although considering that the current car emits 596 g/km of CO2, it probably won’t make much of a difference.

However, what we’re more interested in is the power, and this is expected to at least match that of the Super Sport’s, at 1,200 bhp and 1,106 lb-ft of torque. Even if power remains the same, performance is expected to improve, with a 0-100 kph time of under 2.5 seconds, and a top speed of 270 mph.

This will be achieved through weight loss. The current car weighs a pretty hefty 1,838 kg, so this is certainly an area needing improvement. Bugatti will use the expertise of Lamborghini, also owned by VW Group, to help them lose weight. Lamborghini has done a lot of research on how to develop carbon fibre cheaply and quickly, and the methods they have discovered will be used in the Veyron’s bodywork, chassis, and most of the interior trim. Lighter alloy rims and thinner glass will also contribute, with weight expected to drop by around 100 kg.

The new Veyron, if it is indeed true, will be launched in 2013, with sales beginning the next year for £1 million (1.57 million USD) a piece. Bugatti still doesn’t expect to make any money off the car.

Source: Auto Express