What is the fastest car you can drive on the road?

SSC Ultimate Aero

The new Bugatti Veyron can reach up to speeds of 268mph Photo: REX FEATURES

By Murray Wardrop

7:30AM BST 07 Jul 2010

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A new version of the vehicle, called the Super Sport, smashed the previous world record of 256mph set by a SSC Ultimate Aero in 2007.

Bugatti test driver Pierre Henri Raphanel piloted the super car over two runs at Volkswagen's test track in Ehra-Leissien, Germany for the land speed record attempt.

But its staggering performance far exceeded the expectations of Bugatti's engineering team, proving that upgrades to its flagship sports car have had the desired effect.

The original Veyron - which had held the world record until 2007 with a 253mph top speed - still has the same 8.0 litre, 16 cylinder engine.

However, its four turbochargers have been tweaked and larger intercoolers added.