2008 Bugatti Veyron on 2040-cars

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Top horsepower-per-dollar cars in 2017

Bang for the buck. That quasi-scientific statistic is bandied about by motor heads everywhere from classrooms to barrooms, though the truth of the matter is that it's exceedingly complex to measure. A fair performance-per-dollar index would include something like cross-referencing MSRP (Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price) with point-to-point times on a track or driving route, which is obviously hard to do comprehensively. But, for the sheer joy of talking about cars and playing with a big spreadsheet, there's always the horsepower-per-dollar index, which is more straightforward, albeit hilariously flawed. There are vagaries even with this simple formula, of course: MSRP for vehicles can change at a moment's notice, to say nothing of the bottom-line shifting that happens with local deals or showroom negotiation. For this list we're running with the straight MSRP wherever possible, and as recently reported as we can get it. All the vehicles on this list are 2017 models, and all trims are reported where the lowest price and differing power levels intersect. Some choices were made for personal preference and some for sanity, avoiding things like all 48 trim levels of the Ford Transit, all with the same horsepower). If this list were a simple top ten, or even a top fifty, you'd be bored to tears with all the red, white and blue that is represented. Following perfectly with conventional wisdom, American cars really do lead the world where hp/$ is concerned. So, for the sake of variety (and the sheer joy of seeing a minivan 'win' one round of this thing) I've sorted out some top five and bottom five lists for broad power categories. Let's dive in. Less Than 100 Horsepower Okay, okay, this is hardly a category we'll grant you. But we've often tried to click off all the sub-100-hp cars on sale in the US, and making this list gave us an excuse. It also illustrates that none of these smallish vehicles bring cheap horsepower to the table - for that you'll need a motorcycle. The segment-leading Chevy Spark (above) asks just over $139 for each hp, and that Smart Fortwo Electric Drive has hp on sale for about the same price as its very distant family cousin, the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG (insert your favorite Smart joke here... we know you want to).

All six Bugatti Veyron Legend Editions gather at the Quail

Walk through the entrance to the Quail, make a right, and you'll be greeted by $18 million worth of car. Sure, that's not an unusual sight during Monterey Car Week, where classics are being auctioned off for well beyond that, but we're talking about $18 million of brand new car. We're talking about all six of the Bugatti Veyron Legend Editions.
One year after the first Legend Veyron made its debut in Monterey, Bugatti has completed the limited-run series of six. All of these cars are unique creations that celebrate the automaker's history - the sextet includes the Jean-Pierre Wimille, Jean Bugatti, Meo Costantini, Rembrandt Bugatti, Black Bess and Ettore Bugatti editions. Only three examples of each special edition will be made, all priced at 2.35 million euro ($3.14 million, based on today's rates).
It's super rare to see multiple Veyrons in one place at one time, and this might be the only time in history where all six Legends cars are displayed together at once. Have a look at all of 'em for yourself in the gallery above.

This is our best look yet at the 1,500 hp Bugatti Chiron

Bugatti just teased the Chiron's premiere at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March, but this new spy shot offers a fantastic look at the upcoming hypercar months before the debut. The company promises the upcoming model to be the "most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car." The Chiron's design adds a few aesthetic sprinkles from the Vision Gran Turismo concept onto an evolved version of the Veyron's shape. The grille remains the brand's venerable horseshoe, but the narrow headlights squint to create an aggressive face. The hood now comes to a point at the front that sharpens the previous model's very smooth appearance. This photo also highlights the massive C-shaped intake along the side that allows the updated powertrain to gulp down cool air. While not visible here, a spy video showed a huge wing and diffuser at the rear. The Chiron appears to be a definite design improvement over the Veyron to our eyes. Bugatti's latest work will reportedly pack 1,500 horsepower from an updated version of the Veyron's 8.0-liter W16 with electric turbochargers. Additional carbon fiber will also likely lower the weight compared to its predecessor. Fewer pounds and more power will allow a bolt to 60 miles per hour in as little as 2.5 seconds and a top speed of around 288 mph. Related Video: