Bugatti Veyron and Koenigsegg CCXR Face Off in Russian Hypercar Drag Race
A video from Russia pits the 1001hp Bugatti Veyron against the biofuel-powered 1018bhp Koenigsegg CCXR, highlighting the rivalry between two of the world’s fastest production cars.
A Russian video has captured a rare head-to-head race between two of the most celebrated hypercars of the late 2000s: the Bugatti Veyron and the Koenigsegg CCXR. The footage, widely circulated among enthusiasts, puts the 1001hp Veyron against the Swedish-built CCXR, which claims an output of 1018bhp thanks to its twin-supercharged V8 running on biofuel.
The Bugatti Veyron, launched in 2005, set new benchmarks for production car performance with its quad-turbocharged 8.0-litre W16 engine, permanent all-wheel drive and a top speed officially rated at 253mph. Its acceleration, with 0-60mph dispatched in 2.5 seconds, made it the hypercar to beat in the late 2000s.
Koenigsegg’s CCXR, an evolution of the CCX, took a different approach. Its 5.0-litre V8 was adapted to run on E85 biofuel, raising output from the CCX’s 806bhp to a claimed 1018bhp and torque to 740lb ft. Koenigsegg quoted 0-60mph in 2.9 seconds and a top speed above 250mph, putting it directly in contention with the Veyron. The CCXR’s lighter weight and rear-wheel-drive layout contrasted with the heavier, all-wheel-drive Bugatti.
How the numbers compare
| Model | Power | Engine | 0-60mph | Top Speed | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bugatti Veyron | 1001hp | 8.0-litre W16, quad-turbo | 2.5s | 253mph (claimed) | AWD |
| Koenigsegg CCXR | 1018bhp | 5.0-litre V8, twin-supercharged, biofuel | 2.9s | 250mph+ (claimed) | RWD |
The Russian video reignited debate among supercar fans about outright speed versus power-to-weight and traction. The Veyron’s stability at high speed comes from its weight and advanced aerodynamics, while the CCXR’s lighter construction and extra power from biofuel offer a different driving challenge. In straight-line sprints, the Veyron’s all-wheel drive gives it an advantage off the line, but the CCXR’s higher peak power can make for a close contest at higher speeds.
The CCXR’s use of E85 biofuel was notable at the time, positioning it as a high-performance car with a nod to environmental concerns, at least compared to conventional petrol-only rivals. The biofuel adaptation not only increased power but also drew attention to alternative fuels in the hypercar segment.
Real-world rivalry and public reaction
The video’s Russian setting added to its appeal, with both cars running in conditions far from the controlled environment of a test track. Online discussion quickly focused on which car was truly faster, with the CCXR’s slightly higher claimed power offset by the Veyron’s superior traction and stability. The result proved divisive, as expected from two cars so closely matched on paper but so different in philosophy.
For those interested in the Veyron’s development and variants, further reading is available in our coverage of theBugatti Veyron Super Sport’s first drive video.
