Bugatti reveals footage of record-setting open-top run

In case there was any doubt, Bugatti posted footage on Monday of its $2.6 million Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse hitting a record-setting 254.04 mph at Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien test track. Chinese racing driver Anthony Liu was behind the wheel.

If you'll remember, when Bugatti had its hardtop top-speed record pulled, it quickly set this test in motion to quiet any detractors.

The Vitesse had its speed limiter removed, which is legal for the world record. It usually tops out at 233 mph.

The Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse makes 1,200 hp and 1,500 lb-ft of torque from its quad-turbocharged, W16 engine. A seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox sends power to all four wheels.

We're getting pretty comfortable with this tit-for-tat world-record contest. If we don't see a Hennessey Performance release later this week, we'll be surprised.

By Jake Lingeman