Bugatti Offers Ultimate Joy Ride: Big Spender

GREENWICH, Conn. (TheStreet) -- A straight stretch of road -- an onramp to Interstate 95 in Greenwich, Conn. -- was an invitation to open up the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport.

As Butch Leitzinger, whose job title is Official Bugatti Test Pilot, hit the gas, the sensation was the same as plummeting down the first hill of a roller coaster. That "joy ride" feel is just one of the perks for buyers able to shell out $2.1 million for the privilege to own a 16-cylinder twin-engine marvel that can roar up to 250 miles per hour in seconds.

While its power is undeniable, little details make driving it fun. The steering is absolutely flawless, with just the right amount of tension to let you feel totally in control. Braking is smooth and the handling is close to perfection. The interior, covered in unbelievably smooth leather, made from calves raised in a bug-free environment, is an aesthetic delight.

Bugatti plans to produce 150 Grand Sports.

Whether roaring along the highway or meandering along scenic side roads, we kept coming back to a surprising realization: If it weren't so impractical, the Grand Sport would be a perfect "everyday" car.

Consider the gearbox. Its seven-gear, twin-clutch design allows the driver to choose whether to drive the car in manual or automatic. One clutch controls four gears, while the other handles three gears and reverse. The car's transmission anticipates the next gear, swapping clutches when it's time to shift. The result is a smooth transition.