0-249MPH and then back to zero in 41.96 seconds! New 1,500bhp Bugatti Chiron hypercar sets incredible speed record

The new Bugatti has set a world record by accelerating from zero to 249mph and back to a standstill - in just 41 seconds.

With an 8-litre engine developing almost 1,500bhp, the Bugatti Chiron is one of the most impressive hypercars ever built, the Daily Mail reports.

To demonstrate its performance they gave it to former F1 star Juan-Pablo Montoya who took it for a spin on the top secret Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany.

And the Colombian driver managed to go from 0-249-0 mph and back again in 41.96 seconds.

This was over a distance of just 1.9 miles - with Montoya opting against wearing safety gear for the test.

He said: 'The Chiron is so incredibly fast it takes your breath away. And its braking is at least as impressive. Of course, the Chiron is a super sports car that requires your full attention when you are behind the wheel.

Bugatti is building 500 Chirons, with 300 of the £2 million hypercars already snapped up by wealthy collectors.

Next year, the manufacturer plans to set a new world speed record - which is currently 267mph set by the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport.