The Bugatti Chiron has become the first near-production car to drive faster than 482.8 km/hr.
Bugatti has officially become the first car company and Chiron the first car to break the 482.8 km/hr (300 mph) barrier. Le Mans winner and Bugatti test driver, Andy Wallace was the one behind the wheel of this rocket ship. Chiron held its mark at an exact speed of 490.484 km/hr at the Volkswagen group’s owned test track at Ehra-Lessien in Lower Saxony, Germany.
To put into a better perspective, imagine the amount of thrust and intensity that you feel while a plane takes off. Well, that is exactly it. The stock Chiron has 16 cylinders with 4 turbochargers, throwing out an insane output of 1500 PS. It reaches the 100 km/hr mark in less than 2.5 seconds. You blink? You miss.
The prototype was developed with the assistance of chassis expert Dallara and tyre manufacturer Michelin. It is believed that the same engine was under tuning for the past 6 months to bring out such a staggering result. Rear wing and air-brake were replaced with a fixed spoiler at the rear to reduce the drag. This wasn’t enough to pierce its way through the wind resistance. The ride height was laser-controlled to make the suspension adjust automatically to further reduce the drag. It is reported to be 25 cm longer than the standard Chiron Sport. The aerodynamically efficient body kit gave it a menacing look, suiting the character of car that is just about to reign the hypercars once again (breaking the previous record set by Koenigsegg at 458 km/hr).
Also observable was a modified exhaust setup with a pair of dual exhausts, stacked vertically. This was done in regards to minimise the impact of emissions on drag. The car was fitted with ‘reinforced’ Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, which were X-rayed to optimise for best possible performance. The interiors were stripped of its luxury and royalty to accommodate a roll cage and a safety seat.
We all know, pragmatically, it’s not possible to drive the car at such a speed in normal conditions, that’d be just bizarre. But, it all the more gives boasting rights to the current and future owners of Chiron. Most of us would simply get unconscious at such brutal force and sheer speed. For the moment, let’s just wish Koenigsegg’s new Jesko adds more to this sensational drama.
Bugatti Chiron Speed Record
– The Bugatti Chiron is the first near-production car to drive faster than 482.8 km/hr
– The car was fitted with ‘reinforced’ Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires
– Reaches the 100 km/hr mark in less than 2.5 seconds
