BUGATTI CHIRON

Luxury, Beauty and Power!

Bugatti continues to develop the Chiron with ever more exclusive versions. The production of the latest model from the Molsheim factory, the Chiron Super Sport, will be rolled out this year with an outstanding level of performance.

By Stephane Lechine - Photos © 2022 Bugatti Automobiles S.a.s.

The family is growing!

The Chiron first appeared in Bugatti’s range in 2016 and caused a sensation by being the first car to exceed 400km/h. It is named after one of the brand’s most famous drivers who enjoyed great success in the pre-war Grand Prix era. With extraordinary longevity for his time, the Monegasque Louis Chiron still holds the record as the oldest driver to have competed in a Formula 1 Grand Prix. During the course of the Chiron’s production, Bugatti offered special versions of its car, including the lighter “Sport” version, for which there are special “110 ans Bugatti” and “Les Légendes du Ciel” series, with strong references to the pioneers of the French brand. Only 20 units of each were produced and they quickly sold out. In order to maintain its leading position faced with the emergence of 100% electric supercars, Bugatti increased the power of the W16 engine to 1600 bhp and incorporated it into the Chiron Super Sport 300+, whose top speed broke the symbolic barrier of 300mph, i.e. more than 490km/h! The Chiron Pur Sport harnesses the extra power and a 50 kg lighter chassis as a dedicated track model. Its top speed is reduced to 350km/h in favour of sharper acceleration, and the aerodynamics generate more downforce with the introduction of a fixed wing. Having sold out, Bugatti had to continue production with a special model from the Chiron collection.

A tapered profile

From the outside, the Chiron Super Sport is distinguished by its so-called ‘long-tail’ bodywork, already seen on the Super Sport 300+, which is tapered at the rear. Extended by 25 cm, aerodynamic turbulence is reduced, allowing the electronically limited top speed to be increased to 440km/h. At the front, the inclusion of lateral guidance on the spoiler and air vents on both sides of the fenders direct the airflow along the car. On each side of the bonnet, the 9 ventilation holes are a discreet reference to the EB 110. Another distinctive feature of this new version is the magnesium wheels, 20” at the front and 21” at the rear, which are still fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres, the only tyres approved for the Chiron’s speed. The interior is classic Bugatti, offering the ultimate in comfort and elegance. Leather is used throughout, enhanced by polished aluminium components and a touch of carbon fibre for the central console and dashboard with a prominent central speedometer, graduated up to 500km/h.

Ever more power

The Chiron Super Sport benefits from all the latest developments by Bugatti engineers. The increased power of the W16 is achieved by a more generous size of the 4 turbos that feed the 8 cylinder engine. The engine speed is increased to a peak of 7100 rpm. This power is coupled with a phenomenal torque up to 1600 Nm available throughout the car’s range of performance. True to its reputation, Bugatti uses state-of-theart technology to produce the titanium exhausts, which are manufactured using 3D printing. In addition to their characteristic sound, they contribute significantly to the car’s overall weight saving of 23kg. Despite all this, the Chiron weighs almost 2 tons and it takes the combined effect of the all-wheel drive and the engine’s power to propel this Bugatti from 0 to 100km/h in just over 2 seconds! The effect of the constant torque sustains acceleration up to 200 and 300km/h without a drop in power thanks to the 7-speed automatic gearbox, the last of which only kicks in at 403km/h...

The unique feel of the Chiron offers the driver a special experience. The electronic drive train constantly analyses the car’s behaviour and adjusts the set-up every 6 milliseconds (166 times per second). Indeed, the magic of Bugatti is to offer a hypercar with extraordinary performance that is remarkably easy to use in everyday life, and with a level of comfort worthy of the finest GT cars. In short, the Chiron Super Sport is the only car to offer the ultimate combination of performance, driveability and luxury. Available at a price of €3.2 million, this Bugatti is undoubtedly the most complete hypercar with a combustion engine.