The most anticipated release of the Geneva Motor Show 2016 has arrived. The Bugatti Chiron is the successor to the hugely popular Bugatti Veyron and promises to be another game changer. The Bugatti Chiron has already sold out of a third of its 500 unit production run and is expected to become the fastest hypercar on the market.
The Bugatti Chiron use the same W16 engine as the Veyron. Bugatti have spent 300 hours in the wind tunnel and completed more than 500,000 test kilometres. They have used up more than 200 sets of tyres.
The Chiron produces 1,500 hp from an eight-litre W16 engine, completely redesigned for a 25 percent power boost. The intake tube, the charge air system and the chain housing are all made of carbon fibre. The Chiron uses four higher-performance turbochargers and duplex fuel injection with 32 injectors. Increased cooling allows 60,000 litres of air per minute to be pumped through the engine. Coolant pumps can circulates 800 litres of water through the engine in a single minute. The Chiron gets a titanium exhaust system.
The powertrain features a front-axle differential with integrated inter-axle lock and a rear-axle differential with integrated inter-wheel lock and a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox designed to withstand the 1,600 Nm of torque. Bugatti predict a 420 km/h top speed with a 0 to 100 km/h time of just 2.5 seconds.
The chassis of the Bugatti Chiron is a highly sophisticated monocoque prepared to LMP1 level. It is 8 kg lighter and features torsional rigidity of 50,000 Nm per degree. The bodywork is also complete carbon fibre with six layers of clear coat applied for a perfect finish. A unique feature is the body panel that extends from the A-pillar to the rear.
The adaptive chassis gets five driving programs; Lift, EB “Auto”, Autobahn, Handling und Top Speed. Actuators change the chassis height adjustment, the electronically controlled shock absorbers, the electronically controlled power assisted steering, the four wheel drive with “easy to drift” feature, the electronically controlled rear differential, the aerodynamic control system and the stability and brake control system.
Active aerodynamics feature heavily with an aerodynamic front splitter, a flat under body, an active front diffuser, NACA ducts, a hydraulic diffuser flap and an adaptive rear spoiler.
New high performance brakes rival those fitted to Formula 1 cars and the tyres have been tested at aerospace facilities. The tyres are supplied by Michelin and are the very best technology available. The measure 285 / 30 R20 at the front and 355 / 25 R21 at the rear, have a larger contact surface (+14% at the front, +12% at the rear) and are able to withstand speeds in excess of 400 km/h.
The levels of detail applied to this car are incredible, for example, the Chiron gets the first airbag in the world to shoot through a carbon fibre housing. Inside, the instrument cluster is brand new with a high-resolution TFT display. The Chiron also gets a high quality sound system and Wifi connectivity.
The shape of the Chrion is inspired by the legendary Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic. It gets a Bugatti horseshoe with C-bar on the side and a central fin. The Chiron sits higher and wider than its predecessor which allows for 12 mm more headroom. It retains the two tone look and gets innovative lighting solutions at the front and rear.
The basic cost of the Bugatti Chiron is 2.4 million euros, just 500 will be produced as part of a limited production run. Projected market launch is Autumn 2016 and advanced orders are now being taken.
Absolutely stunning masterpiece! Inside and out.