Behold The Bugatti Chiron: 1,500-HP, 0-125 Mph in 6.5 Seconds, $2.6 Million
The much awaited replacement to the Bugatti Veyron, a long-time record holder of the “world’s fastest car,” is here: This is the Bugatti Chiron, revealed today in anticipation of the Geneva motor show. In case you missed the title—yes, it’s very fast.
It’s also stunning, much like the Vision Gran Turismo concept debuted by the company last year. In fact it’s so like that virtual car, the design on the Chiron shocks little; it was kind of expected. And that’s not a bad thing at all.
Take the rear-end, for example. No Vera Wang Oscar dress comes close to presenting a bottom as fabulous. And the swooping curvature along the side that’s cleverly replicated within the cabin. The whole car screams a level of detail that a €2.4 million ($2.6 million at today’s exchange rate) buyer demands. Of which, one third of the proposed 500 Chirons are already accounted for.
The lucky few better be ready, however: Bugatti says the 1,500 horsepower and 1,100 lb.-ft. of torque can effectively “wind” an unprepared driver, such is the savagery of its acceleration; 62 mph arrives in under 2.5 seconds, but the more impressive figure is that in just 6.5 seconds you’ll be traveling 125 mph—that’s probably faster than a Honda F1 car.
Top speed is faster, too: The Chiron is limited to 261 mph in base spec. However, if you tick the “special package” and follow some safety instructions, the Chiron can be let loose, potentially surpassing 275-280 mph. Make no mistake, Bugatti cares deeply about the title of “world’s fastest car.”
As for the engine that’s going to take it there: An 8.0-liter, quad turbo W16. The turbochargers in the Chiron are larger than the ones in the Veyron, which helps make the colossal power that it does. And here it’s a two-stage system, which is said to eliminate turbo lag; two turbocharges are spinning from a start, according to Bugatti, while the other two ramp up at 3,800 rpm. This ensure the 1,100+ lb.-ft. of torque is on tap between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm, routed through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission to all four wheels.
Want to see more, be sure to scroll through the gallery above, and check back for live shots of the car on Geneva’s show floor.
