Engine: 8.0 litre 16 cylinder
Transmission: 7 speed dual-clutch automatic
Power: 1102kW
Torque: 1,180lb-ft@2,000 rpm
Top Speed: 420 km/h
0-100km/h: 2.3 seconds
Price: $3.7 million
How does one improve on the Chiron? Well, the Frenchies behind it claim they have significantly improved the handling by producing a circuit-friendly package. It seems leaving well-enough alone just isn’t Bugatti’s wheelhouse.
Bugatti engineers first tweaked the shock absorbers to get them 10% stiffer than standard, then gave the steering a refresh – though without compromising the ‘direct feel’.
A Dynamic Torque Vectoring function was also introduced; which spreads out torque and assists agility during what their test drivers call ‘elevated driving’ – or what us regulars call ‘holy crap this is quick’.
18 kg has been removed from the Chiron, thanks to the lightweight wheels, a carbon fibre stabiliser, lighter glass in the rear window, a lighter exhaust deflector, and even the 1.4 kg lighter 3D printed carbon fibre windscreen wipers – a world first. These small tweaks give a 5 second advantage over a regular Chiron around Nardo’s handling circuit.
The hand-built engine remains unchanged. The 16 cylinder comfortably pumps out an ground-splitting 1,180 pound-feet of torque on its way to the benchmark 0-100 km/h in 2.3 seconds. Speed was never a problem here ladies and gentlemen.
To standout from its sibling, this Sport version gets rounded quad tailpipes, Sport logos on the centre console, an anodised engine start button, and new colour and trim options.
But the tweaks come at a cost. The standard Chiron starts at $2.9 million before options so do the maths. If the standard model defies the laws physics, this one will surely tear a hole through time itself.
For the full article grab the May 2019 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
