A $24.5 million trophy: the Bugatti Chiron Profilee is the pinnacle of automotive haute couture…
If a regular Chiron is too ho-hum for your liking, this one off masterpiece will elevate your interest in the French-German marque for sure. The Chiron’s days may be numbered, but there is time for one final reboot, and even by Bugatti’s snobby standards – this Profilee model is one untouchable beast.
The Profilee combines the Pur Sport’s brutal attitude with discreet aesthetic touches, such as the ducktail rear spoiler in lieu of the massive six-foot fixed rear wing. Never fear, it is still a Chiron, so you’ll still get your raw and ridiculous performance out of it.
The 8.0 litre quad turbo W16 engine remains, however, its 7 speed Ricardo-built transmission offers 15% shorter gear ratios, which enables 0-100 km/h in 2.3 seconds – 0.2 quicker than normal. Interestingly, despite the Profilee not having as much draggy aerodynamics as the Pur Sport, its top speed is 30 km higher (380 km/h).
Handling-wise, they share an identical chassis, meaning stiffer coilovers over the standard Chiron, and many geometry tweaks, including 10% stiffer springs and a rear axle that gives a 50% improved grip in turns – without sacrificing driver anxiety.
The exterior slays with an Argent Atlantique colour that no other Chiron has, while inside, it’s heavy on the leather, carbon, and solid aluminum – all handcrafted of course. The Profilee is also the first Chiron with a woven leather finish on the dash, centre console, and door panels – all adding to its insane pricetag.
As possibly Bugatti’s ultimate iteration and its best balanced machine, it recently fetched $24.5 million at an auction at Sotheby’s Paris. That officially makes it the most expensive new car to ever go under the hammer. Hopefully it doesn’t spend its life locked away as a trophy – instead of blessing the streets where it belongs.
Engine: 8.0 litre quad turbo W16
Transmission: 7 speed DSG
Power: 1102 kW
Torque: 1600 Nm
Top Speed: 380 km/h
0-100 km/h: 2.3 seconds
Price: $24.5 million
By Bill Vartimetis
For the full article grab the March 2024 issue of MAXIM Australia from newsagents and convenience locations. Subscribe here.
