The $4.2m Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ Has Arrived
The modified Bugatti Chiron prototype which hit a stunning 304mph at Ehra-Lessien has morphed into a production car. Ladies and gents, please welcome the hypercar world’s new king - the Chiron Super Sport 300+.
It’s closely related to the car that topped 300mph at VW’s 12-mile straight-line speed test track, sporting the same lengthened bodywork. At the back, it’s still packing exhaust tailpipes pinched from the Centodieci, chosen as their placement doesn’t adversely affect drag and aero as much.
It’s been given the same 1578bhp version of Bugatti’s W16 engine, which will be welcome news to anyone who thinks the standard car’s 1478bhp output is a bit limp. Brilliantly, the tweaked powerplant is nicknamed ‘Thor’.
The ride height of the high-speed run car had been aggressively lowered to make the Chiron as slippery as possible, but since even rich people have to drive over speed bumps, the production car has been raised back up.
The cabin is the biggest point of departure. The roll cage has gone, and the racing seat Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace buckled himself into with a six-point harness has been replaced with something much more comfortable. The prototype didn’t get a passenger seat, but one has been added here, so you can bring someone along for the 1578bhp ride.
The most burning question is exactly how fast it is, but that’s a bit of an unknown right now. The top speed will be electronically-limited, although Bugatti hasn’t given a specific figure just yet.
As implied by the ‘300+’ bit tacked onto the end of the name, it’s capable of going as fast as the prototype. TopGear.com reports that junking the limiter may be possible, should any owners fancy having a crack at the three double-O. Doing so will involve the fitting of a roll cage, plus - we assume - dropping the ride height back down. The fitting of the same bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres used for the 304mph run will be essential, too. The best bit? Bugatti will arrange a slot at Ehra-Lessien for interested owners.
We’re not sure how much will be charged for all that, but with the Chiron Super Sport 300+ costing $4.2 million, you’d hope it’d be included in the price. Even if you have that kind of money sitting in your Swiss bank account, you may not be able to get hold of a Super Sport - just 30 will be made.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
I saw the paint job and went, Bugatti, what have you freaking done.