The Bugatti Chiron was confirmed as the world’s fastest super sports car, even if the record is not officially standing.
Confirmed in a video released by Top Gear in September 2019, the Bugatti Chiron, driven by in-house test driver Andy Wallace, reached a top speed of 304.77mph (490kmph) on the Volkswagen Group’s Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany. This staggering speed was verified by Germany’s TÜV, or Technical Inspection Association which solidifies Bugatti as hands down, the fastest sports car in the world.
You’ll also like:
A Complete List of James Bond Cars
The Top Car Emblems Explained
Bugatti Makes its Own Rules at 304 MPH
Although the internet and Top Gear were quick to point out the official Guinness World Records rules: the vehicle must achieve the speed in two directions on the same road within 60 minutes, with the average of the two speeds being recorded as a result.
The Bugatti Chiron, driven by Andy Wallace, only ran the speed in one direction. Bugatti says the reason for this is the current condition of the Ehra-Lessien test track doesn’t allow peak performance to be tested in the other direction, citing safety issues and racing against the grain of the track.
While Bugatti won’t be earning a place in Guinness for its attempt, they sure did grab headlines and will continue to be unofficially recognised as the “world’s fastest” ’til someone rivals their speed.
Bugatti specially modified the record-setting Chiron to give it that extra edge. The supercar might still have the same 8.0-litre, quad-turbo W16 engine found in your everyday Chiron, though it has been expertly tuned to the power of 1,600-horsepower. There is a custom made aerodynamic body kit and an upgrade to the gearbox and all-wheel-drive system. Michelin also threw in some specially-made tyres that played an integral role in the record-breaking run.
“The biggest challenge is to get the overall package right — not only design, not only aerodynamics, not only the engine, not only tyres,” Bugatti’s Frank Heyl told Top Gear. “It’s to get everything together and working in one car.”
Bugatti celebrated the record by releasing the extremely limited Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ edition. Limited to just 30 examples this visually stunning ride has the performance and build of the record-setting Chiron as standard. The 300+ name signifies Chiron as the first production car to break the 300 miles per hour barrier.
“But the Chiron Super Sport 300+ is more than just the fastest series-production sports car in the world,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. “It is a testimony to Bugatti’s technical refinement, masterly workmanship and enormous attention to detail.”
The Production Bugatti Chiron
Described as a “masterpiece of art, form and technique that pushes boundaries beyond imagination,” the Bugatti Chiron is not only the fastest production sports car, it’s also one of the most exclusive. To date, just 250 of the sports cars have been built with the French automaker about halfway through its production run. Bugatti doesn’t rush things.
Performance-wise, the heart of the Chiron is the aforementioned quad-turbocharged W16 engine that generates 1,500 horsepower (1600hp for the special edition) and 1,600 Nm of torque. Power output ranges between 2,000 and 6,000 rpm.
Four high-performing turbochargers work in a two-stage controlled configuration with a remarkable 60,000 litres of air being pumped through the engine every minute. Simultaneously, 800 litres of water per minute circulate through the engine to guarantee cooling. Even the quad LED headlights double as intakes routing air to the front brakes.
The titanium exhaust reduces gas backpressure, while lightweight materials, such as titanium and carbon fibre, have been used wherever possible.
The sleek muscular build carries over to the interior with LED lighting and a distinctive C-line centre console that separates the two seats. The speedometer proudly displays that magic 500km/h mark, even if the owner never has a chance to reach it.
Bugatti builds each Chiron to order, working closely with the buyer to customise the vehicle to fit their personality. One of the available options is a Skyview two-panel sunroof for an added dose of natural light. If there are any of the 500 remaining, potential buyers can order a Chiron with prices starting just shy of $3 million USD.
Bugatti Chiron Specs
Engine: 8.0-litre, quad-turbo W16
Power: 1,500 hp
Torque: 1,600 Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Drivetrain: All wheel drive
Acceleration: 0 – 100km/h in 2.3 seconds
Top Speed: 420km/h – production model
Base model price: $2,998,000 USD
The Distinguished Career of Andy Wallace
59-year-old Andy Wallace is considered racing royalty. He has over 25 international sportscar titles to his name including 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring and Petit Le Mans. Over the years, he has driven for a wide range of teams including Jaguar, Toyota, Audi, Harrods and Zytek.
Wallace was also the driver behind the previous record-setting speed of 386.4 km/h (240.1 mph) which he achieved in a McLaren F1. This record held for over 11 years. On August 2, 2019, Andy Wallace topped his own record with a certified speed of 490.48 km/h (304.77 mph) in the modified Bugatti Chiron.
He’s been testing Bugatti cars and taking customers to the limits of driving physics since 2011. He has covered over 100,000 kilometres in these luxury super sports cars.
General FAQ
The Bugatti Chiron is the world’s fastest car. A modified Chiron driven by Andy Wallace recorded a speed of 304.77 miles per hour or 490.48 km/h. Although Bugatti did not follow official record rules so will not be earning a place in the Guinness World Records.
The Bugatti Chiron is currently the fastest recording a speed of 304.77 miles per hour or 490.48 km/h in August 2019.
You are looking at a base rate of $2,998,000 USD with prices rising when taking into account tax and the enormous on-road costs. Meanwhile, the limited-edition Chiron Noire cost $19 million, being the most expensive new car ever sold.
Not only is the Bugatti Chiron street legal, but it’s also capable of exceeding 300 miles per hour. This speed, however, may not be legal.