Bugatti Announces High-Performance Version of Chiron | Bugatti
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March 9, 2018

Bugatti Announces High-Performance Version of Chiron | Bugatti


Bugatti Chiron Sport


Bugatti Announces High-Performance Version of Chiron


On March 6, Bugatti announced the Chiron Sport, a sportier version of its supercar Chiron, featuring a lighter body and further enhanced handling and agility.


Text by HARA Akira



Enhanced Suspension and 18kg Weight Reduction


Following the debut of the Bugatti "Chiron" at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show,Chirona sport version, the Chiron Sport, has been introduced.


Bugatti CEO Stephan Winkelmann explained the development's purpose: "We developed the Chiron Sport in response to customer requests for greater dynamics on winding roads and a sportier driving experience than the Chiron offers." He added, "It was important not to alter the unique character of the Chiron, which blends ultimate performance, acceleration, and top speed with luxurious appointments, comfort, and everyday usability."



Bugatti Chiron Sport

Bugatti Chiron Sport


Firstly, the Chiron Sport is equipped with a newly developed dynamic handling package for its suspension. The suspension settings are, on average, 10 percent stiffer than the Chiron's and are activated only in "Handling Mode," clearly differentiating it from "EB Mode." Additionally, it features dynamic torque vectoring at the rear, distributing torque individually to the left and right drive wheels. This system is effective in all driving modes and is said to dramatically improve performance and agility, especially in tight corners.


On the exterior, the Chiron Sport is distinguished by its lightweight alloy wheels, named "Course," and a new, lighter quad-exhaust diffuser. It also incorporates the first-ever carbon fiber windshield wipers on a production model. These wipers are 77 percent lighter than conventional ones, weighing 1.4kg less, and their redesigned shape also improves aerodynamics.



Bugatti Chiron Sport

Bugatti Chiron Sport


Furthermore, carbon fiber is used for the stabilizers and intercooler cover. Combined with features like the lightweight glass rear window, the total body weight has been reduced by approximately 18kg. This results in increased cornering speeds, and at the Nardò Handling Circuit in southern Italy, it recorded a lap time 5 seconds faster than the Chiron.


The body color is based on a classic two-tone scheme. The rear of the body, designated "Color A," is in grey carbon, while the front, "Color B," is available in the announced Italian red, as well as French Racing Blue, a silver-based Gris Rafale, and a dark grey Gunpowder. The distinctive aluminum alloy C-shaped trim strip on the side line is painted in "Color B." Additionally, the red "16" indicating the engine's cylinder count is depicted on the black radiator grille, highlighting the powertrain's unique identity.



Bugatti Chiron Sport

Bugatti Chiron Sport


The interior is predominantly black. All controls, including the engine start button and the driving mode selection knob on the steering wheel, feature a black anodized finish. The steering wheel and selector lever are finished in suede leather, the roof liner and luggage compartment in Alcantara, the seats and instrument cluster in smooth leather, and the dashboard and steering column in carbon fiber, utilizing a selection of carefully chosen materials.


As the CEO stated, the performance remains unchanged: a 8-liter W16 quad-turbo engine producing 1,500 PS and 1,600 Nm of torque, with 0-100 km/h acceleration in under 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 420 km/h. "The Chiron Sport is clearly more agile, and its responsiveness has reached a new level. Particularly the improved agility in tight corners has further enhanced the emotional driving experience on winding roads and handling circuits," commented CEO Winkelmann.


The base price is set at approximately 2.65 million euros, an increase of 250,000 euros over the Chiron. The price in the US market, including shipping, customs duties, taxes, and fees, was announced at $3.26 million, with deliveries scheduled to begin at the end of 2018.