Bugatti is known for producing some of the fastest cars in the world, and the Chiron is no exception. Having had the opportunity to drive both a standard Chiron and a later Super Sport, it’s clear that these cars are in a league of their own when it comes to performance.
Starting with the standard Chiron, it’s not just fast – it’s the way it delivers that speed that sets it apart. Unlike the immediate power delivery of a Porsche Taycan Turbo S or the hair-raising acceleration of an Ariel Atom V8, the Chiron has a more deliberate approach to acceleration. There’s a noticeable lag as the massive engine inhales air before propelling you forward in a series of increasingly urgent bursts of speed.
The noise that accompanies this acceleration is nothing short of overwhelming, reminiscent of standing next to a speeding train or hovercraft. It’s a symphony of power, with the multi-cylindered engine roaring to life as the Chiron spools up and races towards unimaginable speeds. Even at 200mph, the car maintains exceptional stability, a testament to Bugatti’s engineering prowess.
At 300mph, things become even more intense, as the wheels turn into gyroscopes, requiring constant corrections to stay on course. Bugatti’s test drivers have pushed the Chiron to its limits, with the standard car still accelerating when it hits its 261mph limiter. The Super Sport, on the other hand, is capable of reaching 273mph and maintaining that speed until its fuel tank runs dry – a feat that would take a mere eight minutes.
The accelerative numbers speak for themselves: 0-62mph in 2.5 seconds for the standard Chiron, and even quicker times for the Super Sport. Cooling is so efficient that the Super Sport could theoretically sustain its top speed indefinitely, a testament to Bugatti’s relentless pursuit of performance.
In conclusion, driving a Bugatti Chiron is a truly exhilarating experience, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of speed and acceleration. It’s a testament to human ingenuity and engineering excellence, and a reminder of just how far we’ve come in the world of automotive technology.