Bugatti is renowned among enthusiasts seeking unmatched speed in a supremely posh vehicle. The juxtaposition of blazing speed and supreme luxury is a rare and peculiar trait that distinguishes them from their more extreme hypercar competitors. Additionally, they have a penchant for creating limited-edition models. Their recent creation is the Chiron Super Sport, a fresh iteration of the existing model, dedicated to optimizing these dual traits at the expense of all others.
This vehicle should not be mistaken for the prior Chiron Super Sport 300+, a batch of 30 cars inspired by the prototype that achieved a record speed of 304 mph in 2019. The Chiron Super Sport model itself boasts a top speed of 440 km/h, or 273 mph, with several design modifications from the standard Chiron model to enhance comfort at top speeds. This stands in contrast to the earlier Chiron Pur Sport, which prioritized agility and aerodynamics, sacrificing top speed for a maximum of 217 mph.
Bugatti
The car features aerodynamic refinements throughout, being 9.8 inches longer than the standard Chiron to incorporate a longtail design that aids in reducing drag. The rear of the vehicle plays a vital role in these enhancements, with the traditional centralized exhaust outlet now positioned in a vertically stacked 2×2 arrangement to optimize downforce generation through the diffuser.
This contributes to the top speed achievement, as the enhanced diffuser efficiently generates the necessary downforce to maintain stability without creating excessive drag, unlike a typical rear wing. Although the rear wing remains present on the Super Sport, it retracts when the vehicle engages Top Speed mode to ensure the sleekest possible aerodynamic profile.
Bugatti
It’s the intricate details that distinguished this model from other Chiron variants, including features like vent holes on the front fender to reduce lift and an engine bay that is mostly concealed in this iteration. Additionally, it comes with a range of wheels, some of which are exclusive to the Super Sport, equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires.
Certified for speeds of up to 500 km/h (310 mph), each tire undergoes X-ray scrutiny post-manufacturing to ensure a defect-free installation on the vehicle. Extensive engineering effort was additionally dedicated to enhancing the steering and suspension systems to deliver stability and ease of handling at speeds exceeding 400 km/h (249 mph). Stiffer springs and tuned dampers contribute to refining the driving experience, while electronic stability systems were recalibrated to complement the car’s dynamics.
Bugatti
The engine output has been boosted by 100 horsepower compared to the standard model, with the quad-turbo 8.0 liter W16 engine producing 1,578 horsepower, enhancing the Super Sport’s acceleration and top speed capability. Changes were made to the turbochargers, oil pump, and cylinder head to extract more power, along with an increase in the rev limit by 300 rpm, now set at 7,100 rpm. The transmission underwent modifications with longer ratios, enabling the Super Sport to hit seventh gear at 403 km/h (251 mph) under full throttle conditions.
Bugatti
Admittedly, finding a location to test such top speeds is quite limited; the main straight at the Nurburgring is among the few places where one could potentially reach the car’s maximum velocity. The emphasis is more on having the capability rather than utilizing it extensively, we presume.
Nonetheless, if you desire that extra top speed beyond the standard Chiron model, the Super Sport might be the perfect choice for you. It comes with a price tag of approximately $3.9 million, around $900,000 more than the base model. That’s merely $45,000 for each additional kilometer per hour; but then again, who’s keeping count? We’ll take eight.
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