Bugatti Chiron Shatters 300 MPH Barrier in Record-Breaking Run
The Bugatti Chiron, with its impressive 1,479 horsepower, has broken its long-standing speed limitations, which were capped at 261 mph—just shy of the record set by its predecessor, the Veyron. This breakthrough moment has finally arrived, marking the Chiron’s entry into the elite group of vehicles that can surpass 300 mph. An exclusive series of high-performance models for customers is expected to follow this achievement.
In a remarkable feat, a specially modified Chiron, referred to as a “pre-production prototype,” achieved a GPS-verified speed of 304.773 mph in Germany. Acclaimed driver Andy Wallace was behind the wheel during this extraordinary attempt, reclaiming the title of the fastest production car in the world from the Koenigsegg Agera RS. However, to officially solidify this record, Bugatti will need to sell a limited number of these vehicles. Reports suggest that this model may be named the Chiron Super Sport 300.
“Achieving such incredible speed is beyond belief. But the Chiron was prepared very well, and I felt safe even at such high velocities,” said Wallace. “From the first attempt, I had a sense this would work. The Chiron performed flawlessly, and the track conditions, along with the weather, were perfect. The entire team did an outstanding job.”
There are few places in the world suitable for reaching such speeds—military runways are among them. One of the locations fits this criterion perfectly: the Volkswagen Group’s test track in Ehra-Lessien, Germany. However, this record attempt required more than simply disabling a speed limiter on a standard Chiron. Bugatti assembled a specialized team to develop a unique version of the hypercar, featuring increased power from its W16 engine (now 1,578 hp), upgraded Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, a fortified safety structure, refined aerodynamic components, and a 10-inch extended body.
Dallara engineers contributed to the vehicle’s chassis and aerodynamic stability. Tire performance has historically posed a challenge for Bugatti; while Michelin had previously tested tires at 300 mph, this time they undertook an exhaustive effort to create ideal tires, examining them for minute imperfections and even conducting tests at speeds up to 317 mph in the lab. Every component underwent rigorous testing before the attempt on August 2.
The results from the record-breaking run were astonishing: at 300 mph, the Bugatti Chiron covers one mile in just 12 seconds, translating to an incredible speed of 446 feet per second. Meanwhile, the tires are rotating a staggering 4,100 times per minute. However, the duration for which the Chiron can maintain this speed is still undetermined; for context, the Veyron’s fuel tank would empty after 12 minutes at maximum speed, and its tires were not designed for more than 15 minutes of sustained speeds exceeding 250 mph.
With this historic achievement, Bugatti concludes its pursuit of the 300 mph milestone and plans to shift focus away from chasing speed records that have defined the brand for over a decade. "Our aim was to be the first manufacturer to reach that elusive 300 mph mark. We’ve accomplished this, which fills us with tremendous pride," stated Bugatti president Stephan Winkelmann. "We have proven multiple times that we build the fastest cars in the world. Moving forward, our attention will turn to other areas."
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