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Bugatti Test Driver Reveals Chiron Caught Air at 277 MPH During Record Run
Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace has disclosed a remarkable detail about his record-setting drive in the Chiron, where he reached a speed of 304.773 mph: the car actually caught air during the run. In a conversation with Australia’s Wheels, Wallace explained that a minor flaw in the road surface at the Ehra-Lessien test facility acted like a “ramp” during his attempt.
“There is a surface change on the straight, and I was calling it a ramp and jump, while others were curious about my terminology,” Wallace recounted. “Once they analyzed the data, they understood it really was a jump. This happens at 277 mph during the run, transitioning from a smooth surface to an older one. Inside the cabin, it felt as though the vehicle lifted off the ground before coming down again.”
Wallace acknowledged that he was aware of the jump ahead of time but felt powerless to prepare for it aside from pressing the accelerator and hoping for a safe landing. “You know the surface change is there, and while pushing through the banking, as the numbers rise, you brace for the jump,” he noted. “However, releasing the throttle would exacerbate the situation, causing the front to pitch and creating significant issues. It’s better to maintain speed, meaning you simply have to go with it and trust for the best outcome.”
Upon reaching 277 mph, onboard footage does indeed show the Bugatti experiencing a small lift-off, though it may not be as dramatic as a stunt from Evel Knievel. Nevertheless, having all four wheels leave the ground at such high speed undoubtedly requires extraordinary composure.
In a surprisingly casual manner, Wallace remarked, “The Chiron has always been quite stable when encountering similar situations,” much like someone might casually mention their well-adjusted pet.
“It consistently lands squarely on all four wheels without swaying or pitching—just up and down, which is incredibly helpful in this scenario,” he added. Wallace, who previously drove the McLaren F1 to a record speed of 240 mph on the same track in 1998, noted this impressive reliability.
After announcing the new top speed record, Bugatti suggested that the pre-production Chiron Super Sport could have reached even higher speeds—15 mph more—if the test had taken place in Nevada instead of Germany. They subsequently unveiled the official production model named the Chiron Super Sport 300+, priced at $5.19 million. Consequently, it is improbable that many enthusiasts will be looking to take their vehicles over any “sweet jumps” anytime soon.
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