The Inaugural $3 Million Bugatti Chiron Dyno Examination Posed Significant Challenges

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Many astounding figures are associated with the Bugatti Chiron hypercar. For instance, it reaches a maximum speed of 260 miles per hour and accelerates from zero to 62 and back to zero once more in just under five seconds. It is also equipped with four turbos and 16 cylinders that produce 1,500 horsepower and 1,180 pound-feet of torque. In order to validate the accuracy of these performance metrics, Cannonball Garage in Gilberts, Illinois decided to subject one to a dynamometer test. This was potentially the first instance of a Chiron being tested on a dynamometer outside of the confines of Bugatti’s facilities. (At least the first instance that has been publicly disclosed.)

To get to the core of the matter, the unmodified hypercar managed to produce 1,369 hp at the wheels and 1,163 pound-feet of torque. The peak power and torque were achieved at 6,620 rpm and 5,060 rpm, respectively, with the car using 93 octane fuel. Accounting for drivetrain losses, it can be said that Bugatti’s official specifications are quite precise, if not slightly conservative.

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Of particular interest and possibly one of the reasons for the delayed undertaking was the considerable complexity involved in placing the Chiron on the dynamometer. Not only are these vehicles scarce, but a substantial underbody tray had to be dismantled as well.

“We stumbled upon what might be the most extensive single-piece undertray beneath this vehicle,” remarked Arne Toman, owner of Cannonball Garage, to The Drive. “Initially, we made a rough sketch and were taken aback!” Toman estimated its length to be about two-thirds that of the car itself.

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“We commenced a meticulous disassembly process,” he elaborated further. “Upon closer inspection, it became evident that it had sturdy control arms. We informed our client and assured them that we could securely anchor the vehicle and conduct the dynamometer test.”

Even after the removal of the undertray, the vehicle had to be carefully positioned on the rollers. It barely fit, but fit it did. “We had to align it meticulously because the dyno rollers have a width of 81 inches—the [Chiron] is 80 inches wide… We took great care to ensure a safe dyno testing procedure. Extra precautions were taken throughout the operation, more than usual.”

On a side note, the owner of this Chiron from the Hamilton Collection purportedly drove the vehicle to Cannonball Garage and also possesses a McLaren Senna equipped with enhanced downpipes, among other exotic cars. Another interesting tidbit: Toman also holds the Cannonball Run record, completing a jaunt from New York to Los Angeles in 25 hours and 39 minutes in a modified Audi S6.