Ever since the Bugatti Chiron was launched, with a 261-mph speed limiter, we’ve been desperate to know what it could manage if let off the leash. Now Bugatti has done that at the vast Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany; the car smashed both the production-car record and the 300-mph barrier.
Factory test driver Andy Wallace, who previously set production-car records in both the Jaguar XJ220 and the McLaren F1, drove a slightly modified Chiron to a time, certified by the German TÜV organization, of 304.773 mp
The Chiron used was in what is described by Bugatti as “near production” spec, modified with an additional safety cell and with aerodynamic changes and higher seventh-gear ratios, which we believe will be incorporated into a celebratory limited-edition model. It also used a slightly more powerful version of the regular Chiron’s quad-turbocharged W-16 engine, turned up to produce 1600 hp, the same total made by the recently announced Centodieci.
The record was set in conjunction with Italian constructor Dallara, which makes the Chiron’s body and developed the aerodynamic kit, and also Michelin which created the very special tires capable of dealing with such huge forces, rotating up to 4100 times a minute. The specially constructed Michelin Pilot Cup 2 tires were all X-rayed before being selected for use on the car.
via@caranddriver
