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Modified Bugatti Chiron Hits 304 MPH Thanks To Aero Improvements, More Power

Awesome as it may be, the Chiron and derivatives haven’t managed to hit or surpass the 300-mph threshold in road-going specification. But Bugatti knew this type of velocity is possible, hence the modifications brought to the black-and-orange prototype in the following clip.
Bugatti Chiron prototype hitting 304.77mph  (490.48 km/h) 21 photos
Photo: Bugatti
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The list of modifications starts with an extended tail section, adding 25 centimeters to the overall length of the French hypercar. Bugatti also ditched the airbrake and streamlined the rear deck to improve aerodynamic efficiency, redesigning the exhaust system and diffuser in the process.

Up front, you’ll spot a different set of air vents and a larger splitter as well. As the headline implies, the 8.0-liter blunderbuss has been upgraded as well. From 1,500 to 1,600 PS (1,479 to 1,578 horsepower), the quad-turbo W16 engine is connected to the stock DCT and all-wheel-drive system.

Described as a near-production prototype by its maker, the record-breaking Chiron was driven by Andy Wallace at the Ehra-Lessien testing facility to an eye-watering 304.77 miles per hour. That’s 490.48 km/h if you prefer the metric system, an achievement that outclasses Koenigsegg. The Regera RS was the previous record holder, claiming a two-run average of 277.87 mph.

On that note, read the first sentence of the previous paragraph again. What does Bugatti mean by “near-production prototype” going forward? A special and extremely limited edition based on this car here would be an interesting way to cash out on the record-breaking run, don’t you agree?

This takes the subject back to Koenigsegg, but as opposed to the Regera RS, we’re now switching to the Jesko. The mid-engined model will enter production in 2020, and the Swedish company is expected a top speed in excess of 300 miles per hour from a V8 with 1,600 PS (1,578 horsepower).

Bugatti has been working on the purpose-built land missile for six months, and during this time, the engineers have also modified the suspension system with a laser-controlled automatic ride height adjustment. On that note, here’s looking forward to the Chiron SS in 2020 at the earliest.

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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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