Bugatti’s Chiron will conquer the world with a 290 mph top speed, 2.2-second sprint to 60

By Miles Branman December 30, 2015

Bugatti GT Concept — Bugatti Gran Turismo Concept Image used with permission by copyright holder

The rumor mill has churned up details on Bugatti’s upcoming Veyron-replacement, the Chiron. Ahead of its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, a report from the Czech Republic is citing a presentation by Bugatti for potential customers that states the Chiron’s output and top speed.

As anticipated, the source says the new supercar will make 1,500 horsepower and 1,107 pound-feet of torque from an updated version of the Veyron’s quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine with some electric supplication.

The real news is that the Chiron will reportedly launch from 0 to 60 mph in 2.2 seconds and will continue on to a top speed of 290 mph. Not only would those numbers reclaim the world’s fastest title for Bugatti (by about 20 mph), it also means rivals will have a large gap to overcome should they want to catch up (and will require an exceedingly long runway).

Likely in part due to the astronomically high performance specs, Bugatti has already secured 130 customer orders, a good chunk of the planned 500 examples. With the automaker only expected to produce 100 units per year, even the initial wait list will stretch well into 2017 or 2018, and the car’s lifecycle will last five years total (half the length of the Veyron’s).

It should shock precisely no one that Bugatti will demand a massive investment in exchange for the world’s new speed king. If rumors are true, then the Chiron will cost $2.19 million for the coupe, while the following Targa version will certainly cost tens of thousands more.

Before the Geneva Motor Show’s first press days, Bugatti plans to reveal the Chiron online in February. If you listen careful, you can hear Hennessey and Koenigsegg grumbling about aerodynamics, transmissions, and powertrains required to best Volkswagen Group’s new champion.

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