Much the same way as the Veyron upset the concepts of product car speeds back in 2003, the Chiron is expected to set performance benchmarks come its introduction in 2017. Now we’re learning that there will be two flavors of the new model, including a Targa variant in 2018.
Autovisie reports that the Chiron Targa will come with removable carbon fiber roof panels and a “T-bar” connecting the windscreen to the rear window to give the supercar structural rigidity at high speeds. And high speeds they will be, with estimates somewhere in the 280 mph ballpark. It’s unclear if the Targa will be able to match the coupe’s top end, but even a few miles per hour off still will mean the fastest production Targa ever made.
Unconfirmed at this time, the Bugatti Chiron is expected to use a quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine (like the Veyron) to produce 1,479 horsepower and 1,107 pound-feet of torque — significantly more than its predecessor. The powerplant will be paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission sending power to all four-wheels. This setup should enable a 0-to-60 mph sprint of just 2.3 seconds, right around the Porsche 918 Spyder’s record.
Bugatti only plans to build 500 examples and already 120 orders have come in from Veyron customers and other interested parties. The first Chirons will roll off the assembly line in 2017 at a cost of $212,863 initial deposit plus $957,523 for the second transaction, and the remaining balance thereafter. All told, the new Chiron will cost somewhere between $2.3 and 2.6 million.
For that sum, buyers could also purchase both the $1.4 million Ferrari LaFerrari and the $1.15 million McLaren P1. Decisions!
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