The current world production car speed record is held by the Bugatti Veyron, and now its successor, the Bugatti Chiron, is looking to break the record.
The existing record stands at 268 miles per hour or 431 kilometers per hour. This record was set by former F1 driver Pierre-Henri Raphanel at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien test facility back in 2010.
Bugatti Chiron: A New Contender
The new Chiron comes with considerably more power than the Veyron. It boasts a massive 1479 horsepower and 1179 lb-ft of torque. When the car was announced, Bugatti stated it has a top speed of 261 miles per hour, which is less than the record. However, this figure is electronically limited for safety reasons. The Veyron had a stated top speed of 257 miles per hour, which is also less than the record it set. The new car is expected to beat the existing record once the electronic limiter is removed.
The Chiron’s design and engineering are a testament to Bugatti’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. The car features an 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine, which is a significant upgrade from the Veyron’s engine. This powertrain allows the Chiron to accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 2.4 seconds, making it one of the fastest accelerating cars in the world.
Technological Innovations
One of the key factors that could help the Chiron break the speed record is its advanced aerodynamics. The car has been designed with a focus on reducing drag and increasing downforce, which are crucial for achieving high speeds. The Chiron features an adaptive rear wing that adjusts its position based on the car’s speed and driving conditions, providing optimal aerodynamic performance at all times.
In addition to its aerodynamics, the Chiron also benefits from state-of-the-art materials and construction techniques. The car’s chassis is made from carbon fiber, which is both lightweight and incredibly strong. This helps to reduce the car’s overall weight, allowing it to achieve higher speeds more easily. The Chiron also features advanced suspension and braking systems, which provide exceptional handling and stopping power, even at high speeds.
Another significant innovation in the Chiron is its advanced cooling system. High-performance engines generate a lot of heat, and managing this heat is crucial for maintaining performance and reliability. The Chiron features a sophisticated cooling system with multiple radiators and intercoolers, ensuring that the engine remains at optimal temperatures even under extreme conditions.
Looking Ahead
While the Chiron’s electronically limited top speed is impressive, many enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the day when Bugatti decides to remove the limiter and attempt to break the Veyron’s record officially. Given the Chiron’s advanced engineering and significantly higher power output, it seems likely that it will be able to surpass the Veyron’s record and set a new benchmark for production car speed.
The pursuit of speed records is not just about bragging rights; it also drives technological advancements that can benefit the broader automotive industry. Innovations developed for high-performance cars like the Chiron often trickle down to more mainstream vehicles, improving safety, efficiency, and performance for everyday drivers.
The Bugatti Chiron represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering and performance. With its incredible power, advanced aerodynamics, and cutting-edge technology, it is well-positioned to break the current world production car speed record. As we look forward to future speed record attempts, the Chiron stands as a symbol of human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Source Autocar
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