Bugatti recently premiered a meaner and leaner version of the Chiron at the Geneva Motor Show followed by the New York Auto Show. Known as Bugatti Chiron Sport, this one has the same power output and performance data as the old one but is 18 kg lighter along with significantly improved handling and even greater agility.
The Chiron Sport runs on 16 cylinders with four turbochargers generating a total power of 1500hp, which helps it vroom 0-100 kph within 2.5 seconds! This coupled with improved handling and significant weight reduction has helped the Chiron Sport post lap times on Nardò handling circuit five seconds better than with Chiron.
The right weight is lightweight!
On the exteriors, the Sport is distinguished from the Chiron with its new wheel design, four-pipe exhaust deflector and an industry first carbon fiber windscreen wipers! The use of carbon fiber in the wipers has shaved off around 1.5 kg of the total weight of the car. What’s more, these are built using futuristic weight-saving 3D printing process!
Other areas where the use of carbon fiber has helped in weight reduction are in the new wheels, stabilizer and intercooler cover. The new exhaust deflectors and lighter glass in rear window have also helped the cause.
An upgrade on its predecessor, the Chiron Sport comes with a dynamic handling package and a stiffer suspension. When compared to the Chiron, the suspensions of the Sport react 10 percent more stiffly. Also modified is the steering of the Sport without compromising on the direct feel and handling of the vehicle. However, these settings are only applicable in the Handling mode of the Sport, thus offering a clearer differentiation from the EB mode.
Additionally, optimization of the rear-axle differential and a Dynamic Torque Vectoring function distributes torque individually to the wheels on each side. This helps result in the remarkably improved steering behavior and agility in tight curves. This change is effective in all driving modes.
At the Nardo circuit reference track, the Chiron Sport beats its predecessors lap time by 5 seconds and achieves full handling potential even at cornering speeds in excess of 200 kph!
Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S explains it best, “The Chiron Sport has become perceptibly more nimble and its new agility, especially in tight corners makes for a much more emotional experience for the driver on winding roads and handling circuits.”
This is why the extreme power and performance data of the Chiron as well as the ease and convenience of driving remain unchanged. There is however a significant improvement in the handling of the Chiron Sport.
Sport as the color and trim
The France-based carmaker is allowing customers to pick their choice of colors and trim options for an even sportier appearance. The car features a classic dual tone color scheme distinguishing the rear end from the front. While the rear is mainly determined by visible grey carbon, there are several options to choose for the front end which include Italian Red, French Racing Blue, silver Gris Rafale and a dark grey Gun Powder shade.
As for the interiors, it is dominantly black with anodized finish. While the steering wheel and selector lever are wrapped in suede leather, alcantara for the roof liner including the A-pillar and sun blinds, the rear wall trim, the sill trims, the lower part of the central console, the insides of the seat side cushions and the boot lining. As for the seats, the inside door trims, the islands on the dashboard including the instrument cluster trim, the airbag container on the steering wheel and the armrest and insert of the central console feature smooth leather. Lastly, carbon fiber makes an appearance again in the dashboard itself, the door trims, the rears of the backrests and the steering column housing.
The Chiron Sport is not just a Chiron with aa Sport badge, it indeed lives up to its name considering the improved handling, agility, sportier yet minimal design changes and most importantly its weight reduction compared to its standard model. This is best summed up by Stephan Winkelmann,”We have developed the Chiron Sport for customers wanting an even sportier driving experience with their Chiron, with improved lateral dynamics on winding roads. What was important for us was to leave unchanged the unique character of the Chiron, its combination of ultimate performance, longitudinal acceleration and maximum speed with luxury, comfort and everyday usability.”
