Bugatti Chiron Brakes From 250 MPH in Record Time
The Bugatti Chiron has set the production car record for accelerating from 0-249 mph (400 km/h) and slowing back down to zero.
With IndyCar and ex-Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya at the helm, a production-spec Chiron accelerated from 0-249 mph and came to a complete stop in a mind-bending 41.96 seconds. The sprint from 0 to 249 mph took just 32.6 seconds, while slowing to a halt took another 9.3 seconds. The run, performed at VW’s top secret test track, was timed by German certification company SGS-TÜV Saar.
The Chiron is powered by a 1,479 horsepower quad-turbocharged W16 engine, which sends its power through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to a sophisticated all-wheel drive system. Equally as impressive as the powertrain is the braking system. Carbon ceramic rotors sit at all four corners and measure 16.5-inches out front and 15.7-inches in the rear. They are aided by a huge rear air brake that deploys when the brake pedal is applied heavily, sticking the rear end with an extra 900 kg of downforce (nearly 2,000 lbs). Bugatti says the Chiron takes just 491 meters to slow to a stop from 250 mph and pulls 2g in deceleration when doing so.
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The Chiron was so comfortable and composed during its record-setting runs that Montoya elected not to wear a helmet, fire-proof suit or HANS device. The Colombian racing driver was also impressed that no complicated procedures were required before the team set off on the 0-400-0 runs – in a Chiron, you just get in and go.
“Of course, the Chiron is a super sports car that requires your full attention when you are behind the wheel,” he said. “At the same time, it gave me such a feeling of security and reliability that I was entirely relaxed and really enjoyed myself during my two days with the car.”
“It really was incredible to see that you didn’t need the complex preparations we have to make in racing for the 0-400 drive,” said Montoya. “With the Chiron, it was all quite easy. Just get in and drive off. Incredible.”
Montoya seems keen to hop back behind the wheel of the Chiron should Bugatti decide to try and beat its own top speed record set by the Veyron Super Sport back in 2010. In order to do that, the Chiron would have to breach the 268 mph (431 km/h) mark. The Chiron has a theoretical top speed of over 280 mph, but there’s currently no tire available that can withstand those forces (though Michelin is apparently on the case). If tire technologies reach a point where the Chiron can truly stretch its legs, we may see Montoya in the hypercar once again.
Sam McEachern holds a diploma in journalism from St. Clair College in Windsor, Ontario, and has been covering the automotive industry for over 5 years. He conducts reviews and writes AutoGuide's news content. He's a die-hard motorsports fan with a passion for performance cars of all sorts.
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Lousy article. There is NO video of the Chiron braking from any speed to any speed.