Bugatti Vision GT concept the upcoming Veyron successor ? in depth behind scenes [video]

With the arrival of  LaFerrari, McLaren’s P1 and Porsche’s 918, the Bugatti Veyron became the forgotten hero of speed. Despite boasting four turbochargers, 16 cylinders, more power and a significantly higher top speed, the hybrid hypercar triumvirate suddenly rendered the Veyron a product with its roots based in the 20th century.



The Veyron-replacing Chiron took a step closer in September with the Frankfurt motor show reveal of the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo for Playstation gamers. Bugatti insiders admitted that the Vision’s styling, while drawing inspiration from some of the firm’s classic racing cars (Type
35 and Type 57 G Tank) provided hints at the new model’s design direction. Strip away the Le Mans inspired aero addenda and the Vision provides strong clues to the Chiron, which will be based on a revised version of the Veyron’s carbon fibre and aluminium structure.

According to our information, the Vision’s dramatic C-shaped scallop in the flanks is a certainty for production. The Chiron will also be powered by a revised 8.0-litre, quad-turbocharged W16 from the
Veyron. In a nod to the current hypercar heroes, expect some form of hybridisation. Company insiders have given strong indications that the Chiron’s W16 will make a peak of 1103kW (1500 metric horsepower) and 1500Nm.

That prodigious power is put to the ground via all wheel drive and the first 100km/h is rumoured to arrive in as little as 2.3 seconds. The Chiron keeps piling on the speed and is said to hit 160km/h
in under 4.5 seconds. Top speed was the Veyron’s biggest draw card, and the Chiron doesn’t disappoint with a 460km/h vmax.

The Chiron is likely to make its debut at the Geneva motor show in March 2016, with first deliveries later that year or in early 2017. Bugatti has already shown the finished car to several perspective clients at its Molsheim facility in eastern France.

These clients will pay at least $2.8 million (plus local taxes) for a Chiron and insiders suggest at least a dozen have already signed up. Bugatti built 450 Veyrons during its decade in production (2005-15) and while Wolfgang Dürheimer, President of Bugatti Automobiles, says the brand must remain the world’s most exclusive, it’s been suggested that the production run for the Chiron will be
expanded to 500 units.