https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FuS_bXJNync
Bugatti is going out on top. Well, for now, anyway.
Back in September 2019, the France-based luxury automaker retired from attempting top-speed records after a Chiron reached the incredible milestone of 304.773 MPH at Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany. Following the record-setting run, Stephan Winkelmann, who is the President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., made it clear that Bugatti would be driving off into the sunset. At least, as far as top-speed world records are concerned.
"However, ladies and gentlemen, this was the very last time for us," Winkelmann said. "We were the first ones to achieve this incredible milestone and we engraved our names in the history books forever. From now on, our minds and our focus will stay on different projects."
Talk about the ultimate mic drop!
"Our goal was to be the first manufacturer ever to reach the magic 300-mile-per-hour mark. We have now achieved this. In the future, we will focus on other areas" - see BUGATTI President Stephan Winkelmann's whole statement. #BUGATTI #FastestCar pic.twitter.com/cBH8YUfnKg
— Bugatti (@Bugatti) September 2, 2019
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As it turns out, the high-end sports car responsible for shattering the 300 MPH barrier wasn't your average Bugatti Chiron, but a pre-production car specially modified to churn out top-speed runs.
Per The Drive:
Featuring more power, reinforced tires, a stronger safety cell, revised aero, and a longtail body, the Bugatti Chiron achieved its latest record with Le Mans winner and Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace behind the wheel--the same man who took the McLaren F1 to a then-record-breaking 243 mph back in 1998.
With Bugatti removing itself from the competition, that leaves the Koenigsegg Jesko, the Hennessey Venom F5, and the SSC Tuatara with the closest chances of surpassing the impressive benchmark set by Bugatti. All three hypercar manufacturers claim that their vehicles can exceed 300 MPH, but can any of them actually take down Bugatti? I guess we'll have to wait and see.
This post was originally published on September 4, 2019.