Story has been updated with high-resolution photos and a video
Bugatti may be a one-model brand but the Chiron is getting so many variants it’s getting hard to keep track of all of them. Adding to the long list of special edition Chirons is the new Pur Sport, billed as the driver’s Chiron.
By upgrading the W16-powered hypercar’s aerodynamics and suspension, reducing weight and making power more readily available, engineers improved handling and made the Chiron more enjoyable to drive in the bends.
As you can imagine, the engine remains the same 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 that makes 1,500 PS (1,103 kW / 1,479 HP). However, the redline has moved 200 rpm higher than on the “regular” Chiron, reaching 6,900 rpm now. That’s because the monumental engine is now mated to a recalibrated automatic transmission.
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Changes to the gearbox also include 15-percent closer gear ratios that have a positive effect on power delivery and engine response – not that the Chiron really needed that. The result is 40 percent better elasticity values compared with the standard model.
The chassis sees significant upgrades as well, including 65 percent stiffer front springs, 33 percent stiffer rear springs, and performance-focused adaptive damping. The Chiron Pur Sport rides on 35-lbs (16-kg) lighter Aero wheels, designed to improve aerodynamics and the ventilation of the brakes. The rims are shod with special Bugatti Sport Cup 2 R tires developed by Michelin, sized 285/30 R20 at the front and 355/25 R21 at the rear.
In the braking department, Bugatti opted for new titanium brake pad base panels and lighter discs which, together with the lighter alloys, make the Chiron Pur Sport 42 lbs (19 kg) lighter than a regular model.
Bugatti made changes to the Chiron’s exterior as well, with the Pur Sport adopting an aerodynamically-optimized front fascia with bigger apertures, a larger horseshoe grille, and a new splitter – all made from carbon fiber.
The rear end sees changes as well, including a 74.8-inch (1.9-meter) wide spoiler said to generate “serious amounts of downforce”. The exhaust pipes made of 3D-printed titanium are also new and Bugatti says they’re extremely lightweight and highly resistant to extreme temperatures.
Bugatti will only build 16 Chiron Pur Sport models from the second half of 2020 and each will be priced at €3.2 million ($3.55 million) excluding VAT. We wonder what owners of standard Chiron and (especially) Chiron Sport models think about these upgrades they’re not getting, even though they paid a cool $3 million (at least) on a Chiron.