Bugatti Details $5m Divo’s Development As First Examples Head To Customers

Bugatti introduced the limited edition Divo in the summer of 2018 and now the first models are headed to eager customers.

Billed as the “most breathtaking and exclusive hyper sports cars of modern times,” the Divo’s story begins in early 2018 as customers told the company they wanted an “agile and corner-hungry car.”

Work then got underway and a few things were very clear from the start. First and foremost, the Divo had to be “very different from the Chiron” and even more exclusive. The model also had to be sportier and more agile, without sacrificing comfort.

Also Read: Bugatti Divo Debuts With 1500 HP, Production Limited To 40 Units

That’s no easy task, but an initial design was completed within a few months and presented to Chiron owners. Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann says they “instantly understood the sporty approach of the Divo” and supported the project.

Following the positive reaction, engineers started running computer simulations and creating a prototype. The model was up and running nearly a year after the project started, and it was taken to various testing grounds including the Nürburgring.

As part of the chassis development process, a prototype traveled more than 3,106 miles (5,000 km) while being tested at speeds up to 236 mph (380 km/h). Engineers also fine-tuned the suspension and chassis until the Divo’s agility could no longer be increased.

Of course, the team’s work didn’t stop there as they strove to ensure the Divo was lighter than the Chiron. In order to drop 77 lbs (35 kg) of weight, they installed lighter wheels and a new carbon fiber intercooler cover. The Divo was also equipped with a lightweight audio system, less insulation and fewer storage compartments.

Engineers weren’t the only ones hard at work as designer had to create a more athletic and aggressive hypercar. No stone was left unturned as the Divo has a unique look and revised aerodynamics which generate an additional 198 lbs (90 kg) of downforce.

One of the few things to carryover directly from the Chiron is the quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine. It produces 1,479 hp (1,103 kW / 1,500 PS) and this enables the Divo to hit a top speed of 236 mph (380 km/h).

According to Winkelmann, “With the new design of the Divo and its completely different handling performance, we have succeeded in creating a true masterpiece of automotive craftsmanship that fully revives our long-standing tradition of coachbuilding.” He added the car is an “absolute must-have for any Bugatti enthusiast’s hyper sports car collection.”

Of course, that’s easier said than done as Bugatti will only build 40 Divos and all have been spoken for despite its €5 ($5.4 / £4.4) million price tag.