Watch The Bugatti Chiron Hypercar Shatter 300MPH Barrier To Capture Production World Record
While 261 mph is no doubt impressive, 300 mph sounds even better. And the Chiron has just shattered that barrier. Andy Wallace, who serves as a factory test driver for Bugatti, managed to take the Chiron to a positively minding-blowing top speed of 304.773 mph. For comparison, this "production" Chiron managed to crush previous records set by other hypercars including Koenigsegg's high watermark of 284.55 mph and Hennessey's 270.49 mph run.
According to Bugatti, the vehicle was "near production" spec with only a few minor modifications to achieve the 300+ mph speeds and to ensure the safety of the driver. These changes include aero enhancements, special tires, stiffer passenger cell, and an engine upgraded to produce 1578 horsepower. Amusingly, the engine carries the nickname "Thor", which seems quite apt in this situation.
"What a record! We're overjoyed to be the first manufacturer ever to have achieved a speed of more than 300 miles per hour. It’s a milestone for eternity. I would like to thank the whole team and driver Andy Wallace for this outstanding performance,” said Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann.
The results of the Bugatti Chiron's magnificent speed run were verified by Germany’s Technical Inspection Association, TÜV, and were achieved on Germany's Ehra-Lessien test track. Needless to say, you won't be hitting 300+ mph, or even its official 261 mph top speed on public roads.