Bugatti pumps out special editions which run the gamut from ultra luxurious to ultra high-performance.
They need to stand out from one another and Bugatti’s deputy design director, Frank Heyl, has revealed how the Chiron Pur Sport and Chiron Super Sport 300+ are unique while also being quite similar.
As Heyl explained, “When designing the Chiron Pur Sport and the Chiron Super Sport 300+, the focus was on technical principles to such an extent that it was crucial to establish a symbiosis between design and technology.” This is understandable as designers had to create a unique look for the cars, while also factoring in performance requirements. Given this, Heyl said “designers had to work closely together with the engineers during the development process.”
Also Read: Bugatti Chiron Prototype Hits A Certified 304.77 MPH
Chiron Pur Sport top, Chiron Super Sport 300+ bottom
In regards to the Chiron Pur Sport, Bugatti focused on lateral acceleration and cornering. To help improve its manners, designers enlarged the front air intakes and created a splitter that generates maximum downforce while also “visually supporting the broad effect at the front.”
Designers didn’t stop there as they gave the model a unique color split which has a painted upper section and an exposed carbon lower section. Heyl says this helps to give the Chiron Pur Sport a flatter and wider appearance, and this reflects its sporty personality.
Of course, the front aerodynamic changes meant the rear end needed to be updated as well. As a result, they equipped the model with a 6.2 foot (1.9 meter) wide rear wing and a massive diffuser to increase downforce. These weren’t the only changes as the model was also outfitted with titanium tailpipes that were 3D-printed.
Chiron Pur Sport top, Chiron Super Sport 300+ bottom
Heyl is particularly fond of 3D printing as he said it “frees us from the limitations of shapes and radii.” He went on to say it enables the company to make “very specific components” such as the tailpipes which feature a thin-wall for maximum weight savings.
The attention to detail doesn’t stop there as the Chiron Pur Sport offers optional wheels with aero blades. Bugatti says the magnesium wheels produce air suction which draws heat away from the brakes and out the rear of the car. The wheels also help to save an additional 35.3 lbs (16 kg) of weight.
While the Chiron Pur Sport is focused on handling and has a limited top speed of 217 mph (350 km/h), the Chiron Super Sport 300+ is the opposite as top speed was main consideration. Given this, Heyl said “It was clear to us from the start that we needed to greatly reduce wind resistance” as “a vehicle that can go over 300 miles per hour [483 km/h] has to be extremely streamlined.”
Chiron Pur Sport right, Chiron Super Sport 300+ left
Since there’s no easy to dramatically improve the aerodynamics of the Chiron, the team embarked on making a series of small changes that add up to impressive results.
One of the biggest changes was the creation of a longtail design which Heyl described as the “fulfilment of a long-cherished dream.” In total, about 9.8 inches (25 cm) have been added to the car as the “aim is to keep the laminar flow against the body for as long as possible.”
That wasn’t the only change as the diffuser needed the “smoothest possible air flow.” To accommodate this, the exhaust system was moved to the sides to allow for a streamlined diffuser. The change also enabled designers to get a bit creative so they styled the exhaust tips after the twin afterburners used on the English Electric Lightning F6.
Chiron Pur Sport top, Chiron Super Sport 300+ bottom
Elsewhere, the Chiron Super Sport 300+ has an optimized front end which is “primarily aimed at routing the air around the corners of the vehicle.” Among the changes are pronounced air curtains which guide air around the sides of the car while also improving the flow of air into the side radiators.
One of the more interesting touches are the holes on top of each front fender. They help to prevent pressure from building up in the wheel arches and this helps to eliminate lift.
As a final touch, the model has an exposed carbon fiber exterior with orange accents. The color combination echoes that used on the Veyron Super Sport World Record Edition and Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse WRC Edition.
