Key Takeaways:
– Bugatti is in pursuit of a new top-speed record of 310 miles per hour.
– The company’s goal was revealed in a conversation between the CEO, Mate Rimac, and a Michelin engineer.
– Bugatti has yet to reveal the performance details of its new V-16 hybrid-powered Tourbillon car.
– A suitable location for the record-breaking attempt is yet to be decided.
Rocketing into New Heights
Bugatti, a name synonymous with ultra-luxury and record-breaking speeds, is gearing up to create another milestone in the high-speed realm. The automobile giant already amazed the world with the Mistral’s staggering 282-mph speed run. Mate Rimac, the CEO of Bugatti, confirmed the new target: establishing a fresh speed record of 310 miles per hour or approximately 500 kilometers per hour.
A Michelin Conversation Sparking Speculations
The company’s new ambition came to light through Rimac’s conversation with one of the Michelin engineers. His questions were focused on whether the tires could hit the 500-km/h boundary, stirring curiosity. Rimac’s interest in putting the ‘five’ in front of the high-speed record left the company’s intention transparent and unambiguous.
A New Beast: The V-16 Hybrid-Powered Tourbillon
Whilst Bugatti hasn’t yet unveiled the performance metrics of its latest creation, the V-16 hybrid-powered Tourbillon, it is anticipated to have the power and aerodynamics to attain the fantastical 500 km/h mark. This car could be the giant leap that pushes the boundaries of speed to the fabled 310-mph.
Locating the Perfect Test Ground
Achieving this mind-blowing speed will not merely be about the power under the hood but also about finding the perfect location to let the beast run free. With access to the Ehra-Lessien high-speed testing facility no longer available after the company’s acquisition from the Volkswagen Group, Bugatti will need to scout for a new ground.
The Ehra-Lessien facility was the site where the Veyron and the Chiron Super Sports set their respective records at 267-mph and 304-mph. Without access to this facility, Bugatti might return to Papenburg, where their Mistral’s open-roof record was established. They could also set their compass towards iconic runways such as the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, just as manufacturers like Hennessey and SSC do.
Another plausible route could mirror the strategy of Koenigsegg, which involves shutting down a public road to perform record runs. Regardless of where they plan to test this vehicular powerhouse, Bugatti is laser-focused on setting a new recordbreaking speed milestone.
Conclusion
If Bugatti were to achieve this 310-mph target, it would be the dawn of a new chapter in the realms of high-performance vehicles. It’s not just about achieving a new top-speed record; it’s about pushing limits, disrupting perceptions, and carving a path for the future of speed. As we all wonder where and when the Bugatti Tourbillon will demonstrate its potential, one thing is certain: it aims to redefine speed with the call of 310 miles per hour.