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Bugatti is planning several additional variants of the Chiron

Bugatti confirmed it's done trying to build the fastest car in the world, but that doesn't mean it will shift its focus away from performance. The company's chief executive confirmed additional high-performance variants of the Chiron are on the way, and they'll each explore different ways to go fast. Speaking with Roadshow, Bugatti CEO Stephan Winkelmann admitted putting such a big emphasis on top speed was a mistake. "If you look back at the 1920s and the 1930s, Ettore Bugatti has never done only top speed," he pointed out. "Performance is not just going straight and going very fast." Bugatti started moving way from jaw-dropping top speed figures when it introduced the Divo, a Chiron-based model developed with handling in mind, in 2018. Looking ahead, the company will continue to release different variants of the Chiron developed to excel in other performance realms. That seemingly means the 304-mph Chiron Super Sport 300+ will remain the company's fastest car. While he stopped short of laying out the company's product plan, Winkelmann outlined a variant with an impressive power-to-weight ratio, and one that puts an unprecedented priority on handling. There will be others, too; he predicted the Chiron's basic platform can soldier on until about 2025, though production is strictly limited to 500 examples, and a good chunk of the run has already been claimed. Bugatti has time to figure out which direction the Chiron's successor should go in. In the meantime, its research and development department has already started thinking about a second model that will, in Winkelmann's words, be a different type of car. While rumors point to an SUV, he hinted the model could arrive as a "two-plus-two for daily use, with more room and more luggage compartment," and it might receive some form of electrification to keep fuel economy and emissions in check.

Saudi Prince buys Bugatti Chiron and Vision Gran Turismo

The 1,500 horsepower, $2.5 million 2017 Bugatti Chiron isn't on sale yet. The car isn't even production ready. That doesn't mean you can't get your hands on one. Just ask Prince Badr bin Saud of Saudi Arabia, who recently purchased two one-off versions of the upcoming hypercar. Prince Badr recently posted a photo to his Instagram account showing the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo concept that debuted last year parked alongside the Chiron concept car from the Geneva Motor Show. The photos was taken by photographer GFWilliams, who posted a few on his Facebook page. There's no word on how much the Prince paid for the pair, but Carscoops estimates it's in excess of $5 million, based on the production car's MSRP. Carscoops also quoted Bugatti, who said that the Prince had the highest bid, implying that he wasn't the only interested party. While both cars are pre-production concepts, they still have Bugatti's quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine. It's unclear if the cars are drivable, but the photos do show both have Saudi Arabian license plates. Even if the cars don't actually run, they'll make some pretty impressive display pieces. In a few weeks, the Vision Gran Turismo is set to appear at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance alongside another Chiron, so it seems Prince Badr hasn't yet taken possession of the cars. Once he does, these two rare Bugatti models are sure to enter an impressive collection in Saudi Arabia. Related Video: Featured Gallery Bugatti Chiron Pair News Source: CarscoopsImage Credit: Instagram, GFWilliams Bugatti Supercars Bugatti Chiron

Bugatti Chiron piloted by Juan Pablo Montoya sets 0-249-0 speed record

Bugatti has a penchant for recalibrating our notion of speed. Quickest, fastest, most powerful, world record — just words. Mere descriptors. To really get a sense of how quick a car like the Chiron is, you need to witness its ferocity in person. Since that's not possible for most of us, seeing it on video is the next best thing. So here's a quick video of a Bugatti Chiron, driven by Indy 500 winner Juan Pablo Montoya, accelerating from 0 to 249 miles per hour (400 kilometers per hour) in just 32.6 seconds. But Bugatti wasn't done. Equally as impressive, Montoya stomped the brakes at 249 mph hard enough to bring the Chiron back down to a halt in just 9.3 additional seconds, aided by the rear spoiler's airbrake functionality. Yep, that's 0-249-0 in 41.96 seconds. From start to finish, Montoya covered 1.93 miles in the Chiron, and it apparently didn't take much effort from the driver. "You didn't need the complex preparations we have to make in racing for the 0-400-0 drive," said Montoya. "With the Chiron, it was all quite easy. Just get in and drive off. Incredible." Incredible is a good word for it. But Bugatti isn't finished setting records with the Chiron. The company has stated its goal of proving the Chiron is the fastest production vehicle ever by beating the Veyron's top-speed record of 267.855 mph. That's planned for 2018, so there's plenty more time for records to fall and would-be challengers to arise. Stay tuned. Related Video: Featured Gallery Bugatti Chiron 0-400-0 km/h Record Run Related Gallery Bugatti Chiron 0-400-0 km/h Record Car: Frankfurt 2017 News Source: Bugatti Bugatti Luxury Performance Supercars world record Bugatti Chiron juan pablo montoya