Bugatti is back in the race for speed supremacy, and its ambitious CEO, Mate Rimac, has hinted at an audacious goal: shattering the mythical 500 km/h (310 mph) barrier. The move comes after a recent triumph with the W16 Mistral, which claimed the title of the world’s fastest open-top car earlier this month. Despite stepping away from speed record attempts in 2019, it seems Bugatti’s passion for pushing boundaries remains undeterred.
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The W16 Mistral: A Prelude to Greater Things
The W16 Mistral’s record-breaking 282 mph run at Germany’s Papenburg track showcased Bugatti’s engineering prowess, but this achievement may only be the beginning. During the event, Rimac was spotted in deep discussion with Michelin engineers, posing a question that revealed his long-term ambitions: “What’s the maximum static load at zero kilometers per hour on the front and rear axle of the Turian tire?”
Such a technical query might sound puzzling to most, but Rimac hinted at its importance, saying, “Our most technical customers might know why I’m asking that.” His curiosity underscores Bugatti’s focus on the intricate details that make extreme performance possible.
Breaking the 500 km/h Mark: A Realistic Goal?
Rimac fueled excitement by teasing a new milestone: “Can we put the ‘five’ in front of the top speed record? Maybe next. Let’s see…”
This isn’t as far-fetched as it might seem. In 2019, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ achieved a jaw-dropping 490.48 km/h (304.7 mph) at Ehra-Lessien, though this feat didn’t meet Guinness World Record standards due to its one-directional nature. With this track record (pun intended), Bugatti is undoubtedly capable of scaling new heights.
Although the company had officially stepped back from speed-record pursuits after the Chiron’s success, Rimac’s leadership appears to have reignited its drive for velocity.
A Collector’s Dream Car
Interestingly, the W16 Mistral’s record wasn’t merely a Bugatti PR initiative. The achievement was driven by a prominent car collector’s son, who owns all three of Bugatti’s World Record Cars (the Veyron Super Sport, Grand Sport Vitesse, and Chiron Super Sport 300+). This collector commissioned Bugatti to repeat history with the $14 million W16 Mistral, demonstrating how passion and deep pockets can influence the automotive world.
Bugatti customers, on average, spend €500,000 ($530,000) on customizations per car, ensuring each vehicle is as unique as its owner. Such demand fuels Bugatti’s willingness to explore the limits of performance.
Tire Technology: The Key to Unlocking Speed
According to Rimac, the journey toward 310 mph isn’t just about engines but tires. Collaborations with Michelin have been instrumental in pushing boundaries, and Rimac emphasized how tire technology has evolved over the decades.
“These kinds of cars are, of course, for people who can afford them. But they’re also about exploring what’s possible,” Rimac said. “We are pushing tire technology higher. Tires today compared to 30 years ago are on a completely different level.”
This focus on tire performance aligns with Bugatti’s broader goals of innovation, demonstrating that speed records serve as testbeds for cutting-edge technology.
Rimac’s Record-Breaking Legacy
Before taking the reins at Bugatti, Mate Rimac was no stranger to record-breaking feats. Early in his career, he achieved five world records with his modified BMW E30 and later set 27 more with the Rimac Nevera, solidifying his reputation as an innovator in the hypercar world.
With Rimac’s expertise and Bugatti’s unmatched pedigree, the dream of surpassing 500 km/h feels closer than ever.
Competition on the Horizon
Bugatti isn’t alone in the quest for the 500 km/h milestone. Hypercar manufacturers like Koenigsegg and Hennessey are also eyeing the elusive target, creating an exciting rivalry that’s pushing the limits of automotive engineering.
Conclusion
Bugatti’s return to speed records signifies more than just a desire for accolades—it’s a testament to the brand’s unrelenting pursuit of innovation. Under Mate Rimac’s leadership, the path to 310 mph feels not only achievable but inevitable. As tire technology and engineering expertise continue to evolve, the question isn’t whether Bugatti will break this barrier—it’s when.
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FAQs
1. What is Bugatti’s fastest car to date?
The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ is the brand’s fastest car, reaching 490.48 km/h (304.7 mph) in 2019.
2. How fast is the W16 Mistral?
The W16 Mistral recently set a record as the world’s fastest open-top car, achieving 282 mph.
3. Why is tire technology crucial for speed records?
Tires must endure immense pressure, heat, and friction at extreme speeds. Advances in tire tech enable hypercars to safely achieve higher velocities.
4. Is Bugatti competing with other hypercar makers for speed records?
Yes, brands like Koenigsegg and Hennessey are also pursuing the 500 km/h (310 mph) milestone.
5. What role does Mate Rimac play in Bugatti’s speed ambitions?
As CEO of Bugatti Rimac, Mate Rimac brings a wealth of record-breaking experience, reigniting Bugatti’s focus on pushing performance limits.