Bugatti Chiron Sets Speed Record

Volkswagen AG’s Bugatti supercar unit set a world record for the fastest zero-to-400 kph (249 mph) and back to zero time in a production car of just under 42 seconds.

Powered by an 8.0-liter W-16 engine, the Chiron raced to 400 kph in 32.6 seconds, then took 9.3 seconds to come to a complete stop. The full run covered 3.1 km (1.9 miles).

The quad-turbo engine generates 1,480 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. Bugatti says the Chiron can rocket from zero to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 261 mph. Bugatti plans to test an unrestricted model later this year in an attempt to beat the 268 mph record set by a Bugatti Veyron in 2010.

Former Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya piloted the Chiron on the record-setting run. Bugatti says it has sold 300 of the 500 Chirons it plans to build.