2019 Bugatti Chiron

Overview

Leaving the 99.99 percent in its dust, the Chiron is a 1500-hp smackdown of every hypercar ever produced. The $2,998,000 price tag is a bourgeoisie bargain—hey, it's less than $3 million.

Engines, Ride, and Handling

An 8.0-liter 16-cylinder engine uses four turbochargers to make 1500 horsepower and 1180 lb-ft of torque, but calling its acceleration "heroic" would be an understatement—Bugatti claims a zero-to-60-mph time of just 2.3 seconds and a top speed of 261 mph. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic routes power to all four wheels. The chassis is more agile and playful than the Chiron's predecessor, the Veyron, and it's altogether easier to drive on a curvy road.

Interior and Technology

The Chiron's artfully designed interior is truly unique. A series of round controllers protrude from the center of the dashboard and the gear selector lever sprouts from a small chrome circle on the center console. Materials are the definition of luxury: Bugatti says that leather from up to 16 different cows lines the seats, dash, and door panels while real metal accents and diamond-supported speaker diaphragms take the experience to the next level. The exterior's swooping C-shaped flourish is repeated inside the cabin and traces from the center console, up the rear firewall, and onto the ceiling. The driver faces a large analog speedometer that's flanked by two smaller digital displays for navigation and a trip computer. There is no center infotainment display, no driver-assistance options, and limited interior storage space. The Chiron is for going fast and looking chic, not for grocery runs or road-trip podcast binges.