CEO Mate Rimac leads the charge for this ambitious goal. Bugatti faces some hurdles, though. The company no longer has access to Volkswagen's Ehra-Lessien test track, where it set previous records. This forces Bugatti to look for new places to unleash its speed demons.
The hunt for a suitable location is on. Bugatti considers several options:
- The Papenburg testing facility, where the Mistral hit its impressive speed
- Kennedy Space Center's runway
- Closing public roads, like Koenigsegg has done before
But finding a place to drive fast isn't the only challenge. Rimac recently chatted with a Michelin engineer about pushing tire technology to the limit. He asked:
"Can you do this? Can you do that? Where's the limit?"
These questions show how Bugatti must work closely with suppliers to make their dream a reality.
Bugatti has a history of breaking speed barriers. The Veyron hit 267 mph at Ehra-Lessien. Later, the Chiron Super Sport reached 304 mph on the same track. Now, Bugatti wants to go even faster.
The company plans to use its upcoming Tourbillon model for the attempt. This car will have a V-16 hybrid powertrain, which Bugatti believes can reach the magic 500 km/h mark.
Bugatti isn't alone in this high-speed race. Other hypercar makers like Hennessey, SSC, and Koenigsegg also push the limits of what's possible on four wheels. This competition drives innovation in the industry, leading to faster and more advanced vehicles.
As Bugatti revs up for its next record attempt, car enthusiasts around the world will watch closely. The quest for speed continues, with 500 km/h as the new target to beat.