cars news 10: Bugatti Chiron by Design: What’s New and Why

As you probably noticed in our 2017 Bugatti Chiron First Look, the successor to the Veyron features a radical new design worthy of its performance upgrades. Here, we take a closer look at just what went into making the Chiron from a design perspective.

Interior

A special hinge allows the doors to open wider for easier entry and egress.
The all-new carbon monocoque means a roomier interior. The passenger H-point is offset from the vehicle centerline by the same amount as in the Veyron, but the wider front track means better legroom. And although the roof is lower (the 0.2-inch increase in overall height is due to the fin), there is a half-inch more headroom.
The C-line element in the center of the cabin is not just for decoration. It is a structural element of the new monocoque.
All switchgear is unique to Bugatti. And if it looks like metal, it is.
The carbon-fiber trim in the interior is given a special layer to reduce reflected noise.
The Chiron’s airbags can now be fired directly through the carbon fiber of the dash panel thanks to construction patented by VW Group.
The speedo is analog and reads to 500 km/h (311 mph). It’s clever, subtle marketing: “The speedo doesn’t fade away when the ignition is off,” says Bugatti chief Wolfgang Dürheimer, “and so when people look inside they can see how fast the car can go, and they will talk about it.”

Exterior

All exterior panels are carbon fiber. The crease running back from the grille becomes a suspended fin at the rear of the car and recalls the iconic Type 57SC Atlantic.
A 1.5-inch increase in overall width completely changes the proportion compared with the Veyron and is accentuated by the new headlight treatment.
The side view is dominated by the C-shaped “Bugatti line” that echoes paint schemes from 1930s cars. It allows a front-to-rear color break, important as 75 percent of Veyrons have two-tone paint schemes.
Like the Veyron, the Chiron has a negative wedge profile; unlike other supercars, the main bodyline drops down as it progresses rearward from the front wheels.
Hidden inlets tucked in at the side actually deliver more, less turbulent airflow to the engine than the Veyron’s signature top-mounted scoops.
The cutaway rear improves aerodynamic efficiency and helps suck hot air out from the engine compartment.
The rear spoiler/airbrake now runs almost full width across the rear of the car; extending it beyond the C-pillar cant rails improves performance.