Unveiling the Finale: Bugatti Chiron L'Ultime - An End of an Era
May 30, 2024 at 7:15am ET
In the world of hypercars, few names evoke as much reverence as Bugatti Chiron. Following the tire tracks of its predecessor, the Veyron, the Chiron has mesmerized us with a myriad of special editions and bespoke one-offs. But the legend draws to a close today as Bugatti rolls out its final Chiron, aptly titled L'Ultime. This 'ultimate' edition commemorates the Monégasque driver, Louis Chiron, and is lovingly hand-assembled in Bugatti's iconic Molsheim atelier.
The Signature Style of L'Ultime
The L'Ultime draws inspiration from the original Super Sport model while also paying homage to the color palette seen at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. This final edition sports a gorgeous livery that transitions from French Racing Blue to Atlantic Blue. The two-tone paint scheme is adorned with hand-written names of significant events and places that have marked the Chiron's journey over the past eight years.
A closer look reveals texts like Ehra-Lessien, where the Chiron achieved its awe-inspiring 304 mph speed, and Paul Ricard, another test site. You’ll also find mentions of Geneva, where it made its debut, and Chantilly, where it was showcased multiple times. Bugatti hasn’t stopped there; it also includes Château Saint Jean and Cape Canaveral, further reminiscing where select customers experienced the car’s top speed.
Exclusive Finishing Touches
To immortalize its finality, '500' is hand-written on the underside of the rear wing and on the wheel caps. This symbolic number also appears ahead of the rear wheels and is etched into the engine cover of its quad-turbo, 8.0-liter W-16 beast. A nod to its French heritage, Bugatti ensured that the French flag graces the side mirrors.
The Owner's Mystery
As intriguing as its design, the identity of L'Ultime’s owner remains shrouded in mystery. However, clues like the inclusion of orange side markers hint that it might belong to a US-based enthusiast. While this may be the final Chiron-badged car, the era of this extraordinary machine is not entirely over. Bugatti is still in the process of completing production for the Mistral roadster (limited to 99 units) and the track-oriented Bolide (limited to 40 units), both derivations of the Chiron.
What's Next for Bugatti?
With the Chiron's curtain fall, Bugatti fans are eagerly looking towards the horizon. The brand is set to unveil an all-new vehicle in June, powered by a naturally aspirated V-16 engine. That’s right, the next icon to bear the Bugatti emblem will come roaring with a V-16 under the hood. The end of the Chiron is just the beginning of another exhilarating chapter for Bugatti.
The L'Ultime stands as not just a marvel of engineering but a piece of automotive history, epitomizing everything that has made the Chiron an icon in the hypercar realm.
Source: Bugatti