Meet Bugatti L'Ultime: The Exquisite Grand Finale of the Chiron Era - And It's Probably the Last
After eight glorious years of captivating the hypercar world, the Bugatti Chiron is bowing out in exceptional style with its ultimate final edition, aptly named L'Ultime. This exclusive Chiron marks the end of an era, wrapping up a limited production of 500 units with a breathtaking display of luxury and meticulous craftsmanship.
When Bugatti launched the Chiron at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, it set new benchmarks in terms of design, performance, and sheer power. Over the years, the Chiron has spawned various special editions and iterations, yet none more poignant than this final, bespoke masterpiece. The L'Ultime is not just another Chiron – it's a celebration of everything that makes the Chiron an icon in automotive history.
The Visual Spectacle: A Tale of Two Blues
At first glance, the L'Ultime captivates with its unique color palette combining French Racing Blue and Atlantic Blue in a striking reversed sequence. This blend is further accentuated by a gradient, ensuring that the Chiron's last chapter is as visually grand as its predecessors. The attention to detail is so meticulous that both the front and rear wheels are custom-painted to align perfectly with the bodywork’s hues.
More eye-catching details include a bespoke Bugatti macaron emblem on the horseshoe grille, adorned in blue, adding to the vehicle's exclusive allure. Significant locations from the Chiron's journey are hand-written on the car’s profile, creating a visual memoir of the hypercar's storied legacy. These landmarks – Geneva, Chantilly, Paul Ricard circuit, Ehra-Lessien track, Château Saint Jean, Cape Canaveral, and Bugatti’s home in Molsheim – each played pivotal roles in shaping the Chiron’s iconic status.
Underneath the Hood: The Heart of a Legend
While the exterior pays homage to the Chiron's journey, the heart of the L'Ultime remains the formidable quad-turbo 8.0-liter W16 engine. Producing a jaw-dropping 1,578 hp (1,177 kW / 1,600 PS), this powerhouse is a testament to Bugatti’s engineering prowess. No changes here – the L'Ultime boasts the same raw power that allowed the Chiron to make history as the first production car to unofficially surpass the 300 mph (482.8 km/h) mark with a top speed of 304.773 mph (490.484 km/h) at the Ehra-Lessien proving ground in 2019.
However, Bugatti has since shifted focus from speed records, indicating that the future might be more about balanced innovations rather than sheer velocity. This strategic pivot sets the stage for the brand's next chapter.
Craftsmanship: Luxury Meets Legacy
Step inside the L'Ultime, and you’re greeted by an interior that epitomizes bespoke luxury. Deep Blue leather upholstery harmonizes with Blue Carbon Matt inserts and French Racing Blue accents, creating an opulent yet sporty ambiance. Emblems reading L'Ultime and #500 are thoughtfully placed throughout, serving as subtle reminders of this vehicle’s unique status.
Adding to the interior’s exclusivity are “hand-cut, hand-stitched, and hand-woven” leather patches on the door panels. These artisanal touches reinforce Bugatti’s commitment to unmatched luxury and craftsmanship.
The Final Farewell and a New Dawn
Bugatti’s President, Christophe Piochon, eloquently summed up the significance of the L'Ultime, stating, “This 500th and final Chiron model is a fitting farewell that captures a defining legacy, which will forever be etched in automotive history and paves the way for a bright new chapter.” This new journey is set to continue with the unveiling of Bugatti's next marvel, rumored to feature a naturally-aspirated V16 with hybrid assistance, beginning in June.
As the curtain falls on the Chiron’s remarkable saga, the automotive world eagerly awaits the inception of Bugatti’s next masterpiece. The L'Ultime is not just a hypercar; it’s a tribute to an era of unparalleled innovation, performance, and luxury. While we bid adieu to the Chiron, we simultaneously welcome the dawn of a new and exciting chapter for one of the world's most iconic car manufacturers.