Bugatti Chiron sets 0-400-0km/h record

Bugatti has set a new benchmark for a feat few manufacturers could even attempt.

The Bugatti Chiron hypercar recently set a new record in accelerating from zero to 400km/h and then back to rest again, Bugatti has confirmed. With former Formula 1 and Indycar driver Juan Pablo Montoya at the wheel, the $3.3 million Chiron blazed through the process in just 41.96 seconds.

The feat was made possible by the Chiron's impossibly monstrous 1103kW quad-turbocharged W16 engine, along with an equally impressive braking package comprising massive AP Racing 420mm carbon-ceramic discs sheathed with a lightweight head shield.

Along the way, the Chiron scorched from 0-100km/h in 2.4 seconds, 0-200km/h in 6.1 seconds, and 0-300km/h at 13.1 seconds and reached the magic 400km/h mark in 32.6 seconds.

The launch control system dials up 2800rpm from the massive engine, then the car lets rip, initially engaging two turbos before all four starting forcing more air into the vehicle's 16-cylinders from 3800rpm.

Just as remarkable was the Bugatti's superlative stopping power, aided by a huge rear wing that operates as an airbrake. Incredibly, it took the 1995kg machine just 9.3 seconds to wipe off the mammoth 400km/h speed.

The feat re-affirms Bugatti's claim the Chiron can wipe off 300km/h of momentum in 275 metres.

To perform the 0-400-0 km/h (0-249-0 mph), the Chiron required a distance of 3.112 kilometres, and Montoya was naturally impressed.

"The Chiron is so unbelievably quick - it takes your breath away," said Montoya.

"When you are driving the Chiron for the first time, you cannot imagine how powerful it is. And just so stable and consistent. With the Chiron, it was all quite easy.

"Just get in and drive off. Incredible."