In the world of hyper-cars, the Bugatti Chiron has always been regarded as a paragon of distinct styling, luxury, and the type of automotive engineering that seems almost fictional in its neck-whipping design. Being able to reach speeds in excess of 300 mph does tend to elicit visceral reactions. But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end. As such, Bugatti is commemorating the end of an era with the Chiron L’Ultime, the 500th and final Chiron.
The flowing futurism of the Chiron Super Sport L’Ultime’s exterior is further highlighted by the edition’s unique color gradient that transitions seamlessly from ‘French Racing Blue’ to ‘Atlantic Blue.’
The Chiron L’Ultime is unmistakably a Bugatti, a car whose “form following performance” profile has become synonymous with the brand since the Chiron’s 2016 launch. As described by then Bugatti director of design Achim Anscheidt upon its reveal, the Chiron’s sweeping C-shaped detailing, alongside its pointed horsecollar grille front, are meant to evoke some of the brand’s rich heritage stretching back to the automaker’s 1920s origins. But those elements are primarily there in service of the car’s cooling and aerodynamics.
This special farewell edition differs in small but significant ways, notably a removal of the hand-polished aluminum detailing, trading the signature C-line shine for some hallmark details unique to the L’Ultime.
Even without the metal outline, the car’s expressive profile is still defined by its sweeping gesture, a detail that almost suggests an enormous “C for Louis Chiron” and creates a sense of movement even when the car is at a standstill. The special edition is punctuated with a custom blue Bugatti macaron placed on the grille – one to admire, not eat – a symbol of the car’s 500 units exclusivity.
Step inside the Chiron L’Ultime, and you’re enveloped in more shades of blue than a Miles Davis album: luxurious Deep Blue hand-stitched leather complemented by sections of Blue Carbon Matt finishes with hints of Bugatti’s signature French Racing Blue.
The Blue Carbon Matt fiber detailing is used judiciously for structural integrity and also as a design element, underscoring the performance-focused aesthetics, a material that offers a striking contrast with the leather wrapped sections.
While the design of the Chiron L’Ultime is a tribute to Bugatti’s legacy, one would hope that any buyer fortunate enough to acquire one of the 500 units intends to enjoy in its W16 engine powered performance. The final edition Chiron’s “500” marking embellished across the car may pay homage to its place in Bugatti history, but for the speed-seeking enthusiast, it might be received as top speed aspiration.
To learn more about the brand’s heritage visit bugatti.com.
Photography courtesy of Bugatti.
