Arguably one of if not the most prestigious brands to ever exist in automotive history is the French manufacturer of high-performance automobiles – Bugatti. Recently the Molsheim based hypercar producer announced that its special coach-built model Centodieci’s production-based prototype has completed over 50,000 test kilometres. The brand also announced that upon its return from Nardò Ring in the Puglia region of southern Italy, following its final endurance testing the model will be entering the production line soon.
The second modern coach-built model from Bugatti pays homage to the definitive super sports car of the 1990s: the EB110. Despite the fact that only 10 units of this model will be built Bugatti still went on to the extreme end of testing the prototype of this model over the course of many months.
The company revealed that Centodieci’s “White Prototype” was put through its paces in a variety of driving scenarios, including high-speed runs, handling routes, circuits, highways, and city traffic. The hypercar was driven for 1,200 kilometres each day, stopping only for mechanical inspections, driver changes, and refuelling.
Three drivers worked in turns to evaluate the Centodieci’s functioning, recording and reporting any small anomalies. They drove during all hours of the day and night, on various track profiles and at all speeds, from stop-and-go to peak speed. The drivers chosen for these Endurance tests are some of the best in the business, with exceptional technical knowledge, attention, and sensitivity, as well as precise vehicle control.
Following the long endurance running hours, the drivers went to note the tiniest of odd noises, motions, and anomalies. Everything about the automobile was thoroughly examined, including driving on various terrain – both wet and dry – and examining every small steering action, braking, acceleration, cornering load, and driver aid system operation.
Carl Heilenkötter – project manager responsible for one-off and few-off projects at Bugatti said, “We assess every element on the vehicle one last time, paying particular attention to functionality and durability before the first Centodieci cars go into production,”
He further added, “The Centodieci is deliberately driven to its limits in order to guarantee reliable handling at the highest level, even in extreme situations. Even though most cars never enter this range, it is nonetheless tested. This is the philosophy of the brand and that is why we put such a huge amount of effort into all this testing. Bugatti is committed to the highest quality standards, durability, and customer satisfaction,”
Centodeici’s production-spec prototype also completed hot-weather testing, wind tunnel testing, and even some hot laps on the harsh Nürburgring circuit in Germany before this last phase of testing. Following the final assessment of the test, the highly exclusive model from the French automaker will be entering the production line at Molsheim Atelier, Alsace, and Bugatti has said that it will finish the deliveries of all ten cars to owners before the end of this year.
The Centodieci is powered by Bugatti’s famous 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W-16 engine. The engine has been tweaked to produce 1,577 horsepower, which is 97 horsepower more than the Chiron. Bugatti claims the car will go from 0-62 mph in 2.4 seconds, 0-124 mph in 6.1 seconds, and 0-186 mph in 13.1 seconds.
Keyword: Bugatti Centodieci production to begin soon; photos