Bugatti introduced the limited edition
Divo in the summer of 2018 and now the first models are headed to eager
customers. Billed as the “most breathtaking and exclusive hyper sports cars of
modern times,” the Divo’s story begins in early 2018 as customers told the
company they wanted an “agile and corner-hungry car.” Work then got underway
and a few things were very clear from the start. First and foremost, the Divo
had to be “very different from the Chiron” and even more exclusive. The model
also had to be sportier and more agile, without sacrificing comfort.
That’s no easy task, but an initial design
was completed within a few months and presented to Chiron owners. Bugatti
President Stephan Winkelmann says they “instantly understood the sporty
approach of the Divo” and supported the project. Following the positive
reaction, engineers started running computer simulations and creating a
prototype. The model was up and running nearly a year after the project
started, and it was taken to various testing grounds including the Nürburgring.
As part of the chassis development
process, a prototype traveled more than 5,000 km while being
tested at speeds up to 380 km/h. Engineers also fine-tuned the suspension
and chassis until the Divo’s agility could no longer be increased. Of course,
the team’s work didn’t stop there as they strove to ensure the Divo was lighter
than the Chiron. In order to drop 35 kg of weight, they installed
lighter wheels and a new carbon fiber intercooler cover. The Divo was also
equipped with a lightweight audio system, less insulation and fewer storage
compartments.
Engineers weren’t the only ones hard at
work as designer had to create a more athletic and aggressive hypercar. No
stone was left unturned as the Divo has a unique look and revised aerodynamics
which generate an additional 90 kg of downforce.
One of the few things to carryover
directly from the Chiron is the quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine. It
produces 1,479 hp and this enables the Divo to hit a top
speed of 380 km/h.
According to Winkelmann, “With the new
design of the Divo and its completely different handling performance, we have
succeeded in creating a true masterpiece of automotive craftsmanship that fully
revives our long-standing tradition of coachbuilding.” He added the car is an
“absolute must-have for any Bugatti enthusiast’s hyper sports car collection.”
Of course, that’s easier said than done as Bugatti will only build 40 Divos and
all have been spoken for despite its € 5 (US$ 5.4 / £ 4.4) million price tag.
