Chiron: The Iconic Name Reused Before the Veyron Successor

The Legend Born - In the world of automobiles, names often carry a rich legacy, sometimes being reused to evoke nostalgia and honor past achievements. One such example is the name "Chiron," which was first associated with the Bugatti 18/3 Chiron, a concept car introduced in 1999 by the renowned French automaker, Bugatti Automobiles. This concept vehicle was the brainchild of Fabrizio Giugiaro of Italdesign, with contributions from Hartmut Warkuß from the Volkswagen design center in Wolfsburg.

The Bugatti 18/3 Chiron honors Louis Chiron, a famed Bugatti racing driver celebrated for his 1927 Grand Prix of France victory in the iconic Bugatti Type 35B. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

The 18/3 Chiron pays homage to Louis Chiron, a celebrated Bugatti racing driver known for his victory at the 1927 Grand Prix of France in the iconic Bugatti Type 35B. The designation "18/3" signifies the engine's configuration: 18 cylinders arranged in three banks of six cylinders each. This intricate design aimed to capture the essence of Bugatti's racing heritage while pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.

The Bugatti 18/3 Chiron was the brainchild of Fabrizio Giugiaro of Italdesign, with contributions from Hartmut Warkuß from the Volkswagen design center in Wolfsburg. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

Fabrizio Giugiaro and his team faced the challenge of creating a successor to the Bugatti EB110, another legendary Bugatti model. The 18/3 Chiron featured significant design elements that would later become synonymous with Bugatti's identity. The return of the horseshoe-shaped radiator, inset front lights, a converging front hood, and an exposed intake plenum were all integral aspects of the design. These elements were meticulously crafted to reflect both tradition and innovation.

The Bugatti 18/3 Chiron introduced key design elements that became synonymous with Bugatti, such as the horseshoe-shaped radiator, inset front lights, and a converging front hood. (Picture from: Forza.net)

The attention to detail extended to the Chiron's wheels and lightings. The car sported eight-spoke wheels wrapped in 20-inch tires, reminiscent of the cast aluminum wheels on Louis Chiron's Type 35B. The lighting technology was advanced for its time, featuring triple Xenon headlights and elongated turn signals, which added a modern touch to the classic design.

The Bugatti 18/3 Chiron sported eight-spoke wheels wrapped in 20-inch tires, reminiscent of the cast aluminum wheels on Louis Chiron's Type 35B. (Picture from: id.Motor1)

Airflow management was a crucial consideration in the Chiron's development. The compact horseshoe radiator was insufficient to cool the powerful 6-liter engine, necessitating a larger aperture below it. Additional vents were strategically placed forward of the front wheels to extract excess air, while smaller systems were implemented on the sides for rear brake cooling. These sophisticated cooling systems, however, posed challenges that delayed the car's production.

The Bugatti 18/3 Chiron's interior exuded luxury and sophistication, adorned with Blu Pacifico and Sabbia leather, and complemented by aluminum accents. (Picture from: TopEdge)

Aerodynamics played a pivotal role in the Chiron's performance. Similar to the Lamborghini Diablo, the 18/3 Chiron Concept boasted a rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. At high speeds, a retractable rear wing was deployed, akin to the EB110 supercar, enhancing stability and downforce. The bodywork, made entirely from carbon fiber, not only reduced weight but also added to the car's futuristic appearance.

Exposed intake collectors of the Bugatti 18/3 Chiron Concept's W18 engine. (Picture from: Fandom)

The interior of the 18/3 Chiron exuded luxury and sophistication. The cabin was adorned with Blu Pacifico and Sabbia leather, complemented by aluminum accents. A unique feature was the removable watch on the passenger side, adding a touch of personalization. The instrument binnacle behind the four-spoke steering wheel housed primary gauges for engine and road speed, while supplementary instruments were positioned on the center console, adjacent to the transmission tunnel.

The Bugatti 18/3 Chiron was powered by a potent mid-mounted 6.3-liter W18 engine, enabling it to accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in just 3.9 seconds, with an estimated top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph). (Picture from: Supercars.net)

Under the hood, the 18/3 Chiron was powered by a formidable 6.3-liter W18 engine, making it a mid-engine, two-seater coupé. This powerhouse enabled the 18/3 Chiron to accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h (0 to 60 mph) in just 3.9 seconds, with an estimated top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph). However, these performance figures were never officially verified.

The Bugatti 18/3 Chiron made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1999, capturing the attention of automotive enthusiasts and critics alike. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

In keeping with Italdesign's tradition of producing fully functional models, the 18/3 Chiron utilized Lamborghini running gear, specifically the viscous traction 4WD chassis from the Diablo VT. This integration of high-performance components ensured that the 18/3 Chiron was not just a showpiece but a capable and thrilling machine.

The Bugatti 18/3 Chiron Concept by Fabrizio Giugiaro of Italdesign, posed along with the 2006 Bugatti Veyron #001. (Picture from: Supercars.net)

The Bugatti 18/3 Chiron made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1999, capturing the attention of automotive enthusiasts and critics alike. However, by 2000, Volkswagen had completely overhauled the car's body and chassis, leading to the creation of the Bugatti 18/4 Veyron prototype. This new iteration was more refined and elegant, ultimately chosen for production, and it paved the way for Bugatti's future successes. | gQNMWVYFWtw |

In the grand tapestry of automotive history, the Bugatti 18/3 Chiron stands as a testament to innovation and heritage. Its design, engineering, and the legacy of the Chiron name continue to inspire and captivate car enthusiasts around the world. As the torchbearer for Bugatti's future models, the 18/3 Chiron will always be remembered as a symbol of the brand's commitment to excellence and performance. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | SUPERCARS.NET | SUPERCARNOSTALGIA | ID.MOTOR1 | TOPEDGE | FANDOM | FORZA.NET ]

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