Bugatti to start delivery of the Divo to customers

Exceptionally crafted, striking in character, strictly limited and with completely different handling performance - this is an entirely unique project: The Divo is truly one of the most breathtaking and exclusive hyper sports cars of modern times.

After a rigorous two-year development period, the first models of the coveted small series are now being delivered to customers.

Bugatti will build only 40 of the unique Divo at a net unit price of 5 million euros ($7.7 million). This means that a challenging development process lasting almost two years is now entering its final phase. The goal they set themselves was for the Divo to be even more exclusive and designed to be more sporty and agile on bends, though without sacrificing comfort and supremacy, than the Chiron.

Within a few months an initial design model was created and presented to Chiron owners in Molsheim, France, with explanations provided in one-on-one discussions. The response has been overwhelming: All 40 Divo cars planned will immediately go to a new owner.

Unsurprisingly, the technology inside this agile performer is remarkable as it is powered by the 1,478bhp 8.0-litre W16 engine with 1,600Nm of torque, which accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 2.4 seconds. But the journey to get to this point and beyond has confronted the entire team with major challenges. After extensive computer simulations, the engineers know the exact axle load data and can use these figures to design the chassis setup, including the appropriate spring rate. These measures increase agility, that is to say the vehicle's response to the steering angle input.

In addition, the Divo has shed a total of 35kg in weight as compared to the Chiron thanks to systematic lightweight construction. The engineers have made full use of the weight reduction to increase downforce, going to the limit of the tyres' load capacity.

This gives the Divo 90kg more downforce, increasing this to 456kg at 380km/h. All in all, the lateral acceleration of the Divo is increased to 1.6g. As a result, the Divo is able to complete the handling circuit on the Nardo testing ground in southern Italy eight seconds faster than the Chiron - an unprecedented figure.

The bonnet now has air inlets that reduce the frontal area of the vehicle and improve the air flow. An optimised air curtain provides enhanced air ducting in the front and rear areas of the vehicle sides. Four independent air sources on each side of the vehicle cool the brakes. At the same time, these measures prevent the air above the vehicle from swirling and developing turbulence at the rear wing.

In terms of design, too, the Divo also takes on a new path - clearly differentiated from the Chiron yet still instantly recognisable as a Bugatti. The designer team under Achim Anscheidt uncompromisingly configured the body form of the Divo for lateral acceleration, focusing on optimum aerodynamic and thermodynamic efficiency.

In the interior, new sports seats with higher side bolsters hold the occupants securely in their seats even when cornering at very high speeds. The steering wheel is partially covered in Alcantara and has enlarged steering wheel-mounted shift paddles on both sides.

With the Divo 2018, Bugatti is reviving its famous coachbuilding tradition. This gave customers the opportunity to buy a vehicle without bodywork and have one fitted by a different body builder. They would then develop one-off vehicles with their respective customers. Well-known companies such as Gangloff, Weymann and Weinberger tailored the exclusive bodies for the Bugatti chassis - as did Bugatti itself.