The next Bugatti supercar is to be called Chiron after one of the company’s former racing drivers. Louis Chiron (pictured above) is characterized on Bugatti’s own website as a “true lady’s man” who turned to wealthy women to bankroll his glamorous lifestyle and expensive sports cars. He was also very successful in motor racing, competing and winning races from ’30s to ’60s.
Louis Chiron is also the oldest driver who has ever taken part in a Formula One Grand Prix. In his last F1 race, the 1958 Monaco Grand Prix, he was 58 years old.
Regardless of the name, the Veyron successor is expected to be powered by a hybrid 8.0-liter W16 engine producing 1,479 horsepower. Top speed is said to be 460 km/h. Bugatti built a tribute to him in 1999, the 18/3 Chiron, which eventually served as part of the inspiration for the Veyron’s design.
