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What is the top speed of the Bugatti Chiron SS without limiter?

The top speed achieved by the Bugatti Chiron SS without the limiter is 304.77 mph (490.48 km/h), reached during a controlled test in 2019. In normal production form, the Chiron is limited to about 261 mph (420 km/h). This article explains what that figure means and how it was achieved.


The record in context


The Chiron Super Sport 300+ (often abbreviated as Chiron SS) was engineered specifically to exceed 300 mph. The test took place on Bugatti’s private Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany, in August 2019, with the limiter removed and a set of aerodynamic and mechanical refinements. The run is widely cited by Bugatti and automotive media as the first production-car attempt to break the 300 mph barrier under controlled testing conditions.


How the run was conducted


A specially prepared Chiron Super Sport 300+ was used for the test, featuring aerodynamic tweaks, revised gear ratios, and increased power output—reportedly around 1,600 horsepower at the crank. The car was operated by a professional Bugatti test driver on a long, straight section of the Ehra-Lessien track, with multiple passes and instrumentation to verify the speed. The measurement combined onboard sensors and GPS data to confirm the top speed.


Before presenting the key numbers, here is a concise summary of the main data from the run:



  • Top speed reached: 304.77 mph (490.48 km/h).

  • Vehicle: Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ (Chiron SS).

  • Test track: Ehra-Lessien private track, Germany.

  • Date: August 2019.

  • Limiter status: Removed for the test; production Chiron generally limited to ~261 mph (420 km/h).


In context, this record stands as a milestone in automotive engineering, achieved under specialized testing conditions with a purpose-built vehicle rather than a standard production configuration.


Limiter and production specs


The Chiron line includes variants with different performance configurations. The standard Chiron is equipped with a limiter that caps top speed at about 261 mph (420 km/h). The Chiron Super Sport 300+ was engineered to surpass 300 mph with the limiter removed for the record attempt. Bugatti has since emphasized that the 300+ run represents a limited, special version rather than a typical production setting for customers.


Details to note before the next list:



  • Standard Chiron top speed (with limiter): about 261 mph / 420 km/h.

  • Chiron Super Sport 300+ top speed (without limiter, record run): 304.77 mph / 490.48 km/h.

  • Production status: The 300+ run used specialized modifications; regular customer cars maintain speed limits for safety and reliability.


Independent verification of top-speed figures is rare, but Bugatti’s official release and widespread automotive reporting have solidified the 304.77 mph figure as the widely cited benchmark for a production-oriented car with the limiter removed.


Summary


In summary, the top speed of the Bugatti Chiron SS without the limiter is 304.77 mph (490.48 km/h), achieved during a controlled test in August 2019 on the Ehra-Lessien track. The standard production Chiron remains limited to about 261 mph (420 km/h). The 300+ run is regarded as a landmark achievement that demonstrates the upper limits of Bugatti’s engineering when the car is modified for testing purposes rather than everyday use.


Notes and caveats


Record figures depend on test conditions, instrumentation, and safety protocols. While the 304.77 mph figure is widely reported and attributed to Bugatti’s official release, it is not representative of typical driving scenarios or standard consumer models.

What is the top speed of the Bugatti Chiron SS?


273.4 mph
In its final production form, the Chiron SS 300+ has different seats, no roll-cage, standard ride height and an electronically limited top speed of 440 km/h (273.4 mph).



Is the chiron ss 300+ street-legal?


The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ is still the fastest street-legal production car ever created. It also remains the only street-legal production car to reach AND exceed 300 mph, a barrier thought to be impossible to break.



Which car has 6000 horsepower?


A 6,000 hp car is an extreme custom build, such as a drag-racing '63 Corvette or a 1957 Chevy, that achieves this power through heavily modified, twin-turbocharged engines. These vehicles are not street-legal and are built for high-speed competitions, unlike standard road cars or even hypercars which typically produce far fewer horsepower. 
You can watch this video to see what a 6000hp car looks like in action: 51s1320videoYouTube · Jan 19, 2015
Examples of 6,000 hp cars

  • 1963 Corvette: This car uses a Pro Line Hemi engine boosted by twin Precision 110mm turbos to produce over 6,000 horsepower. 
  • 1957 Chevys: A pair of twin-turbocharged 1957 Chevys, known as "The Evil Twins," both produce around 6,000 horsepower from their 632 cubic inch engines. 
  • Jet cars: The "Mach II" jet car is estimated to produce around 6,000 horsepower from its General Electric J85 turbojet engine. 
  • Top Fuel Dragsters: These specialized race cars can produce up to 7,000 horsepower from their supercharged 500 cubic inch V8 engines. 

You can watch this video to see another example of a 6000hp car: 51sBigKleib34YouTube · Jun 8, 2015
Key features
  • Engine modifications: These cars rely on massively modified, often V8 or V16, engines, with twin-turbochargers being a common feature. 
  • Extreme performance: They are built for drag racing and can reach speeds well over 300 mph. 
  • Specialized components: Many parts, such as the engine, are rebuilt after every short run to withstand the extreme stress. 
  • Non-street legal: Due to their extreme nature, these vehicles are not built for everyday use and are restricted to the track or drag strip. 



Which car can go 400 kmph?


Several cars can reach 400 km/h, including the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut, which has broken the 0-400-0 km/h record, the Koenigsegg Regera, and the Bugatti Chiron. Other cars like the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport and SSC Ultimate Aero have also achieved speeds above this benchmark. 
Examples of cars that can reach 400 km/h

  • Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut: Holds a 0-400-0 km/h record of 25.21 seconds, according to Wikipedia. 
  • Koenigsegg Regera: A hybrid car that can reach speeds of approximately 402 km/h (250 mph) and can accelerate to 400 km/h in about 20 seconds, states Carwow and Wikipedia. 
  • Bugatti Chiron: Set a 0-400-0 km/h world record in 2017 with a time of 42 seconds, according to Bugatti. 
  • Bugatti Veyron Super Sport: Achieved a top speed of 428.8 km/h, as noted by www.financialexpress.com. 
  • SSC Ultimate Aero: A production car that achieved a top speed of 412.22 km/h in 2007, as seen on Wikipedia. 


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Kevin Bennett

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Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.