"A one-of-one Chiron that was the most valuable new car ever sold at auction"
In late 2022, Bugatti unveiled a unique addition to its Chiron lineup: the Chiron Profilée. Originally conceived to bridge the gap between the Chiron Sport and the more track-focused Chiron Pur Sport, the Profilée ultimately became a one-of-a-kind creation, as all 500 build slots for the standard Chiron had already been spoken for by the time its development was complete.
While sharing the formidable...
“A one-of-one Chiron that was the most valuable new car ever sold at auction”
In late 2022, Bugatti unveiled a unique addition to its Chiron lineup: the Chiron Profilée. Originally conceived to bridge the gap between the Chiron Sport and the more track-focused Chiron Pur Sport, the Profilée ultimately became a one-of-a-kind creation, as all 500 build slots for the standard Chiron had already been spoken for by the time its development was complete.
While sharing the formidable 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine with other Chiron variants, producing a staggering 1,500 PS, the Profilée distinguishes itself through a blend of enhanced agility and a more elegant aesthetic. Unlike the Pur Sport with its prominent rear wing, the Profilée features a bespoke, sweeping fixed tail. This not only contributes to a distinctive silhouette reminiscent of Jean Bugatti’s Type 46 Surprofilée but also plays a crucial role in generating downforce for high-speed stability, achieving a top speed of 380 km/h (236 mph), higher than the Pur Sport’s 350 km/h. The unique rear design also aids in extracting hot air from the engine compartment.
The Profilée’s design incorporates wider front air inlets and an enlarged horseshoe grille to optimize cooling. A revised front splitter and sculpted underbody further enhance downforce and airflow management. The chassis tuning has been specifically calibrated, featuring modified camber angles and stiffer springs, with a front-heavy balance to improve grip and handling in corners. The transmission ratios are also 15 percent shorter than those of the Chiron Sport, contributing to its impressive acceleration figures: 0-100 km/h in 2.3 seconds and 0-200 km/h in 5.5 seconds.
This singular model is finished in a unique Argent Atlantique paint, with the lower bodywork in Bleu Royal Carbon tinted exposed carbon fiber. The wheels are also a bespoke design, finished in Le Patron. Inside, the Chiron Profilée marks a first for the Chiron, featuring a woven leather finish on the dashboard, door panels, and center console, crafted from over 2,500 meters of leather strips. Comfort seats are upholstered in Gris Rafale and Deep Blue leather with a distinctive ‘air parade’ quilting pattern. A black anodized frame inlay on the center console bears the Profilée signature.
Offered at auction by RM Sotheby’s in Paris on February 1, 2023, the Bugatti Chiron Profilée fetched an astounding €9,792,500 (approximately $10.76 million USD), making it the most valuable new car ever sold at auction. This exceptional vehicle represents the final brand-new Bugatti to be offered with the iconic W16 engine directly from the Molsheim Atelier, solidifying its place as a significant piece of automotive history.