These numbers are not consistent.
Bugatti stole headlines earlier this week when it announced it’d breached the 300-mile-per-hour (482-kilometer-per-hour) barrier, hitting 304.77 mph (490.48 kph). This is an incredible achievement by one of the world’s most renowned automakers. Bugatti was not the only automaker that wanted to break the 300-mph mark. Hennessey and Koenigsegg were also hoping to break the 300-mph mark. Bugatti claims that the modified Chiron Longtail generates 1,578 horsepower (1.176 kilowatts), which is a 100-hp (74 kW) increase over the standard Chiron. Hennessey doubts Bugatti’s claimed horsepower.
John Hennessey stated in an interview with Top Gear that it would take more than 100 horsepower to get the Bugatti to go over 300 mph. He believes Bugatti would require the Chiron to produce almost 2,000 horsepower (1491kW). This is quite a discrepancy. Bugatti was able to extract more power from the quad-turbo W16 8.0-liter engine.
Dallara chassis experts teamed up with the French automaker to extend the Chrome by almost 10 inches (25 cm). To reduce drag, the company removed the Chiron’s rear wings and airbrake, as well as relocating the exhaust. Bugatti reduced weight by removing the passenger seat. However, Bugatti also installed computers and a roll cage. These would increase weight.
Although Hennessey might not have been the first to 300, the record is still valid. Bugatti broke the 300-mph barrier but failed to run in both directions as required by Guinness World Record. Bugatti claims that the Ehra-Lessien circuit doesn’t allow the supercar to go in both directions. This means that the record, which allows for a run in either direction, is still available. Hennessey isn’t discouraged by Bugatti’s accomplishment.