Bugatti gave up speed in order to achieve agility.

Bugatti improved the formula that made the Veyron so famous by introducing the Chiron. The Chiron Super Sport 300+ has been pushed to the limits by the automaker since its debut. Bugatti took a different approach with the Chiron Pur Sport, which it unveiled earlier this year. Bugatti focused on handling and made significant improvements to the hypercar’s performance to limit its top speed to 218 miles an hour (351 km per hour), which is unusual for Bugatti. Why? Interview with Driver Trend: Bugatti R&D chief Stefan Ellrott discusses the speed gap.

Ellrott acknowledges that the same car can’t handle both high speeds and quick turns. Bugatti wanted the Pur Sport to be agile, so Bugatti altered the chassis, stiffened springs, modified the wheel camber and created a new tire with Michelin. Bugatti also reduced the gears by 18% and lost 110 pounds (50 kg) of weight. This was done in pursuit of agility, handling, elasticity, acceleration.

Bugatti lost the Pur Sport’s top speed but it is still faster than the regular Chiron at 60, 124 and 186 mph (96, 200, 300 kph). The regular Chiron’s speed is maintained at 218 mph, but it stops acceleration at that speed. The Pur Sport also has 200 rpm higher than the Chiron at 6,900. The Pur Sport’s top speed of 218 mph, the large wings help the car generate 110 pounds more downforce, than the regular Chiron.

Bugatti created the Chiron Pur Sport to demonstrate that the brand is more than top speed. Although the Pur Sport is not a track star it has a greater focus on agility and handling than other Bugatti models. Ellrott believes this could attract new customers.