Bugatti has long been famous for the Divo's ultrafast predecessors, the Chiron, a racer that could reach an electronically limited top speed of 261mph (420km/h), and the Veyron, another supercar that could claim the Guinness World Record for the fastest street-legal production car in the world. But beyond its performance characteristics, a Bugatti’s price and top-1 percent clientele have also leant gilded cache to these engineering marvels.
So, it’s no wonder that Bugatti's engineers decided to dream up another machine, although its appeal might not have anything to do with its potential as a record breaker—unless, of course, you consider its price. According to the Divo's sales team, the car retails for an astonishing $5.8 million, a price that's only been bested by the $8 million Mercedes-Benz Maybach Exelero.
Why does the Divo cost so much?
Exclusivity is the answer.
Unlink the Chiron, which was manufactured in a 400 auto production run, the world's Divo population will be limited to just 40 cars.
While rarity is certainly one of the Divo's selling points, it can also boast better handling than the Chiron, clocking in at 8 seconds faster around the torturous Nardo testing ground. This improvement can be attributed to an enhanced aerodynamic body design that adds 90kg more downforce and light weighting to the tune of 35kg. Additionally, one has to believe that the Divo's top speed, a paltry 236mph (380km/h) also helps reduce the fear factor when pushing the auto into the Nardo's hardest corners.
Finally, the Divo comes with a body that, while based on the Chiron, is obviously a bit more radical and sexy than Bugatti's earlier offerings. The Divo's more "progressive" design begins with its front end, where additional air inlets and a unique spoiler add greater down force to the vehicle. Running down the length of the body, Bugatti designers also augmented the side line of the car to make it appear lower and longer. Closing out the Divo's new design is a 1.83-meter rear wing that's used as both an air brake and a means of changing the vehicle's multiple driving modes.
Looking to nab a Divo? Too bad. All 40 models have already been sold, so it appears you'll have to wait until some soccer star or the like gets pulled over in one before you’ll see this vehicle in the media again.