Bend It Like Bugatti

Volkswagen AG’s ultra-luxury Bugatti unit says its new Divo hypercar is designed for agility and cornering rather than all-out acceleration like the Chiron supercar that the new model is based on.

Aerodynamic, steering, suspension and lightweighting enhancements allow the Divo to lap Italy’s Nardo handling circuit 8 seconds faster than the Chiron, according to Bugatti. Both vehicles are powered by VW’s quad-turbo 8.0-liter W-16 engine that makes 1,480 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque.

Whereas the Chiron and other Bugatti supercars are designed for high-speed straight-line dynamics, the track-focused Divo is “made for bends,” CEO Stephan Winkelmann says.

The Divo’s weight was trimmed by 77 lbs with lighter wheels, carbon fiber parts and less sound insulation. At the same time, downforce grew by 198 lbs, thanks in part to a larger, height-adjustable rear wing that is 23% wider than the unit on the Chiron.

Other aerodynamic enhancements include a new front spoiler, more air intakes, a rear diffuser and a roof duct. The changes also increase cooling to the engine and brakes.

Bugatti says the Divo’s suspension and steering settings have been tweaked to provide more direct responses to driver inputs. This includes greater suspension camber.

As a result of the improvements, the Divo’s lateral acceleration has increased to 1.6 g. But the car’s top speed is limited to a relatively sedate 236 mph, at least when compared with the Chiron’s lightning-fast 261 mph.

Bugatti took the wraps off the Divo on Friday at the Concours d’Elegance in Pebble Beach, Calif. All 40 of the planned limited production run have been pre-purchased for €5 million ($5.8 million) apiece.