bugatti molsheim factory visit

MOLSHEIM EXPERIENCE

Molsheim is the home of the BUGATTI family, the birthplace of the brand and the modern headquarters of the company. Located in France in the heart of Alsace, Molsheim is where BUGATTI’s history of success began in 1909, when Ettore Bugatti bucked the trend and started producing cars that were small, light and easy to handle. This was when the brand’s values of excellence, courage and dedication were born — values which BUGATTI represents to this very day.

Ettore Bugatti was a perfectionist. He desired nothing but the best for his cars, his customers, his company and himself, following the maxim: “If comparable, it is no longer Bugatti”. Today, we are proud to continue the BUGATTI tradition in the place where it all began, here at Molsheim.

ARRIVAL - HISTORIC GATE

The value of the BUGATTI brand does not only lie in its technical and stylistic finesse, but also in its tradition and rich heritage. This is why in 1998 it was a natural choice to revive the BUGATTI brand in Molsheim — the original location of Ettore’s legendary manufacture. Every BUGATTI customer journey begins at Molsheim, where visitors experience our founder’s spirit alongside the fascinating interplay of art, forme and technique..

Just like then, the Molsheim Experience follows a suspense-building sequence in which the best is saved for last.

RECEPTION AND INTRODUCTION - CHÂTEAU ST. JEAN

Château St. Jean is the place where Ettore fittingly received his customers to celebrate their purchase in unique style. BUGATTI has restored the Château and revived this tradition, welcoming its guests with an exhibition of the brand’s history that includes invaluable artefacts and memorabilia. The middle floor lies on a central oval that is not completely joined to the exterior walls and thus appears to float, seeming to catapult everything into a new era.

Visitors dive into the lives of talented BUGATTI family members Carlo, Rembrandt, Ettore and Jean, who shaped and inspired the marque throughout the last century and up to this present day.

CLASSIC CARS AND VINTAGE TREASURES - REMISE NORD

The Remise Nord was built in 1853. Initially used for stables, it later served as a shelter for pilgrims of the Order of Malta on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Despite their very special aesthetic characteristics, these buildings meet their intended purpose and are functionally designed. “They are not just pure works of art, even if they give that appearance,” said architects who worked on their refurbishments.

Today, the Remise Nord is the home to some ground-breaking examples of the brand’s past, like the Type 35 – the most successful race car of all time – and the Type 51, which is considered the pinnacle of BUGATTI’s most celebrated race car design. At 6.4 meters in length, the Type 41 Royale Coupé de Ville Binder is one of just six Royales in existence, all of them highly luxurious and powered by a 12.8 liter in-line 8-cylinder engine. Sitting next to the Royale, the 1931 Type 56 is an electrically powered two-seater that Ettore designed and built to be easily driven on BUGATTI grounds.

EXCLUSIVE TEA BREAK - ORANGERIE

The Orangerie is the only building that Ettore Bugatti added to the complex during his lifetime. Originally built to house tropical plants, the Orangerie was renovated for the 100th anniversary of the brand in 2009. The 1920s steel structure was carefully restored to keep up with the authenticity of other buildings in the initial section of the BUGATTI compound. The Orangerie is now a popular retreat area for visitors to relax following the adrenaline rush of a BUGATTI test drive.

HANDMADE - THE ATELI ER

The factory, known as the Atelier, was added to the premises in the early 2000s. Created in the shape of BUGATTI’s signature feature, the macaron, it is the place where our craftspeople assemble each BUGATTI by hand. Every year, around 70 units of the Chiron variants, the Divo, the Centodieci and other models are produced to the highest quality.

While the Château and the remises represent the long tradition of the brand, the Atelier stands for modern-day technology and an innovative future. The view towards the Atelier and through the windows towards the south provides a contrasting feeling of spaciousness: open, luminous, and technical.

PURE ADRENALINE - TEST DRIVE

Pierre Henry Raphanel, one of BUGATTI’s official test drivers, once said:

“I have never met anyone who was prepared for the rush of emotions a test drive in a BUGATTI unleashes. It is pure passion and adrenaline. Everyone who had seriously been considering buying a BUGATTI beforehand actually did so afterwards. I am merely the one introducing them to something they had probably never felt before in their life and that makes our hyper sports cars so unique: true BUGATTI passion!”

CAR CONFIGURATION - REMISE SUD

The Remise Sud, built in 1788, is where future BUGATTI owners configure their ultimate vision. Assisted by one of our designers, each customer can tailor their future hyper sports car according to their preferences. Thanks to an endless range of customization options, they can choose from a huge variety of color and material combinations, unique design splits and individual emblems. A process which Hendrik Malinowski, Director of Sales and Operation, summarizes with the following words: “It is our highest goal to offer our customers the extraordinary: an unforgettable experience and a dream that BUGATTI will make a reality.”

• Motorcycles
• Car of the Month
• Destinations
• Men’s Fashion
• Watch Collector
• Art & Collectibles
• Vacation Homes
• Celebrity Homes
• New Construction
• Home Design
• Electronics
• Fine Dining
• Aston Martin
• Costa Palmas
• L’Atelier
• Les Marquables de Martell
• Reynolds Lake Oconee
• Scott Dunn Travel
• Wilson Audio
• 672 Wine Club
• Sports & Leisure
• Health & Wellness
• Best of the Best
• The Ultimate Gift Guide

Bugatti’s Molsheim Experience Lets You Glamp Under the Stars, View Rare Classics and Sip Vintage Bubbly

On the grounds of château st. jean, bugatti's experimental experience takes go inside (and outside) the marque's headquarters..

Basem Wasef

Basem Wasef's Most Recent Stories

• First Look: The 2025 Infiniti QX80 Gets an Overdue Makeover
• NASCAR Team Owner Rick Hendrick on EVs, Hybrids, and the Future of Classic Cars
• How Blended-Wing Planes Are Helping Aviation Fly to a Net-Zero Goal
• Share This Article

In the wee hours of a balmy summer night in Molsheim, France , I view Jupiter glowing high in the evening sky from the grounds of Château St. Jean, which has anchored these roughly 17 acres for the past 165 years. I’m overnighting in the shadow of this storybook residence, purchased in 1928 by Ettore Bugatti , founder of the renowned French automaker. In the modern era, such a stay has never been available to anyone save the staff who guard the estate—an opportunity so rare, so tightly controlled, it requires leaving my passport at the security gate. Welcome to the Bugatti bubble.

Related Stories

Tesla plans to lay off over 10% of its workforce.

• This Sporty New 140-Foot Superyacht Rocks the Same Metallic Paint as Your Supercar

The Last Bentley Bacalar Roadster Is Now Headed to Auction

The brand’s headquarters weren’t always off-limits: Ettore was known to host clients before they took delivery of their vehicles. Guests could also stay at Bugatti’s nearby Pur Sang hotel, as did model, dancer and Grand Prix racer Hellé Nice when she took possession of her custom-built Type 35C racer in 1929.

My accommodations, unlike those of Ms. Nice, comprise a geodesic structure just beyond the château; think glamping , ornamented by Bugatti-branded furnishings and a self-contained climate-control system. Intriguingly, this once-in-a-lifetime Molsheim experience is being vetted as a potential customer program that would resurrect the days when acquiring a world-class automobile might also include a stay at the equivalent—in the automotive world at least—of hallowed ground.

Glamping on the grounds of Château St. Jean  Enes Kucevic Photography

Upon arriving by car service, I settle in with coffee and snacks, impeccably prepared by Bugatti’s private chef. In the design studio, the team offers an exclusive preview of the final Chiron to go into production, a special-edition open-air variant that won’t be seen by the public for weeks. Later, in Ettore’s glass-walled Orangerie, I peruse examples of the brand’s current partnerships, including a $300,000 carbon-fiber pool table by IXO Carbon and, in the Remise Sud area, a Tidal audio system with speaker enclosures that mimic the marque’s swoopy bodywork. (The afternoon culminates with a tasting of three vintages of Carbon Champagne, a bubbly co-branded with Bugatti that features glass bottles encased in a carbon-fiber weave.)

Of course, befitting the setting, Bugatti’s historical designs are also on display—and not just the automotive kind. Along with one of the six remaining Royale Type 41 models, with sheet metal that seems to stretch for a mile, I’m able to study an improbably beautiful writing desk crafted by Ettore’s father, Carlo. But for sheer thrill, it’s hard to top the chance to take a 1932 Bugatti Type 51 roadster for a spin around the grounds, its lithesome proportions countered by a cacophonous, supercharged straight-eight engine—a remarkable time capsule of mechanical mayhem.

Bugatti reps are cagey about whether any future client program might include such rarefied experiences; configuring the château even for small-scale tourism, they admit, would be “complicated.” But it’s clear the brand realizes the incredible resource it has at its disposal, and is looking to utilize it.

A spin in a 1932 Bugatti Type 51 adds to the rarefied air.  Enes Kucevic Photography

“The Bugatti château was purchased by Ettore Bugatti in 1928, but never with the intent of living in it,” notes Cedric Davy, COO for Bugatti of the Americas. “He wanted a grand location to entertain and inspire the world’s wealthiest customers, even royalty.” Davy says that when the Volkswagen Group bought the rights to the Bugatti name in 1998, “the first task was to purchase the original grounds and properly resurrect the brand from this foundation.”

And there may be no more interesting time to be a guest of Bugatti. The recent union with EV juggernaut Rimac Automobili means that Molsheim’s petrol-fueled soul will soon be electrified, even as the château and the macron-shaped atelier, where cars are hand-assembled at a pace best described as “deliberate,” will continue to operate. The unique hospitality trick, as current management well knows, will be living up to Ettore’s famous saying: “If it is comparable, it is no longer Bugatti.”

Basem Wasef is an automotive and motorcycle journalist and photographer with two coffee-table books to his credit: Legendary Race Cars and Legendary Motorcycles. A contributor to publications…

Read More On:

• Rimac Automobili

Car of the Week: This Restored 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster Could Be Yours for $2.6 Million

This Luxury Residential Community in Tennessee Is Opening Its Own Private Race Track

Culinary Masters 2024

MAY 17 - 19 Join us for extraordinary meals from the nation’s brightest culinary minds.

Give the Gift of Luxury

Latest Galleries in Cars

The Ultra-Exclusive 2022 Bentley Bacalar in Photos

A 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster in Photos

More from our brands, celebrities front row at dior pre-fall 2024 ready-to-wear: anya taylor-joy, rosamund pike, rachel zegler and more, angel reese gets drafted 7th by wnba’s chicago sky, greece’s heretic sets cannes acid titles ‘kyuka,’ ‘sundays’ (exclusive), israel’s national pavilion won’t open until a ceasefire is reached, artist says, the best running water bottles according to marathoners.

Inside the Bugatti Factory: A Captivating Tour of Craftsmanship

Welcome to the Bugatti Factory in Molsheim, France, where the magic happens. This is the place where Bugatti cars are born, and we're about to take you on a tour that will leave you in awe. Prepare yourself for an up-close look at the production process, including the assembly of the iconic Bugatti Veyron and Chiron models.

First, let's step into the Orangerie, a building that dates back to the time of Ettore Bugatti himself. It was originally constructed to house his collection of exotic plants, showcasing his passion for beauty and craftsmanship. Fast forward to today, and Bugatti has faithfully reconstructed the Orangerie, paying homage to the brand's rich history.

Now, let's move on to the heart of the factory, the atelier. This is where the real magic happens. Every Bugatti car is meticulously hand-built with an unwavering commitment to detail and perfection. The process begins with the assembly of the engine and rear frame, followed by the monocoque and front frame. The safety cell, crafted from carbon fiber, is then added, ensuring maximum rigidity and protection for the driver and passenger.

As we delve deeper into the production process, we discover the impressive cooling system of these incredible machines. With a staggering 60 liters of water dedicated to cooling the powerful engine, it's clear that Bugatti leaves no room for compromise. The suspension system is equally remarkable, featuring a hydraulic system that allows for adjustable ride height. This ensures optimal performance and handling, whether you're cruising on the open road or pushing the limits on the track.

But let's not forget the pièce de résistance—the engine. It's a beast that commands attention. With its massive size and unique turbocharging system, this powerhouse delivers an exhilarating driving experience. The rear wing, made from titanium, not only adds to the car's aesthetics but also serves a functional purpose. It increases aerodynamic performance and even acts as an air brake when needed.

As we continue our tour, we witness the assembly of the body onto the rolling chassis. Each part is meticulously fitted and adjusted to ensure a seamless and flawless finish. The car then undergoes a water test to guarantee there are no leaks, followed by a thorough inspection in a light tunnel to ensure the highest standards of quality are met.

Bugatti's commitment to excellence is evident at every stage of the production process. From the craftsmanship of the atelier to the precision engineering of the engine, every detail is carefully considered. It's no wonder that Bugatti cars are renowned for their performance, luxury, and unparalleled beauty. So buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable journey into the world of Bugatti.

Watch Bugatti Factory Tour + Sneak Peak Of My Chiron SS! on Youtube

Viewer reactions for bugatti factory tour + sneak peak of my chiron ss.

• Excitement for the new Chiron
• Appreciation for the informative factory tour
• Steve's casual attire and appearance
• Positive feedback on the content and videos
• Compliments on the orange interior of the Bugatti
• Wishes for classic cars to be added to the collection
• Anticipation to see the car in person
• Jokes about the Eiffel Tower reference in the video
• Speculation about the black and gold Bolide in the background
• Comments on the engine and tires of the Bugatti
• Compliments on the tour guide and the factory visit
• Subscriptions and positive feedback on the channel
• Comments on the design and color scheme of the Bugatti
• Jokes and corrections about the Eiffel Tower reference
• Speculation on the work done on Manny's car at the factory
• Comments on the charger placement during the sponsor segment
• Excitement for future races involving the Chiron and Jesko
• Negative comment about the content
• Enthusiasm for the new car

Tour the Bugatti factory, Molsheim

• Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

In the September issue of Wallpaper* (W*126) we befriend Bugatti's latest baby, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. Here Jonathan Bell, visits the factory where this hand-built, breathtaking car was born.

The sparse, laboratory-like spaces of Bugatti's Molsheim factory are a fitting environment for the manufacture of the world's most advanced sports car. The Bugatti Veyron and Veyron Grand Sport 16.4 roll slowly off these production lines and into the air-conditioned underground garages of the world's most discerning - and deep-pocketed - motoring enthusiasts.

Take a tour of the Bugatti factory - where the world's most advanced sports cars are pieced together

An integral part of Volkswagen's revival of the Bugatti name was the return to the marque's historic home in Molsheim, just outside Strasbourg. Here stands the Château St. Jean, built in 1857, and subsequently used by Ettore Bugatti as a grand customer service centre. The original factory was destroyed during the war, so the decision was made to create new production facilities in the château's grounds. To undertake the work, VW enlisted the help of Gunther Henn, whose Munich-based practice, Henn Architekten , has forged a close link with the VW Group over the past decade. Henn has designed some of the more adventurous examples of motoring architecture, including VW's Transparent Factory in Dresden and a fair chunk of Autostadt, the Wolfsburg-based auto theme park that unites the VW's brand portfolio with a series of architectural pavilions set in landscaped grounds.

As well as stripping out and totally restoring the château, the adjoining stable buildings were dismantled, moved and reconstructed, using as many original materials as possible, but with modern detailing and

facilities to serve as the customer reception and meeting spaces. They also house a library and workshop for the restoration of classic Bugattis, a small-scale set-up with a domestic feel that contrast with the industrial character of the main production pavilions.

Wallpaper* Newsletter

Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox

Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.

Step inside the Jean-Michel Gathy-designed Janu Tokyo and discover its state-of-the-art wellness facilities

By Jens H Jensen Published 16 April 24

Kapwani Kiwanga draws on her experiences in materiality for the Canada Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale

By Hannah Silver Published 16 April 24

‘The Architecture of Studio MK27. Lights, camera, action’ is a richly illustrated journey through the evolution of this famed Brazilian architecture studio

By Jonathan Bell Published 16 April 24

The Peugeot 308 proves that mass-market design needn’t be dull, blending hybrid power with sharp lines and excellent detailing

By Jonathan Bell Published 9 October 22

BMW Motorrad R 18 Bagger and Transcontinental set the tone for high-voltage cruising with a brand collaboration with speaker specialist Marshall

By George Chapman Last updated 14 October 22

Utilitarian auto brand Dacia sets a bold new agenda with its Manifesto, a concept car pitched at the active outdoor market 

By Jonathan Bell Last updated 28 September 22

Monterey Car Week, the world’s most prestigious car gathering, is showcasing ever-more extravagant special editions, coachbuilt cars and all-new electric concepts. Here are seven key machines from 2022

By Rory FH Smith Last updated 28 September 22

The McLaren GT is a capable all-rounder dressed up in svelte supercar clothes. It might also be the last of its type

By Jonathan Bell Last updated 6 October 22

A mid-life refresh ensures the flagship Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II is at the top of its game, a last hurrah for traditional engines before an electrified future

By Jonathan Bell Published 24 July 22

The racing simulator shapes up – this new design from Prodrive and Callum is honed for the high-end games room

By Jonathan Bell Last updated 7 October 22

928 by Nardone Automotive is a gracefully modernised version of Porsche’s endearingly different 928

By Jonathan Bell Last updated 9 October 22

• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy
• Advertise with us

Wallpaper* is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Bugatti Festival Molsheim

Every year on the weekend closest to September 15, Bugatti owners from all over Europe, gather in Molsheim Patrie de Bugatti to celebrate the Marque together.

• Pets allowed : yes
• Duration of the visit : Half-day
• Prices : Free
• Type d'évènement, exposition : Traditional feast
• Lieu/Départ de la manifestation : Parc des Jésuites
• Stationnement pour véhicules : Free parking for cars

Congés/fermeture annuels : 02>26/01 ; 02>09/07 ; période de Noël

Fermeture hebdomadaire : Lundi, Dimanche, Dimanche soir

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on Linkedin
• Share on Mail

Fields marked with an asterisk are required. Without this information, we will be unable to respond to your request. Alsace Destination Tourisme will process your personal data in accordance with the relevant legislation and our data protection policy for customers, partners and prospective customers which you can access here . 

Your message has been successfully sent!

• Aston Martin News
• Bentley News
• Bugatti News
• Ferrari News
• Jaguar News
• Koenigsegg News
• Lamborghini News
• Land Rover News
• Maserati News
• McLaren News
• Mercedes-Benz News
• Pagani News
• Porsche News
• Rolls-Royce News
• Custom Cars For Sale
• Dealer Details
• Dealer News
• Dealer Virtual Tours
• Classifieds
• Dealerships
• Sell My Aston Martin
• Sell My Bentley
• Sell My Bugatti
• Sell My Ferrari
• Sell My Lamborghini
• Sell My McLaren
• Sell My Porsche
• Sell My Rolls-Royce
• Aston Martin
• Lamborghini
• Mercedes-Benz
• Rolls-Royce
• Watches For Sale
• Celebrity Cars
• Gear For Sale
• Real Estate
• Yachts For Sale
• Issue Previews
• In The Pages
• Shop Issues

The Hamilton Collection Visits Bugatti’s Molsheim Factory For The Ultimate Hypercar Tour

The Hamilton Collection

Steve even got the chance to sit in his Chiron Super Sport before body panels were installed!

While the excitement of ordering a multi-million dollar hypercar must be unmeasurable for any car collector, the adrenaline and anticipation are quickly halted with the news of a lengthy production schedule. With up to a year’s wait on Chiron examples , Bugatti keeps that spark alive by involving the customer through the process with updates and even visits to its headquarters in Molsheim, France. The Hamilton Collection recently took the trip across the world to tour Bugatti’s factory while getting an up-close look at Steve Hamilton’s upcoming Chiron Super Sport hypercar. The tour guide throughout day the was none other than Bugatti Automobiles President Christophe Piochon, who gave insight into the history of the famed Molsheim property.

The Atiler’s production line showcases Bugatti’s craftsmanship and attention to detail, with all Chiron configurations assembled strategically from the rear end to the front. While touring the production line, Steve noticed a stripped-down Chiron with a familiar set of vibrant orange brake calipers. After being introduced to his very own spec, the Bugatti team fixed in a temporary SPARCO race seat for Steve to sit in before his orange leather bucket seats were installed. An evolution of Bugatti’s hypercars is displayed in a museum-type space of the factory, proudly displaying everything from first production Veyrons to the exclusive, track-only Bolide. The fuel-driven tour concluded with a Chiron Super Sport test drive with Bugatti Pilote Officiel Pierre-Henry Raphanel. As The Hamilton Collection waits for its Bugatti Chiron Super Sport to be completed, the Veyron will have to fill the void for now. View all Bugatti hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below.

Source: The Hamilton Collection

Related Articles

Charles Leclerc Picks Up His New 2024 Ferrari Purosangue SUV In Monte Carlo

After taking delivery of his Ferrari Daytona SP3 only a...

Air Jordan x Luka Doncic Tease A Custom Buick GNX For The Luka 3 Sneaker Debut

From the court to the track, Air Jordan finds a...

Celebrity Cybertrucks: Who’s Driving Tesla’s First-Ever EV Pickup Truck?

From A-list celebs to music moguls, they're all loving the...

Top Celebrity Deliveries Of The Hennessey Venom F5 Hypercar

The ultimate American hypercar is making its way into celebrity...

Copyright © 2024 duPont REGISTRY.

EXPLORE THE FACTORY

Molsheim experience.

Molsheim is the home of the BUGATTI family, the birthplace of the brand and the modern headquarters of the company.

ARRIVAL - HISTORIC GATE

The value of the BUGATTI brand does not only lie in its technical and stylistic finesse, but also in its tradition and rich heritage. This is why in 1998 it was a natural choice to revive the BUGATTI brand in Molsheim — the original location of Ettore’s legendary manufacture. Every BUGATTI customer journey begins at Molsheim, where visitors experience our founder’s spirit alongside the fascinating interplay of art, forme and technique.

Just like then, the Molsheim Experience follows a suspense-building sequence in which the best is saved for last.

RECEPTION AND INTRODUCTION - CHÂTEAU ST. JEAN

Château St. Jean is the place where Ettore fittingly received his customers to celebrate their purchase in unique style. BUGATTI has restored the Château and revived this tradition, welcoming its guests with an exhibition of the brand’s history that includes invaluable artefacts and memorabilia. The middle floor lies on a central oval that is not completely joined to the exterior walls and thus appears to float, seeming to catapult everything into a new era.

Visitors dive into the lives of talented BUGATTI family members Carlo, Rembrandt, Ettore and Jean, who shaped and inspired the marque throughout the last century and up to this present day.

CLASSIC CARS AND VINTAGE TREASURES - REMISE NORD

The Remise Nord was built in 1853. Initially used for stables, it later served as a shelter for pilgrims of the Order of Malta on their way to Santiago de Compostela. Despite their very special aesthetic characteristics, these buildings meet their intended purpose and are functionally designed. “They are not just pure works of art, even if they give that appearance,” said architects who worked on their refurbishments.

Today, the Remise Nord is the home to some ground-breaking examples of the brand’s past, like the Type 35 – the most successful race car of all time – and the Type 51, which is considered the pinnacle of BUGATTI’s most celebrated race car design. At 6.4 meters in length, the Type 41 Royale Coupé de Ville Binder is one of just six Royales in existence, all of them highly luxurious and powered by a 12.8 liter in-line 8-cylinder engine. Sitting next to the Royale, the 1931 Type 56 is an electrically powered two-seater that Ettore designed and built to be easily driven on BUGATTI grounds.

EXCLUSIVE TEA BREAK - ORANGERIE

The Orangerie is the only building that Ettore Bugatti added to the complex during his lifetime. Originally built to house tropical plants, the Orangerie was renovated for the 100th anniversary of the brand in 2009. The 1920s steel structure was carefully restored to keep up with the authenticity of other buildings in the initial section of the BUGATTI compound. The Orangerie is now a popular retreat area for visitors to relax following the adrenaline rush of a BUGATTI test drive.

HANDMADE - THE ATELI

The factory, known as the Atelier, was added to the premises in the early 2000s. Created in the shape of BUGATTI’s signature feature, the macaron, it is the place where our craftspeople assemble each BUGATTI by hand. Every year, around 70 units of the Chiron variants, the Divo, the Centodieci and other models are produced to the highest quality.

While the Château and the remises represent the long tradition of the brand, the Atelier stands for modern-day technology and an innovative future. The view towards the Atelier and through the windows towards the south provides a contrasting feeling of spaciousness: open, luminous, and technical.

PURE ADRENALINE - TEST DRIVE

Pierre Henry Raphanel, one of BUGATTI’s official test drivers, once said:

“I have never met anyone who was prepared for the rush of emotions a test drive in a BUGATTI unleashes. It is pure passion and adrenaline. Everyone who had seriously been considering buying a BUGATTI beforehand actually did so afterwards. I am merely the one introducing them to something they had probably never felt before in their life and that makes our hyper sports cars so unique: true BUGATTI passion!”

CAR CONFIGURATION - REMISE SUD

The Remise Sud, built in 1788, is where future BUGATTI owners configure their ultimate vision. Assisted by one of our designers, each customer can tailor their future hyper sports car according to their preferences. Thanks to an endless range of customization options, they can choose from a huge variety of color and material combinations, unique design splits and individual emblems. A process which Hendrik Malinowski, Director of Sales and Operation, summarizes with the following words: “It is our highest goal to offer our customers the extraordinary: an unforgettable experience and a dream that BUGATTI will make a reality.”

© 2024 Bugatti Beverly Hills. | email: [email protected]

• The W16 Mistral
• The Molsheim Experience

• The Charterhouse
• The Fort of Mutzig
• The Nideck Waterfall
• Our vineyards
• The Bruche Canal by bike

With your animals

• Places to visit
• Cycling and Mountain Biking
• Water activities
• Leisure and activities
• If it rains
• 21 Baby carriages rides
• Weekly markets
• All the events
• The essentials
• Through vineyards and fields
• Things to do today
• Things to do tomorrow
• Things to do this week
• Getaways less than 30 kms
• Hotels and hotels residences
• Guest rooms
• Tourist rentals
• Collective accomodation
• Campsites / Service areas
• Restaurants
• Alsatian restaurants
• Craftsmen and local products
• Winegrowers
• Artists and craftsmen
• Shops open on sunday
• Laundries & dry cleaners

Practical informations

Bugatti Discovery tour in 12 stops

The region Molsheim-Mutzig is the land where the Bugatti myth came to life. The famous «Bugatti» trade name was created by Ettore Bugatti (1881–1947), the Alsatian car manufacturer of Italian origin most renowned for his racing cars, the legendary blue rockets with an arch-shaped radiator whose track record was unrivalled, and sports and luxury cars such as the Royale. This trail with 12 landmarks, symbolized by information panels at the disposal of tourists, invites to a journey to discover the fascinating story and life of the Bugatti family in Molsheim, Dorlisheim and Duppigheim. Through anecdotes recounted by the Witness, discover the key sites where the Bugatti car-making era began and how that tradition still continues today.

#visitmolsheimmutzig

Stay connected , privacy overview.

Inside the Molsheim Experience, the exclusive Bugatti-buying process that takes customers to France to create their own $3 million sports car

• A Bugatti is the ultimate luxury in the automobile world, thanks to its fine craftsmanship and multi-million dollar price tag.
• Bugatti 's  recently released Chiron costs around $3 million — and there are only 200 left.
• The buying process for a Bugatti , called the Molsheim Experience, allows potential buyers to take a Bugatti for a test spin at the brand's headquarters in France before creating their own customized vehicle.

It's hard to think of a more glamorous car than a Bugatti . 

Limited, luxurious, and lavish, a Bugatti comes with a multi-million dollar price tag for its elite status — and the process to buy one can be just as exclusive as the car itself. Dubbed the Molsheim Experience, pre-qualified potential buyers are hosted at Bugatti's headquarters in Molsheim, France, for the day.

After touring the grounds, they take a Bugatti out for a test spin before stepping into the brand's customer lounge to create a custom, tailor-made vehicle that fits their specific preferences. 

Currently up for sale is Bugatti's Chiron and Chiron Sport, which cost around $3 million. Recently released, there are only about 200 left that can be made.

From exploring the historic grounds of Bugatti's headquarters to hitting the roads of France, take a tour of the Molsheim Experience below. 

A Bugatti is the ultimate indulgence for any car lover.

Several celebrities own the multi-million dollar car, from Cristiano Ronaldo and Ralph Lauren to Floyd Mayweather Jr and Simon Cowell.

Source: Elite Traveler

Beyoncé also gave Jay-Z a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport for his 41st birthday.

The brand's success dates back to 1909 when Ettore Bugatti founded it.

Bugatti is currently selling the Divo, priced at €5 million, or $5.8 million. The 40 Divo models slated for production are already sold out.

Bugatti is also selling the Chiron, with a base price of $2.9 million, and the Chiron Sport, released earlier in 2018 with a starting price of $3.26 million.

It features one-carat diamond membranes in the speakers, the world's longest built-in LED illumination system, and 16 leather hides.

What it doesn't include is plastic — even the air vents are made of a titanium/magnesium alloy.

It could arguably be called a piece of "haute couture" — only 500 will ever be made, and more than 300 are spoken for already.

Bugatti president Stephan Winkelmann previously told Business Insider, "We are sold out until the second half of 2021."

Source: Business Insider

A Bugatti spokesperson told Business Insider the average Bugatti Chiron buyer has an expansive vehicle collection of 42 cars and two planes, among other things.

More than 50% of current Chiron owners are also first-time Bugatti owners — the Chiron was designed with new buyers in mind, as some found the Bugatti Veyron, the previous model, too bulky.

Source:  Bloomberg

Manuela Höhne, the head of communications for Bugatti, told Bloomberg that half of the Chirons already purchased were bought sight-unseen.

But potential buyers who want to test before they buy undergo a special buying process, dubbed the Molsheim Experience.

Qualified prospects fly out to Molsheim — the birthplace and headquarters of Bugatti located in the heart of Alsace, France — for the day at their own expense.

Bugatti invites previous owners — those who purchased the Veyron — and other qualified prospects to partake in the experience, but they remained mum on the details of the full vetting process.

The Bugatti spokesperson told Business Insider they have an average of two North American customers or prospects participating in the Molsheim Experience per month.

The historic gates of Chateau St. Jean, the heart of the facility, open exclusively for customers, who begin the Molsheim Experience with a tour of the grounds.

At the Chateau, customers learn about Bugatti's history and see a display of unique art pieces from members of the Bugatti family.

They also get to explore classic, vintage Bugattis.

Customers then take the 1926 Type 35 for a spin.

One of Bugatti's most important models, it has more than 2,000 victories and podium finishes, making it one of the most successful racing cars in automobile history.

Customers are then taken to the Atelier, the only modern building at Bugatti headquarters. It resembles the "macaron" shape of the brand's logo.

A factory, the Atelier is where master craftspeople assemble cars by hand with precision and detail, according to each customer's distinct specifications.

Customers then take a tea break at the historic Orangerie, the only structure added to the estate by Ettore Bugatti. It was carefully restored in 2009 as part of Bugatti's 100th anniversary celebration.

There's also a team of "flying doctors" at headquarters, ready to service cars throughout the world and ensure they retain their value.

After the tour of the grounds is finished, customers take a Chiron out on the open road, alongside an experienced driver.

Upon returning to headquarters, customers configure their completely unique Chiron at the Customer Lounge.

Assisted by a car designer, customers build a vehicle tailor-made to their specific preferences.

Customers can choose from different color combinations and different color layouts.

Höhne told Bloomberg many customers end up wanting two Chirons — one for their collection and one to drive.

As Pierre-Henri Raphanel, Bugatti S.A.S.'s official test driver, once said, "Everyone who had seriously been considering buying a Bugatti beforehand actually did so afterwards."

Source: Bugatti

• Main content

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My Portfolio
• Stock Market
• Biden Economy
• Stocks: Most Actives
• Stocks: Gainers
• Stocks: Losers
• Trending Tickers
• World Indices
• US Treasury Bonds
• Top Mutual Funds
• Highest Open Interest
• Highest Implied Volatility
• Stock Comparison
• Advanced Charts
• Currency Converter
• Basic Materials
• Communication Services
• Consumer Cyclical
• Consumer Defensive
• Financial Services
• Industrials
• Real Estate
• Mutual Funds
• Credit Cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash-back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Personal Loans
• Student Loans
• Car Insurance
• Options 101
• Good Buy or Goodbye
• Options Pit
• Yahoo Finance Invest
• Investment Ideas
• Research Reports
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• CA Privacy Notice

Yahoo Finance

• Analyst Rating
• Technical Events
• Smart Money
• Top Holdings

A Look Inside the Factory Where Bugatti Creates Its Custom Dream Machines

Though Bugatti ’s corporate operations are based at the Volkswagen Group’s mother ship in Wolfsburg, Germany, the brand’s spiritual cortex in Molsheim lies over 350 miles to the south in the bucolic Alsace region of northeastern France. To comprehend the essence of this storied brand, all roads lead to Molsheim—the place where Bugatti rose to prominence as a world-class carmaker, and where all modern Bugattis are hand assembled.

Beyond the wrought iron gates surrounding the secluded campus beats the emotional heart of a carmaker whose century-old roots were planted by Ettore Bugatti, the son of a sculptor who built his automaking empire on what he called Pur Sang designs—low volume, thoroughbred machines that went on to break records and win Grand Prix races. Would-be buyers make the pilgrimage here to conceptualize the bespoke features of their future steeds and become steeped in the finer points of what makes a Bugatti a Bugatti. We recently visited Molsheim for a behind-the-scenes look at this fabled nameplate.

The Bugatti family set up shop on the property in 1909, and the brand’s current stewards have gone to great lengths to preserve the manufacturer’s deep-rooted origins. The first thing visitors encounter upon arrival is Château St. Jean, a regal, symmetric edifice that served as the Bugatti family’s original residence. Within these thick masonry walls, guests are welcomed with refreshments and background on the property’s history. Spilling beyond the structure’s grand staircase are lush grounds enveloped by feathery trees. The bucolic surroundings encompass both left and right-brained elements of the automaker’s DNA: a spacious, pleasantly lit studio where customers choose their trim, color, and finish combinations; and a more modern, minimalist atelier where Chirons are assembled. The former is outfitted with Bugatti’s own line of furniture, exquisitely sleek yet classical pieces that offer surprisingly harmonious complements to the building’s turn-of-the-century visage.

Personalizing a Chiron requires a thorough—and potentially stressful—consideration of multiple exterior color combinations, wheel choices, and interior trims, covering everything from headliner and seat styles to steering wheel stitching and brake caliper hue. Bugatti’s designers oblige with generous suggestions and insights, offering physical samples to complement the high-resolution renderings projected on a big screen. But ultimately, despite subtly directed hints and diplomatically delivered nudges, the choice ultimately falls upon the customer. Anticipation must also become part of the equation; the average wait for a Chiron is about a year and a half.

Within the assembly facility (which is shaped like a macaroon, echoing the form of the Bugatti logo) is a clean, clinical, and surgical-grade area where each of the 500 Chirons will come to fruition. Here is where the 1,500 hp, 16-cylinder, quad-turbocharged engine is handmade and bench tested before the work-in-progress is run on a sophisticated new “rolling road” that is capable of sending energy back to the local city grid. Only following the relentless scrutiny of 8 hours of “hot” testing, 40 miles of indoor running, and 200 miles of on-road driving, are the Chiron’s mechanical systems deemed ready for delivery.

If the physical evidence of Bugatti’s modern renaissance—launched in 1998 by their acquisition by Volkswagen AG—isn’t sufficiently persuasive for would-be Chiron owners, they might be swayed by the occasional spin around the property in one of the company’s heritage vehicles, which can include a stunning Type 35 and Type 51. Though sleek and innovative where it counts, Bugatti’s graceful nod to the past is what distinguishes the manufacturer from lesser brands that lack the historical gravitas offered by the German-owned boutique builder. Which is to say, driving a 1930s-era racecar may be antithetical to the ultra-capable Chiron, but the experience evokes a spirit and a soul that places the modern hypercar in an emotionally intoxicating light. ( bugatti.com )

More From Robbreport.com

WhistlePig’s Latest Limited-Release Rye Whiskey Is a Wonder

The Arcadia Sherpa Can Do Much More than Just Schlep a Superyacht’s Gear

Jaguar’s New XKSS Is a Sexy Beast Reborn

Christie’s Wine Department Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Epic Auction

3 Things To Consider Before Gifting Another Fragrance

EXCLUSIVE: Palmer Johnson Launches Sleek and Sporty PJ63 Yacht Line

Recommended Stories

Dow jones falls as donald trump stock craters; cathie wood buys this stock amid 51% plunge.

The Dow Jones fell as Elon Musk made a Tesla move. The Donald Trump stock sank on the stock market today. Cathie Wood bought a diving stock.

Stock Selloff Spreads as Middle East Tension Rises: Markets Wrap

(Bloomberg) -- European stocks tumbled, following a selloff in Asia and on Wall Street that was sparked by angst over elevated US interest rates and fueled by signs of fading momentum in China’s economy and rising tensions in the Middle East.Most Read from BloombergBeyond the Ivies: Surprise Winners in the List of Colleges With the Highest ROITrump Media’s $5.3 Billion Selloff Deepens as 270% Rally FizzlesS&P 500 Breaks Below 5,100 as Big Tech Sells Off: Markets WrapIran’s Attack on Israel Spark

Trump Media stock tanks on move to issue millions of shares

Trump Media stock slid as much as 16% on Monday after the parent company of Donald Trump's social media platform, Truth Social, filed to issue more than 21 million shares.

Nvidia Reveals 8 'Secrets' For When To Sell Stocks. No. 2 Is Key.

As top growth stocks like Nvidia test key moving averages, keep in mind these proven rules for when to sell stocks.

4 Oversold Stocks to Buy Right Now

Here are four stocks to buy now that could offer investors upside in the short and long term.

Tesla layoffs hit high performers, some departments slashed, sources say

Tesla management told employees Monday that the recent layoffs -- which gutted some departments by 20% and even hit high performers -- were largely due to poor financial performance, a source familiar with the matter told TechCrunch. The layoffs were announced to staff just a week before Tesla is scheduled to report its first-quarter earnings. The move comes as Tesla has seen its profit margin narrow over the past several quarters, the result of an EV price war that has persisted for at least a year.

Elon Musk Agrees With Jamie Dimon's Warning Of Political Polarization 'Creating Risks That Could Eclipse Anything Since World War II'

JP Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) CEO Jamie Dimon's annual shareholder letter is a moment investors await to understand the thinking of one of the world's most influential bankers. While there has been speculation of Dimon entering politics, with him even gaining the support of billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman to run for president, JP Morgan shared in a statement that "Jamie has no plans to run for office" and that "he is very happy in his current role." That has not stopped him from oc

Bitcoin Halving May Lead to Some Sales, Crypto.com CEO Says

(Bloomberg) -- Bitcoin selling may become evident as the date of the so-called halving nears but the event is set to bolster the price of the largest digital asset longer term, according to the head of the Crypto.com exchange.Most Read from BloombergBeyond the Ivies: Surprise Winners in the List of Colleges With the Highest ROITrump Media’s $5.3 Billion Selloff Deepens as 270% Rally FizzlesS&P 500 Breaks Below 5,100 as Big Tech Sells Off: Markets WrapIran’s Attack on Israel Sparks Race to Avert

Dow Jones Futures: Another Ugly Market Reversal; Nvidia Skids, Tesla Tumbles On 'Dark Day'

Mideast fears and surging yields triggered another ugly market reversal. Nvidia and Microsoft fell while Tesla dived.

BlackRock’s Kapito Says Stocks Are Primed for a Comeback

(Bloomberg) -- BlackRock Inc.’s Robert Kapito says the stock market is poised to benefit as investors deploy their outsized holdings of cash.Most Read from BloombergBeyond the Ivies: Surprise Winners in the List of Colleges With the Highest ROITrump Media’s $5.3 Billion Selloff Deepens as 270% Rally FizzlesS&P 500 Breaks Below 5,100 as Big Tech Sells Off: Markets WrapIran’s Attack on Israel Sparks Race to Avert a Full-Blown WarApple Faces Worst iPhone Slump Since Covid as Rivals RiseThere’s almo

• Aston Martin
• Lamborghini
• Rolls-Royce
• Other Transportation
• Beverly Hills
• Westlake Village
• Architecture
• O’Gara Design Series
• Real Estate
• O’Gara Motorsport
• Parris and Coffee

Automotive , Hypercar

Bugatti factory tour – an inside look.

In the last decade or so, the name Bugatti became synonymous with the absolute ultimate in Automobile performance and luxury. It was known as the million dollar car, and the way they are made became the stuff of legends. Today we would like to share a recent documentary that shows in great detail the process that goes into making one of the worlds greatest cars.

Related Articles

Bugatti Reveals How the $2.6M Chiron Is Built

Nine months, 12 stations, hand-built everything, and exactly one electronic tool—this is how you build the world’s most expensive production car.

How to Build the Most Expensive Production Car in the World

We've already detailed how one goes about designing his own Bugatti Chiron —now, Bugatti has lifted the curtain on how the world's fastest (electronically limited at 261 mph) and most expensive ($2.6 million, before a single option) car in the world is actually built.

Over 1,800 individual parts make up a new Chiron, and the factory in Molsheim, France, has neither conveyor belts nor robots—every part of the Chiron save the motor (a 1,500-hp quad-turbo W-16, shipped pre-assembled from Volkswagen in Salzgitter, Germany) is hand-built across 12 stations—a process that takes up to nine months.

The Nuts and Titanium Bolts

That means up to eight coats of paint applied, by hand, to the body shell, each layer hand-sanded and polished before the next is applied. The car's rear end is built around that massive engine, which required a complete rebuild of the dynamometer used for the Veyron because it couldn't handle the Chiron's power and torque. That dyno is now the most powerful rolling dyno in the world, according to Bugatti, handling the car during flat-out acceleration at speeds up to 124 mph. (Bugatti, in an act of noblesse oblige , feeds excess power from the dyno into the local grid.)

The process to fit exterior carbon panels can take up to three days—due to the thinness, there's actually a pre-installation phase where technicians fit them to special frames mirroring the actual car to check for irregularities. Once the panel assembly is complete, the car undergoes a 30-minute monsoon test to check for leaks. Then, the comprehensive shake-down process, which includes airfield top speed runs at speeds up to 155 mph, before the car is returned to Molsheim, prettied up, and handed over to the head of sales for inspection and arranging what will no doubt be a ceremonious delivery.

The full release, below, via Bugatti .

FEBRUARY 07, 2017, MOLSHEIM

The Molsheim dream factory—a visit to the production facility for the Bugatti Chiron

Fuel consumption, l/100km: 35.2 in urban areas / 15.2 in extra urban areas / 22.5 combined; combined CO2 emissions g/km: 516; efficiency class: G

 Series production of the Bugatti Chiron is rapidly gathering pace. Currently, 12 super sports cars are taking shape in the French luxury brand’s production facility, the so called “Atelier” at the company’s headquarters. It is planned to deliver the first vehicles to customers in the first quarter of 2017 and to build up to 70 of these cars this year. On average, about six months pass between the start of production and the delivery of a Chiron. 20 employees in the Atelier assemble the world’s most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car from more than 1,800 individual parts, working solely by hand. The Chiron is subjected to the most stringent acceptance tests and quality controls before it is delivered to the customer. Many modifications to the facility at Molsheim were made for the assembly of the 1,500 PS super sports car to take account of its higher performance and the generally more complex nature of the new product and its production process.

At its facility in Molsheim in an idyllic location in Alsace, which has been the home of the marque since it was founded in 1909, Bugatti is making automobile dreams come true with the Chiron. Before customers can take delivery of their new Chiron, there is a lot to do. The first step is the configuration of the vehicle, which is completed by the customer together with a designer from Bugatti. Each Bugatti is unique and is manufactured in accordance with the customer’s personal wishes. This is why personalising is a top priority for Bugatti.

23 topcoat colours and eight carbon variants form the basic range for the exterior. In the interior, customers can choose from leather in 31 different colours or Alcantara in eight colours, as well as 30 stitching, 18 carpet and 11 belt colours. In addition to this basic range, thousands of other colours are possible. And in addition to that, individual colours may even be created to match a favourite handbag or the label on a customer’s preferred brand of mineral water. There are also many other design options such as logos or initials on the bottom of the rear spoiler or embroidery on the headrest and leather inlays on the central console. With its customising program “La Maison Pur Sang“, Bugatti is virtually in a position to meet a customer’s every wish – provided that installation in a super sports car is technically feasible and meets Bugatti’s high quality requirements.

Only when the customer has signed off the configuration does production planning start. The many small wheels of a complex process that runs to a strict time schedule are then set in motion. At the end of this process, a Chiron leaves the Atelier in Molsheim. Normally, a Chiron takes about nine months for this journey from configuration through to delivery – with an average degree of customising. The more unusual a customer’s wishes in terms of materials, colours or other details are, the more time will be required.

When a production slot has been assigned to a customer’s vehicle, the parts that are needed are ordered. From now on, the countdown has started and it will take about six months up to the delivery of the car. Now, Bugatti’s suppliers, who are located throughout Europe, work hard to deliver the parts that are needed to Molsheim in time for assembly.

One month before the start of production in Molsheim, the bodyshell is assembled with the monocoque and chassis substructure for the first time to ensure that everything fits together perfectly. Each part is assigned a kit number and is then transferred to the paint shop. It takes about three weeks to apply the various coats of paint. In the case of visible carbon fibre, a field in which Bugatti is the market leader in terms of production quality and diversity of colours, six layers are required. For the top coat, up to eight layers may be needed depending on whether the finish that has been ordered is uni, metallic or pearlescent. The process is so time-consuming because all layers are applied by hand and each individual coat needs to be sanded down and polished before work can start on the next coat.

Then the starting signal is given for the assembly of the Chiron in Molsheim. Christophe Piochon, Member of the Bugatti Board of Management responsible for Production and Logistics, watches over production, making sure that all processes run smoothly and there are no hitches. “Here in Molsheim, we have a small factory with a small warehouse. Neither our equipment nor our procedures can be compared with those of other car plants,” says the 40-year-old mechanical engineer, who worked in quality assurance with the Volkswagen Group before joining Bugatti. “’Just-in-time’ has a very special dimension for Bugatti,” he adds.

The production building for the Chiron, which Bugatti calls “Atelier“, has a floor space of more than 1,000 square metres. It was inaugurated in 2005 and has an oval configuration, based on the French brand’s logo, the Bugatti “Macaron”. It was designed by the renowned architect Professor Gunter Henn from Munich. For more than 10 years, the Veyron 16.4 and its derivatives were built here. For the Chiron, many modifications were made to the Atelier and associated facilities to take account of the new product properties and increased complexity of the production process. For example, exterior components are now preassembled at the technology centre in the plant area, where they are already subjected to initial inspection. In addition, a new rolling dynamometer was developed to accommodate the 1,500 PS developed by the Chiron. The most striking change is the floor in the Atelier. It is made from epoxy and is conductive, ensuring the dissipation of any electrostatic charges. In addition, the reflecting glossy white creates an atmosphere comparable with the catwalk of a fashion house. “We are building a super sports car. That is quite clear,” says Christophe Piochon. “But it is the way we do it, hand-crafting an individual product for each customer in this very special atmosphere, that makes us unique. This is ‘Haute Couture de l’Automobile‘“.

At Bugatti, no conveyor belts nor robots can be found. People work at stations, as in the workshop of a Formula One team. All in all, there are 12 stations. At the first station, the powertrain is prepared for assembly. This is supplied pre-assembled from the Volkswagen Group engine plant in Salzgitter, where specialists build the 1,500 PS engine in a pilot hall equipped exclusively for Bugatti and then put it through its paces on a test bench for eight hours. At the same time, a similar procedure is applied to the new 7-speed dual-clutch transmission which has been made bigger and stronger to accommodate the high power output of the Chiron and the gigantic torque of 1,600 Nm.

At the second station, the powertrain is installed on the chassis. Thanks to the increased use of carbon and other lightweight materials, this unit weighs 628 kilograms and is no heavier than that of the Veyron, the final version of which had a power output which was 300 PS lower. There are two chassis building platforms in the Atelier. At each station, three employees spend about one week on the assembly of the chassis. In contrast to a conventional production line worker, each of these employees must be in a position to assemble the entire chassis, including the rear end, monocoque and frame.

The rear end of the vehicle is built round the powertrain. At the same time, the monocoque and the front end are joined together and equipped with the wiring harnesses required. The pipes connecting the engine at the rear with the radiators at the front are also installed. Cooling is crucially important in the Chiron. The vehicle is equipped with three water pumps, one large pump for the high-temperature cycle and two smaller pumps for the lowtemperature cycle. The cooling water pipes have the same diameter as a fire brigade’s spray lance and the flow rate is correspondingly high. The coolant flows to the engine along the driver’s side and returns on the passenger’s side after cooling the engine.

The only electronic tool used in chassis assembly is the new EC nutrunner system. This allows a data curve of each bolt tightened on the chassis to be stored on a computer connected to the system, which then gives the assembly worker a signal when the right torque value is reached. There are more than 1,800 bolted joints on a Chiron, with documentation required for 1,068.

The high point of chassis assembly is definitely the marriage – the operation of joining the monocoque and the rear end. 14 titanium bolts ensure that the bond between the two units is durable and extremely strong. Titanium was selected to save weight; each bolt only weighs 34 grams.

Finally, four wheels are bolted to the chassis and it then rolls forward to the next station – the filling unit, where all the operating fluids are filled into the vehicle: engine and transmission oil, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid and coolant. The coolant is filled in under vacuum which is maintained for 10 minutes in order to test the coolant cycle for any leaks again. This is where the 16-cylinder engine is started in the vehicle for the first time – always an exciting moment for the production team.

After this stage, the chassis travels a few metres to the rolling dynamometer. This is the part of the production facility that called for the greatest investment in preparation for the Chiron. The modifications, including larger electric cables, were necessary as the old rolling dynamometer could not absorb the 1,500 PS and 1,600 Nm developed by the Chiron. The new unit is so powerful that it can produce electricity with a current of up to 1,200 amps during operation. Bugatti feeds the excess power generated to the local grid in Molsheim. The Bugatti rolling dynamometer is the most powerful of its type in the world.

The impressive dynamometer is installed in a separate room with its own ventilation system for vehicle cooling and pollution control. For safety reasons, all the wheels of the car are fastened to the floor using special adapters. Speeds of up to 200 km/h and acceleration under full power (1,500 PS) can be simulated. A team member sits behind the wheel and follows all the tests on the monitor. Among other things, he monitors the engine settings, communication between the engine and transmission, the adjustment of the mass airflow meter and the clutch as well as the functioning of ESC, ABS and other programs. The tests take between two and three hours, during which time the vehicle covers about 60 kilometres. 

When the Chiron has passed all its tests on the rolling dynamometer, it is fitted with its exterior skin at the following station. Here, the exterior parts, which are made entirely from carbon in the case of the Chiron, are installed on the vehicle. As some of the individual lightweight parts are very large and fragile, this work is extremely demanding, which is why a pre-assembly stage was introduced for the Chiron. Pre-assembly is completed in Bugatti’s new technology centre, which is located only 200 metres away from the Atelier. The body parts are installed here on special mobile frames, with assembly points identical to those of the Chiron. The lighting conditions in this assembly hall are the same as in the Atelier, which means that any problems with the paintwork or damage to individual parts can be identified and remedied before the parts are installed on the vehicle. It takes between three and four days before the body parts have been installed on the Chiron and the gaps and joints have been precisely adjusted.

The next stage is a water test. Here, the Chiron is exposed to monsoon rain of varying intensity for 30 minutes to show that there are no leaks. 

The interior fittings are only installed when this test has been completed. Here, two team members make sure that all the parts are installed in the right place in the interior of the Chiron, a process that normally takes about three days. Customers can choose between a luxurious variant with full leather trim or a more sporty combination of leather and carbon fibre.

When the interior has been completed, the Chiron is prepared for its test and final inspection drive. For this purpose, the entire super car is covered by a strong transparent plastic foil. This process alone takes a whole day. A further day is required for removing the foil and cleaning the vehicle following the test drive.

Before the Chiron leaves the Atelier for the first time on its test drive, the electronic functions of the vehicle are tested and the track of the wheels is adjusted. By the way, Bugatti does not use the original wheels and underbody on the test drive to ensure that these parts are protected against wear and damage. During the test drive, the Chiron is driven 300 km through the Vosges to the airport in Colmar, where it completes test of functions requiring speeds in excess of 250 km/h on the runway. The return trip is covered at a more “relaxed” pace on the Autobahn to allow the vehicle to cool down. If the test driver gives the Chiron the thumbs up following the trip, the transmission oil is changed and the original wheels and underbody are installed in the Atelier. The car then completes a last test drive over 50 km before final dynamic approval is given.

At this stage, the Chiron is transferred to the paint booth, where it is prepared for the finish. All the protective foils are removed and the vehicle is then cleaned and polished. The cosmetic preparation of the Chiron takes two days before it is transferred to the light tunnel. Here, a team member carries out a relentless inspection of the finish for more than six hours, after which the Chiron returns to the paint booth. The team member then devotes himself to intensive optimization until all the visible blemishes have been remedied. This can take between three hours and three weeks if a highly personalised component needs to be produced again. When the auditor in the light tunnel has given his final approval of the finish, Christophe Piochon meets the Heads of the Sales, Quality Assurance and Customer Service Departments for management approval. Only when the managers are satisfied with the condition of the vehicle can an appointment for handing over to the customer be arranged.

Usually, the customer will already have visited Molsheim several times by then. Following a test drive in a demonstration vehicle, the signature of the contract and the configuration of their own personal Chiron, customers welcome the opportunity to witness the creation of their vehicle personally during production in the Atelier. Those, who really want to, can even spend a day working on their own sports car.

After about two months, the Chiron leaves the Atelier. During this time, 20 employees, including two women, have assembled a total of about 1,800 individual parts to create the world’s most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production super sports car. They are supported by 17 logistics employees and 15 quality assurance colleagues. Following production, their colleagues in Customer Service, the famous Bugatti Flying Doctors, assume responsibility for individual support to ensure that each vehicle remains in perfect condition and owners can be sure of having added the crowning glory to their collection - the ultimate super sports car.