How Bugatti finalized the Chiron Pure Sport on the racetrack.

Despite the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, Bugatti continues development work on the Chiron Pur Sport, the world's fastest production car specifically designed for circuit driving. After several weeks in lockdown, engineers returned to the test track to put the final touches on the Pur Sport. [Stéphane Erlot, Bugatti's head of development, said Tuesday, "The laps on the test track are very important here. 'It is essential for fine-tuning the chassis, handling, damper control, steering, tire wear, and gearboxes, as well as testing new engine components for series production.'

Earlier this month, the Pürsport development team spent three days at the Bilster Berg circuit in the German forest of Toitburg. According to Bugatti, the circuit is ideal for development work because of its 19 corners and large elevation changes. Due to local coronavirus regulations, only eight people were allowed to accompany the two prototype cars at the circuit. Social distance was also maintained, and staff wore fire-resistant racing overalls in accordance with local regulations.

Pit stops included not only tire changes, but also software changes as engineers fine-tuned new settings for the engine and driver aids. Unlike the standard Shiron, Pur Sport allows the driver to disengage the electronic stability control, allowing the car to drift. As such, the Pur Sport may be the most expensive drift machine ever built. The price is $3.59 million and production is limited to 60 units.

Unveiled earlier this year, the Pur Sport is designed not only for straight-line speed, but also for handling. Bugatti has improved aerodynamics, set up a sportier suspension, and reduced the weight by 110 pounds. The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was also improved, with gear ratios 15% closer together. The engine is the same as the standard Shiron, an 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W-16 engine producing 1,480 hp.

Further testing is planned at the Nürburgring, and production is scheduled for later this year. Note that the Pur Sport is Bugatti's second attempt at creating a hypercar with a focus on handling, following the $5.8 million Divo; it was unveiled in 2018, and customer deliveries of the special coachbuilt model began last month.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article incorrectly listed the Pur Sport's U.S. price. This has been corrected.