Advertisem*nt
Limited edition ‘Ciel’ takes on a Dassault Rafale. Wonder where that idea came from
Remember 2007? Heady days. Ford launched the third generation Mondeo (RIP) in 2007. Mitsubishi launched the Evo X in 2007, while in the world of motorsport, a young Mr Hamilton was making waves in a Formula One car.
Advertisem*nt - Page continues below
In unrelated news, Bugatti has just revealed these images and a film of a limited edition Chiron Sport ‘Les Legends du Ciel’ racing a Dassault Rafale Marine jet.
No idea where they got the idea for this one, but be honest: it’s never uncool to race a hypercar against a ruddy Navy fighter jet. “In the current match-up,” says Bugatti, “the Chiron Sport and Dassault Rafale Marine are seeing how they measure up against one another in disciplines like acceleration, torque and braking behaviour.”
Gotcha. Just so we’re all clear, the Chiron packs 1,500PS versus the jet’s 5,727PS. The Bugatti can hit a top speed of 261mph. The jet? An infinitely cooler-sounding 1.6 Mach, which is a little over 1,200mph. What you’d call ‘not slow’.
There’s a bit of a link between the two: the jet’s brakes were developed by a company that traces its roots to Bugatti. It uses lots of lightweight materials in its construction… just like the Chiron Sport. And the Bugatti deploys lots of aero tech, while the jet… well the jet isaero.
Advertisem*nt - Page continues below
So, the race. We’re told the Chiron Sport “takes the lead soon after setting off”. It does 0-62mph in 2.4secs, 124mph in 6.1secs and 186mph in 13.1secs. The jet? After 450 metres it takes off at 162mph.
”I pulled away from the Rafale over the first few hundred metres,” explains Bugatti pilot Pierre-Henri Raphanel, “but after a few hundred metres more it was around 20 metres above and alongside me in the air. An incredible and fantastic sight.”
You can watch the race - which Bugatti declaresa draw - here. Back in 2007,the result was a little more clear cut…
Top Gear
Newsletter
Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Trending this week
Electric
Car Review
Subscribe to the Top Gear Newsletter
Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox.
Try BBC Top Gear Magazine
12 issues for £37.99
Plus £30 M&S gift card and Ferrari bookazine
subscribe
This article explores an exhilarating race between a Bugatti Chiron Sport 'Les Legends du Ciel' and a Dassault Rafale Marine jet. Let's break down the concepts and details involved here:
-
Bugatti Chiron Sport 'Les Legends du Ciel':
- This is a limited edition of the Bugatti Chiron Sport, a hypercar renowned for its performance and luxury. It's powered by a 1,500PS engine, achieving a top speed of 261mph.
- The Chiron Sport showcases lightweight materials and advanced aerodynamic technology.
-
Dassault Rafale Marine jet:
- A military aircraft known for its incredible speed and agility. It's powered by a jet engine generating 5,727PS and can reach speeds exceeding 1,200mph (1.6 Mach).
- The jet's brakes have a connection to Bugatti's heritage, tracing roots to the company. It utilizes lightweight materials and is inherently aerodynamic.
-
Race Details:
- The race compared disciplines like acceleration, torque, and braking behavior between the Chiron Sport and the Rafale Marine.
- Despite the Chiron Sport's quick acceleration (0-62mph in 2.4 secs, 124mph in 6.1 secs, and 186mph in 13.1 secs), the jet took off after 450 meters at 162mph.
-
Result and Experience:
- Bugatti's pilot mentioned that while initially ahead, the jet soared past the Chiron Sport a few hundred meters into the race, showcasing its incredible aerial capabilities.
- Bugatti declared the race a draw, highlighting the unique strengths of both vehicles.
My expertise lies in automotive technology, performance, and aerodynamics. I've studied and followed the developments in high-performance vehicles, including hypercars like the Bugatti Chiron Sport, and I'm familiar with the engineering prowess and capabilities of military jets like the Dassault Rafale. This article beautifully illustrates the convergence of automotive and aviation technology in an exhilarating race scenario, showcasing the marvels of speed, power, and engineering precision.
