This next model does not need much introduction. The shape, the sound, the records are well documented. First presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March of 2016 the Bugatti Chiron has been permanently etched in our memory. Shortly after the public introduction, the team at AUTOart officially entered the ring with an announced of one in scale. Many moons the later a production example is released in 1:18 scale, the first colour being Nocturne Black with Red accents.
The original AUTOart Bugatti’s shipped in a propriety packaging exclusive to the brand. Upscale Blue paper wrapped in transparent plastic was the norm. We’re happy to report this tradition has continued. However, one thing that has changed, the exterior panels that were once crafted in diecast metal and assembled with a plethora of metal and plastic parts have today moved to composite. Is this Bugatti Chiron still worth a look? Continue on.
The Black exterior paint is flawless on our example. So clean it looks wet to the touch. The Red accents bits are classy in placement, some carbon fibre is found throughout the exterior and interior too. The Red paint work here is electric, much is found around the doors and lower section of the front bumper. As per the photo above, you can see the seamless sweep. The transition points between both Red and Black are perfect.
Some call the design simple and boring, sorry, we don’t agree. As for overall design and bodylines, we give AUTOart excellent marks with their vision of the Bugatti Chiron. Shutlines and panels gaps throughout the model are extremely tight, some of the best we’ve seen in some time.
The front fascia mirrors the original well. All lines on the Chiron seems to start or end at the horseshoe centre grille – photo above provides some insight. All opening bits here are completed with perforated metal grilles. Each section reveals detail in behind. Headlights are very good and centre Bugatti emblem is solid 3D like.
Access to the front storage is granted. No struts support for the hatch which is like the original. Neat hinge work is completed with care. Inside the quality of material and the fit and finish are definitely above the AUTOart average of late. There is a bonus too, something we did not see on previous releases, a pair of luggage. The storage compartment is also covered in fabric. Also, note the small badge left/front side and upper carbon fibre piece. Well done AUTOart!
Moving to the rear the standards are elevated believe it or not. Full functional spoiler is easily ejected with a push of the access button underneath the model. Again, shutlines and gaps are excellent. As we move below the carbon fibre work is heaviest here. None is moulded, all is applied decals work. The intricate detail in the taillights is visible too. The Red mixed with chrome and carbon fibre all find their appropriate home. Lower cooling is all executed with metal perforated grilles. And centre exhaust and lower diffuser complete the symphony of metal, paint and carbon fibre. Just beautiful!
Access to the motor is provided by a removable cover. It adheres to the body with a serious of magnets. The operation here is flawless and fit and finish is spot on. As for the motor itself, we would say the execution is very good – top covers are clean and polished. Forward tuning is the same while lower tuning is crafted in carbon fibre.
We actually dusted off the Bugatti EB 16.4 Veyron that was purchased in 2009 to compare motors and surrounding. (Fun fact, the EB 16.4 Veyron was purchased for $130 CND plus tax.). Where the model suffers slightly is the lower half. The strut bar is fabricated in moulded carbon fibre, and just below the protective heat shields and fluid container above are too plastic in appearance. The flow from the upper half to lower isn’t on par. And when you compare it to EB 16.4 Veyron you can see the difference where the entire motor area is 100% aligned.
The wheels on the Chiron are coloured matched to the body. The Black paint encompasses the entire front and inside of the rim. In behind the massive Red calipers again take from the exterior Red accents. They are mated to cross-drilled rotors. The entire package is excellent.
Inside the Chiron is completed in a Black/Grey theme with chrome accents. Certain areas are decorated with carbon fibre too – this includes the centre console, doors and steering wheel. Full carpeting is found throughout and seat-belts are in check, though rubber instead of fabric. Overall, we give it solid marks.
On a side note, we had a little trouble with the open/close feature on the doors. Based on the recessed doors they would not fully close. Simple solution, they required a little finesse to sweep them under the upper overhang. We need to assume the 1:1 would automatically drop the window a touch to clear.
Though for comparison we find the EB 16.4 Veyron more refined and complete. This is speaking more to the plastic used between the two. The EB 16.4 Veyron is less plastic in appearance and more realistic. The Chiron is the opposite. Could it be the colour of the darkened interior of the Chiron versus the Light Grey and Blue of the EB 16.4 Veyron? Possibly.
The AUTOart Bugatti Chiron is very impressive on many fronts. For collectors, it checks off many must haves. One at the top of the list is a model with true 360 access, and this AUTOart example provides this in spades. As for the composite exterior, we find no negatives – fit and fitment is on par or better than models of a similar theme. One thing we did notice was the weight, yes composite is definitely the light weight of the two. The Nocturne Black would not be our first choice in exterior colour, we think the French Racing Blue/Atlantic Blue is the perfect mix. That being said deciding on what colour will be your biggest challenge. This Bugatti Chiron from AUTOart comes highly recommended. Enjoy the pics!
Thank you very much indeed for this eagerly awaited detailed review and the deservedly elevated style of presentation fitting the subject matter perfectly. Autoart themselves will agree that the French Racing Blue/Atlantic Blue, in which the vehicle was presented to the public more than 3 years ago not without reason, is to be much preferred over this Nocturne Black version – as they promptly put a premium onto its sticker price. One small observation I would like to add to what you say about the wheels is that Autoart now seem to applaudably add the tire branding that was so long absent from models of too many manufacturers, with our laments falling on deaf ears. This nicely refined “Michelin” branding does seem to be reserved to this trump ace model, but “lesser” cars like the upcoming Mustang GT350R will get the same upgrade. A very welcome re-invention since Bburago had this in the infancy of the hobby. We shall wish other manufacturers to follow suit.
Thanks for mentioning the tire script, an oversight on our part. This is indeed a nice touch something wasn’t part of the early Bugatti offerings. We have the Mercedes AMG GT R on the bench, it does provide the script as well. Review to come ;)
Typical AUTOart is holding off the best colour for last, do you blame them? It creates excitement and a sense of urgency for the future release. However I don’t agree, I don’t believe there will be a premium on the colour either, but getting your hands on one might prove challenging!
I am afraid, there is the above-mentioned premium: The online shop where I pre-ordered mine sells the black Chiron for 250 Euros, while charging 270 for the silver or racing blue two-tone versions.
No premium to pre-order the silver or racing blue two tones in local stores in Canada. But with the black being uninspiring I can understand it is tempting for some shops to try to jack up the prices for the more popular colors.
I have the GT Auto racing blue two-tone, not my favorite color actually so I will get the Autoart in silver two-tone that I find very classy.
The price difference comes directly from AUTOart, because the single tone black one requires less or easier production steps than the two tone colour variants.
Similarly the ming blue and bronze Vanquish S with additional pinstripes were more expensive than the two other colours without pinstripes.
Makes sense.
Thank you for your review! This is the first Autoart Composite I’m actually upbeat about.
I understand that desire for the other colors, but I think the black works well to highlight the aggressiveness of the front fascia and the florescent red looks really cool without being too over-the-top. The French blue is the quintessential color though, and as Atalante said, the silver is very classy. Frankly, I like them all except for the yellow.
We’re here to help. At the end of the day exterior colours are subjective, each one has their reasons for their final choice. As long as YOU are happy nothing else matters. And yes, the aggressiveness of the front is Darth Vadar-ish!
Great pictures! This Chiron is full of details… rear grille is beautiful and the little bags are cool.
Wow this lools really cool. Are there any other disadvantages to composite other than the weight when you are holding the car?
Not sure if the composite is more fragile long term in regards to repeated opening and closing of the various parts. In the end, these aren’t toys, more a fine display piece.
Great review! I have a serious question. Which one would you buy and why?
Bugatti Veyron Super Sport Pur Blanc or Bugatti Chiron.
I’m looking to add one of these beautiful models but I just can’t decide, btw this is going to be my first Bugatti. Thanks.
Thank you! If we had to choose, Bugatti in Blue for sure. Check out the gallery link for photos of it! But as we say always, BUY WHAT YOU LIKE!
Thanks for the reply. I already saw the photogallery, i’m so tempted to get the Chiron in the stuning french blue/dark blue combo! It’s such a good looking car indeed! The only reason why I’m still considering the Veyron is because i’ts probably one of the very last metal body-signature series models AUTOart will ever produce. What a hard decision, flipping a coin seems to be the solution.