Bugatti claims it has become the first manufacturer to break the 300 mph barrier, with a "near-production" prototype of the Chiron clocking 490,484 km/h (or 304,773 mph).

The automaker said the top speed run took place on a test track in Germany, with test driver Andy Wallace behind the wheel.

"What a record! We're overjoyed to be the first manufacturer ever to have achieved a speed of more than 300 miles per hour,” said Stephan Winkelmann, president of Bugatti.

“It’s a milestone for eternity. I would like to thank the whole team and driver Andy Wallace for this outstanding performance,” Winkelmann said.

The firm hasn't released very much detail yet, but from what we understand the run took place at Ehra-Lessien in Germany at the start of August 2019. Michelin supplied the all-important tyres.

As you might be able to tell from the accompanying images, the prototype is longer than a standard Chiron and features a unique rear end (sans wing and featuring a different tailpipe arrangement).

Original article from Car