The 2,500-mile tyre: Bugatti recalls Chiron Pur Sport

US road safety authority the NHTSA has issued a tyre-related recall for one of the world’s rarest but fastest cars. Bugatti produced just 60 examples of the Chiron Pur Sport and fitted each and every one of these 1,500 hp, 217 mph hypercars with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tyres. Michelin modified its road legal semi-slick specifically for the Chiron and supplies the original equipment tyres to Bugatti in the front axle size 285/30 R20 (99Y) and rear size 355/25 R21 (107Y). But after Bugatti observed cracks on the rear tyres fitted to a prototype Pur Sport, it notified owners to return their vehicles. The aforementioned NHTSA notice affects all nine cars sold in the USA.

In a safety recall report, NHTSA informs that cracking could occur on the rear tyres if “used outside of a reduced mileage limitation recommended by the supplier.” This cracking could in turn lead to a “rapid loss of tyre pressure.” According to NHTSA, this phenomenon hasn’t yet been seen during on-road use.

Rear tyres must be replaced after 1,875 miles or 18 months (Photo: Bugatti Automobiles)

The cause of these cracks isn’t yet known and they’ve only been observed in tyres that have travelled more than 2,500 miles. Michelin has assured Bugatti that any tyre that has covered less than 2,500 miles and is less than two years old (according to DOT date) should pose no greater risk of cracks spreading in the bead area compared to any other normal, properly maintained tyre.

Bugatti has thus set a maximum lifespan of 2,500 miles or two years – whichever comes first – for the Chiron Pur Sport’s rear tyres and has instructed owners to return their cars to dealerships after the tyres have reached 1,875 miles (3,000 kilometres) or one and a half years from their DOT date. It will replace the tyres free of charge – with another set of identical Pilot Sport Cup 2 R rear tyres. NHTSA reports that Michelin is working on a new rear tyre model that will “take into account the results of the current root cause analysis.” When these tyres become available, Bugatti will fit a set of the new rear tyres on all affected Chiron Pur Sport units.