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www.ADandP.media The four wheels are attached, so at this point the vehicle is rolled to the next position (there are no conveyors in the Atelier). Fluids—oil, brake fluid, hydraulic fluid, coolant—are loaded and the 16-cylinder engine is started. The chassis is moved to the rolling dynamometer—said to be one of the most powerful automotive dynos in the world—that is capable of handling the power of the vehicle (e.g., 1,180 lb-ft; 1,479 hp). (Excess electricity generated during the test is sent to the grid of the local municipality.) Tests are as long as three hours. The carbon fiber skin is then applied. But before that occurs in the Atelier, the pieces are fitted to mobile frames in a technology center that is 200 m (656 ft) away. These frames are constructed so that they mirror the actual vehicle. This pre-assembly allows each part to be inspected for fit and finish and to assure precise assembly on the vehicle. Next, 30 minutes in a water test. Assuming there are no leaks, it is on to installing the interior components. Two workers spend about three days on this task. The vehicle is then wrapped with a strong, transparent, plastic foil—which requires a day. Test wheels are put on the car and the underbody belly pan is replaced. The electronic functions are checked out. Then the car goes out for a test drive, via a circuitous route (about 300 km (186 miles) versus the Google Maps' 58 km (36 miles)), from Molsheim to Colmar. The Chiron is taken to an airport where tests are conducted at speeds in excess of 250 km/h (155 mph) on the runway. Back to the Atelier, where the transmission fluid is replaced, the test wheels swapped out for those that will be used on the car, and the final underbody is put back in place. Then it goes out for a 50-km (31-mile) test drive. Almost done, it is on to paint. The wrap is removed from the body, the car is cleaned and prepped, and then it is painted. Two days are required to get the vehicle ready for inspection in the light tunnel. Inspection in the tunnel requires six or more hours. Once things are consid- ered to be 100 percent, Sales, Quality Assurance and Customer Service management must sign off on the car. This carbon fiber composite side panel is said to be the single largest part of its type in the auto industry. 45 AD&P; ∕ AUGUST 2017 BUGATTI