Because legends. This is the car that won the PanAmerica, the ’Ring, and Le Mans in one epic season. It’s also, as Project CARS’ Vehicle Lead Casey Ringley notes, a difficult car to drive on the limit. The engine is strong from 4000-6000rpm, peaking at 180hp near 5,200RPM. The low drag is impressive, but that comes with a fair amount of aero lift. There’s also a big fuel tank slung way out back, so handling balance changes dramatically over the course of a fuel stint. Weight distribution changes by something like 10 percent rear to front as that burns off, so keep that in mind when you’re challenging Nic’s time. The suspension design is also very old fashioned. Zero caster, camber or steer axis inclination at the front means steering often feels quite vague, and the swing axle rear is responsible for some spooky handling. It combines the fun of very high camber change with a very high rear roll center. Not exactly a recipe for the most stable rear end. You’ve been warned!
Why Le Mans Bugatti?
Because summer! The W194 scored an unlikely win at Le Mans in 1952. But we thought you’d prefer the shorter challenge of the Bugatti configuration with the W194. And don’t forget to read our four reasons why the W194 may well be the most epic drive in Project CARS here.