After many months of testing camouflaged prototypes and mules that still had Veyron->ke1112 body panels, Bugatti->ke16 has finally brought a near-production version of the Chiron->ke5023 on public roads. The proof comes from Instagram's "max.knz," who posted a photo of a Chiron he stumbled upon on a German highway. The spy shot unveils the supercar'->ke177s front fascia and some of its profile, both of which appear to be an evolution of the Veyron's design language.

Not that we want to brag about it, but it turns out that our most recent rendering of the Chiron looks spot-on, save for a few minor details on the engine hood and the missing orange trim on the horseshoe grille, wheels, side vents, and door trim.

Of course, the car in photo is still a prototype and will see a few changes before it become a production. The hypercar still needs a grille and a proper paint job, and I'm guessing Bugatti is still tuning the drivetrain and suspension system.

Luckily, we're only three months away from seeing the Chiron in the metal, as the French company just confirmed it will be unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show->ke228 in March. The latest rumors suggest that the Veyron's successor will have an updated version of the quad-turbo, 8.0-liter W-12 generating about 1,500 horsepower and a top speed of 310.7 mph (500 km/h). Also, Bugatti reportedly wants to offer a targa version of the model with a retro-style T-top roof.

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Why it matters

Granted, this photo doesn't reveal much about the highly-anticipated Bugatti Chiron, but it's living proof that the supercar is finally taking shape as production model. And this matters because the Chiron is more than just a fast supercar. Because it replaces the Veyron, it has to be a significant improvement over Bugatti's record-breaking car in order to succeed. Knowing Bugatti, its ambitions, and the amount of dough the Volkswagen Group is willing to pour in this project, the Chiron is very likely to become the world's next fastest production, road-going vehicle. And if that's not exciting, I don't know what is!

Bugatti Chiron

Read more about the Bugatti Chiron here.