The Bugatti Bolide enters a new phase of testing

During the presentation of the Bugatti Bolide at the end of 2020, while it was still in the study stage, Bugatti unveiled its design for an ultralight sports car, equipped with the brand’s famous W16 engine, reserved for circuits and offering unrivaled performance. Today, this ambitious dream is becoming a reality as the official prototype of the Bolide begins a new phase of development.

During “The Quail – A Motorsports Gathering” held in California in August 2021, Bugatti revealed that the Bolide¹ will be produced in a very limited series, with only 40 examples planned. Designed to be the most extreme model ever manufactured at the Molsheim Workshop, this ultimate track-only Bugatti represents an unprecedented level of engineering, aerodynamics and technical innovation.

The quad-turbo W16 engine is the starting point for the design of the Bolide, around which Bugatti seeks to create the lightest car possible. The minimalist bodywork was designed to maximize downforce, ensure optimal cooling and offer an unrivaled power-to-weight ratio. In its final form, the Bolide should produce 1,600 hp for a curb weight of just 1,450 kg, which is close to the magical 1:1 ratio.

Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, said: “The Bolide represents a new milestone for Bugatti. Never before has such a powerful engine been combined with such a lightweight design, creating a track car with sport-worthy performance. automotive. Almost every component has been analyzed and completely redesigned to ensure that the Bolide is as light, efficient and reliable as our goals require. The next phase of development is a major step in the production of this vehicle that elevates the philosophy of Bugatti that form follows performance to another level.”

The design of the Bugatti Bolide is a true work of craftsmanship. Although the brand’s teams are familiar with the W16 engine, its configuration and its capabilities, in the Bolide it is integrated in a completely different way. The creation of the carbon monocoque – whose shape completely differs from that of the Chiron² – required the reconfiguration of numerous components, including the cooling circuit, transmission and suspension, so that they could adapt, down to the millimeter close to the excessively compact and aerodynamic design of the Bolide. The new engine mounts and powertrain suspension are three times stiffer than those of the Chiron, providing the rider with even more precise response thanks to the “Uniball” type suspension bearings. The Bolide also uses 3D printed titanium rocker arms, making it possible to create complex shapes and obtain very light components.

The engine itself is at the heart of the Bugatti Bolide driving experience, but it has been subtly tuned to capture the unique character of this vehicle. It is equipped with its four turbochargers, which is perfect for use on circuits where the engine speed is constantly high, but also for weight and size management. The Bugatti team also tuned the engine to allow it to rev even higher and designed a bespoke transmission so that the Bolide can achieve even sharper performance.

The Bugatti Bolide’s braking system also reaches a new level of performance and innovation. Although the Chiron has an efficient and durable carbon-ceramic braking system, the Bolide is equipped with even more heat-resistant carbon-ceramic brakes. To achieve maximum efficiency, these must be carefully heated, which led Bugatti engineers to design new calipers that can generate and absorb heat more efficiently. With 18-inch tires, 390mm brake rotors had to be created and a carbon cover was placed on each wheel to protect the rims from the extreme heat generated by the brakes.

To honor its status as a racing car capable of performance worthy of the highest level vehicles, the Bugatti Bolide is equipped with “slick” tires that are usually only found on LMDh category vehicles participating in the World Championship. FIA endurance, installed at the rear. Thanks to the long-standing partnership between Bugatti and the tire manufacturer Michelin, the Bolide can benefit from these very special tires.

The first deliveries of the Bolide – production of which will be limited to 40 units – will begin in 2024. Its unit sales price excluding taxes is set at 4 million euros.