At The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering in August 2021, Bugatti made an announcement that the Bolide would be created for a limited production run of only 40 units. The objective was to design the ultimate track-only Bugatti, which would be the most uncompromising model to ever emerge from Molsheim, representing a completely new level of engineering, aerodynamic and technological innovation.
The Bolide started with the quad-turbo W16 engine, and then the lightest possible car was built around it. The minimal bodywork was deliberately designed to leverage maximum downforce, efficient cooling, and an outstanding power-to-weight ratio. The Bolide was expected to deliver 1,600 PS and a dry weight of only 1,450 kg to surpass the magical 1:1 ratio.
According to Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, the Bolide was breaking new ground for Bugatti. The combination of such a powerful engine with an ultra-lightweight design has never been attempted before to create a track car that delivers motorsport levels of performance. Almost every component has been redesigned and analyzed to ensure the Bolide is as light, capable, and reliable as possible. The next phase of development is a major milestone in the creation of a car that takes Bugatti’s “form follows performance” philosophy to a new level.
Creating the Bolide is a case of bespoke craftsmanship. Although the engine may be familiar in its layout and capacity, it is integrated into the Bolide in an entirely different way. A newly shaped carbon monocoque compared to the Chiron resulted in re-engineering many components, including cooling, transmission, and suspension, each of which now had to be packaged within the incredibly compact and aerodynamic design of Bolide, with only a few millimeters to spare. With new engine mountings, the suspension of Bolide’s drive unit is three times stiffer than the Chiron’s, giving the driver even more precise feedback. The Bolide also uses 3D-printed titanium rockers to help create intricately shaped and lightweight components.
The engine is central to the Bolide experience but subtly adapted for this car’s unique character. It always operates on all four of its turbochargers – perfect for the racetrack where engine revs are consistently high, but also for weight and packaging reasons. The team has tuned the engine to deliver higher revs per minute and successfully paired it with a modified transmission designed to deliver even sharper performance.
The braking system offers entirely new levels of performance and innovation. The Bolide uses even more heat-resistant carbon-carbon brakes than the Chiron’s already effective and long-lasting carbon ceramic system. These brakes must be thoroughly warmed before they reach their peak effectiveness, so Bugatti engineers designed completely new calipers that would more efficiently generate and absorb heat. With 18-inch tires, 390 mm brake discs were created, and a carbon cover was placed on each wheel to help protect the rims from the extreme heat generated by the brakes.
The Bolide is fitted with slick tires which can only be found on LMDh vehicles racing in the FIA World Endurance Championship. Thanks to tire manufacturer Michelin’s long-standing partnership with Bugatti, these tires can be used for the Bolide. First deliveries of the Bolide will commence in 2024, with production limited to just 40 units at a net unit price of four million euros each.