Batmobile or Bugatti Bolide? A Look Inside Bugatti’s Track-Only Hypercar

February 17, 2024 3:38 PM

The high-octane world of hypercars isn't slowing down anytime soon, and Bugatti is ahead of the race with the production of the track-focused Bolide, an extraordinary addition to high-performance vehicles and a direct descendant of the Bugatti Chiron. 

Initially unveiled in October 2020, the Bolide distinguishes itself as more than just another model variant; it's in a league of its own with a staggering 1,824 horsepower and an established top speed of 311 mph. 

It boasts remarkable acceleration, achieving 0 to 310 mph in just 21 seconds, and showcases a design that surpasses its original concept. Liberated from the constraints of road car regulations, the Bolide reflects Bugatti's pursuit to push the limits in hypercar technology and design.

 

 

 

A Nod to Bugatti’s Racing Lineage 

 

The Bolide's design pays homage to Bugatti's racing heritage, being no taller than the classic Type 35, the marque’s most successful race car. This reference is significant, as the Bolide is the first post-War Bugatti to embrace the lightweight, high-power ethos of the Type 35. This approach marks a significant departure from Bugatti's recent path, yet it feels like a return to the brand's roots, celebrating the legendary Type 35 that established Bugatti as a powerhouse in the automotive world.

 

 

 

 

Performance Profile

 

The Bolide is powered by Bugatti's infamous quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 engine, tuned to deliver 1,578 hp on 98-octane fuel, and can be boosted to 1,824 hp with 110-octane racing fuel. This power output is slightly less than the 1825 hp announced for the pre-production concept but still extraordinary for a high-downforce track car.  

 

This engine is paired with an upgraded 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, driving all four wheels. The car's dry weight is just under 3,200 pounds, promising top motorsports-level performance.

 

The Bolide made its public debut with a demonstration lap at the 24 Hours of Le Mans back in July, followed by an impeccable appearance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.  Although the hypercar wasn’t pushed to its limits due to the damp course at Goodwood,  the distinct rumble of its engine left a lasting impression for those in attendance.

 

 

 

Carbon Fiber Chassis

 

The Bolide’s carbon-fiber monocoque was a key element in passive safety. This monocoque, similar to those used in Formula 1 and other high-performance road vehicles, incorporates a roll cage and is attached to subframes at both ends. Constructed with the same carbon fiber type found in professional motorsports, it adheres to stringent FIA regulations applicable to top-tier sports prototypes like LMH and LMDh. Unique to the Bolide, the monocoque's design brings Bugatti's powerful quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 engine closer to the car's center, a strategic move to enhance track performance and fulfill specific crash safety standards for racing. Bugatti's commitment to a bespoke design for the Bolide ensures that it meets these high safety and performance standards without any compromises.

 

The seating position in the Bolide is dramatically different from other Bugattis, with the seats being more reclined and the driver and passengers feet positioned almost in line with their hips, mirroring the seating arrangement of a race car. For weight reduction, the seats are carbon-fiber shells with padding, fixed directly to the tub, and come in four sizes.

 

 

 

 

Extreme Specs

 

Innovation continues with the X-shaped steering wheel, loaded with multiple control buttons and dials for ABS and traction control. This steering wheel is so artistically designed that it can be displayed as a sculpture when the car is parked. Behind the wheel lies a curved panel with three digital displays, offering two modes – one for essential racing data and another for more comprehensive information.

 

The climate control system in the Bolide is uniquely designed too, featuring four large aluminum pipes, two for each occupant, styled to match the exhaust tips' layout. Safety is paramount, with features including a fire-suppression system, six-point harnesses, a ‘HANS’ head-and-neck safety system, and headrests that form a structural component when mounted to the door frames. These headrest brackets, made from 3D-printed aluminum, are lightweight yet incredibly sturdy.

 

 

 

 

Despite its hefty price tag of approximately 4 million euros, all 40 build slots of the Bugatti Bolide were quickly snapped up, with deliveries set to start in 2024.

Visit MPH.com to browse our complete lineup of Bugattis available for purchase today.

 

 

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