Bugatti Bolide Nears Completion in Final Testing Stage

Andy Wallace, renowned for securing victories at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona, and 12 Hours of Sebring, boasts an illustrious career in endurance racing. Serving as a Bugatti test driver and brand ambassador since 2011, Wallace made history by surpassing the 300 mph mark in a Chiron Super Sport 300+ in 2019. Given his exceptional track record, his insights hold significant influence.

In a statement, Wallace expressed, 'Every Bugatti automobile possesses its own distinctive essence, yet the Bolide holds a particularly special place in my heart. It stands as unparalleled—a genuine Bugatti masterpiece evoking the exhilarating emotions and sensations of my racing career.'

Introduced in 2020, the Bolide emerges as a track-exclusive marvel, unrestricted by conventional racing or road-car regulations. Harnessing the quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 engine, a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, and an all-wheel-drive system sourced from the Chiron, this extraordinary machine sets itself apart. Notably, its engine is finely tuned to operate on 110-octane race fuel, elevating output to an impressive 1,824 hp, a significant increase from the 1,577 hp delivered on 98-octane fuel.

The Bolide boasts the most extensive carbon-carbon brake system ever developed by Brembo, incorporating cutting-edge technology from Formula 1 and endurance racing. Utilizing carbon-fiber-reinforced carbon, a remarkably heat-resistant material akin to that utilized in the Space Shuttle's heat shield, the brake rotors deliver unparalleled performance.

Its aerodynamic features, including a roof scoop inspired by the aerodynamics of a golf ball, serve to minimize drag while maximizing downforce. Bugatti has disclosed that the front and rear wings have the capacity to generate 1,764 pounds and 3,968 pounds of downforce, respectively, at speeds of up to 200 mph.

The Bolide's dry weight comes in just under 3,200 pounds, yet its formidable power and meticulously engineered chassis components are anticipated to deliver performance on par with elite-level race cars, as stated by Bugatti. Notably, Bugatti revealed in 2021 that simulations suggest the Bolide has the potential to surpass the lap record at Le Mans' Circuit de la Sarthe.

Limited to a production run of 40 units, all have been swiftly sold despite commanding a price tag of approximately $4 million each. Deliveries are slated to commence later this year. Notably, the Bolide and the Mistral roadster represent the final production vehicles to feature Bugatti's esteemed W-16 engine. However, a newly developed V-16 engine will debut within a hybrid powertrain configuration in the forthcoming successor to the Chiron, set to be unveiled later this year.

BUGATTI BOLIDE: Water Testing at Imola Circuit