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Meet the Bugatti Chiron\u2019s evil twin: the Bolide. It might look like a rejected batmobile concept, or the product of a freaky one night stand between the B-2 stealth bomber and a Le Mans prototype race car, but it is in fact Bugatti\u2019s first attempt at a track car.<\/p>\n
What started out as an experimental hypercar concept has become reality, with 40 examples of the Bugatti Bolide being made, each costing \u00a33.5 million. The design is almost unchanged from the concept, with the Bolide\u2019s body designed to fit as closely as possible around the brand\u2019s legendary quad-turbo 8.0-litre W16 engine, with the car\u2019s bespoke monocoque that\u2019s even stronger and stiffer than the Chiron\u2019s, and is made from carbon fibre composites primarily used in Formula 1 and Le Mans race cars.<\/p>\n
The result is a dry weight of just 1,450kg \u2013 half a tonne less than the Chiron \u2013 and with the engine producing 1,578bhp and 1,600Nm of torque, meaning the Bolide has a slightly intimidating power-to-weight ratio of 1,088bhp per tonne.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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No performance figures for the Bolide have been revealed, but Bugatti has said the car can generate almost 3,000kg of downforce at speed, and up to 2.5 G of lateral force when cornering, which is only 0.5 G off the amount astronauts on the space shuttle experience at lift-off.<\/p>\n
Despite the fact this is a hardcore track car, Bugatti has still influenced the Bolide\u2019s cabin with a sense of luxury and craftsmanship, with every element of the interior created specifically for it. Among them is the \u2018X-theme\u2019 steering wheel, designed using feedback from Bugatti\u2019s test drivers who wanted a more compact and ergonomic wheel than the original concept\u2019s, with eight buttons and switches added to control key functions.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Bugatti says the wheel can also be detached easily, not to help with entry or because the team was inspired by quick driver changes at Le Mans. Instead, the brand envisions owners taking the steering wheel and using it to \u201ccreatively enhance a space in which the Bolide owner sees fit, such as a high-level business boardroom.\u201d Not sure we\u2019d do that though, in case we lost it behind the sofa or something.<\/p>\n
The Bolide\u2019s new monocoque also allowed for a more race car-like seating position, one that leans backwards more, with the driver\u2019s heels raised slightly. The multi-pad seats are layered directly onto the monocoque, with four seat options available, including one that\u2019s tailored to the owner\u2019s body. Buyers can also choose from numerous upholstery options, including leather, suede and Alcantara.<\/p>\n
Both the driver and passenger get an FIA-approved six-point harness system to keep them in place, and for even greater safety, the Bolide\u2019s cockpit is compatible with the motorsport-proven HANS (Head And Neck Support) system.<\/p>\n
First customer deliveries of the Bolide will commence in 2024, although we don\u2019t expect you\u2019ll be seeing one at your local track day.<\/p>\n