Right at the end of an eventful Monterey Car Week in California, Bugatti has announced that it will put the Bolide track car into limited production. We say 'production', but actually, only 40 examples will be made for Bugatti collectors, and even so, they'll have to wait until 2024 to take delivery. Each will cost €4 million. That's right, FOUR MILLION EURO.
Bugatti W16 engine at its heart
Last year, Bugatti revealed the Bolide for the first time, telling us that it was merely an experiment to see how far it could take its hypercar concept while retaining the unique 8.0-litre W16 engine. Apparently, those with the means to buy one indicated they would, so Bugatti gave the project the green light.
That quad-turbo W16 engine sits in the middle of the car, mated to an advanced seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, which sends its workings to all four wheels. Those workings are formidable to say the least with peak power of 1,600hp and 1,600Nm of torque, too, the latter from just 2,250rpm. Despite that, Bugatti promises it will be a high-revving and responsive version of the engine, with lots of updates to make it suitable for sustained racetrack use.
Incidentally, the Bolide prototype shown last October came with a headline power figure of 1,850hp, but that was achieved by using 110-octane racing fuel, while the production model will be calibrated for 98-octane fuel, which is more readily available.
Low weight and trick aero
Although Bugatti hasn't released downforce figures for the Bolide, its minimal carbon fibre bodywork is clearly designed with high levels in mind. It also keeps weight to a minimum. It weighs just 1,400kg, which is some 600kg lighter than the Bugatti Chiron. We expect performance to live up to the name, which alludes to a meteor or fireball that explodes. When Bugatti revealed the prototype last year it likened the driving experience to riding a cannonball...
Despite that, and the fact that the Bolide doesn't need to confirm to road-car legislation, it will be made to FIA safety standards, including compatibility with the HANS restraint and motorsport-style refuelling.
To help owners live out their racing fantasies, Bugatti will host a series of exclusive track days.