Bugatti’s Track-Only Bolide with 1578bhp Makes its Public Debut at Le Mans

The Bugatti Bolide was first shown off as an outlandish notion, but it has now evolved into one of French company's most daring endeavours. Bugatti stated in 2021 that the track-only W16 hypercar will enter restricted production, with a three-year development schedule preceding 2024 deliveries. Each of the 40 models will set its owner back EUR 4 million and include a stripped-down, lightweight body and legendary quad-turbocharged W16 power plant. At the 100th anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours, the Bugatti Bolide was shown to the public just before initial deliveries began. Although Bugatti did not take part in the 100th anniversary running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, its history is inextricably intertwined with the legendary event. Having its new, over-the-top hypercar debut at the circuit during the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a fitting way to introduce it to the world.

Also Read: Mahindra BE.05 Electric SUV Interior Officially Teased Ahead of India Launch

Bugatti Bolide at Le Mans 24 Hours 2023

Bugatti's newest and wildest creation, the Bolide, was unveiled to the public at the same time as the celebration of 100 years of Le Mans. In honour of the historic event, the track-only hypercar was driven around the famed Circuit de la Sarthe once before the green flag was dropped to start the competition.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by BUGATTI (@bugatti)

Andy Wallace, a veteran of the event, drove the vehicle. In 1988, he won the race and joined an exclusive group of racing car drivers who had also triumphed at the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring before retiring.

Bugatti Bolide: Design

The production Bolide will produce almost three tonnes of downforce. When the air is compressed at the front by the splitter and then let to expand beneath the diffuser, a suction action is created that helps to lower the Bolide to the earth. Specialised air curtains in front of the front wheels deflect air away from the automobile, therefore lowering drag. In order to maximise efficiency, Bugatti fashioned the wing mirrors to channel air into the side intercoolers.

The aero kit can be tuned by the drivers to optimise both downforce and drag. Owners may adjust the back wing to suit the specifics of each given racecourse. Bugatti included a real rear-view mirror as part of the track-focused design so that drivers could more accurately gauge the distance to vehicles behind them.

Also Read: 2024 Honda CR-V Sport-L Trim Launched Globally, Gets Hybrid-Electric Powertrain

Bugatti Bolide: Engine

The Bolide is powered by a 1,578bhp, 8.0-litre W16 engine that is quad-turbocharged. At high speeds, it creates roughly 2,630 kg of downforce while weighing just 1,650kg.

Price and Availability of the Bugatti Bolide

There is still more polishing to do on the Bolide before it can be sent to buyers. Bugatti will begin delivering the 40 exclusive hypercars dedicated to the circuit in the middle of next year. Each item will set you back EUR 4 million.