Bugatti announced in 2021 that the track-only W16 hypercar would go into limited production, with a three-year development programme planned, and the first cars expected to be delivered in 2024. Each of the 40 units produced will cost €4m, with the iconic quad-turbocharged W16 engine matched with a lightweight body. The latest prototype, now in its next testing phase, has been spotted on the track. Christophe Piochon, president of Bugatti Automobiles, said the Bolide is treading new ground for Bugatti, delivering motorsport performance with a powerful engine paired with an ultra-lightweight design. The car will achieve a power-to-weight ratio of 1106bhp/ton and hit 0-62mph in 2.17 seconds, with a top speed of over 310mph. The low kerb weight is achieved through a variety of weight-saving techniques, including 3D printing and biomimicry. With extreme aerodynamics, 3D-printed titanium components, and a stripped cabin, the car is designed with weight savings, aerodynamics, and cooling in mind. The Bolide is not meant for use on public roads, and its design differs markedly from Bugatti's road-going vehicles.
Bugatti's upcoming Bolide hypercar, set for delivery in 2024, is expected to be an engineering marvel. The vehicle is slated to achieve a power-to-weight ratio of 1106bhp/ton, thanks to its target weight of 1450kg, which is only 200kg heavier than the concept version despite the powertrain's weight. The Bolide features a quad-turbocharged W16 engine that produces 1578bhp and 1180lb ft of torque, resulting in a top speed of over 310mph, according to the concept. The car's body is designed with weight savings, aerodynamics, and cooling in mind, including 3D-printed titanium components and a stripped-down cabin.
The Bolide's aerodynamics are extreme, with a peak downforce rating of 199mph reaching 1800kg on the rear axle and 800kg at the front. The vehicle's lateral acceleration is expected to reach 2.8G, aided by a "morphable outer skin" used for the roof-mounted intake that alters the surface texture at speed to reduce drag by 10%.
Bugatti has also optimized the car's cooling and oil systems, while upgrading the four turbochargers to produce more boost at higher engine speeds. To withstand the stresses of a track session, three air-cooled charge coolers are employed to keep the engine, transmission, and differential at suitable operating temperatures, and there's also a water pre-cooling system in place.
The Bolide features a pushrod suspension design, with horizontal dampers visible through apertures in the bonnet. The car's rear wing setup is complex, with a central fin mounted on the engine cover, likely to increase stability. The car's rear also features an aggressive new diffuser, rain light, and mammoth 400-section LMDh-spec Michelin slicks.
Bugatti plans to produce just 40 examples of the Bolide, each priced at around €4m.