Bugatti Bolide hypercar testing ahead of deliveries in 2024

Prototypes for the Bugatti Bolide are being evaluated ahead of the start of deliveries for the wild track car in 2024.

The final design was signed only a few months ago and is represented in the latest prototypes.

Remarkably, the production version looks very close to the concept unveiled in 2020 – and was never actually intended for production. The concept was the result of a challenge posed by then-Bugatti chief Stephan Winkelmann to his team to envision a Bugatti developed without any limitations.

Differences include a more pronounced air passage, fewer fins behind the front wheel arches, the addition of side mirrors and a revised rear wing with an adjustable part. The decision to go with real side mirrors rather than a more aerodynamically efficient camera system is because mirrors allow drivers to judge distances to other cars more quickly, Bugatti said.

The complete aerodynamic package can be switched between high-downforce and low-drag configurations depending on the desired set-up for a specific track. The nose of the car is also designed to drop down when the driver brakes hard, bringing the front splitter even closer to the ground and therefore providing more downforce.

Bugatti has not yet finalized the performance figures, but initial tests have shown that the Bolide can deliver up to 2.5 g to the skidpan.

As previously confirmed by Bugatti, the Bolide has a unique carbon fiber monocoque with an integrated roll cage, along with cooling, transmission and (pushrod) suspension, all unique to the car. The engine, in this case Bugatti’s well-known turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16, is also mounted differently than in Bugatti’s other models.

Here the engine produces 1,578 horsepower on 98-octane fuel. However, it can also run on 110-octane racing fuel, increasing power to 1,824 horsepower. Because the car is designed for track use, all four turbochargers are always on. The engine is also tuned to run at higher revs than in road-going Bugatti’s, and is mated to an upgraded version of the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic found in the road cars.

The brakes use carbon ceramic rotors that require thorough warming up before reaching peak performance. As a result, Bugatti has designed new brake calipers that are more efficient at generating and retaining heat. Special covers are fitted to the 18-inch wheels to protect the wheel from the extreme heat generated by the brakes.

Racing slicks supplied by Michelin are wrapped around the wheels. For the rear wheels, the tires have the same design used by the LMDh sports prototype race cars competing in the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship.

The target dry weight for the Bolide is just under 3,200 pounds, and performance should be comparable to the highest level of motorsports according to Bugatti.

Bugatti is going to build a total of 40 units and all the build slots are gone, despite the car costing 4 million euros (about $4.3 million at current exchange rates).