Bugatti has unveiled a new hypercar called the Bolide. And, it could well see the brand return to its motorsport roots.
Let’s cut to the chase with some numbers. Power and torque are rated at 1361kW and 1365Nm, created by a quad-turbo W16. Weight is limited to just 1240kg, making for a 1.097kW/kg power-to-weight ratio.
Step on the gas from a standstill and you’ll hit 100km/h in 2.17 seconds. Two hundy comes in 4.36 seconds, 300km/h in 7.37 seconds, 400km/h in 12.08 seconds, and 500km/h in 20.16 seconds. Bugatti says it’ll do a bit over 500km/h, too.
And sadly, inevitably, none of these numbers are real. They’re all digital simulations that Bugatti has done for its new hypercar. The firm is coy on whether the model will be put into production. As such, there’s no pricing to speak of.
To be fair to the Bolide, Bugatti has confirmed plenty of amazing minute details about its construction. For example, all the screws and fasteners from top to tail are made from titanium. Acres of carbon fibre help it achieve that impressive weight figure. T
The aerodynamics, meanwhile, look like they’ve been ripped directly from the next installment of Gran Turismo. The central fin above the cockpit that connects up with the rear wing is inspired by Formula 1 and LMP1 sports cars. The front fascia, meanwhile, is more vent than bodywork — allowing the intake of plenty of air.
The big positive to mention for anyone really keen to see this angular thing make it into production is that it’s based on the existing carbon-fibre Chiron architecture. So, while the numbers can be made out to be a little bit airy fairy, at its core the Bolide is based on something real.
What’s worth mentioning too is that the Bolide’s Formula 1 and LMP1 aero queues look eerily similar to those depicted on Toyota’s Gazoo Racing Super Sport. In its reveal of the Bolide, Bugatti mentioned that the car was built to FIA regulations, which could mean it’s a starter for the World Endurance Championship’s forthcoming ‘hypercar’ series — simultaneously adding credence to the idea of the model hitting production.
The news comes at an interesting time for Bugatti, potentially as a distraction to the brand’s alleged sale to electric car manufacturer Rimac. It’s one a host of Volkswagen Group brands set to be shuffled, with Lamborghini and Bentley also up for grabs according to overseas reports.
“The Bolide is the ultimate answer to the question of what if Bugatti built a track-focused hyper sports car that met the FIA’s safety requirements,” said Stefan Ellrott, member of the Board of Management of Bugatti and Head of Technical Development.
“Designed around the W16 powertrain with the minimum body structure and unbelievable performance data. The result: the smallest possible shell for a breathtaking performance vehicle that allows the W16 to truly come into its own.”