Bugatti has revealed the Bolide, a track-focused hypercar with a 0.67 power-to-weight ratio. Designed by Nils Sajonz, Max Lask, Jan Schmid and Artur Hindalong, the new hypercar is 212mm longer than the Chiron but 40mm narrower and 217mm shorter in overall height.
The Bollide is powered by Bugatti’s tried and trusted quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine, which generates 1824hp – more than any version of the Chiron – and weighs in at 1240kg, a full 755kg less than its more pedestrian sibling. This power to weight ratio allows it to rocket to 62mph in 2.17 seconds. Technical highlights include an all-new carbon-fiber monocoque, 3D printed titanium elements, a roof intake scoop with a morphable outer skin, and an aerospace-inspired steel rear frame.
According to Bugatti, the exterior design was directly influenced by the X-planes of aviation history, which explains the X motifs used in the headlamps and taillamps. These also pay homage to the Bell X-1 jet aircraft flown by Captain Charles ‘Chuck’ Yeager, the first person to break the sound barrier at Mach 1.06 in 1947.
“It is the very first time that my team had the freedom of creating an absolutely minimalistic design around the W16 engine. The result is the most provocative proportion of a modern Bugatti ever and the distilled quintessence of our Bugatti design ethos that form follows performance,” says design director Achim Anscheidt. “The Bugatti Bolide, however, is a project more technically driven than shaped by style.”
The Bolide’s overall appearance is dominated by air ducts that are more reminiscent of aerodynamically sophisticated Formula 1 racing cars than classic sports cars. The skeletal, half-open front end is an example of the combination of air duct expertise, lightweight construction requirements and aesthetic dynamics required for the hypercar to achieve such blistering performance.
Carbon fiber body panels make up 60 percent of the exterior, while the rest is painted a specific hue of the historic French Racing Blue. Entirely devoid of the luxury appointments typical of Bugatti products, the Bolide design favors lightweight components to achieve raw performance. The seats are placed low to enhance the driving sensation.
“The Bugatti Bolide is an absolute rebel,” says Anscheidt. “It is clear to see that its only aim is to convey the pure power of the W16 engine in a visually and technically unadulterated form. Reduced, raw, and authentic – like freshly-caught sashimi”.
There’s no word yet on how many Bolide hypercars Bugatti plans to produce — or if it will ever even reach production. If it does, we’re willing to bet the numbers will be low and the price stratospheric. And if you have to ask…
