When we think of Bugatti, thoughts of speed, innovation and prestige come to mind. With the new Bugatti Bolide model, which boasts as much as 1,600 horsepower, Bugatti continues to raise standards in the automotive industry. After successfully completed testing on race tracks, the Bolide, although designed exclusively for tracks, is comparable to the experience of driving Formula 1. Price? Four million dollars for one of only 40 examples produced.
The Bugatti Bolide, which weighs only 1,451 kilograms, is much lighter than its "brothers", such as the Chiron, which weighs 1,950 kilograms. This reduced mass allows the Bolide to really shine on the track, as its W-16 engine, which offers the same power as its street counterparts, ensures exceptional agility and speed. By comparison, modern Formula 1 cars have around 1000 horsepower, giving the Bolide a significant power advantage, although Formula 1 cars theoretically turn faster due to their lighter mass.
Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace describes driving the Bolide as "something completely different". Wallace says the experience of exiting a corner and hitting the gas as the power surges from 100km/h to 300km/h is unlike any other drive. "The feeling when that power takes control, when you accelerate out of a corner and the engine unleashes its power, is an indescribable experience," says Wallace.
Despite the fact that the top speed is 'merely' 380 km/h - less than the theoretical 483 km/h promised by the concept - Bugatti emphasizes that racing is not just a matter of top speed. The Bugatti Bolide also boasts exceptional cornering capabilities, reaching 2.5 g of force, which is less than the 5 g experienced by Formula 1 drivers, but still impressive for a car of this type.
Although many Bolides will likely end up in collectors' garages, all speed enthusiasts agree that seeing a Bolide in action on the track would be something spectacular. Priced at four million dollars and limited edition, the Bugatti Bolide is more than just a car; is the epitome of cutting-edge technology and design craftsmanship that continues to push the boundaries of what's possible on the road and track.
