It is a track-only machine and this is probably the best.
The Bugatti dropped the Bolide bombshell to the world in October. There was no doubt that the automaker was lying about it. Although Bugatti has a long history of reliability, there was some doubt that the automaker actually existed beyond a series computer-manipulated renderings. This is especially true when you drop incredible numbers such as 311 mph.
It does exist, but we knew from Shmee150’s close-up viewat Bolide. The adventure featured a view from the driver’s reclined seat and a cold start to the W16 engine, which has been around for almost 20 years. The race-ready Bolide generates 1,825 horsepower (1.361 kilowatts) due to a series of modifications that include new turbochargers, and a tune for 110 octane racing gasoline.
The Chiron platform has been stripped down and infused with tons of carbon fiber, titanium and other materials that can help reduce weight and increase performance. The Bolide is nearly half the weight of the original, at 2,734 lbs (1.240 kg). Bugatti claims that the Bolide’s racing body generates the same downforce as Formula 1 cars. It can lap Le Mans in just 3 minutes 7 seconds and then cover the 12.9-mile Nurburgring Nordschleife in 5 minutes 23.1 seconds. This is almost as fast as the Porsche 919 Hybrid which currently holds the absolute ‘Ring Record at 5 minutes 19.5 second.
However, there’s a big catch. Although Bugatti’s press release clearly states that the Bolide is real it has not yet lapped any tracks. Bugatti’s announcement shows simulated times, but if power, weight and downforce stats are correct, it definitely has the potential to win the gold.
The bigger question is whether any outsiders will be able to purchase a Bolide. Although the company currently has one Bolide, there isn’t any word on whether or not it will be a limited-edition project.