Bugatti Bolide Track-Only Hypercar with 1,858 Horsepower
The Bugatti Bolide is the most extreme, uncompromising, fastest and lightest vehicle concept in the company’s recent history. It answers the question what if Bugatti built a radically lightweight vehicle around the iconic 8.0-liter W16 engine? The result is a track-focused hypercar with 1,850 horsepower and a weight of only 1,240 kgs.
Powertrain
The Bugatti Bolide is designed to use on the racetrack and the engine and gearbox are optimized for higher engine speeds. For example, at the heart of the beast is the familiar 8.0-liter W16 but now it can produce 1,850 horsepower and 1,850 lb-ft of torque. To achieve this output Bugatti did many things including dethrottling the intake and exhaust system to allow for a faster and more responsive characteristic. Also, it has four new turbochargers with optimized blades that allow for a higher boost pressure and power at higher engine speeds. Furthermore, to achieve optimum lubrication at high forces the oil circuit, oil pressure, check valves, baffles, oil tanks, oil reservoirs, and pump design of the dry sump lubrication have all been optimized.
Lightweight
In order for the Bolide to achieve a dry weight of just 1,240 kgs Bugatti pulled out all the stops. For instance, all the screw and fastening elements in the Bolide are made from titanium. In addition, 3D-printed, hollow thin-walled functional components made from aerospace material are used in many places.
Also, a worldwide innovation is the morphable outer skin of the intake scoop on the roof. When driven at low speeds the surface of the scoop remains smooth. However, when driven at high speeds a field of bubbles bulge out from the scoop. As a result, this reduces dynamic drag by 10 percent and ensures a 17 percent reduction in lift forces.
Carbon Fiber Monocoque
The Bugatti Bolide features a lightweight carbon fiber monocoque. In addition, the single-fiber tensile strength of the fibers used is 6,750 Newton’s per square millimeter and the single-fiber stiffness is 350,000 newtons per square millimeter. These represent figures that are only capable in the aerospace industry.
The overall height of the Bugatti Bolide is only 995 mm which is the same as the historic Bugatti Type 35. Also, the wheelbase is 2.75 meters and the width is 1.99 meters. The interior has safety equipment in accordance with FIA regulations.
Design
The challenge in designing the Bugatti Bolide was to transform the demand of aerodynamics and lightweight construction into an aesthetic that reflects Bugatti’s DNA. The overall appearance is dominated by air ducts and are more reminiscent of a Formula 1 racing car. In addition, it has a low slung shape similar to an aircraft.
Like other Bugatti vehicles the Bolide features a color split. In comparison to other models, visible carbon parts increases to 60 percent. As a result, only about 40 percent of the body comes in the historic French Racing Blue finish.
Production
As of right now the Bugatti Bolide Concept is just a design study. Whether or not it will go into production hasn’t been decided yet.
Image Gallery
Swipe below to see more of the new Bugatti Bolide Concept.