The production of the Bugatti Chiron is soon coming to an end, but the luxury car manufacturer has two new models lined up to tantalize car enthusiasts. One of these models is the Mistral roadster, which is based on the Chiron platform and will serve as a glorious sendoff for Bugatti’s iconic W-16 engine. The other vehicle, the Bolide, represents a completely new direction for the Bugatti brand, with a focus on track performance and a design that breaks away from the traditional Bugatti aesthetic.
The Bolide was first unveiled as a concept in 2020, but it was never intended for production. However, Bugatti has now revealed the design of the car’s cabin, and it’s even more audacious than its initial concept. The interior is dominated by carbon fiber, which is not just for decoration but is actually the exposed carbon-fiber tub that forms the core structure of the car. This tub has been developed to meet the racing standards set by organizations such as the FIA for top-level sports prototypes like the LMH and LMDh.
One of the major changes in the Bolide compared to the Chiron is the seating position. The seats are much more reclined and the driver and passenger’s feet sit higher, almost in line with the hip point, giving the car a race car-like feel. The seats are simply carbon-fiber shells with padded sections, and they come in four different sizes, fixed to the tub. Instead of adjusting the seats, the driver can adjust the position of the steering wheel and pedals to suit their comfort and driving style.
The interior of the Bolide features a new X-shaped steering wheel, inspired by the X-design of the taillights, which also serves as a functional element, equipped with buttons and dials to control various driving settings. Behind the steering wheel is a curved panel with three individual digital displays, offering the driver a choice between a focused racing mode display and a more comprehensive information display.
The climate control vents in the Bolide have been uniquely designed with four large aluminum pipes, two for the driver and two for the passenger, reflecting the layout of the exhaust tips. In terms of safety features, the Bolide comes equipped with a fire suppression system, a six-point harness, HANS head and neck safety system, and 3D-printed aluminum headrest brackets that can withstand significant loads.
Under the hood, the Bolide features Bugatti’s renowned quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 engine, tuned to produce an astounding 1,578 horsepower on 98-octane fuel, and 1,824 horsepower on 110-octane racing fuel. The engine is mated to an upgraded version of the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission found in Bugatti’s road cars, and it powers all four wheels.
Despite the hefty price tag of 4 million euros (approximately $4.3 million), all 40 units of the Bolide have already been sold, and deliveries are set to begin in 2024. With a dry weight of just under 3,200 pounds, Bugatti promises that the Bolide will deliver performance on par with the highest levels of motorsport competition.
The Bolide marks an exciting new chapter for Bugatti, showcasing the brand’s focus on extreme performance and track capabilities. As the production of the Chiron winds down, the introduction of these new models reaffirms Bugatti’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence and delivering truly exceptional driving experiences.
