“Pur Sang:” A Latin phrase that visionary Ettore Bugatti coined nearly 100 years ago to mean the purest of purebloods. It was an homage to Bugatti’s lightweight and legendary “Type 35” race car of the 1920s and 1930s. Type 35 was a thoroughbred’s thoroughbred that embodied the ultimate fusion of design, engineering, performance, handling, and technology for its time.
Fast-forward to 2021. Introducing the Bugatti Bolide Concept: Like the brilliant meteor fireball for which it is named, the Bolide is a dazzlingly audacious expression of unbounded power and undiluted fury. An experimental exercise in hyper-performance that is simultaneously transcendent in its brutish force and its astonishing beauty. And the rightful heir to the inimitable Type 35’s historic championship legacy.
Light at a Feather. Powerful as a Rocket.
There is nothing subtle about the Bolide. There is also nothing subtle about an Atlas V rocket. Both share prodigious powerplants that can propel them to new dimensions of extreme velocity. In the case of the earthbound Bolide, the powerplant in question is Bugatti’s incomparable 8.0-liter, quad-turbocharged W16 engine that produces a remarkable 1,824 hp. The W16 used in the Bolide is specifically optimized for the track. As such, it features more responsive, de-throttled intake and exhaust systems, a new air-to-air intercooler setup, and a redesigned dry-sump lubrication system.
Similar to the Type 35’s featherlight chassis and minimalist design, the Bolide weighs in at a mere 2,733 pounds (1,240 kg), thereby achieving an incredible power-to-weight ratio of 1.47- lbs. per hp (0.67 kg per PS). Consequently, the Bolide is in the realm of a bona fide Formula 1 race car with a top speed approaching 310 mph (500 km/h), making it the fastest and lightest vehicle concept in Bugatti’s recent history.
As Stephan Winkelmann, president of Bugatti, explains: “We asked ourselves how we could realize the mighty W16 engine as a technical symbol of the brand in its purest form – with solely four wheels, engine, gearbox, steering wheel and, as the only luxury, two seats.”
Unrestrained. Authentic. Incomparable.
The Bolide not only pushes the boundaries of terrestrial performance, but it is also a tour de force of cutting-edge technology, design, and engineering, The Bolide distills the very essence of racing-bred innovation into a magnificent vision of what an unfettered Bugatti hyper race car could be.
Some of the many innovations incorporated into the Bolide include aerospace-grade steel, 3D-printed parts, lightweight titanium engine components, and a bespoke, monocoque carbon-fiber frame.
The Bolide also incorporates several brilliant technical breakthroughs designed to improve its superlative handling characteristics. One of these is its massive air-intake scoop that utilizes a unique, transformable panel that automatically changes shape from a smooth to a “bubbled” surface much like a golf ball, thus reducing the intake’s aerodynamic drag at higher speeds.
Furthermore, the Bolide achieves the stratospheric handling and driving characteristics of a Le Mans Prototype (LMP1) race car thanks to such innovations as a brand-new push-rod architecture, forged magnesium OZ rims, race-proven ceramic disc brakes, and massive Michelin slick racing tires.
“X-Treme” Design. “X-traordinary” Handling. “X-ceptional” Styling.
As Achim Ansheidt, Bugatti’s director of design, states: “In my 16 years at Bugatti, I have never worked on a more extreme vehicle concept.”
The Bolide’s X-shaped rear end incorporates a unique design ethos that is quintessentially Bugatti, yet reminiscent of the experimental “X Planes” of aviation history, including Chuck Yeager’s famous “Bell X-1” aircraft that broke the sound barrier.
Its radical, athletic, and ultra-aerodynamic body uses precisely positioned wings and flaps to achieve superb, track-hugging, downforce in the front and rear for exceptional handling. Moreover, at 39.17 inches, it is the exact same height as the original Type 35.
Cleared for Takeoff.
The minimalist Bolide cockpit looks every bit like it came from an advanced tactical fighter jet (heat-seeking missiles not included). It features an oversized digital instrument panel positioned behind a U-shaped steering wheel bristling with an array of buttons. A racing harness straps the driver into the Bolide’s firmly bolstered and form-fitting seats. Like a highly trained fighter pilot, the driver fortunate enough to get behind the wheel of this extraordinary race car is sure to experience some serious “Gs” (see technical specs below).
Bugatti Bolide Specifications
DRIVETRAIN
ACCELERATION
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0 – 60 mph |
2.17 seconds |
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0 – 125 mph |
4.36 seconds |
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0 – 185 mph |
7.37 seconds |
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0 – 250 mph |
12.08 seconds |
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0 – 300 mph |
20.16 seconds |
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Maximum lateral acceleration |
2.8 G |
CHASSIS
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Front suspension |
Double wishbones; Push-rod linkage with lying spring/damper units |
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Rear suspension |
Double wishbones; Direct linkage with standing spring/damper units |
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Front tires |
Michelin racing slicks, 30/60 R18 |
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Rear tires |
Michelin racing slicks, 37/71 R18 |
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Wheels |
OZ Racing 18-inch forged magnesium |
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Brake discs front & rear |
380 mm x 37 mm |
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Brake pistons per caliper |
6 |
DIMENSIONS
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Length |
4,756 mm (187.2 in) |
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Width |
1,998 mm (78.66 in) |
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Height |
995 mm (39.17 in) |
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Wheelbase |
2,750 mm (108.27 in) |
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Front overhang |
963 mm (37.91 in) |
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Rear overhang |
1,040 mm (40.95 in) |
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Ground clearance |
75 mm (2.95 in) |
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Vehicle dry weight |
1,240 kg (2733.7 lb) |
The Definitive Bugatti Ownership Experience Awaits.
Share in the extraordinary achievement of the spectacular Bolide concept vehicle by leasing or owning your own “Pur Sang” Bugatti thoroughbred of thoroughbreds at Braman Bugatti Miami, South Florida’s premier Bugatti dealer. Inquire about our available Bugatti cars for sale near Miami online or in-person at our Miami exotic car dealership. Or contact one of our Bugatti sales representatives today at 786-646-0787 and let us help you choose or personalize the Bugatti that perfectly suits your unique style. The definitive Bugatti ownership experience awaits.