Bugatti Bolide: 40 built, the last one goes to the collector for 4 million euros

Farewell, Legendary W16: Bugatti Ends Production of Bolide Track Hypercar

Bugatti has brought the curtain down on a remarkable chapter, announcing the delivery of the 40th and final example of the Bolide. This radical hypercar, designed exclusively for the track, marks not only the end of a limited production run, but also another step towards the end of the legendary W16 quad-turbo engine that defined the brand for two decades.

For the lucky customer who paid the impressive sum of 4 million euros, this latest Bolide represents a collector's piece with great historical significance, finished in an elegant combination of Special Blue Lyonnais and Black Blue paint, a shade that pays homage to Bugatti's history and the famous Type 35 racing model.

A Beast Born on the Circuit

Launched as a concept in 2020 and set to enter production in 2024, the Bugatti Bolide is a testament to the French manufacturer's commitment to absolute performance. Unlike its "street-legal" models, the Bolide was developed from the ground up to meet the demanding safety standards of the FIA ??(Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), a rare feat for a niche manufacturer.

This involved thousands of hours of engineering, aerodynamic analysis and testing, including using the Le Mans circuit as a proving ground in 2023. The result is a car that combines Bugatti excellence with the purity and ferocity of a racing prototype.

Physics-Defying Performances

Under the aerodynamic body made entirely of carbon fiber lies the heart of the Bolide: the 8.0-liter, W16 engine with four turbochargers.

Here are the main specifications of the production version:

• Power: 1600 HP (at 7050 RPM)
• Torque: 1600 Nm
• Transmission: 7-speed automatic with dual clutch, permanent all-wheel drive.
• Weight (dry): 1450 kg
• Power/weight ratio: 0.91 kg/HP
• 0-100 km/h: 2.2 seconds
• Top speed: 380 km/h (electronically limited)

Although Bugatti's simulations for the concept version indicated a higher theoretical top speed (even 501 km/h), the final production top speed is 380 km/h (236 mph), emphasizing the handling and downforce required on the track.

Unrivaled Aerodynamics

The brutal performance is amplified by the extreme aerodynamic package. At a speed of 320 km/h, the Bolide generates a downforce of over 2630 kg (or almost 3 tons at 200 mph/322 km/h), which allows lateral forces of 2.5 G when cornering.

The bodywork is not only efficient, but also a tribute to aviation history, with the iconic "X" signature visible on the headlights and taillights.

A Retreat with Fast and Excitement

The end of production of the Bugatti Bolide represents much more than the end of a model. It is a watershed moment, as it is one of the last vehicles from the brand to carry the legendary W16 engine. Although the Mistral roadster will be the last W16 model to leave the Molsheim workshop, the Bolide is often considered to be the purest and most extreme recipient of this iconic engine.

The Bolide, which in French slang means "very fast car" or "projectile", has delivered on its promise. It was named "The Most Beautiful Hypercar in the World" at the Festival Automobile International in Paris and has left an indelible mark on the track-going hypercar segment.

With the Bolide, Bugatti demonstrates that it is not satisfied with speed alone, but also with quality and longevity, even in the case of a car dedicated exclusively to racing. The 40 Bolide owners now own a piece of history — a monument to engineering excellence and a farewell to the engine that propelled Bugatti into the modern age of speed.