Bugatti just wrapped up testing of their outrageous track-only hypercar – the Bolide. And man, does it sound like an absolute beast! With a whopping 1,578 horsepower from its big ol’ W-16 engine, Bugatti says it can actually keep pace with Formula 1 cars when launching out of corners.
Now I know what you’re thinking – F1 cars are way lighter, so how can the heavier Bolide really compete? But get this – it apparently has a serious power advantage over current F1 engines. Plus it comes in a few hundred pounds lighter than a Chiron. Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace said accelerating from corner exit is simply “incomparable” – getting to 200, then 300km/h felt like nothing!
Of course, F1 still has the edge when it comes to cornering grip and braking. They can withstand over 5Gs in turns, while Bugatti tuned the Bolide for a mere 2.5Gs. But man, just imagine how ballistic that thing must feel on track!
Sadly, the production version isn’t quite as insane as the concept. It’s limited to “only” 236mph now instead of 300. But that’s still faster than the current F1 top speed record! Too bad only 40 will be built, at around $4 million a pop. Most will probably never see a race track. But for the lucky few who do cut it loose, the Bolide should deliver sheer track bliss unlike anything else out there. I’m officially jealous!
