The track-only hypercar took to the asphalt of the Circuit de la Sarthe this past weekend in honor of the endurance racing spectacle's centenary.
French hypercar manufacturer Bugatti could not let an event as prestigious as the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans take place in its home country without making a splash of its own, and so it gave the track-only Bugatti Bolide its first public outing at the event this past weekend. The automaker is not competing this year, but its history is richly intertwined with that of the iconic endurance race, and what better place at which to showcase the developments made so far than the historic circuit?
Besides presenting the Bolide in a static display, Bugatti test driver (and former 24 Hours of Le Mans winner with Jaguar in 1988) Andy Wallace wowed the crowds with a single lap of the track.
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“To take to the wheel of the Bolide at this year's Le Mans 24 Hours was a very special moment; the energy from the crowd and how they connected to the car is something that will stay with me for a lifetime,” commented Wallace. He added that “the Bolide looks and feels – in every respect – like a real racing car with genuine outstanding high-performance capabilities.”
The proliferative 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine from the Chiron here produces 1,577 horsepower, and the entire car is targeting a curb weight of 3,196 pounds. Bringing that heft to a stop are brakes “inspired by F1 technology,” courtesy of Brembo.
These measure 390 millimeters/15.35 inches with eight-piston calipers in front and six at the rear.
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Along with the presentation of the Bolide, Bugatti also showed off a one-off EB110S “Le Mans,” as part of the Parade of the Grande Exposition Du Centenaire. This exact car took place in the endurance race in 1994, 55 years after the automaker's last victory at Le Mans. It never finished the race, but it did inspire a Centodieci livery.
In addition, a Bugatti Type 50S was also on display at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum. According to Bugatti, the 1931 edition of the race saw three of these cars enter, but instead of the usual French Racing Blue, Ettore Bugatti had the cars painted black in protest against racing officials. None of these finished the race either, as one had a tragic accident likely caused by tires that were not good enough for the car. Ettore pulled the remaining two cars.
Perhaps someday, Bugatti will return to the famous race. For now, it trades off opulence and prestige rather than octane and podiums.
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Keyword: Bugatti Bolide Makes First Public Appearance With Lap Of Le Mans Circuit