Yes, you read that correctly. The 8.0-litre W16 quad-turbocharged engine that made its debut in the Veyron with a poultry 1,000PS, is packing an entire McLaren Senna GT-R more power (and then some) in this installation. Truthfully, the whole thing is a figure fest. Very Bugatti. 0-62mph in 2.17 seconds, a 311mph top speed and a mind-blowing 0-311-0mph time of 33.62 seconds. Koenigswho? The most ambitious figures, though, are its claimed lap time capabilities: 5 minutes 23.1 seconds around the Nürburgring, 3 minutes 7.1 seconds around Le Mans.
Taken a breath? Good. Let’s start with the power. New turbochargers with new optimised blades for more boost and 110 octane racing fuel of course, befitting the Bolide’s very racey aesthetic. Speaking of, it does look quite different to other recent Bugattis, doesn’t it? This entirely bespoke bodywork treatment, not unlike Lamborghini’s own V12 Vision Gran Turismo, is minimal, lightweight and shrink-wrapped around a carbon-fibre monocoque.
That means unlike previous Bugattis, the long-serving W16 doesn’t have a lot of weight to push around either, with the Bolide weighing just 1,240kg. For reference, a Chiron’s kerb weight is just shy of two tonnes. That 750kg crash diet and steroid shot in the engine bay gives the Bolide close to 1,500PS per tonne… Have that Koenigsegg One:1. Wherever in the car material could be shaved, or replaced with a more expensive, lightweight material, it has. Aerospace alloys, 3D printing – Bugatti’s boffins must have learnt more than just what ‘empty calories’ are during their weight watchers Zooms over lockdown. It’s full race car, too, with a fuel ‘bladder’ instead of a tank, polycarbonate windows, six-point harnesses, air jacks, centre lock wheels and a full fire extinguisher system. Perish the thought...