The Bugatti Bolide was originally revealed as an experimental concept ultracar. A statement of intent, its specific purpose unknown at the time. It uses a well-known Bugatti recipe, an 8.0-litre W16, a seven-speed gearbox and a dual-clutch transmission. This yields a total power output of 1,578bhp, a 0-62mph time of 2.17 seconds and a top speed of over 225mph. Think of the Bolide as a race car, a track-only derivative of the Bugatti Chiron. Indeed Bolide is derived from the French word “Le Bolide” which means race car. Last week it was given the official treatment at the ultra-exclusive open-air Quail Motorsports show in Carmel California.

At the conclusion of the event presentation, enthusiasts and collectors told Bugatti CEO to “take my money now”! Obviously, Bugatti has listened, but there is a proviso. Only 40 units will ever be made. Each example will cost close to $5M. And The Bolide will live its life on the race track and nowhere else.

The Bolide is the ultimate expression of engineering and performance optimisation. It is stripped of any unnecessary weight, it weighs 1,240kg. For a modern performance car it is very light. The aerodynamics utilize a front and rear diffuser and a large roof-mounted air scoop channels air into the engine.

The rear section is dominated by a hightail rear wing. The stripped, almost bare interior is FIA homologated for current safety standards. No luxuries here, it is a lightly padded carbon fiber racing seat with a six-point harness. And in case of emergencies, a fire extinguisher is on hand. You see where this is going? fast, very fast. First deliveries are scheduled for 2024.

My guess is that Bugatti decided many months ago to take the Bolide from concept to production reality. The reveal at the Quail Motorsport event was clever marketing and PR.