Final Bugatti Bolide: Legacy, Engineering, and W16 Farewell

A detailed look at the final Bugatti Bolide, as reported by Bugatti, exploring its W16 farewell, track-only design, development timeline, and historical significance.

The conclusion of the Bugatti Bolide project became more than the final step in producing an exclusive track-only hypercar; it marked an important moment for the entire brand. Limited to just 40 units and powered by the 8.0-liter W16 delivering 1,600 PS, the Bolide represents the culmination of Bugatti’s engineering philosophy and its long-standing pursuit of precision and excellence.

The project began in 2021, when the Bolide was still a conceptual “What If” study. From that point on, engineers and designers gradually transformed the idea into a real machine. The design reached completion in 2022, and by early 2023 the engineering phase had been finalized. Testing soon followed: in 2023 the Bolide appeared at the legendary Le Mans circuit, where it reached 350 km/h under the control of factory driver Andy Wallace. Later, the car underwent extensive track evaluations described in Bugatti’s official communications, including assessments of chassis behavior, brake stability, cooling performance, and overall system interaction under demanding conditions.

For Bugatti, however, the goal was not simply to build an extreme track hypercar. The Bolide also had to uphold the standards expected by the brand’s collectors: craftsmanship, durability, and meticulous attention to detail. This posed a particular challenge, as motorsport typically favors components designed for short-term use, while Bugatti’s philosophy emphasizes longevity and refinement.

The final customer car was built for a dedicated collector known for his longstanding connection to the marque. He requested a color scheme inspired by his own Bugatti Type 35, creating a clear link between eras. This specification also echoes the palette he previously chose for his Veyron Grand Sport, which itself was the last of its series, forming a personal trilogy that spans decades.

With this final example, heritage and engineering come together. The Bolide serves as an epic farewell to the W16, recognized in both German and English publications as the last Bugatti to feature the iconic powerplant. It marks the end of an era while demonstrating what becomes possible when innovation and tradition move forward side by side.

Production is now complete. All 40 units were assembled in the Molsheim Atelier, each carrying the story of its development—from early prototypes to the final, precision-focused track tests. The Bolide stands as a rare and significant machine that unites a legendary engine, rigorous engineering, and deep motorsport heritage.