Α month after the production version of the Bugatti Bolide made its public debut at Le Mans, the track-only hypercar was driven up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in its first outing on UK soil.
The black Bolide was driven by Bugatti’s chief test driver Andy Wallace, who plays an integral role in the development of all models coming out of the Molsheim factory. As we can see from the official video, this was more of an exhibition run with Wallace taking it easy on the throttle, completing the hillclimb “with ease, focus and finesse” and without taking risks on the wet tarmac.
More: The Bugatti Bolide Looks And Sounds Even More Alien During High-Speed Testing
Following his first run with the Bolide on the 1.86 km (1.16-mile) course, Wallace said: “To be behind the wheel of the Bolide as it takes to the hillclimb at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed is an incredible feeling. The Bolide captured the hearts and minds of onlookers at Le Mans last month during its incredible track lap, but to drive this supremely focused and motorsport-inspired Bugatti at the Festival of Speed – on the revered road that is intimately close to spectators – is a very special and unique experience.”
The growling sound of Bugatti’s quad-turbo 8.0-liter W16 engine in the non-street-legal Bolide is remarkably unique among hypercars, mainly because it doesn’t adhere to any regulations, making it much louder. The mid-mounted engine generates a staggering 1,578 hp (1,176 kW / 1,600 PS), while the vehicle itself weighs 1,450 kg (3,196 lbs). It’s worth mentioning that the Bolide is the most extreme Bugatti ever produced and is based on the Chiron-sourced monocoque chassis. Limited to only 40 units, it features a track-focused configuration and a distinctive bodywork entirely constructed from carbon fiber.
The 2023 Goodwood FOS was hit by bad weather, with heavy winds and rain forcing organizers to cancel the planned events for Saturday, July 15. Those who missed the Bolide this time around, will be able to see it again over the weekend as part of the Bacth 6a Supercar Run. Other notable appearances of track-only hypercars in year’s hillclimb include the McLaren Solus GT and the Ferrari KC23 one-off.
The 2023 Goodwood Festival of Speed (FOS) was affected by inclement weather, including strong winds and heavy rain, resulting in the cancellation of scheduled events for Saturday, July 15. However, those who were unable to witness the Bolide will have the opportunity to see it once again as part of the ‘Batch 6a Supercar Run’. In addition to the Bolide, notable track-only hypercars making appearances at this year’s hill climb include the McLaren Solus GT and the one-off Ferrari KC23.
