By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    Maserati enthrals at FuoriConcorso with GT2 Stradale and MCXtrema
    May 14, 2025
    Leapmotor presents its range at Automobile Barcelona, Spain
    May 14, 2025
    Alfa Romeo sporting glory dominates “Fuori Concorso”
    May 13, 2025
    Market Art Fair Stockholm and BMW Sweden present Gregor Hildebrandt as artist for BMW Art Commission 2025
    May 13, 2025
    Driving Trade Forward: AfCFTA, AGOA,BRICS and the Tariffs – All On The Menu At Automechanika CEO Breakfast
    May 9, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    Desmo450 MX: Production of the first Ducati Motocross bike begins
    May 28, 2025
    25YM Honda NC750X
    May 13, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RS
    May 2, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RT
    April 30, 2025
    Honda NC750X Named Winner in 2025 Red Dot Design Award
    April 10, 2025
  • News
    NewsShow More
    Toyota Mobility Foundation announces five finalists for $3 million Venice Sustainable Cities Challenge
    May 29, 2025
    Mazda Production and Sales Results for April 2025
    May 29, 2025
    Nissan production, sales, and exports for April 2025
    May 29, 2025
    Honda Production, Sales and Export Results for April, 2025
    May 29, 2025
    Škoda Auto marks 55 years since production of the Skopak began in Pakistan
    May 29, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    FIAT unveils the manifesto Grande Panda 4×4
    May 20, 2025
    Renault 4 Savane 4×4 Concept makes its global debut at Roland-Garros 2025
    May 16, 2025
    Hyundai Motor and Plus Unveil Concept for Autonomous Hydrogen Freight Ecosystem at ACT Expo 202
    May 2, 2025
    Hyundai Motor Unveils the new IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line
    April 5, 2025
    Kia and LG Electronics Partner to Showcase New PBV Concepts for Work and Play
    April 4, 2025
  • Interviews
    InterviewsShow More
    Kosmas “Dudie” Mamaloukos – The Formidable Racing Talent
    May 15, 2025
    Hi-Range Safari City
    Hi-Range Safari City – The Premier outfitter for 4×4 customization
    May 15, 2025
    BEHIND THE SCENES: ARCHIE RUTHERFORD ON WHAT IT TAKES TO BRING THE W2RC TO SOUTH AFRICA
    May 9, 2025
    Europe and China’s automotive future in a shifting global order
    May 5, 2025
    Sourcing Guide Right-Hand Drive American SUVs and Pickup Trucks in Africa
    April 29, 2025
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    SEAT S.A. moves towards electric car production in Martorell
    May 29, 2025
    Polestar 3 wins Best EV SUV and Luxury Car of the Year awards
    May 29, 2025
    All-New Nissan MICRA EV debuts ahead of European launch
    May 28, 2025
    BMW Group and Solid Power are testing all-solid-state battery cells in a BMW i7
    May 20, 2025
    Toyota Debuts Stylish, Powerful 2026 C-HR Battery Electric Vehicle
    May 18, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    43rd Rally Due Valli: Lancia Ignites Verona with a High-Tension Challenge
    May 29, 2025
    Lærke Rønn, Alexia Danielsson, Rasmus Vendelbo, Porsche Sprint Challenge Scandinavia, 2025, Porsche AG
    The schoolgirl who’s just won her debut GT race
    May 28, 2025
    Porsche with new qualifying record and ongoing points streak ahead of China
    May 28, 2025
    Nissan Formula E Team looking to reinforce championship lead in Shanghai
    May 28, 2025
    Opel Mokka GSE Rally: A New Star in Electric Rallying
    May 28, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    MAN development team for autonomous driving is ‘Engineering Team of the Year’
    May 29, 2025
    Scania to start deliveries of new electric buses to northern Sweden
    May 29, 2025
    From left to right: Jens Böther, Regional Council; Nikolas Wenzel, Managing Director of MOIN; Claudia Kalisch, Mayor of Lüneburg; Alex Meier, Depot Manager; Nils Richert, Daimler Buses
    Daimler Buses builds a completely new electric bus depot for a customer for the first time
    May 28, 2025
    600 km range and superfast charging – meet Volvo’s new electric truck
    May 20, 2025
    Vandijck Transport tests the eActros 600 on a long-haul route of over 1,500 kilometers
    Vandijck Transport tests the eActros 600 
    May 18, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    GR Supra pushes performance limits with A90 Final Edition and Lightweight EVO
    May 28, 2025
    The new BMW M2 CS
    May 28, 2025
    Defender upgraded: The unstoppable 4×4 is now even more distinctive 
    May 28, 2025
    From vision to Veyron: the evolution of a Bugatti icon
    May 17, 2025
    The new Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series
    May 13, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    VNC Automotive Partners with P3 to Enhance the SPARQ OS Platform
    May 29, 2025
    Artificial intelligence: Audi boosts production efficiency
    May 28, 2025
    Greater efficiency and productivity with artificial intelligence – generative AI in BMW Group Purchasing
    May 19, 2025
    Aston Martin debuts Apple CarPlay Ultra for iPhone users
    May 16, 2025
    Mercedes-Benz customers in Germany can now purchase and pay for e-Vignettes directly from their vehicle
    May 15, 2025
Hot News
SEAT S.A. moves towards electric car production in Martorell
Toyota Mobility Foundation announces five finalists for $3 million Venice Sustainable Cities Challenge
43rd Rally Due Valli: Lancia Ignites Verona with a High-Tension Challenge
Polestar 3 wins Best EV SUV and Luxury Car of the Year awards
Mazda Production and Sales Results for April 2025
Motosport

Audi customer team competes in the 2023 Kumho TCR World Tour

Reviews

Mercedes-AMG CLE Coupé and Cabriolet gain exclusive special model

Latest News

Nissan reports third quarter results for fiscal year 2023

Latest News

The Jeep Brand Provides a Glimpse of its Advanced AI & Autonomous Off-Road Driving Technology

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • Interviews
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Latest News

BUGATTI BOLIDE MAKES SPECTACULAR PUBLIC DEBUT AT LE MANS CENTENARY

On the centenary of one of the most revered motorsport events in the world, Bugatti returned to Le Mans, showcasing the Bolide to the public for the very first time with a legendary and highly decorated driver taking to the wheel of the brand’s high-performance track-only hyper sports car.

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: June 13, 2023 10:34
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
1.1k Views
7 Min Read
Share
7 Min Read
SHARE

Bugatti’s esteemed motorsport heritage is intrinsically entwined with the history of Le Mans 24 Hours. Over the course of many years – 10 decades in fact – the Molsheim luxury brand has realized unforgettable milestone moments at the motorsport event. And in perfect timing to celebrate 100 years of Le Mans 24 Hours, Bugatti this weekend delivered another magical moment to onlooking crowds.

On the hallowed asphalt on which so much history has been made, the Bugatti Bolide took a track lap at the Le Mans 24 Hours circuit on Saturday afternoon. As it did, an energizing atmosphere – meshing genuine surprise and excitement with absolute respect – ushered across the crowds as spectators were given not one but two defining moments: the Bolide presented in its full glory to the public for the very first time and Andy Wallace, a Le Mans winner of 1988, taking to the wheel of the track-only hyper sports car in a showstopping lap.

- Advertisement -
Ad image

One of the world’s finest endurance racers, Andy, who has been a Pilote Officiel for Bugatti since 2011, is part of a very select group of people to have won the Triple Crown of Le Mans 24 Hours, 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. Such a peerless track record in racing is the perfect fit to oversee the Bolide’s first public outing. Speaking moments after driving the Bolide, Andy said: “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.

“The Bolide looks and feels – in every respect – like a real racing car with genuine outstanding high-performance capabilities. The fact that it generates around twice its own weight in downforce at maximum speed, giving the car a very high level of grip and stability in high-speed corners is in its own right incredibly impressive. But to then match that prowess with Bugatti’s W16 engine, developing 1,600 PS, takes the Bolide to an entirely new level. The car is breath-taking in every sense.”

Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, added: “There can be no better way than to celebrate 100 years of Le Mans by debuting a Bugatti tour-de-force that is simply unlike anything we have ever done before. Bugatti and the 24 Hours of Le Mans have a deep and long held connection – we were there at the very first race 100 years ago. I speak on behalf of Bugatti when I say we are therefore incredibly proud to have delivered another historic and unique moment at Le Mans, a moment that will forever be cherished.”

At the nucleus of the Bolide is Bugatti’s iconic quad turbo 8.0-litre W16 heart, deftly encased within an aerodynamically optimized carbon body. To achieve the track-focused maximum performance of the Bolide, the brakes are an essential component. Inspired by F1 technology, the experts at Brembo S.p.A, an Italian based world leader in the field of automotive brake technology, have created a highly advanced and tailored braking system for the Bolide with 390 mm brake discs and unique calipers (8 pistons on the front axle and 6 pistons on the rear axle), ensuring the car’s stopping power can master its outstanding dynamic driving capabilities.

Making the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans event even more special this weekend was the presence of two extraordinary Bugatti automobiles in addition to the public debut of the Bolide. Taking to the circuit on Saturday, following Andy’s drive of the Bolide, was a one-off blue Bugatti EB110S “Le Mans”, which took part in the highly acclaimed Parade of the Grande Exposition Du Centenaire. This legendary car participated in the world-famous race in 1994, exactly 55 years after Bugatti’s last victory at Le Mans. An accident – following technical problems – unfortunately ended the race too early for the iconic blue Bugatti, but it nevertheless left a lasting impression in the hearts of motorsport fans worldwide. Seeing the EB110S LM take to the revered asphalt once more captured yet another historic Bugatti moment for onlookers that reveled in the experience.

The illustrious Bugatti Type 50S was on display as part of a special centenarian exhibition at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum. In the early 1930s, several examples of the Type 50S took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and in the 1931 race there were three competing examples. As part of a protest against the racing officials, Ettore Bugatti had the three cars start that year in black instead of the usual French Racing Blue. Among others, the legendary racing drivers Louis Chiron and Albert Divo started for Bugatti. Throughout the competition, the three Type 50S cars fought for the leading positions for a long time, but the tires struggled to match the power, pace and performance of the Type 50S’s. Following a tragic accident involving one of the Type 50S racers, Ettore decided to withdraw the two remaining cars from the race. On display at this year’s event, the Type 50S is graced with the starting number 5, which was driven back in 1931 by Albert Divo and Guy Bouriat, thrilled fans wanting to experience motorsport history in the present day.

The EB110S LM, Type 50S and the first public outing of the Bolide made what was already a special historic motorsport gathering at the weekend even more extraordinary, adding a sense of timelessness that only a brand like Bugatti can generate.

TAGGED:BolideBugattiLe Mans 24 Hours

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

You Might Also Like

Reviews

FINDING 400: AN INCOMPARABLE BUGATTI EXPERIENCE

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
May 30, 2023
Reviews

From vision to Veyron: the evolution of a Bugatti icon

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
May 17, 2025
Latest News

Bugatti rewards its entrusted global partner network

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 10, 2024
Concepts

The Asprey Bugatti Egg Collection

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
April 5, 2023
Reviews

Pierre-Henri Raphanel: Bugatti Pilote Officiel

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
October 5, 2023
Latest News

Bugatti and adidas create limited edition football boot crafted for maximum speed and style

By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
November 1, 2023

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Made by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2023

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner