The Bugatti Bolide will have more advanced carbon brakes than the F1!

Rocket

The first delivery of this toy, produced in 40 units and worth 4 million euros each (without tax), is scheduled for 2024. As a reminder, Bolide will issue. 1,600 hp (and even 1,850 with special oil) for a weight of 1,450 kg. It was created as a “Track the hypercar” which, according to simulations, can go faster than WEC hypercars on the Le Mans track, with a top speed well over 400 km/h. Suffice it to say that, for the angry people who dare to attack the tarmac with this diabolical machine in their hands, good standing is recommended!

During the test session at the Imola circuit, where the brakes are particularly stressed, Bugatti revealed new details about the braking system, which was custom-designed by Brembo to cope with the beast’s extreme performance. The result of two years of testing and development, Bolide’s carbon-carbon system is considered comparable to the technology used in LMh, LMDh and Formula 1 cars. However, Bolide’s brakes push the boundaries even further.

Bad brakes

Its standard front brakes are the largest carbon-to-carbon brakes ever made, with two eight-piston monobloc brakes, each with four 25mm high-performance pads, and carbon discs 390 x 37.5mm. Brake pads are made from aluminum alloy and nickel plated. The rear has dual monoblock brakes, with just six pistons and four thinner 24.5 cm pads. The rear brake calipers are completed by large 390 x 34 mm carbon discs. The rear braking system – less powerful than the front – complies with the criteria of the LMDh category.

The engineering team has therefore reduced the overall weight of the system – each Bolide disc weighs just 3.175 kg. The brake system also has a very high thermal conductivity which must dissipate heat as well as possible during hard braking. This prevents brake icing and provides the driver with stable performance, even in adverse conditions.

Engineers took special care in the design of the air intakes leading to the brakes, working with Bugatti to precisely adjust the airflow to the needs of its advanced braking system. Cooling the brake system is important due to the power and torque produced by the W16 engine, especially to the front wheels. To cool the brakes, 85 to 90 percent of the air flow is directed to the rotors and pads, while a small portion is directed to the brake calipers.