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Tyres NorthamptonContinental has engineered a state-of-the-art brake control system for the Bugatti Bolide, a 1,600-horsepower hypercar designed exclusively for the racetrack. Built with Continental’s "Motorsports ABS Kit," this system enhances stability and traction control, delivering superior handling and making the Bolide manageable for both professional drivers and enthusiasts. Originally conceived as a concept based on the Bugatti Chiron, the Bolide is now in limited production with 40 units, with the first deliveries due soon.
Continental Engineering Services (CES) and Bugatti have an established partnership, notably working together on Bugatti models like the Chiron and Veyron. For the Bolide, CES took an innovative approach, integrating complex hardware and software systems that exceed standard racing technology. While most non-road-approved racing cars focus solely on performance, the Bolide’s stability system is a breakthrough. Christian Willmann, Bugatti’s chief engineer for the Bolide, highlighted the innovation of integrating ESC with carbon-carbon brakes, a first that enhances the car's stability and control.
Volker van Lier, head of the CES Chassis & Brake Systems unit, described the excitement of developing this exclusive braking technology for a hypercar.
CES designed the Motorsports ABS Kit with the aim of making the Bolide’s immense power controllable for any driver. By adapting their foundational Motorsports ABS system specifically for the Bolide, CES ensured that the hypercar’s 1,600-horsepower output could be managed safely. This system combines traction control, ESC, and ABS to provide optimal grip, braking, and stability under varying conditions, allowing drivers to confidently navigate complex manoeuvres.
As the Bolide isn’t intended for road use, CES developed a flexible brake control system that is suitable for professional racers yet safe for less experienced drivers. The system allows drivers to adjust specific functions based on track conditions, weather, or tyre wear, delivering a customised driving experience. An active racing driver from CES was instrumental in fine-tuning this system, working closely with Bugatti’s factory drivers to achieve peak racetrack performance.
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The Bolide’s brake control system offers five driving modes for the ABS, stability, and traction control functions. These modes range from full racing mode to configurations with greater electronic assistance. Drivers can easily adjust the car’s handling directly from the steering wheel, depending on the situation. Brake balance adjustments between the front and rear axles are handled seamlessly by CES’s system, ensuring peak performance regardless of tyre temperature or track readiness.
The Bolide’s braking system must withstand intense forces, including deceleration up to 2.5 g, which is more than twice that of a typical road car. With the car’s aerodynamic design generating substantial downforce at high speeds, CES optimised the Motorsports ABS software to handle these demands. This development ensures that the braking system can maintain precise control even under extreme conditions.
Despite its compact size and weight of under two kilograms, the brake control system provides precise braking even at speeds reaching 380 km/h. CES achieved this impressive feat within a year, from concept to final testing. This collaboration between CES and Bugatti has set a new standard for hypercar braking systems, combining software innovation with the rigorous demands of racing.