In the world of hypercars, the Bugatti Bolide stands as a marvel—a track-only masterpiece designed to redefine the limits of performance. For one passionate U.S. owner, waiting until Bugatti’s official 2025 track sessions was simply not an option. Instead, he claimed an early Christmas present in the form of a private debut for his Bolide at the iconic Circuit of the Americas (COTA), cementing himself as the first customer to push this engineering marvel to its limits.
From Molsheim to the Lone Star State
Delivered fresh from Bugatti’s legendary Molsheim headquarters, the Bolide’s arrival marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Finished in French Racing Blue with Nocturne Black Carbon accents, the car’s bespoke design was an ode to Bugatti’s rich motorsport legacy. The duotone livery and personal touches, such as the ‘Équipe Curtis’ track plate, embodied a blend of heritage and innovation.
The customer, a seasoned driver familiar with the challenges of COTA’s 5.5-km circuit, embraced this moment with anticipation. Known for its 20 demanding corners and 40-meter elevation changes, COTA offered the perfect stage for the Bolide to demonstrate its capabilities.
Precision Meets Passion
Ahead of the big day, Bugatti’s expert team conducted a thorough technical briefing. This included an in-depth exploration of the Bolide’s features, from its 1,850 PS W16 engine to the advanced aerodynamics that set it apart. Every detail—from tire pressures to oil levels—was fine-tuned to optimize performance, ensuring the car was track-ready.
After an initial series of warm-up laps, the Bolide roared to life, delivering an adrenaline-fueled performance across 12 intense hot laps. Despite rain-soaked conditions, the hypercar reached an astonishing top speed of 333 km/h. For the owner, every corner was a testament to the Bolide’s precision engineering, and every straightaway a surge of Bugatti’s unrivaled power.
A Driver’s Reflection
Reflecting on the experience, the owner shared:
“The Bolide’s responsiveness is incredible—it’s a perfect blend of power and control. Even with the rain, the car felt completely manageable, yet exhilarating. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of pressing the throttle and unleashing this machine’s full potential. I’m already planning my next session.”
The Bolide Legacy in Action
For Bugatti, this moment wasn’t just about one customer’s experience; it was a glimpse into the future of the Bolide program. According to Hendrik Malinowski, Bugatti’s Managing Director, the Bolide represents the pinnacle of the brand’s engineering excellence. With its W16 engine—the heart of Bugatti for two decades—and uncompromising track-focused design, the Bolide is poised to deliver unforgettable experiences for its exclusive group of owners.
Looking Ahead
This early track session at COTA sets the stage for the highly anticipated 2025 Bolide owner gatherings. These exclusive events will allow enthusiasts to share their passion while exploring the full potential of this extraordinary machine on the world’s most legendary circuits.
For this first Bolide owner, the journey has only begun. From rain-soaked thrills in Texas to future high-octane adventures, the Bugatti Bolide promises to remain the ultimate expression of speed, luxury, and engineering brilliance.
