Continental Engineering Services (CES) has unveiled an innovative electronic brake control system for the Bugatti Bolide, a 1,600-horsepower track-only hypercar. Featuring an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control system (TCS), the breakthrough system ensures the Bolide delivers unmatched performance and safety for both professional drivers and enthusiasts.
This bespoke solution, derived from CES’s Motorsports ABS Kit, is the first of its kind to pair an ESC system with carbon-carbon brakes, a significant milestone for high-performance motorsports vehicles. The Bolide, initially a concept based on the Bugatti Chiron, is being produced in a limited run of 40 units, with deliveries commencing by year-end.
Engineering a Hypercar for All Drivers
The Bolide’s immense power required CES to design a system that not only meets the demands of professional racers but also ensures the hypercar remains manageable for less experienced drivers. The system enables precise control over acceleration and braking forces, with integrated vehicle dynamics systems optimizing propulsion, braking, and stability.
“We’ve achieved a breakthrough, creating a solution that exceeds expectations in performance, stability, and safety,” said Christian Willmann, Bugatti’s chief engineer for the Bolide.
Cutting-Edge Features for Exceptional Control
The brake control system includes five distinct driving modes, adjustable via the steering wheel, to cater to varying track conditions and tire performance. From pure racing to electronically assisted modes, the system provides seamless adaptability for diverse scenarios. Key features include:
- Optimized traction control to harness the full power of the 1,600 hp engine.
- Advanced ABS for consistent braking performance under any condition.
- Customizable ESC for stability during high-speed maneuvers.
To fine-tune the system, CES collaborated with Bugatti’s factory drivers and an engineer with racing experience, ensuring optimal performance tailored to the Bolide’s extreme capabilities.
Meeting Extreme Racing Challenges
The Bolide’s brake control system operates under intense physical forces, including decelerations of up to 2.5 g and aerodynamic loads from speeds exceeding 380 km/h. CES enhanced its software algorithms to handle these demands, integrating them seamlessly with the Bolide’s carbon-carbon brakes and specialized racing tires.
Volker van Lier, head of CES’s Chassis & Brake Systems unit, stated, “This was a rare opportunity to push boundaries. Making a racing car controllable for all drivers presented an exciting challenge.”
Compact Yet Powerful
Weighing less than two kilograms, the control unit is compact yet robust, enabling precise brake pressure control even at extreme speeds. CES achieved this feat in just a year, from concept to completion, underlining its expertise in motorsports innovation.
The Bugatti Bolide, equipped with CES’s state-of-the-art brake control technology, represents a new benchmark in hypercar engineering, blending extraordinary power with unparalleled safety and control.
