Continental Unveils Cutting-Edge Brake Control System for Bugatti Bolide Hypercar

Continental Unveils Cutting-Edge Brake Control System for Bugatti Bolide Hypercar

(IN BRIEF) Continental has developed an advanced electronic brake control system for the Bugatti Bolide, a 1,600-horsepower hypercar designed exclusively for the track. This system, based on Continental’s “Motorsports ABS Kit,” integrates anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and traction control, enhancing stability and handling for drivers of all skill levels. The Bolide, limited to 40 units and scheduled for operation in the second quarter of 2025, represents a significant evolution in track racing technology. Bugatti’s chief engineer, Christian Willmann, praised the successful integration of this system with carbon-carbon brakes, while Volker van Lier from Continental highlighted the unique challenge of making such a powerful vehicle manageable for both professionals and enthusiasts. The system features five driving modes to optimize performance under various conditions.

(PRESS RELEASE) FRANKFURT, 6-Nov-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In an exciting development for motorsport enthusiasts, Continental has unveiled its state-of-the-art electronic brake control system specifically engineered for the Bugatti Bolide, an extraordinary hypercar boasting 1,600 horsepower and designed exclusively for track performance. This innovative system, derived from Continental’s “Motorsports ABS Kit,” integrates anti-lock braking, electronic stability control, and traction control to enhance stability and handling for drivers at all experience levels.

The Bugatti Bolide, known for its breathtaking power, is currently under construction in a limited run of 40 units following its initial conception as a concept vehicle based on the renowned Bugatti Chiron. With a scheduled operational launch in the second quarter of 2025, this hypercar promises to redefine track racing dynamics.

Christian Willmann, the chief engineer for the Bolide at Bugatti, remarked on the groundbreaking nature of this project: “For the first time, we have successfully integrated an ESC system with carbon-carbon brakes. This collaboration with Continental has resulted in a performance, stability, and safety solution that exceeds our expectations. The Motorsports ABS enhances the uniqueness of the Bolide even further.”

Volker van Lier, head of the Chassis & Brake Systems unit at Continental Engineering Services (CES), expressed pride in their collaborative effort, stating, “This project has pushed boundaries in hypercar development. Creating a brake control system that ensures excellent vehicle control for both professional racers and everyday drivers has been a fascinating challenge for our team, leveraging our extensive expertise.”

The project has built upon CES’s substantial experience, which includes previous work with Bugatti on the Veyron and Chiron. With a focus on optimizing performance without compromising safety, the team developed a sophisticated brake control system that accommodates the extraordinary dynamics of the Bolide. This system carefully manages acceleration and braking forces, ensuring that the hypercar remains manageable and responsive.

One of the key innovations of the Bolide’s brake control system is its five distinct driving modes, ranging from pure racing to gradual assistance. This flexibility allows drivers to tailor their experience based on track conditions, weather, and tire performance. The system also intelligently adjusts brake balance between the front and rear axles, ensuring optimal braking performance regardless of tire temperature.

The extreme demands of high-speed racing posed unique challenges for the development team. The Bolide, capable of reaching speeds up to 380 km/h, experiences deceleration forces exceeding 2.5 g, significantly surpassing those of conventional road vehicles. To accommodate these forces, CES adapted its proprietary software, enhancing control function algorithms to manage the Bolide’s exceptional performance in tandem with its specialized components.

Despite its compact design, weighing less than two kilograms, the brake control system expertly handles the intricacies of maneuvering the hypercar through tight turns while maintaining precise brake pressure at maximum speeds. The rapid development process saw CES successfully create this advanced control system within a year, from initial discussions to final track testing.

This press release was authored to detail the innovative collaboration between Continental and Bugatti in creating a cutting-edge brake control system for the extraordinary Bolide hypercar, showcasing the engineering prowess behind this elite vehicle.

Media Contact:

Alena Liebram
Media Spokesperson and Topic Manager User Experience
Continental Automotive
+49 69 7603-72232
+49 151 7466-1082
alena.liebram@continental.com

SOURCE: Continental