Continental has designed a state-of-the-art electronic brake control system for the Bugatti Bolide, a hypercar engineered for racing. This system incorporates anti-lock braking (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and traction control (TCS), built on the Motorsports ABS Kit developed by Continental Engineering Services (CES).
The system ensures that the 1,600-horsepower Bolide remains highly controllable for both professional drivers and enthusiasts on the racetrack. Limited to only 40 units, the Bugatti Bolide is a track-only hypercar derived from the Chiron model, with deliveries expected by year-end.
The collaboration between CES and Bugatti spans several years, with previous projects including the Chiron and Veyron models. However, the Bolide’s brake system is distinctive because it combines advanced driving dynamics with the extreme performance characteristics of a racing car, which typically lack such complex systems.
Christian Willmann, Chief Engineer at Bugatti for the Bolide, shared, “We’ve combined ESC with carbon-carbon brakes for the first time, achieving a breakthrough with Continental’s motorsports brake system that exceeds our expectations for stability, performance, and safety.”
Volker van Lier, head of CES’s Chassis & Brake Systems unit, commented, “It’s an honor to be part of such an extraordinary project, pushing the limits of technology for the world’s most exclusive hypercar. This challenge of making a racing car accessible to all drivers, not just professionals, was particularly exciting.”
The Challenge: Making a 1,600 HP Hypercar Accessible for All Drivers
CES brought its extensive experience from motorsports and previous Bugatti collaborations to develop the brake control system for the Bolide. The system had to manage the immense acceleration and braking forces of a 1,600-hp car, ensuring safe handling for any driver while maintaining the car’s extraordinary performance. The braking and traction systems needed to be finely tuned to provide the best possible performance regardless of conditions.
The solution was a system that allows drivers to adjust the driving dynamics based on their skill level and track conditions. The system offers five different modes for ABS, ESC, and TCS, ranging from full racing mode to more gradual levels of assistance. These adjustments can be made directly from the steering wheel, depending on the track and tire conditions, ensuring optimal performance at all times, even in extreme situations.
Advanced Technology for Extreme Racing Conditions
In motorsport, high deceleration forces and aerodynamic downforce put immense pressure on braking systems. Braking forces of up to 2.5 g and extreme speeds—up to 380 km/h—are typical when handling a vehicle of the Bolide’s caliber.
To handle these conditions, CES engineers customized the Motorsports ABS system, fine-tuning the control algorithms to manage the car’s extraordinary dynamics. This allowed the system to function seamlessly with the carbon-carbon brake system and endurance tires, providing precise control even in the tightest corners and at the highest speeds.
Despite its unassuming appearance, the brake control system—under 2 kilograms and the size of a small brick—enables the 1,600-hp hypercar to navigate challenging track conditions with ease. CES completed the system’s development within just one year, from initial concept to final testing, marking another milestone in automotive engineering.
