Adapted by:
Alejandro Alcolea
WriterWriter at Xataka. I studied education and music, but since 2014 I've been writing about my passion: video games and technology. I specialize in product analysis, photography, and video. My body is 70% coffee.
Alba Mora
WriterAn established tech journalist, I entered the world of consumer tech by chance in 2018. In my writing and translating career, I've also covered a diverse range of topics, including entertainment, travel, science, and the economy.
Few brands understand exclusivity better than Bugatti. Luxury brands often cater to the desires of millionaires who aspire to own their coveted products, and the high price and limited availability create exclusivity.
Take the Chiron Super Sport, for example. Only 30 units were produced. Those interested in the Centodieci are also out of luck. Only 10 were made. Even though every Bugatti sold results in a financial loss for Volkswagen, the brand has devised a strategy that makes purchasing and maintaining the car challenging. Bugatti offers customization packages that typically cost around $555,000.
Among Bugatti’s lineup, the Bolide stands out as a model that, while not the most expensive, still comes with a hefty price tag, especially if you plan to actually drive it. Its tires are extraordinarily expensive and need to be replaced every 37 miles. Interestingly, the Bolide isn’t even designed for road use.
Changing Tires Isn’t Cheap
Bugatti introduced the Bolide concept in 2020, with shipping starting in mid-2024. Priced at around $4.5 million, the hypercar exemplifies exclusivity, given that only 40 units are available worldwide. While it shares similarities with other models in the Bugatti family, the Bolide has a unique distinction: It’s not road-legal.
This luxury hypercar is a track-only sports car. Changing components on the Bolide can be very costly, just like with any Bugatti and other supercars. The process isn’t as straightforward as simply lifting the hood and loosening a few nuts. It often requires disassembling part of the car to perform even basic tasks, such as an oil change.
Frequent oil changes are necessary because the engine consumes more oil than a typical car. In the end, the Bolide’s performance is similar to that of a Formula 1 car, making its tires the focal point of its design and functionality.
Bugatti includes four very thin tires designed solely for transporting the car from the truck to the circuit tarmac. Once at the circuit, the main tires are mounted. They’re special Michelin tires that resemble the slicks used in single-seater racing cars. There’s also a rain version available.
These tires need to be preheated before starting the car, similar to what’s done in top motor racing. The wear on the tires is significant. The Bolide weighs 3,200 pounds and generates a downforce of 4,000 pounds. This downforce lets the car grip the road, helping it navigate curves more effectively. Again, it also leads to increased tire degradation.
The Bolide can accelerate from 0 to 186 mph in just 7.37 seconds, boasting 1,850 horsepower and all-wheel drive. This means the tires must be changed every 37 miles. According to YouTuber Manny Khoshbin, a car enthusiast and collector known for sharing the costs of his vehicles, replacing the tires every 37 miles costs nearly $8,000.
Extreme performance results in a very short tire lifespan for a truly spectacular car.
Images | Santaclaus93 | Calreyn88| Bugatti
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