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Supercar maker Bugatti has turned a one-off experimental prototype into an extreme £4.1million limited edition hypercar for the track.

Unveiled as part of the by-invitation-only Pebble Beach car extravaganza in California, and shown at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, only 40 examples of the new Bugatti Bolide will be built, with first deliveries from 2024.

The Bolide name itself comes from a French slang term that roughly translates as: 'It's a fast car.''

'Unbelievably fast': But the 40 Bolides will be for track use only and not road-legal

Described by Bugatti as 'extreme, light, and unbelievably fast', each one will cost around £4.1million, the equivalent of its European price tag of €4.8million - made up of a basic €4million plus 20 per cent tax.

A blast with the extras list could see even that stratospheric price climb as fast as the car accelerates.

The 40 Bolides will be for track use only and not road-legal. They are designed to stick to the tarmac like glue thanks to massive downforce generated by the aerodynamic design.

The new Bolide is powered by a vast 8.0-litre 1,600 horse-power W16 petrol engine. Although no exact performance figures have been released, it is expected to accelerate from rest to 62mph in under 3 seconds and go up to a top speed well over 200mph.

The car firm will likely attempt to beat the figures of the current fastest Bugatti Chiron Supersport, costing €3.2million, which accelerates to 62mph in under 3 seconds, to 124mph in 5.5 seconds, and goes up to a top speed of around 273mph (440km/hr).

Bugatti will likely attempt to beat the figures of the current fastest Bugatti Chiron Supersport

The firm said the emphasis was on the car's downforce giving it exceptional holding ability on the track noting: 'This will make the Bolide the most extreme configuration level of the legendary 8.0-litre W16 engine and a must-have for Bugatti collectors.'

Lightweight materials give the production version a kerb weight of just 1,450 kilograms and therefore a weight-to-power ratio of 0.9 kilograms per horsepower.

The French carmaker, with its boutique factory at Molsheim near the Rhine and just across the river from the border with Germany added: 'The new hyper sports car will be taken to production maturity over the next three years, with its delivery scheduled for 2024 at a and limited to 40 units.'

Bugatti first unveiled a prototype version of the Bolide as a one-of-a-kind experimental vehicle in October 2020. Now work on the production version has begun.

 Lightweight materials give the production version a kerb weight of just 1,450 kilograms

The car firm said: 'When Bugatti presented its Bolide technological concept in autumn 2020, it was initially a drivable experimental vehicle - a one-off.'

It added that the final production car is 'raw and authentic' and 'the ultimate driving machine and the quintessence of power, lightness, and acceleration.'

The Bugatti team said the Bolide was born of an idea and a question: 'What if Bugatti built a radically light vehicle around the legendary 8.0-litre W16 engine? '

It noted: 'The upshot was the experimental study of the Bugatti Bolide as a racetrack-oriented hyper sports car with a production-based W16 engine and minimal bodywork designed with maximum downforce in mind. Presenting this engine in its purest form is the quintessence of the Bolide.'

They added: 'With the highly limited-edition production Bolide, Bugatti engineers and designers have created the most extreme vehicle concept ever to have been conceived around the powerful power train of the W16 engine with four turbochargers, offering the promise of the ultimate Bugatti performance kick.'

Bugatti says design of the Bolide follows a minimalist approach of 'form follows performance'

Bolide sits very low to the ground, with an air intake scoop on the roof and an ultra-sporty seat

The production version has 1600PS because Bugatti opted for 98 RON petrol

Bugatti says design of the Bolide follows a minimalist approach of 'form follows performance' and uncompromising lightweight construction.

It said: 'It pays homage to the brand's glorious motorsport past of the in the 1920s. The numerous air ducts and delicate front end are more reminiscent of aerodynamically sophisticated Formula 1 cars than a hyper sports car, and they dominate its look. '

The new hypercar sits very low to the ground, with an air intake scoop on the roof and an ultra-sporty seat position.

Explaining how the hypercar sticks to the track, Bugatti said: 'In combination with the striking rear diffuser, the dominant rear wing results in high downforce and therefore also optimum traction.'

Each car has a split of colours, but 'the proportion of visible carbon parts is greater than in other models'.

The original Bolide experimental vehicle had 1,850 PS but this was achieved among other things thanks to 110-octane racing fuel.

The production version has 1600PS because Bugatti opted for 98 RON petrol, which is available worldwide 'so that the owners can use their vehicles around the world without any issues'.

Bugatti's designers and engineers are currently honing the aerodynamics and handling

To ensure safety standards in line with FIA race rules, Bugatti's designers and engineers are currently honing the aerodynamics and handling.

To help guarantee maximum safety and sufficient comfort Bugatti has also developed an array of new components, an automatic fire extinguishing system, pressure refuelling with a fuel bladder, central wheel locking, a six-point safety belt, and compatibility with a 'HANS' system designed when worn with a helmet to protect the neck, head and upper torso.

Bugatti president Stephan Winkelmann said: 'The Bolide generated a great deal of enthusiasm and intrigue last year. Following its presentation, a significant number of enthusiasts and collectors asked us to develop the experimental Bolide as a production vehicle. I was absolutely amazed by the reactions and feedback from customers from all over the world.'

Each car has a split of colours, but 'the proportion of visible carbon parts is greater than in other models'

As a result he said: 'We therefore decided to make the Bolide a few-off in order to give 40 customers the opportunity to experience this incredible vehicle. Our team has now been developing a production model - the ultimate driving machine for the track.'

Winkelmann added: 'The customers' safety is always our top priority. We therefore decided to offer exclusive track days for this extreme vehicle in order to guarantee a safe environment at all times and gradually introduce the customers to the Bolide's breath-taking performance.

'We are proud to have succeeded in keeping the production vehicle so close to its technical demonstrator both visually and technically while also enhancing the design, quality, and vehicle safety.'