Bugatti's new one-off hypercar has been one of the most anticipated model debuts at this year's Geneva Motor Show. And now we can finally reveal what the luxury French automaker has been cooking up: introducing the Bugatti "La Voiture Noire", a one-off hypercar that celebrates the automaker's 110th anniversary and coachbuilding heritage.
Based on the Chiron, the bespoke hypercar's striking design is a modern interpretation of the iconic Type 57 SC Atlantic. It's a feast for the eyes, featuring an extended front end, Bugatti's distinctive C-line, and smooth design lines throughout. Other distinctive design features include bumpers that smoothly integrate into the body and a windshield that appears to smoothly flow into the windows at the sides like the visor on a helmet.
"Every single component has been handcrafted and the carbon fiber body has a deep black gloss only interrupted by the ultrafine fibre structure. This is a material that has been handled perfectly," explained Bugatti designer Etienne Salomé. "We worked long and hard on this design until was nothing that we could improve. For us, the coupé represents the perfect form with a perfect finish."
At the heart of Bugatti's new creation is the company's iconic 8.0-liter, 16-cylinder quad-turbo engine. Being based on the Chiron means the La Voiture Noire's engine produces 1479 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. This enables the Chiron to hit 0-62 mph in around 2.5-seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 261 mph.
If you were hoping to buy a Bugatti La Voiture Noire, we're afraid you're out of luck because the one and only example being built has already been sold to a "Bugatti enthusiast". Previous reports suggested the one-off Bugatti belongs to former Volkswagen Group Chairman, Dr. Ferdinand Piëch.
According to Bugatti, the owner paid €11 million before tax (around $12.4 million) for the one-off hypercar. This equates to a staggering $18 million after taxes, making it the most expensive new car ever sold. Specifically, the car is inspired by the original "la Voiture Noire," a Type 57 SC Atlantic that was Jean Bugatti's most famous creation. It was the second of four Atlantics produced between 1936 and 1938 and was distinguished by a dorsal seam running from the hinge in the split hood through to the rear end. Three Atlantics are still known to exist, but the la Voiture Noire has been missing for over 80 years.
"Bugatti arouses passion and emotions throughout the world. Customers expect us to continually surprise them and to raise the goalposts beyond the limits of their imagination. We have just succeeded in doing so with 'La Voiture Noire'," said Stephan Winkelmann. "With our automotive haute couture, we have shown what Bugatti is capable of."