For the 0.003% of the world’s population who are classified as ‘ultra-rich’, buying cars is no longer just about personalization to the highest degree. That may make the car unique but there may still be many of the same model that others can own. These days, some manufacturers are selling cars so exclusive that they are true ‘one-offs’ which no one else can own.
The Bugatti La Voiture Noire is an example, and claimed to be the most exclusive model in the world. The design for a customer was first presented 2 years ago and now, the hypercar has been completed and can soon be delivered.
“With the completed La Voiture Noire, we are demonstrating once again that we develop the world’s most sophisticated hyper sportscars,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. “With its use of visible carbonfibre in jet black, the coupe’s breathtaking sculpture looks especially elegant. It’s a veritable grand tourer that went from being a vision to a reality – a unique project which stands for Bugatti’s full creativity and artistry.”
Historically significant name
The name ‘La Voiture Noire’ will be familiar to Bugatti enthusiasts. Ettore Bugatti’s son, Jean, developed and drove one of just four Type 57 SC Atlantics produced, a car which was described as the ‘most perfect’ and the fastest automobile of its time. Jean named his model ‘La Voiture Noire’ – the black car. Jean Bugatti had a real flair for shapes and developed saloons and coupes of dramatic beauty. With the Atlantic, he had created a masterpiece.
That car disappeared without a trace shortly before the Second World War. It is now considered the automotive equivalent of the Amber Room, one of the greatest mysteries of the automotive world, and as a vehicle of indescribable value.
Reinterpreting the Atlantic
The idea for this homage came to Design Director Achim Anscheidt more than 20 years ago but years passed until it became possible to realize this unusual project. “We were rather in awe of the idea of developing the La Voiture Noire. No other vehicle in the long history of Bugatti has acquired the same legendary status as the Type 57 SC Atlantic and has become so synonymous with the brand. We had a great deal of respect for this historical responsibility as well as for the customer,” explained Anscheidt.
For the reinterpretation, the designers had to cast their minds back and seek to understand the automobile, the bygone times, the technology, the materials, and the creators – and then update this work to the 21st century.
Minimalist coupe
The 21st century La Voiture Noire is a minimalist coupe, much like the Atlantic back then, thanks to reducing the essentials, reduced lines, and the absence of a large and dominant rear wing. The designers reinterpreted the spirit of the historical car and developed a specific shape stylistically and technically speaking. This includes the dorsal seam down the centerline, the extended front section, the clear lines, and the romanticism of the rear.
With great attention to detail, they created a bodywork with a unique surface finish – visible carbon fiber with a clearcoat known as ‘Black Carbon Glossy’ which generates virtually no reflections. The bumpers are integrated gently into the bodywork while the windscreen appears to merge with the side windows like a helmet visor.
The lack of disruptive lines means the surface appears to have been cast in one piece – nothing interrupts the visual flow. This transforms the vehicle’s attitude from a hyper sportscar to a grand tourer. A unique sense of drama is generated by reducing the essentials and the teasing out of this essence of beauty and elegance from the surfaces.
Extraordinary details
In addition, it boasts some extraordinary details. There are more than 25 individually milled lighting elements per side in the headlamps – an immense amount of work, even for a one-off. Each and every cell of the 3D-printed front grille has been refined and examined to ensure they all look perfect together.
The rear is dominated by an elegant rear light which, for the first time, features a single-piece surround with no joints. Six individual tailpipes serve as a nod to the car’s well-known template. A newly developed parametric design at the front and rear means the body parts appear to be sealed, but they are actually air-permeable.
The interior is entirely with grain leather in Havana Brown, basing its choice on the historical model. This natural material contrasts with specially polished and turned aluminium inlays in various locations on the centre console, the centre spine, and the doors. The driving modes can be changed by means of a sophisticated rosewood switch.
During development, every new part had to pass strict Bugatti testing and quality procedures, was measured, and was put through its paces time and again. Extensive simulations were followed by testing in the wind tunnel and on test benches, and then on test tracks and proving grounds covering the entire range of speeds. Modifications to the bodywork, cooling, thermodynamics, wheels, and wheelbase result in new balance which requires perfect coordination.
And what’s the price of having the only car of its type in the world? Bugatti says that it cost the customer 11 million euros (about RM55.1 million). Yes, you would have to be among that 0.003%…
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