Bugatti Unveils La Voiture Noire: An Iconic Hypercar at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show
At the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show, French automaker Bugatti showcased its latest model, the La Voiture Noire, an exclusive grand tourer crafted in Molsheim. This striking vehicle, enveloped in a sleek all-black design, is not only a testament to Bugatti’s engineering prowess but also sets a new record as the most expensive brand-new car ever sold.
Translated from French, La Voiture Noire means "The Black Car," and its name is destined to become legendary over time. Bugatti describes this unique creation as a homage to the original Bugatti Atlantic, a rare vehicle constructed on the Type 57SC platform between 1936 and 1938. While four Atlantic models were produced, one went missing during transportation and remains lost, prompting Bugatti to craft a modern tribute.
Distinct from many contemporary automakers pursuing electrification, Bugatti opted for a classic approach with the Voiture Noire. Instead of a hybrid or electric powertrain, they equipped the car with a potent 16-cylinder engine capable of consuming a gallon of fuel every 10.5 miles. This quad-turbo engine mirrors that of the Chiron, delivering an impressive 1,479 horsepower and 1,180 pound-feet of torque.
The Voiture Noire’s design is entirely bespoke, exuding the classic Bugatti aesthetic with its wide stance, flowing rear C-pillar, aerodynamic contours, and aggressive front featuring the iconic horseshoe grille. Among its distinctive features is a raised centerline, inspired by the Atlantic, which seamlessly extends into the vehicle’s windscreen and roof.
In a departure from Bugatti’s typical sporty designs, the rear of the car incorporates a sophisticated elegance with a continuous brake light and the Bugatti name illuminated. Aerodynamics further enhance the rear, which includes six exhaust tips for added flair.
The car’s unique touch extends to its teal brake calipers partially enveloped by intricately designed wireframe wheels. The tires also boast silver paint, creating a visual extension of the wheels.
“All components have been meticulously handcrafted, and the carbon fiber body showcases a deep black gloss, highlighted by an ultrafine fiber structure. We dedicated significant time and effort to refine this design, pushing it to perfection,” stated designer Etienne Salomé.
La Voiture Noire commemorates Bugatti’s 110th anniversary, and in a testament to its desirability, it has already found a buyer. Bugatti notes that the new owner, a devotee of the original Atlantic, deems the Black Car an ideal addition to their collection.
While Bugatti’s official pricing lists the vehicle at $12.5 million (€11 million), CEO Stephan Winkelmann revealed that the actual sale price reached an astonishing $18.9 million (€16.7 million) during the Geneva debut.
The unveiling of La Voiture Noire marks a significant moment in automotive history, as it revives the lost art of coachbuilding, ensuring that Bugatti continues to secure its legacy in the hypercar arena.
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