When Bugatti unveiled the La Voiture Noire in 2019, it was not just another luxury hypercar. It was a statement, a technological marvel, and an homage to the company’s rich history. The car was priced at a jaw-dropping £12 million (or $18.68 million), making it the most expensive new car ever built. Its creation and design captivated car enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, marking a milestone in automotive history. Here, we explore the world of Bugatti’s £12 million La Voiture Noire, its origins, the inspiration behind it, and why it holds the crown as one of the most unique cars ever made.
Origins of the La Voiture Noire
The La Voiture Noire, which translates from French to “The Black Car,” is not just a name chosen at random. The moniker pays tribute to a legend that Bugatti enthusiasts have long revered: the Type 57 SC Atlantic. The original Atlantic, designed by Jean Bugatti, the son of the company’s founder, was one of the most iconic cars of the 1930s. Only four of these cars were made, and only three are known to still exist. The fourth, however, has remained one of the greatest automotive mysteries in history. Jean Bugatti’s own Type 57 SC Atlantic disappeared without a trace during World War II and has never been recovered.
The La Voiture Noire was, in essence, a modern-day reincarnation of this lost treasure. Bugatti sought to honor the car’s legacy while also showcasing the latest in automotive technology, performance, and design. The result is a car that combines the nostalgia of a bygone era with the raw power and innovation of today’s hypercar industry.
Aesthetic and Design Excellence
The La Voiture Noire stands out for its breathtaking design, one that blends the old and new with exceptional artistry. The most striking feature of the La Voiture Noire is its handcrafted carbon fiber body. Bugatti took extensive care to ensure that the car’s shape and design elements pay homage to the Type 57 SC Atlantic, while also taking full advantage of modern design principles and technology.
The design of the La Voiture Noire incorporates a number of elements inspired by the original Atlantic. The most notable of these is the elongated nose, which gives the car a sense of purpose and direction. The rear of the car features distinctively curved C-pillars that echo the elegant lines of the Type 57 SC Atlantic. This curving shape not only enhances the car’s visual appeal but also contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency.
The black carbon fiber used in the bodywork is one of the car’s most defining features. The carbon fiber gives the La Voiture Noire a deep, lustrous sheen that highlights its intricate craftsmanship. The use of carbon fiber also helps reduce the car’s weight, ensuring that it performs at its highest potential.
Bugatti also paid special attention to the car’s grille. The La Voiture Noire features a large, bold grille that is designed to stand out and command attention. It draws inspiration from the front of the original Type 57 SC Atlantic but with a more aggressive, modern twist. The result is a grille that is not only functional, allowing for optimal airflow to the engine, but also serves as a design centerpiece for the car.
While the car’s design was inspired by the past, it is undeniably futuristic in its approach. The sleek lines, low profile, and aggressive stance of the La Voiture Noire give it an imposing presence on the road, making it clear that this is a hypercar built for the most discerning of collectors.
Performance: A True Hypercar
Behind the breathtaking design of the La Voiture Noire lies a heart of pure performance. The car is powered by Bugatti’s legendary 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine, which is capable of producing an astonishing 1,479 horsepower and 1,600 Nm (1,180 lb-ft) of torque. This incredible power output allows the car to reach a top speed of over 260 mph, putting it in the rarefied company of the world’s fastest cars.
The W16 engine, known for its extraordinary performance and refinement, is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which provides seamless gear shifts and enhances driving dynamics. With this setup, the La Voiture Noire is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds, a feat that few cars can match.
Bugatti has always been at the forefront of automotive engineering, and the La Voiture Noire is no exception. The car features an advanced all-wheel-drive system that ensures maximum traction and stability at high speeds. The handling is further enhanced by an adaptive suspension system that can adjust to different driving conditions, whether on a smooth highway or a winding mountain road.
Despite its incredible performance capabilities, the La Voiture Noire does not sacrifice comfort for speed. The car’s suspension is designed to provide a smooth, comfortable ride, even at high speeds. The interior is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and features luxurious materials, including fine leather, hand-stitched detailing, and polished metals, ensuring that the experience behind the wheel is as opulent as it is exhilarating.
Technological Innovations
In addition to its sheer power, the La Voiture Noire boasts an array of cutting-edge technological features. The car is equipped with an advanced infotainment system that includes a large touchscreen display, providing the driver with access to a range of functions, from navigation to media and connectivity. The system is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, ensuring that drivers can focus on the road ahead while enjoying all the modern amenities that come with a hypercar of this caliber.
Safety features are also a priority in the La Voiture Noire. The car is equipped with an array of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking, all designed to enhance the driving experience and ensure that the car remains safe and stable at all times. While the La Voiture Noire is primarily built for speed and performance, these safety systems help provide peace of mind for those fortunate enough to own one.
Another notable feature of the La Voiture Noire is its extensive use of lightweight materials. The car’s carbon fiber body is just one example of how Bugatti has prioritized weight reduction to improve performance. The car also features lightweight titanium components and advanced aerodynamics to ensure that it can handle the immense power generated by its W16 engine.
The Legacy of the Type 57 SC Atlantic
The La Voiture Noire is, at its core, a tribute to the Type 57 SC Atlantic, one of the most iconic and sought-after cars in automotive history. The Atlantic was a groundbreaking design when it was first introduced in the 1930s, and it remains one of the most beautiful and desirable cars ever made. The La Voiture Noire takes many of the design elements of the original Atlantic and elevates them to new heights, blending the elegance and sophistication of the past with the cutting-edge performance of the present.
The Type 57 SC Atlantic was also a car of great historical significance. It represented the height of Bugatti’s engineering and craftsmanship during the pre-war period. The car was powered by a 3.3-liter inline-eight engine, which was one of the most advanced engines of its time. Its sleek, curvaceous design made it stand out from other cars on the road, and it became a symbol of wealth and sophistication.
However, the mystery surrounding the disappearance of Jean Bugatti’s personal Type 57 SC Atlantic has only added to the allure of the car. The car vanished during World War II, and despite numerous efforts to locate it, its fate remains unknown. Some believe it was stolen, while others think it was hidden to protect it from the ravages of war. Regardless of its fate, the Atlantic remains one of the most iconic and mysterious cars in history.
The La Voiture Noire is, in many ways, an attempt to fill the void left by the original Atlantic. While the modern car is vastly different in terms of technology and performance, it shares the same spirit of innovation and craftsmanship that defined the Type 57 SC Atlantic. The La Voiture Noire is not just a car; it is a living tribute to one of the most iconic machines ever created.
The Future of Hypercars
The La Voiture Noire represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design. It pushes the boundaries of what is possible in a hypercar, combining breathtaking aesthetics, unmatched performance, and state-of-the-art technology into one masterpiece. The car’s £12 million price tag places it firmly in the realm of the ultra-wealthy, but for those who can afford it, the La Voiture Noire offers an unparalleled driving experience.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the La Voiture Noire serves as a reminder of the passion, innovation, and craftsmanship that have made Bugatti one of the most respected names in the industry. Whether it’s the groundbreaking performance of its W16 engine or the elegant design that pays homage to the Type 57 SC Atlantic, the La Voiture Noire is a testament to Bugatti’s commitment to creating the world’s finest automobiles.
In a world where electric cars and autonomous driving are becoming more prominent, the La Voiture Noire represents the future of traditional performance. It is a car that celebrates the spirit of speed, luxury, and craftsmanship in a way that few other vehicles can match. For those fortunate enough to own one, the La Voiture Noire is not just a car; it is a symbol of automotive excellence and an investment in a piece of history.
Bugatti La Voiture Noire – Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | £12 million ($18.68 million) |
| Engine | 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine |
| Horsepower | 1,479 hp (1,103 kW) |
| Torque | 1,600 Nm (1,180 lb-ft) |
| Top Speed | 260 mph (420 km/h) |
| 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | < 2.5 seconds |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch transmission |
| Drive System | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Body | Handcrafted carbon fiber |
| Dimensions | Length: 4,790 mm (188.6 inches) |
| Width: 1,998 mm (78.7 inches) | |
| Height: 1,200 mm (47.2 inches) | |
| Wheelbase: 2,710 mm (106.7 inches) | |
| Interior | Luxurious leather upholstery, carbon fiber elements, advanced infotainment system |
| Safety Features | Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, emergency braking, advanced stability control |
| Technology | Touchscreen infotainment, custom driving modes, adaptive suspension, premium sound system |
| Aero Features | Active aerodynamics, adaptive rear spoiler |
| Production | One-off model |
| Inspiration | Pays homage to the Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic, especially the one lost during WWII |
Conclusion
The Bugatti La Voiture Noire is not just a car—it’s a monumental piece of engineering and design. With a staggering price tag of £12 million, it is the most expensive new car ever produced, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Powered by a quad-turbocharged W16 engine delivering over 1,479 horsepower, it promises unparalleled speed, with a top speed of 260 mph and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of under 2.5 seconds.
The La Voiture Noire’s design honors the legendary Type 57 SC Atlantic, with its handcrafted carbon fiber body, sleek lines, and unique C-pillar design. But while it draws on the past for inspiration, it uses the latest in automotive technology to create a hypercar that is both a thrilling ride and a luxurious experience. The interior is outfitted with the finest materials and cutting-edge technology, making it as opulent as it is fast.
This hypercar is a perfect fusion of Bugatti’s storied history with modern-day automotive ingenuity. For collectors and connoisseurs, the La Voiture Noire stands as a testament to what is achievable in the world of performance vehicles—where legacy meets future-forward technology. With just one model ever made, it’s a car that will continue to mesmerize and remain a symbol of automotive excellence for years to come.