A breathtaking sculpture, perfect in form and entirely in black – the La Voiture Noire is a one-off designer piece ..
The La Voiture Noire is a minimalist coupe much like the Type 57 SC Atlantic . The designers have reinterpreted the spirit of this historical vehicle 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, Buggati design team created a bodywork with a unique surface finish – visible carbon fiber with a clearcoat known as “Black Carbon Glossy”. This generates virtually no reflections, but plenty of tension and drama. 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 sports car to a grand tourer.
In addition, it boasts some extraordinary details. There are more than 25 individually milled lights 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 honed 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 vehicle’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. This gives the La Voiture Noire its incomparable coupe shape.
Bugatti has fitted the interior entirely with grain leather in Havana Brown, basing its choice on the historical model. This natural material contrasts with specially polished and turned aluminum inlays in various locations on the center console, the center spine, and the doors. The driving modes can be changed by means of a sophisticated rosewood switch. “The La Voiture Noire is the ultimate dream car for long distances such as a drive from Molsheim to Milan. The combination of perfect beauty and powerful drive culminates in this one-off as a declaration of love for the automobile,” explains Achim Anscheidt, Design Director.
In spite of its uniqueness, Bugatti developed the coupe just as elaborately as its other hyper sports cars in just two years. Every new part had to pass the strict Bugatti testing and quality procedures, was measured, and was put through its paces time and again before finding its place in the vehicle. 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.
The extended wheelbase and the newly developed bodywork result in new aerodynamics and new handling which is worthy of a grand tourer – powerful, fast, and exceptionally comfortable. “With the La Voiture Noire, we are paying our respects to our long tradition, to France, and to Jean Bugatti’s creative work,” says Stephan Winkelmann. “At the same time, we are bringing exceptional technology, aesthetics, and extreme luxury into a new age. The La Voiture Noire is at the cutting edge of automotive engineering. It is a sculptural beauty that boasts unique technology.”
This one-of-a-kind has already been sold to a Bugatti enthusiast
Images provided courtesy of Bugatti
