Named after the faithful companion who could open his own stable door using a latch specially designed by Ettore himself, the fresh-out-of-the-crate Brouillard is Bugatti’s tribute to Ettore Bugatti’s own horse. This beautifully sculpted car is the first creation of Bugatti’s new Programme Solitaire, which is an expansion of the brand’s bespoke approach. Through the Programme Solitaire, Bugatti will fall back on its 100-year-old legacy of coachbuilding to create unique one-of-one vehicles that push the envelope of bespoke creations, craftsmanship and engineering.
"The Programme Solitaire allows us to authentically explore the unique visions of our clients, giving us more flexibility to explore different interpretations of long-established Bugatti design elements. On a one-of-one, we have much more freedom to reinterpret what Bugatti is, while maintaining the same dedication to perfection in every detail. There will be no compromise to performance, quality or design. Each precious solitaire will be unique and peerless, offering a level of attention to detail not found in even the most exclusive automotive creations,” says Hendrik Malinowski, managing director of Bugatti.
The Brouillard itself is built around Bugatti’s incredible quad-turbo W16 engine that puts out a mind numbing 1,600 horsepower. The car’s design is such that it creates a perception of a light and dynamic silhouette. The curved flanks of the car are clearly inspired by equine flanks, denoting both beauty and power. Inside, custom woven fabrics, green tinted carbon fibre and machined aluminium combine with a glass roof to take master craftsmanship and the aura of luxury to a whole new level.
It isn’t just a visual delight but is also an incredible expression of engineering with an aerodynamic approach that seamlessly integrates functional aspects into the tremendous bodywork. Air intakes feed through radiators creating a pressure drop for more air flow through the radiators to optimise cooling efficiency, while the fixed ducktail wing provides aerodynamic balance.
“To make something look simple is actually incredibly complex. The design has to integrate all of the technological aspects needed, all of the thermodynamics and aerodynamics of a 1,600hp hyper sports car,” says Frank Heyl, design director of Bugatti. “The aesthetics of this car abstain from sharp lines in favour of more reflection-based surfaces that mimic a kind of athletic muscle, like a trained horse. It's heavily focused on sculptural surfaces and organic shapes, as the vision of a tendon underneath the skin. Enormous power and complexity, hidden by a veil of dignified simplicity."
This absolutely unique Brouillard has been commissioned by a passionate Bugatti collector who wanted to bring together the craftsmanship and artistry of the house of Bugatti into one single car. To be presented at the Monterrey Car Week this month, the Bugatti Brouillard is best described as an example of automotive hauté couture.
