Bugatti just unveiled a brand-new supercar based on the Chiron at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show. It's called La Voiture Noire, it pays tribute to the iconic Type 57 SC Atlantic of the 1930s, and just like the Divo it has a bespoke exterior. Only one was built and sold for a whopping €11 million before taxes.
Just as Extreme as the Divo
Although based on the Chiron, the Divo shared only a few design features with its stablemate. The same applies here, as the La Voiture Noire stands out on its own. Sure, it's actually heavily related to the Divo, but a closer look reveals plenty of new features on the outside.
For starters, the bumpers are smoothly integrated into the body, with no lines disturbing what appears to be one-piece carbon-fiber shell. The windscreen also seems to flow seamlessly into the side windows, just like the visor on a helmet, a unique feature for Chiron-based supercars. The headlamps are also unique to this model, as is the fin that runs on the center front hood and then the roof. This detail is reminiscent of the original Bugatti Atlantic, as is the windscreen wiper that rests in vertical position.
The profile isn't as aggressive as the Divo though. While the latter has "race car" written all over it thanks to the big side skirts with integrated cooling ducts and the fuel cap placed on the quarter windows, La Voiture Noire features smoother skirts and the fuel cap was repositioned on the C-pillar. The intricate five-spoke, two-tone rim design is also brand-new and unique to this model.
Around back, Bugatti made a modern replica of the Atlantic's split rear window and also added six exhaust pipes in the lower bumper. The Atlantic also had six exhausts, but they were obviously smaller. A two-layered diffuser further enhances the supercar's aggressive look, while the massive grille under the deck and the thin taillights round off a unique configuration we probably won't see on another Bugatti vehicle.
The carbon-fiber supercar is finished in deep black gloss, also a tribute to the original car, but you'll be able to spot the lightweight composite on certain surfaces.
Same Drivetrain, Still Very Impressive
The La Voiture Noire shares underpinnings with the Chiron and Divo, so it features the same mid-mounted, quad-turbocharged, 8.0-liter W-16 engine.
No word on performance yet, but it should be just as quick as the Chiron and hit 60 mph in around 2.4 seconds. Given the design, its top speed probably drops from the Chiron's 260+ mph benchmark to a Divo-like figure of around 236 mph. It should have higher lateral acceleration and provide better stability on the race track.
Unique and Expensive
Bugatti built just one La Voiture Noire and it will remain unique, as the French don't plan to build another one.
Further Reading
Read our full review on the 2018 Bugatti Chiron.
Read our full review on the 2018 Bugatti Chiron Sport.
Read our full review on the 2019 Bugatti Divo.
Read our full review on the 2016 Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo.