Bugatti has unveiled the exclusive Destrier hypercar, created as a one-off as part of the Programme Solitaire. The new model combines a 1,578-horsepower W16 engine, a design with references to the legendary Type 57SC Atlantic and, in the opinion of many reviewers, is the most beautiful car in the history of the French marque. This is reported by the American automotive online publication Autoblog, writes UNN.
Details
The car looks most spectacular from the rear, but from any angle this unique hypercar impresses with its flowing body lines, extremely low roof and sense of motion even when standing still. In some photographs, it looks as though it has just driven out of the Gran Turismo video game. Compared with the aggressive track-focused Bolide, on which it is based, the Destrier looks like a true automotive sculpture.
Bugatti Destrier: large wheels, restrained design and a W16 engine
The Destrier stands just one metre (3.2 feet) tall, making it the lowest car in Bugatti's history. Its wheels are also significantly larger than those of the Bolide: 20 inches at the front and 21 inches at the rear, instead of 18 inches. This effect is further emphasised by the absence of massive wings, aerodynamic elements and flaps — the body looks clean and refined.
Of course, this project has its own history. Bugatti references the legendary Type 57SC Atlantic, which many consider the most beautiful car of all time, as well as its racing relative — the winner of the "24 Hours of Le Mans." Above the windscreen is a hand-engraved laser-etched plaque depicting the racing Type 57G Tank and road-going Type 57SC Atlantic, underscoring this connection.
Among the Destrier's distinctive features are Bugatti's signature C-shaped line around the cabin, which ends ahead of the front wheel arch; a wider horseshoe grille, similar to the one that will be fitted to the future Tourbillon; and a restrained rear wing reminiscent of the Chiron Profilée.
The car has received an exclusive Sapphire Celeste body colour. Its multilayer paint finish has a shimmer inspired by the brilliance of diamonds. It is complemented by polished aluminium trim elements and references to the Type 57SC Atlantic with chassis number 57591 ("Pope Atlantic"), which was originally blue before its current owner repainted it black.
The blue shade is also used in the tinted exposed carbon of the front splitter, rear diffuser and engine bay. Located there is an 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 engine producing 1,578 hp. The engine-bay metal trim elements have a forged texture reminiscent of the hand-hammered armour of medieval knights. This also explains the car's name: Destrier was the term used for the finest and strongest warhorses of medieval knights.
The Destrier's interior demonstrates Bugatti's impeccable attention to detail
Inside, the Bolide's austere cockpit has been substantially reimagined. Leather, nubuck and a new three-dimensional knitted fabric are used here. The leather and nubuck are finished in the Ambre Voyageur brown shade, while the fabric is adorned with shimmering copper accents that add character to the interior.
The metal trim elements have the same forged texture as those in the engine bay. They decorate the door handles, air vents, the central section of the yoke-style steering wheel and the sill plates.
The car's name is embroidered on the headrests, while a small French flag is placed on the centre console. Otherwise, the interior remains fairly minimalist, although the level of attention to detail can only be described as incredible.
The public debut of the Bugatti Destrier will take place during Monterey Car Week, which will conclude on 16 August with the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.