The Bugatti Bolide already stands among the most extreme machines created in Molsheim, combining a 16 cylinder engine with immense power and a body engineered around track performance. With the Destrier, however, Bugatti takes that technical foundation in a completely different direction.
Created as the third bespoke model from the highly exclusive Programme Solitaire, the Destrier transforms the aggressive Bolide into a more elegant and artistic interpretation of Bugatti performance. Rather than focusing purely on lap times and aerodynamic drama, the unique model blends engineering with craftsmanship, historical inspiration and highly personalized design.
Takes the Destrier its name from the powerful war horses used during the medieval era, reflecting a combination of strength and elegance. Builds Bugatti the car around the carbon fiber monocoque of the Bolide while dramatically changing its visual character.
Measures the Destrier only around one meter in height, making it one of the lowest Bugatti creations ever produced. Removes the massive rear wing and several aggressive aerodynamic elements found on the track focused Bolide, replacing them with cleaner and more flowing surfaces.
Returns the famous Bugatti C line to the body, wrapping it around the doors and visually connecting it with the traditional horseshoe grille. Uses the rear an integrated aerodynamic solution inspired by the rare Chiron Profilee, creating a smoother silhouette.
Finishes Bugatti the body in Sapphire Celeste, a deep blue shade containing reflective particles that create a jewel like appearance. Pays the color tribute to the legendary Type 57SC Atlantic while giving the Destrier a sophisticated presence.
Moves Bugatti away from the stripped back character normally associated with track cars. Creates the Destrier cabin instead around premium materials, detailed craftsmanship and textures inspired by traditional luxury.
Uses the interior three dimensional knitted fabrics that integrate copper fibers into carefully arranged circular patterns. Gives this unusual material combination the cabin a distinctive appearance while highlighting Bugatti attention to small details.
Adds forged aluminum elements to the steering wheel, door handles and other areas of the cabin. Draws these metallic surfaces inspiration from historic armor, connecting the interior design with the medieval theme behind the Destrier name.
Combines these details with fine leather and carefully finished surfaces, resulting in a cabin that feels closer to a handcrafted luxury object than a conventional competition car.
Retains the Destrier the mechanical foundation that made the Bolide so extraordinary. Uses the car Bugatti famous 8.0 liter W16 engine supported by four turbochargers.
Produces the engine around 1578 horsepower, ensuring that the Destrier maintains the immense performance associated with Bugatti most extreme W16 creations.
Combines this power with the lightweight carbon structure originally developed for the Bolide. Creates the result a rare combination of race inspired engineering and a body designed primarily around elegance and exclusivity.
Rather than replacing performance with luxury, uses Bugatti the Destrier to demonstrate that both characteristics can exist within the same highly specialized machine.
Creates Bugatti the Destrier as a single unique example through Programme Solitaire, its highly exclusive personalization program for customers seeking something beyond regular production models.
Allows the program Bugatti designers and craftspeople to reinterpret existing engineering foundations with new bodywork, materials, colors and historical influences. Makes each project therefore much closer to a commissioned automotive artwork.
Plans Bugatti to present the Destrier publicly during Monterey Car Week 2026, where it will appear among some of the rarest collector cars in the world.
Shows the Destrier how Bugatti can move beyond the traditional pursuit of speed and performance figures. Turns one of its most aggressive track machines into a mechanical sculpture that celebrates design, craftsmanship and the final era of the legendary W16 engine.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.