Otherworldly engineering and performance are usually the headlines with any new model release from Bugatti. When it comes to the Brouillard, though, the real tale to tell is its tribute to last century’s golden age of coachbuilding. Sure, the staggering stats are all there, as this is basically a 1,600 hp coupe version of the Mistral roadster, which has a zero-to-62 mph time of 2.4 seconds and a blistering top speed of 273 mph. But the stylistic customization seems equally cutting-edge.
“The central focus for the design of this car was Ettore Bugatti’s love of horses, and in particular, his favorite horse named Brouillard, of which this car is also named," stated Frank Heyl, Bugatti’s director of design, during the unveiling. “We focused on more sculptural and reflection-based surfaces, and we deliberately avoided any hard crease lines . . . to give this a more organic touch, like the muscles flowing and surging through skin on a powerful thoroughbred horse."
The equestrian theme is truly showcased in the green-hued, carbon-fiber cockpit, where the depiction of horses runs throughout. Subtlycontinuing that motif is the use of weaved horsehair for much of the trim, complemented by wool for the seats and a striking tartan print on the steering wheel.
The exterior features the signature horseshoe grille machined from a single block of aluminum, and a center line that extends in subtle relief from the front to across the roof—a contemporary take on the iconic seam found on the bygone-era Type 57 SC Atlantic. With the bespoke Brouillard, Bugatti has clearly let loose the reins on creativity.
From the article by Viju Mathew, Erik Shilling
