New Bugatti Destrier blends Bolide power with haute design

Bolide foundations, bespoke character

Unlike earlier Programme Solitaire creations such as the Brouillard and F.K.P. Hommage, which were built around specific historical narratives, Bugatti describes the Destrier as a more instinctive, design-led interpretation of its engineering heritage.

The car nevertheless retains a strong connection with Bugatti’s past. Its design references the Type 57 chassis, which formed the basis for the Type 57G and Type 57C ‘Tank’ racing cars that won Le Mans in 1937 and 1939, as well as the legendary Type 57SC Atlantic.

The Destrier and Bolide share a similar philosophy: a common engineering foundation expressed through two very different design approaches. A hand-laser-engraved plate above the windscreen depicts the Type 57G Tank and Type 57SC Atlantic, highlighting that connection.

Cleaner Bugatti exterior

The Destrier retains the Bolide’s carbon-fibre monocoque but receives a substantially redesigned exterior.

Bugatti’s signature C-line pauses ahead of the front wheel arch before continuing towards a horseshoe grille that is wider than the Bolide’s. At the rear, an integrated wing draws inspiration from the Chiron Profilée.

The Bolide’s architecture allows the cockpit to sit exceptionally low between the front wings. Behind the doors, the body narrows dramatically before expanding over the rear wheels, creating proportions Bugatti says are more commonly seen in early design sketches than production cars.

The exterior is finished in Sapphire Celeste, a bespoke multi-layer paint developed specifically for the Destrier and its owner. Diamond-inspired particles create a distinctive sparkling effect, while polished aluminium brightwork adds contrast.

Bugatti also draws inspiration from Type 57SC Atlantic chassis 57591, known as the ‘Pope’ Atlantic, which was originally painted blue before being finished in black.

Exposed carbon fibre is restricted to the front splitter and rear diffuser and tinted to complement the body colour. Brightwork inside the engine bay features a hammered finish inspired by medieval armour.

Tailor-inspired interior

Inside, the Destrier moves far away from the stripped-back motorsport character of the Bolide, adopting an environment inspired by a tailor’s atelier.

Leather, nubuck and advanced 3D-knitted textile combine throughout the cabin. The leather and nubuck are finished in Ambre Voyageur, while the knitted material uses techniques influenced by haute couture and high-performance sportswear.

Copper yarns run through the fabric in a circular ‘halo-line’ pattern, while contrasting stitching highlights individual components.

The hammered finish used on the exterior returns on the door openers, air vents, steering-wheel hub and entry plate. A small French flag provides a subtle reference to Bugatti’s origins.

Parametric patterns feature in the headlamps and taillamps, while the oil-filler cap carries the Destrier emblem and ‘1/1’ designation, reinforcing its one-off status.

1,600 PS W16 powertrain

Underneath its bespoke bodywork, the Destrier retains the Bolide’s complete powertrain.

The 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged W16 produces 1,600 PS, representing the engine at the peak of its development.

Rather than focusing solely on outright performance, Bugatti has positioned the Destrier as an exercise in design, proportion, materials and craftsmanship. The one-off model demonstrates how the Bolide’s extreme engineering platform can be transformed into a completely different automotive expression.

Monterey Car Week debut

The Bugatti Destrier will make its public debut during Monterey Car Week, with the presentation culminating at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 16, 2026.

As the third Programme Solitaire commission, the Destrier demonstrates Bugatti’s ability to reinterpret its most extreme engineering platforms through highly individualised design and craftsmanship.

By combining the Bolide’s 1,600 PS W16 with bespoke materials, Type 57-inspired details and a dramatically cleaner silhouette, the Destrier becomes a one-of-one Bugatti designed as much around artistry and proportion as performance.