For over a century, Bugatti has woven the art of coachbuilding into its very DNA. The brand’s legacy, from Jean Bugatti’s timeless automotive designs to Rembrandt Bugatti’s evocative sculptures, speaks of a relentless pursuit of automotive artistry. Today, Bugatti ushers in a new era with Programme Solitaire, an ultra-exclusive initiative dedicated to creating truly bespoke, one-of-one vehicles that celebrate heritage while elevating personalization and craftsmanship to unparalleled heights.
The inaugural creation from Programme Solitaire is Brouillard, a stunning coupé named after Ettore Bugatti’s cherished horse. This wasn’t just any horse: Brouillard, meaning “fog” in French, was a majestic thoroughbred with a coat as white as fresh snowfall, flecked with the subtle hues of morning mist. Ettore adored this horse so deeply that he even designed a special mechanism allowing Brouillard to open his own stable door. The car embodies the very essence of what Ettore admired most — speed, beauty, and grace.
This fresh chapter in Bugatti’s story draws heavily from the golden age of coachbuilding, a time when bespoke automotive bodies were handcrafted in collaboration with specialist ateliers. Bugatti revolutionized this tradition by internalizing coachbuilding, resulting in legendary models like the iconic Type 57 SC Atlantic. Today’s Brouillard carries that legacy forward, built on Bugatti’s pinnacle W16 platform featuring a 1,600 horsepower quad-turbocharged engine — the highest evolution of nearly two decades of engineering brilliance.
The design philosophy of Brouillard is deeply rooted in classical art principles. The car’s lower third is cloaked in dark tones that visually merge with its shadow, creating a grounded, powerful stance. Meanwhile, the lighter, more dynamic upper two-thirds impart a silhouette that feels longer, lower, and strikingly elegant, with wheels that seem proportionally larger, adding to the car’s visual drama. Aerodynamics are flawlessly integrated: air intakes optimize cooling efficiency, a fixed ducktail wing offers balance, and the rear diffuser maximizes downforce with innovative exhaust packaging — the culmination of the W16 platform’s development. For a deep dive into this engineering feat, check out the detailed W16 evolution in Brouillard.
Inside, the craftsmanship reaches new heights. The cabin is a masterclass in combining tradition and innovation — custom-woven tartan fabrics from Paris sit alongside green-tinted carbon fiber and machined aluminum details. A glass roof floods the space with light, creating a cathedral-like ambiance, while the center spine flows seamlessly from exterior to interior, visible through the transparent panel overhead. Intricate details like embroidered horse motifs on door panels and seat backs, bespoke leather layouts, and a gear shifter crafted from a single aluminum block housing a miniature sculpture of Brouillard — Ettore’s beloved horse make the interior a sanctuary of bespoke artistry. You can see images and more details about Brouillard’s interior artistry here.
The commissioning owner is a passionate Bugatti connoisseur, whose love extends beyond cars to the entire artistic heritage of the Bugatti family — including Carlo Bugatti’s eclectic furniture and Rembrandt Bugatti’s bronze sculptures. Brouillard stands as a tribute to this passion and Ettore Bugatti’s profound connection to his equine muse, marrying history with cutting-edge craftsmanship.
Unveiled during Monterey Car Week 2025, Brouillard marks the first of only two yearly creations from Programme Solitaire, each one designed to be utterly unique. These masterpieces employ existing Bugatti powertrains and chassis — such as the W16 and latest carbon fiber platforms — but are reimagined through exclusive bodywork and interiors, pushing personalization to its furthest limits.
The revival of coachbuilding is not unique to Bugatti; luxury automakers worldwide are returning to bespoke craftsmanship as a statement of exclusivity and artistry. This trend highlights a renewed appreciation for unique, handcrafted vehicles in an era dominated by mass production
In sum, Brouillard is much more than a car — it is a moving sculpture, a celebration of history and innovation, and a benchmark for what bespoke automotive artistry can achieve. As the flagship of Programme Solitaire, it sets a bold new standard for Bugatti and the wider world of bespoke luxury performance cars.
