Geneva International Motor Show: Bugatti la Voiture Noire’s elite show of force

At $17.5m, the new Bugatti is the most expensive new car ever made. And it’s already been sold to an enthusiast.

The Bugatti la Voiture Noire is literally one of a kind with a €11m price tag, and it has already been sold.

It’s a case of go fast or go home this week at the Geneva International Motor Show, where an array of extraordinarily powerful supercars are stealing the show from mainstream brands venturing into electric vehicles. Dozens of battery debuts — ranging from a Mercedes electric van to a cute Honda runabout — compete to catch the eye but the top-tier makers know that Europe’s well-heeled still flock to the fastest, most luxurious wheels money can buy.

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Bugatti la Voiture Noire

The Bugatti La Voiture Noire.

What is it? The most expensive new car to be made, at €11 million ($17.5m), is a one-off creation to mark Bugatti’s 110th year. Already sold to an enthusiast.

Driveline? Quad-turbo 8.0-litre 16-cylinder engine with 1103kW of power to drive all four wheels.

What’s good about it? A “feast of aesthetics”, it evokes the Type 57 SC Atlantic from the 1930s, one of the rarest and most expensive collectables.

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Aston Martin Vanquish Vision concept

Aston Martin Vanquish Vision concept.

What is it? The famous Aston nameplate is revived for the brand’s first mid-engined supercar series.

Driveline? New in-house-developed V6 drives the rear wheels. Optional hybrid boost.

What’s good about it? Moves Aston into a segment defined by Ferrari and Lamborghini. Inspired by Aston’s limited edition Valkyrie hypercar and its collaboration with Red Bull F1 team. Bonded aluminium chassis. Enters production in 2021.

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Ferrari F8 Tributo

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - MARCH 05: Ferrari F8 Tributo is displayed during the first press day at the 89th Geneva International Motor Show on March 5, 2019 in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Robert Hradil/Getty Images)

What is it? Replacement for the 488 GTB, Ferrari’s mid-engined V8 sportscar.

Driveline? The most powerful 530kW version of Ferrari’s award-winning 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8 from the 488 Pista. Rear-wheel drive.

What’s good about it? Improved aerodynamics, redesigned cockpit, latest generation control software and a transparent engine cover.

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Lagonda All-terrain concept

Lagonda All-terrain concept

What is it? Revival of 120-year-old Lagonda badge begins with a luxury SUV that takes aim at Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

Driveline? All-electric, with a range of around 400km. Battery pack integrated into the floor.

What’s good about it? Sets out to disrupt the status quo at the pinnacle of luxury motoring. Daring design inspired by super-yachts. Production starts in 2022 at Aston Martin’s new factory in Wales.

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McLaren Speedtail

McLaren Speedtail

What is it? A limited-edition hyper-grand tourer with unorthodox central driving position and two passenger seats.

Driveline? Hybrid combination of twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 and electric motor good for 772kW.

What’s good about it? Aerodynamic shape makes it McLaren’s fastest car, with a top speed of 403km/h. Remarkable acceleration to 300km/h in 12.8 seconds. Built in limited edition of 106 for £1.75m each plus taxes. Inspires more affordable GT addition to the range due this year.

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Porsche 911 S Cabriolet

Porsche 911 S Cabriolet

What is it? The 992 series of Porsche’s bestselling sportscar in convertible form.

Driveline? Flat 331kW six-cylinder twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre driving the rear wheels (or all wheels in the 4S) via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.
What’s good about it? With a top speed above 300km/h and zero to 100km/h in less than 4 seconds, the Cabriolet is almost as fast as the 992 Coupe. Even the roof is quicker this time. Arrives in May from $286,500.

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Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster

Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Roadster

What is it? The most extreme version of Lamborghini’s flagship but with a removable roof and production run limited to 800.

Driveline? A high-revving, naturally aspirated 566kW 6.5-litre V12 drives all four wheels.

What’s good about it? Futuristic styling in carbon fibre features active aerodynamics. Zero to 100km/h in 2.9 seconds and a top speed above 350km/h. Coupe holds Nurburgring production car lap record. Starting price will be around $1m.