Featured Image by Calreyn88, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Bugatti Centodieci, a 2019 hypercar, powerfully tributes the legendary 1990s Bugatti EB110. Only ten units were built worldwide. This scarcity made the vehicle an exceptionally rare collector’s item. It is a modern masterpiece. The car showcases the finest engineering and craftsmanship, nodding to Bugatti’s storied past.
Introduction – What Was Going On?
The genesis and meticulous assembly of the Bugatti Centodieci occurred in the historic and serene environment of Molsheim, France, the enduring home of the marque. In the years leading up to and during the limited production run, this region of Alsace served as a unique backdrop. It was characterized by a fusion of deeply rooted European heritage and the highest level of contemporary automotive craftsmanship. The atmosphere was one of intense focus. A small team of artisans worked in the ultra-modern Atelier, continuing a 110-year legacy of uncompromising excellence against a global backdrop of shifting economic priorities and accelerating technological change. The Centodieci, a tribute to an Italian-era Bugatti, was paradoxically conceived and constructed here, emphasizing Bugatti’s unwavering dedication to its French roots as it entered a new era of hyper-exclusivity.
💵 Economy & Lifestyle
The regional economy of Alsace, France, benefits from a blend of industrial strength and high-end tourism. This environment anchors the extreme luxury market represented by Bugatti. While the average cost of living was generally stable, the microcosm around the Bugatti factory operates on a global luxury scale. Gas prices fluctuated with global events. Yet, for Bugatti’s clientele, the eight-figure price tag of the Centodieci was the defining factor, not the fuel cost. Car trends in France and Europe were increasingly focused on electrification and efficiency, consequently making the W16-powered Centodieci became a conscious, high-stakes defiance of the broader market, a mechanical final statement appreciated by the few who could afford to collect such magnificent “time capsule” hypercars.
📰 News/Politics
As a prominent region in Europe, Molsheim was subject to the overarching political and economic stability of the European Union. Major historical events, such as the initial phases of global trade discussions and the unprecedented disruption of the worldwide pandemic, deeply impacted supply chains and logistics. Therefore, Bugatti’s ability to continue developing and hand-building such a specialized, small-series vehicle amidst these global challenges was truly remarkable. This achievement underscored the profound financial backing and dedication to quality from its parent companies, marking the Centodieci as a product built through determination during a volatile period.
🎵 Music
The French and European music scene during this period showcased a dynamic mix of traditional chanson, contemporary electronic music, and globally popular hip-hop. Artists and cultural influencers emphasized bespoke artistry and meticulous production quality. This emphasis ran parallel to the level of detail poured into every component of the Centodieci. In addition, this cultural appreciation for hand-crafted, high-fidelity output, whether in sound or engineering, set a refined tone. This tone clearly resonated with Bugatti’s local identity and artistic philosophy.
🎥 Movies/TV
Globally, streaming content dominated, driving demand for rich, high-production spectacles that captured the imagination. Blockbuster franchises and prestige television shows, often depicting lives of extreme wealth and sophisticated technology, provided a consistent cultural stage for Bugatti’s creations. While the Centodieci itself was physically built away from the Hollywood spotlight, its existence was part of the aspirational luxury narrative being consumed worldwide, thereby solidifying the idea that French engineering still represented the ultimate benchmark for design and performance.
⚽ Sports
France remained a powerhouse in international sports. Events like the Tour de France and top-tier football (soccer) teams commanded global attention. French athletes consistently excelled in various major leagues and championships. The national commitment to achieving podium finishes, records, and absolute victory underscored a culture that highly values engineering, physical, and strategic excellence.
It was in this milieu—a setting defined by technological disruption, a quest for ultimate luxury, and an unwavering commitment to national excellence right there in Molsheim—that Bugatti chose to look back to a pivotal moment in its history. This reverence for high-performance legacy, moreover, combined with modern resources, explains the ultimate purpose and dramatic unveiling of the Centodieci.
Position the Car in Its Time
Why the Car Was Created
The Centodieci was conceived as part of Bugatti’s strategic plan to honor its rich heritage. Furthermore, it monetized the immense engineering capability developed for the Chiron platform. It was explicitly created to commemorate the brand’s 110th anniversary. Simultaneously, it served as a direct, modern homage to the 1990s supercar, the EB110. Specifically, the EB110 was significant because it marked the revival of the Bugatti brand under Italian entrepreneur Romano Artioli in the 1990s.
By recreating the spirit of the EB110, the Centodieci helped reinforce the narrative of Bugatti’s continuous legacy, linking the pre-war icons through the EB110 to the modern Veyron and Chiron. The vehicle’s name, meaning “one hundred and ten” in Italian, is a deliberate and direct link to the EB110’s history. Consequently, the Centodieci is not merely a design exercise; it represents a philosophical statement regarding the brand’s ability to transcend ownership eras and cultural shifts while maintaining its core dedication to performance and artistry.
How People Reacted to It at Launch
The reaction was immediate and highly positive within the elite automotive community. At its unveiling during the 2019 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in California, the Bugatti Centodieci was instantly lauded for its dramatic design departure from the Chiron. Its sharp, angular styling—a stark contrast to the Chiron’s smoother curves—was seen as a brilliant modern interpretation of the EB110’s aesthetic. Furthermore, the fact that all ten units were presold before the public unveiling confirmed its instant icon status. It sold at an approximate price of €8 million (over $8.8 million) each, confirming the overwhelming demand for such bespoke automotive tributes. Owners demonstrated a willingness to pay a massive premium for the exclusivity and the direct connection to the EB110’s legacy.
Vehicle Performance Stats (Centodieci)
- Engine: 8.0-liter Quad-Turbocharged W16
- Horsepower: 1,600 hp at 7,000 rpm
- Torque: 1,600 Nm (1,180 lb-ft) from 2,250 to 7,000 rpm
- Transmission: 7-speed Dual-Clutch Automatic
- Drivetrain: Bugatti All-Wheel Drive
- 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 2.4 seconds
- 0-124 mph (0-200 km/h): 6.1 seconds
- 0-186 mph (0-300 km/h): 13.1 seconds
- Top Speed (Electronically Limited): 236 mph (380 km/h)
- Weight Reduction vs. Chiron: 20 kg (44 lbs) Lighter
Journalist Reviews at the Time
Initial reviews focused heavily on the intricate design details and the car’s historical significance. They often emphasized the meticulous process of reinterpreting the EB110’s key features. These features included the distinctive five-diamond air intakes and the fixed rear wing. The fixed wing generates greater downforce than the Chiron’s active spoiler. This choice was made to prioritize the Centodieci’s aggressive, track-ready aesthetic and performance stability. One common summary of period opinion centered on the car’s aesthetic boldness.
Reviewers suggested the Bugatti Centodieci represented the “ultimate expression of Bugatti’s current W16 era.” They noted that the slight reduction in top speed compared to the Chiron was a worthwhile trade-off for the dramatic, visually arresting homage to the past. The engineering team earned praise for saving 20 kg with lighter wipers and carbon fiber stabilizers. This further demonstrated Bugatti’s obsessive attention to detail. Experts hailed the Centodieci as a masterpiece that successfully translated a 1990s icon into a contemporary hypercar.
Competitors List
While in a class of its own due to its bespoke nature and price, the Centodieci competes for the title of “ultimate hypercar” with other vehicles of a similar era that boast extreme performance, rarity, and price tags.
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
- Engine: Twin-Turbo V8 Hybrid
- Horsepower: 986 hp (Combined)
- 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): 2.5 seconds
- Capacity: Approximately 799 Units
Comparison: The Ferrari SF90 Stradale offers a technological contrast to the Centodieci, championing plug-in hybrid power with a highly sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. While it boasts blistering acceleration, it sacrifices the raw, unadulterated W16 power of the Centodieci. Furthermore, with nearly 800 units, its production run is significantly larger than the Bugatti’s ten, placing the Centodieci in a far more exclusive collecting category.
Koenigsegg Jesko
- Engine: Twin-Turbo V8 (Flat-Plane Crank)
- Horsepower: 1,280 hp (Gasoline) / 1,600 hp (E85)
- 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): Under 2.5 seconds (Estimated)
- Capacity: 125 Units
Comparison: The Koenigsegg Jesko is the ultimate rival in the pursuit of outright speed and lightweight engineering. With the option of running on E85, it can match the Centodieci’s power output of 1,600 hp. However, the Jesko focuses on pushing the boundaries of top speed and weight reduction with a radically unconventional engine and gearshift setup. While exclusive, the 125-unit run is twelve times that of the Centodieci, making the Bugatti far rarer.
Aston Martin Valkyrie
- Engine: Naturally Aspirated V12 Hybrid
- Horsepower: 1,160 hp (Combined)
- 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h): Under 2.5 seconds (Estimated)
- Capacity: 150 Units
Comparison: The Aston Martin Valkyrie is derived directly from Formula 1 engineering. It prioritizes immense downforce and a high-revving, naturally aspirated V12 engine for a brutal, race-car-like road experience. The Valkyrie offers a different philosophical approach to performance. While more widely available than the Centodieci at 150 units, the Bugatti’s W16 and grand-touring stability contrast sharply with the Valkyrie’s focus on track-inspired intensity and high-RPM power delivery.
How the Centodieci Compared (Summary)
Bugatti did not design the Centodieci purely to dominate records, though its figures are among the best. The overall comparison reveals that the Bugatti is a unique blend of heritage and engineering force. The Centodieci offers a raw, internal combustion experience with an unmatched level of exclusivity (10 units) compared to its technologically diverse rivals. Against the hybrid SF90 and the F1-inspired Valkyrie, the Centodieci is a celebration of the purely mechanical W16. In contrast, its focus is on ultra-stable grand touring and bespoke artistry over absolute speed records. Ultimately, the Centodieci’s extreme rarity is its most significant differentiator, positioning it as a fine art piece and an instant historical collectible that commands a massive price premium due to its scarcity.
Racing & Cultural Impact
🏎️ Endurance Racing / Le Mans Legacy
The Bugatti Centodieci has no direct history in modern competition, but it embodies the brand’s profound legacy in Endurance Racing. Bugatti cars achieved great success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the 1930s. The Centodieci, like the Chiron, is engineered for absolute high-speed stability and massive sustained power, reflecting the technical demands of historic long-distance races. Consequently, the vehicle’s fixed rear wing and aerodynamic design, which prioritizes downforce and cooling, showcase an engineering philosophy rooted in the same pursuit of unwavering performance that defines endurance motorsport. The car serves as a modern expression of Bugatti’s historic commitment to being the fastest and most technologically advanced competitor on the world stage.
Street & Drag Racing Culture
In the street and drag racing culture, the Centodieci exists not as a frequent participant, but as a legendary benchmark. Its 1,600 hp W16 engine and blistering 2.4-second 0-60 mph time place it in the conversation of the fastest street-legal cars ever made. The car’s scarcity keeps it in private collections, but its mythical potential inspires tuner and drag racing enthusiasts worldwide. Thus, it represents the pinnacle of what a gasoline engine can achieve, proving that raw power still holds a supreme position in the pursuit of automotive speed.
Pop Culture/Media Appearances
Despite its extreme rarity, the Centodieci quickly found its way into pop culture narratives. It symbolizes ultimate wealth and mechanical exclusivity. The car’s dramatic look and its staggering price tag made it a perfect visual shorthand for extravagance. Automotive media and hypercar documentaries feature the Centodieci. Players seek it out in major video games. Its bold appearance ensures that even a single image or mention of it serves as a powerful statement piece in music videos or television shows depicting the lifestyles of the ultra-rich. The very limited production run has amplified its media presence because every sighting or purchase becomes a significant news event within the car world, adding to its mystique and cultural weight.
What It Means Today
Collector Value
The Centodieci represents one of the most secure investments in the contemporary car market. Limited to just ten units, its collector value is guaranteed to appreciate significantly. Its price premium over the standard Chiron platform, combined with its unique design, makes it a prize for collectors seeking a vehicle that is not only ultra-exclusive but also holds a specific, meaningful place in Bugatti’s lineage. Consequently, due to the scarcity, the value on the secondary market is expected to dramatically exceed the original asking price of €8 million, securing its status as a top-tier automotive investment.
Enthusiast Following
Despite its inaccessible nature, the Centodieci commands a passionate enthusiast following. This following is primarily dedicated to the Bugatti EB110, whose legacy the Centodieci so faithfully continues. Enthusiasts appreciate the modern hypercar for keeping the EB110’s story alive. They particularly value its aggressive, angular styling, which contrasts with the more rounded aesthetic of the Veyron and Chiron. Therefore, it is seen as a successful blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge engineering, proving that automotive history can be successfully translated into a contemporary form.
Legacy of Bespoke Design and Power
The Centodieci’s true legacy is its role in reviving Bugatti’s tradition of coachbuilding. It uses the modern Chiron platform but wraps it in a unique, limited-production body, directly referencing the iconic EB110. Consequently, the car represents a crucial bridge between Bugatti’s Italian past and its current French engineering dominance. Moreover, its staggering 1,600 horsepower W16 engine sets an unparalleled benchmark for performance. This engine symbolizes the brand’s uncompromising pursuit of speed. Therefore, the Centodieci stands as a pillar of ultra-exclusivity and mechanical intensity in the world of hypercars.
Conclusion
The Bugatti Centodieci is a defining hypercar of its era, successfully integrating the pioneering spirit of the 1990s EB110 with the technological marvels of the 21st century. Its creation was a highly calculated move. This move allowed Bugatti to pay a direct, spectacular tribute to a pivotal model in the brand’s history while simultaneously demonstrating the unparalleled capacity of its W16 platform. For the ten fortunate owners, it is an exceptionally rare and potent machine. Finally, for the rest of the world, the Centodieci represents the pinnacle of modern coachbuilding—a bespoke, uncompromising statement that ensures the dramatic legacy of this legendary supercar will live on, not just as a footnote in history, but as an active, roaring testament to hyper-exclusivity and performance, rooted firmly in the engineering excellence of Molsheim.
