Rediscovering the EB110 Legacy in Paris
In the heart of Paris, beneath the towering silhouette of the Eiffel Tower, a rare automotive spectacle unfolded—a Bugatti Centodieci gracefully cruising the city’s historic streets. This moment, captured in a video featured on my TikTok and Instagram accounts, isn’t just a fleeting encounter with an extraordinary machine. It’s a journey into the legacy of Bugatti, a brand synonymous with unparalleled design and performance for over a century. In this article, we explore the Centodieci, a special-edition hypercar that pays tribute to the EB110 and marks a significant chapter in Bugatti’s storied history.
A Nod to Tradition: The Centodieci’s Genesis
Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti, captures the essence of the Centodieci: “With the Centodieci, we pay homage to the EB110 super sports car from the 1990s.” The EB110, a vital link in Bugatti’s return to prominence, was a pioneering hypercar of its time. The Centodieci, Italian for 110, celebrates this legacy. Romano Artioli, the former owner of Bugatti, initiated the EB110 project in Campogalliano, Italy, a location chosen for its proximity to Italian automotive expertise, yet the car retained its intrinsic French character.
The Centodieci: A Fusion of Classic and Contemporary
Achim Anscheidt, Head Designer at Bugatti, faced the challenge of reinterpreting the EB110’s design for the 21st century. The Centodieci stands out with a three-dimensional design that is sportier and more extreme than the Chiron and Divo, yet timeless like the La Voiture Noire. This vehicle is not just a throwback but a modern interpretation that balances historic aesthetics with contemporary technology.
Design Masterclass: Exterior and Aerodynamics
The Centodieci’s design is a study in complexity and elegance. The front features a flat, horseshoe-shaped radiator, a hallmark of Bugatti’s design language, and the car’s low geometry is complemented by narrow, integrated LED headlamps. The vehicle’s silhouette echoes the wedge shape of the EB110, but with a modern twist—five round air inserts ensure sufficient cooling for the powerful 16-cylinder engine, a tribute to the EB110’s design ethos.
At the rear, the Centodieci deviates from the EB110’s two-dimensional look, opting for a wide air outlet for efficient engine thermals. The tail light elements and exhaust pipes echo the EB110’s style, while a permanent rear wing and performance diffuser enhance downforce.
Power Redefined: The 16-Cylinder Engine
Under the hood, the Centodieci is a marvel of engineering. It ditches the EB110’s V12 for a more potent 8.0-litre W16 engine, delivering an astonishing 1,600 hp. This powerhouse enables the car to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.4 seconds. The design and engineering improvements result in a remarkable power-to-weight ratio, offering exhilarating performance and handling.
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A Colorful Legacy: Bugatti’s Design Philosophy
The Centodieci’s white paint finish symbolizes the yin to the La Voiture Noire’s yang, demonstrating Bugatti’s mastery over contrasting yet complementary forces. This duality encapsulates Bugatti’s essence—melding tradition with innovation. Though the Centodieci is limited to ten vehicles, each customizable in Bugatti’s diverse color palette, it represents more than an exclusive ownership experience; it embodies the spirit of Bugatti’s 110-year journey.
Celebrating Automotive Heritage and Innovation
As the Centodieci cruises past the Eiffel Tower, it’s not just a display of automotive excellence but a celebration of Bugatti’s rich history and future potential. This car, a blend of classic inspiration and modern innovation, exemplifies Bugatti’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive design and performance. The Centodieci is more than a machine—it’s a testament to the enduring allure of Bugatti’s legacy.
