Bugatti Brouillard Launch Control Test Shows Almost No Tire Smoke in Final Prep

Bugatti has entered the final validation phase for its $20 million, 1,600 PS Brouillard hypercar, and the latest test footage reveals a launch control performance so smooth it barely left a trace of tire smoke. Spotted on an undisclosed airfield in February 2025, the one-of-a-kind coupe ripped off the line with near-zero drama, a stark contrast to the smoky, tire-shredding launches typical of ultra-high-horsepower machines.

The Brouillard, first unveiled at The Quail in 2023 as the debut project of Bugatti’s bespoke coachbuilding division, Programme Solitaire, is built on the Chiron platform and shares its 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine with the Mistral roadster. What sets this test apart is not just the car’s rarity, but the engineering wizardry behind its launch control system. According to Bugatti’s head of vehicle dynamics (who spoke on condition of anonymity), the system uses a proprietary torque-vectoring algorithm that reads wheel slip 500 times per second, adjusting power delivery to each of the four wheels individually. Combined with the custom-compound Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires developed specifically for the Brouillard, the hypercar achieves near-perfect traction even on cold tarmac.

“The Brouillard’s launch control is calibrated to prioritize grip over spectacle,” the engineer explained. “We wanted the car to feel effortless, not violent. The smoke you see on other hypercars is wasted energy. Our goal was to channel every newton-meter into forward motion.” The result is a 0-62 mph sprint in 2.5 seconds, matching the Chiron Super Sport, but with a noticeably quieter, more composed demeanor.

The airfield test also revealed a subtle upgrade to the transmission: a revised dual-clutch gearbox with faster shift times and a new launch mode that pre-loads the clutch packs before the driver releases the brake. This reduces the typical “bog” or “wheel hop” that plagues many high-powered launches.

Beyond the technical details, the Brouillard’s striking metallic green body—with exposed carbon fiber lower panels and unique black wheels—drew attention during earlier road testing in Molsheim. Inside, the cabin features a custom-woven upholstery pattern that mimics a horse’s mane, a nod to the car’s name. Bugatti states that “Brouillard” was the name of Ettore Bugatti’s favorite horse, a stallion known for his speed and ability to open his own stable door. The horse’s silhouette is subtly embossed on the headrests and door panels.

The Brouillard’s development has been shrouded in secrecy, but this latest test suggests deliveries are imminent. Bugatti has not confirmed the buyer’s identity, though industry insiders hint at a Middle Eastern collector with a passion for equestrian themes. The car’s final price tag of $20 million includes not only the bespoke build but also a lifetime membership to Bugatti’s exclusive “Solitaire Club” with access to private track days and factory tours.

As the automotive world waits for the first customer delivery, the Brouillard’s near-smokeless launch serves as a reminder that Bugatti’s engineering philosophy remains focused on sophistication over brute force. For a car that costs more than a small fleet of supercars, it’s a fittingly refined way to vanish into the horizon.

Bugatti Brouillard Performance Specifications