Interview: Let’s talk cars with a Bugatti Centodieci Owner

Exactly a week before the unveiling of the Bugatti Centodieci, we got a chance to chat with one of the owners of Bugatti’s latest limited edition hypercar. During our conversation, the collector, who chose to remain anonymous, shared some interesting bits of information about some upcoming supercars.

We would like to thank him for taking time out for this interview.

Unfortunately we are not at your home to admire your exquisite collection, but I will take this opportunity to ask you how many cars you have.

I currently own 31 cars, but this number will soon increase to more than 40.

That’s a lot of cars. Does your collection focus on hypercars or do you have any classics?

I am a big fan of Supercars and Hypercars but I also own four Classic cars, which include a Lamborghini Miura. I recently sold my Maserati 3500 GT.

Are you going to miss her?

Yes very much, it is always difficult to be separated from a car that you love so much. But, it is necessary to make room as they say. (Smile)

Yes, I suppose so. Do you have a favorite brand?

Difficult question. Let’s say, I have a special relationship with Bugatti.

Yes, you really like Bugatti. I think you told me that you had four.

Yes (Smile) – Chiron, Veyron SS, Grand Sport Vitesse and an EB110. I am also getting the upcoming Divo and “EB110 Tribute”(Centodieci), as you call it.

That’s really impressive. Your Chiron is superb too. Have you decided on the configuration of your Divo?

Thank you. It was really difficult to configure with so many possibilities. A few days before my last session for the Chiron, I still had 8 specification choices on hand. I was on the configurator even in the car, while on my way to Molsheim. With a bit of help, I was able to finalize the first specification.

For the Divo, I really like the “Gris Rafale”. But, nothing has been finalized so far. We will see at the end of the year.

I guess the decision is a difficult one to make. What about the car in Tribute to the EB110… What can you tell me about that?

I knew you were going to ask me that question. I have signed an NDA. So, I can’t tell you anything, except for the fact that she is incredibly aggressive but elegant at the same time. Just like the original. Very different from Divo or Chiron… It is also the most powerful Bugatti in history. It’s a car that represents a lot of things and not just the 30 years of the EB110. I wouldn’t say more. (Smile)

I can understand. On this subject, the President and CEO of Bugatti talks about his desire for a second model in the range. What are we talking about here – a sedan or a Crossover? What do you think?

I am very much in favor of this project. It will not be a sedan but a Crossover. Actually, I saw it a few weeks ago.

Oh, that’s great news! What do you think of this Crossover?

It’s very beautiful. It has the spirit of a classic Bugatti but with new elements. It seems to me that it will be electric. It is perfect for this kind of vehicle.

However, it’s unclear whether it will go into production. According to a Bugatti representative, the project is yet to receive a green light from VW Group HQ. I will not be able to share any more details about it.

I can understand. A few months ago, I was able to talk to a representative from Bugatti. He told me that there won’t be a Chiron Roadster or Targa. What do you think of that?

Yes, it’s true. But, for the past 2 years, I’ve been asking Bugatti to do it. I know that it would require a complete rebuild of the chassis. But, even in a very limited edition it would be great. (Smile)

I have the impression that you know a lot more than what you’re sharing with me. (Smile)

I know that Bugatti always listens to its customers. I can’t say any more than that.

Do you think there will be a Chiron SuperSport?

I can’t tell you anything about it, except that I ordered a special version of the Chiron a year ago. (Smile)

Oh, interesting!

Let’s talk about the Lotus Evija. Have you ordered it?

Yes, and it will be my first electric car. This is the first time I’ve ever loved the design of an electric car and the performance is incredible too. 1680 kg, 2000 hp with 0 to 300 km/h in 8.6 seconds. Unbelievable!

Yes, it’s completely crazy. When will you receive it?

I don’t have the documents with me but I think it’s between September and November 2020. I will be finalizing the spec in mid-2020.

Alright. Let’s talk about hybrids. What are your thoughts on the current crop of hybrid supercars?

I was rather skeptical about hybrids, especially for the hypercars. But, Porsche, Ferrari and McLaren decided that this was the future. So, I trusted and managed to get the “Holy Trinity” – Porsche 918 Spyder, McLaren P1 and the LaFerrari.

Hybrids have their own advantages such as fuel economy and Power Boost. It inevitably adds weight, complexity and obviously, adds to the cost. But, don’t get me wrong, I love hybrids.

Do you have a preference?

The good thing is that although all three cars are hybrids, they use it differently. I would say that I prefer the 918 Spyder. It is the heaviest of the three and the most complex, but also the most enjoyable to drive.

Which classic car do you want the most?

There are actually three classic cars that I really want – the Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale, Maserati A6GCS53 and the Bugatti Type 57 SC Atlantic. All three are breathtaking.

I have a friend who owns one of the three but he doesn’t want to sell it. (Smile)

I guess it’s worth a real fortune.

You can’t even imagine!.

Did you manage to get the new “Holy Trinity” (Speedtail, AMG One & Valkyrie)?

I was able to get the Valkyrie and the AMG One. Maybe, I’ll get a Speedtail from a friend. We’ll see about that.

Which is the one you’re most eager to drive?

It’s a very difficult question:

– The Valkyrie seems to be the fastest and lightest of the three, but it will only be enjoyable on the track. I really doubt if it would be any good as a daily driver.

– The AMG One will be really special and despite the delay, I am still looking forward to testing it on the road.

– The Speedtail will be the most pleasant of the three on the road without doubt, but as I said, I’m not sure if I will get it.

When are deliveries scheduled?

The Valkyrie will probably be delivered at the end of summer 2020 and the AMG One in summer of 2021.

Did you spec them?

Yes, I have already done sessions for the Valkyrie and AMG One, but these are not final.

It seems to me that you have more cars coming that are yet to be announced.

Yes, like the Lamborghini LB48H and also the Aston Martin Special Project that I saw in April. There are others, of course.

What is the most expensive car you have ever bought?

The Bugatti which will be presented on August 16.

So, is it more expensive than the Divo?

I can’t tell you the price, but yes, much more than the Divo.

According to you, what is the most important thing in a Hypercar?

I would say, the most important thing is the general pleasure of driving, but the overall design is also important.

Do you have a favorite?

Not really. All manufacturers have their own definition of a Hypercar. This means, as a customer, you get a variety of options. That’s the good thing about diversification.

Yes, I agree with you.

Let’s talk about the LB48H, as it will be presented soon.

Yes, it seems, it will be at Pebble Beach. I know that it will be at the Frankfurt Motor Show too.

What are your thoughts about this car?

It’s incredible. The most extreme, beautiful and powerful Lamborghinis ever. Really incredible.

Is it a V12 Hybrid?

Yes. V12 with extreme hybridization.

Extreme hybridization? What does that mean?

It’s a secret. (Smile)

You told me earlier that you were “on the list” for a new Ferrari V12 model. Can you tell me more about it?

It is the Spider version of the 812 Superfast. You will see it in early September, I think.

Very soon, then.

Let’s talk about Koenigsegg. Do you have a Jesko on order?

Yes, a Jesko 300. Also another Koenigsegg, which will be presented at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2020.

What is the difference between this “300” version and the one that was presented at Geneva this year.

The 300 version is less aggressive than the “Track” version. It has a boot in the front unlike the Track version. It also has a different aero package, which includes a rear spoiler and front splitter. It has other options like air-conditioning and electric doors.

Alright, is ‘Jesko 300’ the final name?

No, it’s a codename.

Okay, what about this new Koenigsegg that’s coming out in March 2020? Can tell us more about that?

I have seen the drawings. It is superb. It might be the first Koenigsegg to use the “Freevalve” technology with a naturally aspirated V8 and a hybrid system.

I was told that the combustion engine is CO2 neutral and it will also be more “affordable” than the Jesko. It is also very light and powerful – like a real Koenigsegg.

That sounds really exciting. Do you know how much it will cost?

It seems to me that it could be priced around €1 million.

All right, much cheaper than the Jesko indeed.

By about €2 million. Yes, a lot cheaper. (Smile)

I know you have a Mclaren F1 and you probably know about Gordon Murray’s new car, the T50.

Yes, I saw a T50 concept with Gordon Murray himself.

What do you think about it? Are you going to buy it?

I love it! I love it! It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a Hypercar with such a pure and simple design. What I mean is that it’s simple but with ultra modern elements like advanced aerodynamics. And yes, I have ordered it and I really hope there will also be a Track version.

What makes this T50 so special for you?

Quite simply, there has been nothing comparable to the McLaren F1 ever since it first came along. A naturally aspirated V12 capable of screaming to over 12,000 rpm, a manual gearbox weighing less than 1,000 kg and a new generation aero. It’s the new F1!

Many people on social networks say that the T50 is too expensive. What do you think?

Everyone has the right to have their opinion and this must be respected. But, look at the price of a McLaren F1 today – about £15 million! Apart from that the T50 will probably be the last Supercar or Hypercar with an atmospheric V12 and a manual gearbox.

I agree with you. In your opinion, what is the best engine?

Bugatti’s W16 engine is amazing, not just visually but also in terms of power delivery and durability. It is unbeatable and unique.

Yes, Probably the most complicated too.

Yes, I can imagine. I have seen the engine in Molshiem. It’s huge! It’s incredible how it fits in the car.

There is one more topic that I would like to discuss with you – Aston Martin. Everyone is looking forward to Aston Martin’s upcoming mid-engine range.

We’ve seen three new cars in a short time – the Valkyrie, Valhalla and the Vanquish. Everything seems to be going their way. The Valkyrie and the Valhalla are all sold. However, when we read the news, it doesn’t seem to be all that rosy.

I think it’s more complicated than that. In the case of the Valkyrie and the Valhalla, these are two limited series. It is much easier for a manufacturer to sell a limited series than a regular “production” model. Understand that if you approached a collector like me and told me: “We have a new car that will produce 1000 hp and can go up to 400 km/h, would I care?

My response will be, “yes, depending on the number of copies that will be produced. Quite simply because a limited series will almost always see its value increase.

As far as Aston Martin is concerned, I don’t think there’s anything to worry about. The arrival of DBX and Vanquish on the market should make up for the lack of money.

A few months ago we talked to a collector who told us about a “Special Variant” of the Valkyrie. According to him, it would be limited to 10 copies and would be legal on the road. Do you know anything about this model?

Yes, I was told a little bit about this special variant, not by Aston Martin but by a specialist dealer. Overall, I don’t know much. The factory price is €3.5 million + VAT, I think. Otherwise, nothing more.

In your opinion, how will this Special Version be different?

Good question. I don’t really see a more extreme version for the Valkyrie road car. It is already as extreme as it can get for a road car. And I know it won’t be an AMR Pro for the road because according to Aston Martin the conversion of this model is impossible. So, I really don’t know.

Are you interested in the Special Version?

Right now, no. I don’t know enough.

It is impressive to see the price of some models increase in a very short time. For example, the Divo’s factory price was €5 million, but two months later a build slot was offered at nearly €7 million!

This is exactly what the Limited Series effect is all about. And we’re talking about a Bugatti, but the next one’s going to burst the resale ceiling. Without seeing the car, a friend was offering me a much higher price for my build slot (Centodieci).

It’s crazy!

Yes, I agree. (Smile)

Unfortunately, we’re both out of time. So, I will ask you one last question. Which is the “worst” and “best” car you’ve driven?

The worst car will be the Chrysler PT Cruiser and the best is the Bugatti Chiron.

Thank you very much for your time and hospitality. It was a real pleasure talking to you.