As part of Bugatti’s “Sur Mesure” vehicle individualization program, the unique W16 Mistral Blanc Éternel is presented. This unique roadster combines the precision of digital design with meticulous handwork and centuries of experience in the production of porcelain by the Königliche Porzellan-Manufaktur (KPM) in Berlin. The project also marks the end of the era of the legendary Bugatti W16 engine through an artistic review of the brand’s design history.
The story of this model goes back 15 years, when Bugatti and KPM Berlin first collaborated on the Veyron Grand Sport L’Or Blanc model. That car was inspired by Italian designer Enzo Mario’s porcelain vase, whose blue lines on a white background inspired Bugatti designers to permanently transfer the reflective lines of light, used to check body imperfections, to the vehicle. The new Blanc Éternel project continues that tradition, but with a modern approach adapted to the new generation of development.
Digital aesthetics, handmade
Unlike older models, the W16 Mistral was developed entirely digitally, without the use of clay models. Its shape is defined by a network of precise digital surfaces, and precisely these structures, which normally remain invisible to the public, became the basis for the external appearance of the Blanc Éternel model. The fine black lines drawn over the pure white body map the hidden geometric logic of the car, creating a sharp contrast that symbolizes the visual language of digital modeling.
Although the design was conceived digitally, the execution itself was purely human work. Craftsmen hand-applied strips directly to the bodywork to precisely define the lines before painting it black. The contrast of black and white highlights the distinctive elements of the vehicle, such as the horseshoe-shaped grille, the side C-line and the X-shaped taillights. In addition, the car features real porcelain elements with the KPM manufactory’s royal scepter logo, which required a special engineering calculation since porcelain shrinks by 17% during firing.
Luxury in the interior
The principle of digital lines was also carried over to the interior of the vehicle, where black lines were manually applied to the white leather of the cabin, which required the development of a completely new processing procedure. Passengers here in the cockpit come into direct physical contact with real porcelain. The speaker covers, inserts on the knee pads, parts of the shift lever, the insert on the armrest of the center console and the window switches are made of this material.
On the occasion of the renewal of this partnership, KPM Berlin and Bugatti have also created a limited collection of porcelain inspired by this car, which includes the “To-Drive Cup” and “Aviator Cup” models in two sizes. The collection is limited to a total of 1,000 handcrafted pieces, so anyone who can’t afford a car with porcelain details can have at least a piece of that feeling – once said mugs go on sale.
