Hollywood star Tom Cruise faces a truly impossible mission: to acquire the brand new Bugatti Tourbillon. Despite his colossal fortune, the actor is denied access to this exceptional racing car for a surprising reason that dates back to the premiere of “Mission Impossible III”. Find out why the Molsheim-based manufacturer has blacklisted one of the biggest stars in world cinema.
An inaccessible technological gem
The recently unveiled Bugatti Tourbillon is the latest masterpiece from the Molsheim-based manufacturer. Intended to succeed the legendary Chiron, this hybrid hypercar pushes the boundaries of automotive performance even further. Equipped with an impressive 8.3-litre V16 engine coupled with three electric motors, it develops a phenomenal 1,800 horsepower and 2,500 Nm of torque.
Limited to just 250 examples, the Bugatti Tourbillon is reserved for a wealthy elite capable of shelling out the 3.6 million euros needed to buy this automotive gem. Tom Cruise, with his fortune estimated at several hundred million dollars, is undeniably part of this very closed circle of potential customers.
A costly mishap
However, the actor will not be able to add this exceptional racing car to his collection. The reason? An incident that occurred in 2006 during the premiere of the film “Mission Impossible III” in Hollywood. Tom Cruise arrived at the wheel of a Bugatti Veyron, accompanied by his wife at the time, Katie Holmes.
In front of a crowd of photographers and fans, the actor made a mistake that would cost him dearly: he failed to open the passenger door to allow Katie Holmes to exit the vehicle. This awkward moment, immortalized by cameras around the world, gave the image of a car that was impractical and difficult to use.
Bugatti's Revenge
This seemingly innocuous mishap deeply displeased Bugatti's management. Keen to preserve the brand's image of excellence and perfection, they took a radical decision: to put Tom Cruise on their blacklist. This sanction prohibits the actor from purchasing any future model of the brand, including the highly coveted Bugatti Tourbillon.
This measure may seem disproportionate, but it shows the importance that Bugatti attaches to its brand image. The Molsheim-based manufacturer does not tolerate any negative publicity, even unintentional, from its most prominent customers.
A very select club
Tom Cruise isn't the only celebrity to have been targeted by Bugatti. Other celebrities including Simon Cowell, Floyd Mayweather and Jenson Button are also rumored to be persona non grata at the French automaker.
Bugatti's strict policy raises questions about the relationship between luxury brands and their most high-profile customers. It highlights the considerable power that these luxury carmakers wield, capable of refusing to sell their products even to the wealthiest individuals.
A hard blow for an enthusiast
For Tom Cruise, a car enthusiast, the ban is heartbreaking. The actor has an impressive collection of vehicles, including American classics like the Chevrolet Chevelle SS, the Ford Mustang Saleen S281 and a Buick Roadmaster.
He also owns a Bugatti Veyron, which will remain the only model of the brand in his garage. This situation perfectly illustrates the adage that money can't buy everything, even for a star of Tom Cruise's caliber.
This surprising anecdote reminds us that even the biggest celebrities can sometimes find themselves faced with impossible situations. For Tom Cruise, the real mission impossible is not played out on the silver screen, but in the showrooms of Bugatti. A story that is sure to bring a smile to the faces of the actor's fans and car enthusiasts around the world.
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