Delage embodies one of those French industrial sagas once thought extinct: a century-old brand that had lain dormant for decades, now poised to rise again thanks to a determined heir!
Delage: the Long-Awaited Return of This Century-Old Brand
Founded in 1905, Delage was relaunched in 2019 by Laurent Tapie, the son of Bernard Tapie, with the aim of building a French hypercar capable of taking on Bugatti on its own turf—the realm of multi‑million‑dollar supercars reserved for a wealthy collector clientele. Seven years on, the wager is beginning to pay off. The D12, the model embodying the rebirth, packs a 6.6‑liter atmospheric V12 hybrid engine, delivering a combined power output of 1,000 horsepower. This technical choice is no accident: by pairing the roar and character of a big internal‑combustion block with electric assist, Delage seeks to reconcile the mechanical tradition that defined its hypercars with the environmental requirements that now apply even to the most boutique manufacturers. Hybridization provides immediate torque, enhances driving pleasure, and helps anticipate increasingly strict emissions standards without sacrificing the visceral thrill of a V12.
Antoine Arnault Joins Delage
But the real news of this fall 2026 is that Antoine Arnault, 49, a member of LVMH’s executive committee and the son of Bernard Arnault, has just invested in Delage. His arrival adds to the already notable investments by the Pinault family through Kering and by Xavier Niel through his holding Iliad. For Laurent Tapie, the principal figure, this backing is more than welcome: it confirms that Delage has left the artisanal, somewhat risky stage behind and is entering a phase of industrial and financial maturity. He notes, moreover, that more than 95% of the funds invested come from France, underscoring a patriotic dimension in a sector largely dominated by foreign groups. Exclusivity, however, remains at the heart of the brand’s commercial strategy. Only 30 units of the D12 will be produced, at 2 million euros apiece. Arnault’s involvement, accustomed to long‑term luxury strategies at LVMH and responsible for the group’s image, could open Delage’s doors to the global luxury networks and reach ultra‑wealthy clients in the United States, the Middle East, and Asia. The brand is also exploring a partnership in China to locally manufacture certain components, a clear sign of a now decisively international ambition. Stay tuned…
