Bugatti's CEO Explores Manual, Lightweight Tourbillon with 986 HP
Bugatti, a brand with a legacy spanning over a century, has solidified its reputation in the last two decades by producing some of the world's most extreme hypercars. From the iconic Veyron to the innovative Tourbillon, Bugatti's vehicles consistently achieve speeds exceeding 250 mph, blending unparalleled performance with luxurious comfort, while remaining remarkably manageable at moderate velocities.
The French marque has also excelled in crafting bespoke, one-off creations for its discerning clientele. Notable examples include the recently delivered Brouillard, the breathtaking Destrier, and the impressive F.K.P. Hommage. The company is actively exploring new concepts and possibilities for the Tourbillon, demonstrating its commitment to continuous innovation.
Under the leadership of CEO Mate Rimac, Bugatti is entering a new era of creative freedom. Following the Rimac Group's complete acquisition of the brand from the Volkswagen Auto Group, with Porsche divesting its remaining stake just months ago, Bugatti is no longer constrained by the limitations often associated with large conglomerates. Rimac, in a recent interview with Top Gear, expressed his vision for Bugatti's future, hinting at a focus on simpler vehicles and an abundance of horsepower. He emphasized the newfound independence allows the company to "think long-term and do bold things," promising a host of exciting developments.
This liberation means Bugatti can now pursue projects that might have been challenging under previous ownership. When asked about the feasibility of a manual Tourbillon, Rimac's enthusiastic response, "Absolutely. You bet," confirmed the potential for such a project. This would involve shedding the car's electrical components, resulting in a significant weight reduction of approximately 600 pounds, while retaining its formidable 986 horsepower and 16-cylinder engine. The addition of a three-pedal setup would undoubtedly offer an exhilarating driving experience. Although Rimac did not elaborate further, the idea is clearly under consideration. As a smaller, independent automaker, Bugatti now enjoys greater flexibility, free from the stringent emission regulations that compel many manufacturers to electrify their high-performance models.
While the Tourbillon stands as a testament to exceptional engineering and meticulous craftsmanship, Rimac also expressed a desire to reconnect with Bugatti's fundamental principles. He pondered the brand's future direction beyond the Tourbillon, suggesting a focus on "lightweight and simplification." This doesn't imply an abandonment of luxury hypercars, but rather an exploration of complementary models. Rimac envisions a Bugatti that mirrors the spirit of the legendary Type 35, one of history's most successful race cars. He posed the question: "Instead of a sledgehammer as Bugattis were the last 20 years, could you do something that's also more engaging, more back to the roots, more Type 35? There's so many ideas." While details remain scarce, the concept of a lightweight, eight-cylinder, open-top speedster with a manual transmission and no electrification would offer a compelling contrast and complement to Bugatti's existing lineup, defining a new chapter for the esteemed marque.