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Bugatti teases something new on the horizon

Bugatti isn't keeping a secret that development on a follow-up to the Veyron is advancing, but the brand continues to be very cagey about what is coming. In a new teaser video, the company is at least giving us something to think about with a narrator asking viewers to "imagine the impossible." Sadly, the clip never shows an actual vehicle, but you can hear a growling engine at the end. While Bugatti isn't talking officially, rumors are heaping up about the future vehicle, reportedly called the Chiron. Spy shots show a design that so far is largely similar to the Veyron, but the 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 reportedly is pushed to 1,500 horsepower and 1,106 pound-feet. The extra oomph comes thanks to the fitment of electric turbochargers to compliment the standard ones, and some reports even suggest a hybrid setup. During the unveiling of the final Veyron, company president Wolfgang Durheimer admitted, "Our challenge is to make the best even better." It's interesting to see Bugatti teasing something now because a previous report suggests a launch in 2016. Here's hoping, we get a glimpse sooner than that.

Bugatti La Voiture Noire is absolute elegance and the most expensive new car ever

Cars like these are why we love the Geneva Motor Show. Sure, only one lucky person will get to own this bespoke Bugatti, but man is it cool to know this is out there somewhere. It's called the Bugatti La Voiture Noire, which literally translates to, Bugatti The Black Car. A certain elegance is lost when we move to English, so let's just keep calling it La Voiture Noire. Bugatti built this one-off car as a tribute to the Type 57 SC Atlantic, of which four were built between 1936 and 1938. If you spend any time at the various concours d'elegance around the world, there's a chance you may have seen one before. Three of the four are known to still be around, and this new car pays homage to Jean Bugatti's black car specifically. Right off the bat, it's easy to see this car is based on the Chiron. Bugatti plopped the Chiron W16 engine in there with all four turbos attached. It makes the exact same power as the new French speed machine with 1,479 horsepower and 1,180 pound-feet of torque. The biggest difference that we can ascertain is in the number of tailpipes. A stunning six pipes poke out between winglets in the diffuser as a tribute to the Type 57 SC Atlantic, which also featured six. The visual difference here is in the piping size and placement — the original, thin pipes from the 1930s are far classier than the massive roundels fitted on La Voiture Noire. That said, this design is still unbelievably cool, and we applaud Bugatti for going for it. Bugatti didn't quote a top speed for this bespoke car, but we imagine it can't be too far off the mark from the Chiron with the amount of power it's packing. The only glimpse into the driving character comes in this statement: "This is a coupe with the comfort of a luxury limousine and the power of a hyper sports car." Maybe the individual who bought the car was looking for a faster and more comfortable way to get to their cottage on the weekend? We can only guess, as Bugatti hasn't revealed the buyer's name. But one guess is Dr. Ferdinand Piech, grandson of Ferdinand Porsche and ex-chairman of the Volkswagen Group. Design-wise, La Voiture Noire tries its best to take cues from the 57 SC Atlantic. You'll notice a less pronounced dorsal fin running from the front of the car all the way back in an effort to match. The windshield flows seamlessly into the windows and back to the sides like a visor on a helmet.

Bugatti won't make a hybrid, but an EV remains on the table

Bugatti is in an exploratory phase as it seeks ways to expand its lineup during the 2020s. Adding a second model to its range is almost a given, and electrification is possible, but the company's chief executive revealed he doesn't believe hybrid technology is the right solution. Speaking to Motor Authority, Bugatti boss Stephan Winkelmann said the internal combustion engine is "the right way to go" and "the real state-of-the-art powertrain." He backed up his argument by pointing out a gasoline-powered engine like the Chiron's W16 delivers limitless power and incredible acceleration without adding an excessive amount of weight or creating a packaging nightmare. Launching a second nameplate positioned below the Chiron remains one of the CEO's priorities. While it sounds like the model won't receive hybrid technology, Winkelmann is open to the idea of releasing an electric car that will deliver zero-emissions performance. He outlined a battery-powered, 2+2 model with a relatively high seating position, and more ground clearance than a standard luxury sedan. Increasing the distance between the tarmac and the rocker panels doesn't necessarily mean releasing an SUV, however. Bugatti previously told Autoblog it is not planning on making an SUV. And, it's important to note a final decision on the model hasn't been made yet. Winkelmann also closed the door to a modern-day interpretation of the gorgeous Galibier concept (pictured) unveiled in 2009 and often rumored to be a candidate for production. The close-to-production design study took the form of a four-door sedan with an evolution of the Veyron's 8.0-liter W16 engine mounted in front of the passenger compartment rather than behind it. The executive explained an updated version of the concept would compete in a segment that's "going down." He added Bugatti would need to make long- and short-wheelbase variants to cover the global market. Bugatti has offered stately sedans in the past, so the heritage is certainly there, but one of the issues with making a long-wheelbase four-door is that it would undoubtedly attract chauffeur-driven motorists, notably in China. Winkelmann stated he believes Bugatti makes cars that should be driven, not ridden in. That's a strong hint that the second model — regardless of what it looks like, when it makes its debut or what it's powered by — will be engineered as a driver's car.