2008 Bugatti Veyron Black/gray on 2040-cars

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Bugatti evaluating a trio of Veyron successors

Bugatti is nearing the very end of its Veyron production run with only around 15 of the supercars reportedly left to be sold of the 450-car total. With so few remaining, the supremely posh automaker is already deep into development discussions of a successor, but it doesn't seem that the company has a final design in mind quite yet.
According to two unnamed insiders speaking to Bloomberg, Bugatti is evaluating at least three concepts for the Veyron's successor. They claim that the new model will be lighter than the current one with an engine capable of producing about 1,500 horsepower. Also, at least one of these prototypes is using an electric motor for additional boost.
These latest leaks lend further substantiation to the circulating rumors about Bugatti's future. One earlier report claimed that the hypercar would use a modified version of the current 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16, possibly with direct injection, electrically powered turbos and an additional electric motor to boost the top speed to around 286 miles per hour. Also, two prototypes (pictured above) were spotted testing at the Nürburgring earlier this year, and one of them wore an odd contraption on its back. Other speculation indicated the new model would reportedly be called the Chiron, a reference to a famous Bugatti racing driver and the name for one of the company's concepts that previewed the Veyron's shape.

Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse 'Jean Bugatti' recalls La Voiture Noire

Last month in Monterey, Bugatti pulled the wraps off the first vehicle in its series of Legends cars, honoring Jean-Pierre Wimille, one of the automaker's longest-serving test drivers who also happened to win the 24 Hours of LeMans... twice. Now, the next special edition Veyron has made its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show: the Legend Jean Bugatti.
But this isn't just some special edition named for any old family member. Jean was the oldest son of founder Ettore Bugatti, and is credited with designing the Type 57SC Atlantic - perhaps one of the rarest, most expensive vehicles ever made. This new Legends Veyron draws upon Jean's personal 57SC, known as La Voiture Noire, or The Black Car.
This Grand Sport Vitesse is finished entirely in black carbon fiber, and Bugatti points out that for the first time ever, the grille surround and badges are made of platinum. New twin five-spoke wheels have been fitted, and the legendary designer's signature is found on the fuel and oil caps in gray.

Bugatti Galibier could arrive after Chiron

Bugatti has been playing "Will they, won't they?" with the Galibier sedan for years, and the endless speculation has grown tiresome. Just build the damn thing. Believe it or not, the ultra-high-power, ultra-luxury sedan is kind of a white space. The world needs a vehicle as sumptuous as a Rolls-Royce Phantom, but with the driving dynamics and performance of, well, a Bugatti. Now, according to CEO Wolfgang Durheimer, his company might actually go through with such a creation. The Chiron will remain an only child for the time being, Durheimer says, but Bugatti is already looking at potential paths for life after its current 1500-horsepower monster. "We are following a sequential pattern. We don't want to make two model lines, but we are deciding on the product that would succeed the Chiron," Durheimer told Car and Driver. "We are weighing four strategic alternatives, all of them sensational. One of them is the Galibier." Galibier would be great news. But what else could Bugatti be considering? Perhaps something more track focused than the high-speed heavyweight Chiron? A crossover (we shudder)? A high-speed hybrid to humiliate the likes of the Ferrari LaFerrari and McLaren P1, perhaps using a more powerful version of baby brother Porsche's 918 Spyder tech? It's all hard to predict, although whichever path Bugatti takes, we doubt it'll be anything but spectacular. As for the Chiron, if it follows the Veyron's path, we can expect a convertible version in the near future. C/D asked Durheimer about it, particularly about whether it'd get a set of T-tops in order to retain the trademark Atlantic line on the roof. The CEO didn't say much, beyond telling C/D its question was "very perceptive." We expect this kind of cagey response, but the fact that Durheimer even acknowledged it is a good sign for the few dozen people wealthy enough to want a topless Bugatti. Featured Gallery Bugatti 16C Galibier concept View 11 Photos News Source: Car and DriverImage Credit: Bugatti Bugatti Convertible Luxury Performance Sedan Bugatti Chiron wolfgang durheimer bugatti galibier