2012 Bugatti Veyron on 2040-cars

Auto blog

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.

The Bugatti Chiron sounds like an absolute monster

Most of us will never drive, or own, a Bugatti Chiron. Actually, most of us will never even see one. The closest we'll probably get is stuff like this video. So with that in mind, we bring the first of what will probably be many, many videos. This one comes directly from the floor of the Geneva Motor Show and was obtained by the team at Auto Express after they slipped the Chiron's handlers a few euros (probably). The Bug idles, then raises its spoiler and gives an ever-so-brief bark from its quad-turbocharged W16 engine. It sounds good and menacing, but how does it sound next to its older brother, the Veyron? Well, not surprisingly the two cars sound a lot alike. They use broadly identical 8.0-liter, 16-cylinder engines with four turbochargers, but the new Chiron has nearly 300 horsepower more than the Veyron Super Sport shown in the video below. That makes us think that once we finally see the Chiron in motion, it'll be a much faster, but not necessarily much noisier, Veyron. Check out the Chiron giving a bark at the top of the page, and then scroll down to see Shmee150 get a close up with a Veyron Super Sport, for a unofficial comparison of the two noises.

The 500th and final Bugatti Chiron is a tribute to the model's beginnings

It's the end of the road for the Bugatti Chiron. Limited to 500 units globally, the W16-powered coupe entered production in 2016, set a top-speed record, and spawned several models. The final Chiron was built in May 2024, but the French brand will soon unveil what comes next. Bugatti named the final Chiron "L'Ultime," which translates to "the last one" in French. It's a Super Sport model whose livery is inspired by the first Chiron shown to the public when the model was announced at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. It's finished in Atlantic Blue and French Racing Blue, like the show car, but the colors blend into each other; they were separated by hand-polished aluminum trim on the show car displayed in Switzerland. The color split extends to the wheels, and the grille wears a blue Bugatti emblem created specifically for the model. The name of places that helped shape the Chiron's career appear on both sides of the last example built. Paul Ricard is the track in the south of France where Bugatti tested pre-production prototypes, for example. Geneva is where the Chiron was presented to the public, and Ehra-Lessien is the German test track where the Chiron became the first car to cross the 300-mph barrier. It reached precisely 304.773 mph. 2024 Bugatti Chiron l'Ultime View 22 Photos More subtle design details further identify L'Ultime as the final Chiron built. The center caps feature "500/500" logos while "#500" appears ahead of both wheel arches — that's number 500, not hashtag 500. Bugatti notes that this livery was created at the request of a customer. Inside, there's Deep Blue leather upholstery and carbon fiber trim. The "#500" logo appears on the center console, while the seats and the steering wheel get blue, white, and red stitching as a tribute to the French flag. Bugatti's historic home is in Molsheim, in northern France. There's no word on where the final Chiron is off to. It might end up tucked away in a private museum, or you might spot it at the next cars and coffee gathering. As for what's next, we won't have to wait long to find out. The company, which is controlled by Croatia-based Rimac, confirmed that the Chiron's successor will ditch the W16 engine that also powered the Veyron and instead use a new V16 engine designed in-house. The 16-cylinder will work jointly with some kind of hybrid drivetrain, though full technical details haven't been released yet.