Bugatti could be preparing to take its next hypercar in a very different direction, with company boss Mate Rimac suggesting that a lighter, more driver-focused version of the Tourbillon could be on the cards.
And perhaps the most interesting part? It could come with a manual gearbox.
The idea follows a major change in Bugatti’s ownership, with Rimac Group and an investor consortium taking full control of the brand. With Porsche and Volkswagen Group no longer involved, Rimac believes the company now has more freedom to experiment with future models.
Speaking to Top Gear, Rimac explained that Bugatti’s independence would allow the company to think further ahead and explore ideas that might previously have been difficult to pursue.
One possibility is a return to the lightweight, engaging sports cars that helped establish Bugatti’s reputation more than a century ago.
The current Bugatti Tourbillon is hardly short of performance. Its naturally aspirated 8.3-litre V16 engine, developed with Cosworth, works alongside three electric motors to produce a combined 1,775bhp.
Power is delivered through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, while a 25kWh battery provides the energy for its hybrid system.
It’s an extraordinary setup, but all that technology adds weight. The Tourbillon tips the scales at approximately 1,995kg, despite Bugatti’s efforts to keep it lighter than its predecessor.
Rimac is now considering whether a simpler approach could deliver a completely different driving experience.
When asked about the possibility of fitting a traditional manual gearbox, his response was enthusiastic.
He also suggested that future Bugattis could take inspiration from the legendary Type 35, a racing car remembered for its lightweight construction and handling.
Rather than chasing ever-higher power figures, the idea would be to create something that feels more involving behind the wheel.
Removing the Tourbillon’s hybrid components could make a considerable difference. Without the electric motors and battery, the naturally aspirated V16 would still produce around 986bhp on its own.
A simplified drivetrain could also reduce weight significantly, potentially by several hundred kilograms, although no official figures have been confirmed.
Of course, building a manual V16 hypercar would come with its own engineering challenges, particularly when dealing with that much power.
For now, this is an idea rather than a confirmed production model. Bugatti hasn’t announced a lightweight Tourbillon or committed to offering a manual gearbox.
However, Rimac has made it clear that the Tourbillon’s platform has more to offer beyond the version already revealed.
A Bugatti with a naturally aspirated V16, less weight and a proper manual gearbox would certainly be a very different proposition from the Chiron and Veyron.
And for drivers who value the experience as much as outright speed, that could be the most interesting Bugatti in years.
