Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac explains why the word hybrid was taboo in a new documentary series about the V16 Tourbillon.
An unexpected rescue for the combustion engine
Rumors about the end of the combustion engine are greatly exaggerated. But who would have thought that its savior would be a man known for developing fully electric hypercars in Croatia? Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti, is not here to save the combustion engine, but to preserve the Bugatti brand from becoming something it is not: a commodity.
Under his leadership, the Bugatti Tourbillon was revealed this week and, unsurprisingly, exceeds the limits of what one would expect from the Chiron's successor. The Tourbillon produces an impressive 1,800 horsepower thanks to the combination of an all-new naturally aspirated V16 engine and a hybrid system consisting of three motors and a 25 kWh battery. Of course, it's a hybrid, but a hybrid hypercar. Fuel economy isn't really its domain. Fun, speed and ferocity are more his watchwords.
The challenge of electrification
Many thought the next Bugatti would be electric. In a new documentary series produced by Bugatti, Rimac readily admits this. As a true car enthusiast, however, he knew that this was not the way forward for the brand. At least, not yet. In the first episode of the series, he explains that going electric would have been easy—just “taking the Rimac Nevera and making it a Bugatti.” This also felt like cheating, and who cheats with their own work?
“But Bugatti is not about doing what is easy, it is not the easy way out,” Rimac clarifies. “It’s about doing the hard things and doing the right things. I felt the right thing to do was to have a combustion engine. And it has to be as emotional as possible, and for me that means an atmospheric engine. »
Rimac's journey
Like a kid at a science fair, Rimac presented his idea for a high-performance hybrid powertrain using a model car. It must have been a strong report, because former VW CEO Herbert Diess was all for it. Still, Rimac faced a surprising number of skeptics, even after convincing the boss.
“ [Diess] loved it, but there were also a lot of detractors saying the next car has to be electric, or you don't have the experience to develop a hybrid car,” Rimac said. “Or how are you going to develop a car with a combustion engine? You've never done this before. »
Rimac's determination
While there is some truth to these claims, Rimac's response was both self-deprecating and confident. “My answer was, I’ve never done anything before! Everything I've done in the last 15 years, we had no right to do, especially in a country that didn't have an automobile industry. »
Rimac shows know-how and determination by following founder Ettore Bugatti's philosophy that “if it's comparable, it's no longer a Bugatti”. An electric car will come eventually, especially if the ultra-wealthy clientele demands it, but regardless of when and where, it seems Bugatti has chosen the right captain to steer its ship.
Future challenges for Bugatti
The transition to electrification is inevitable for Bugatti, as for the entire automotive industry. However, Rimac's vision for the brand is rooted in respecting its traditions while innovating for the future. The Tourbillon, with its impressive V16 engine and hybrid system, embodies this approach. It shows that even in a world increasingly dominated by electrics, there is still room for spectacular combustion engines.
Bugatti's ability to innovate while respecting its heritage is essential to maintaining its leadership position in the luxury hypercar sector. With Rimac at the helm, the brand appears ready to navigate through the challenges of the future while remaining true to its essence.
An electric Bugatti on the horizon
Although the Tourbillon is a hybrid hypercar, an all-electric Bugatti is certainly in the works. Growing demand for greener vehicles and increasingly strict emissions regulations are pushing even the most exclusive brands to adapt. However, Rimac is determined that this transition takes place without compromising on the performance and emotion that characterize Bugatti cars.
With a visionary leader like Rimac, Bugatti is well positioned to continue offering vehicles that push the boundaries of innovation while meeting the expectations of its demanding customers. The Tourbillon is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the brand, one where tradition and modernity meet to create truly exceptional vehicles.
SRQ Backlot