MATE RIMAC HINTS AT MANUAL V16 BUGATTI AFTER REVEALING VW WANTED AN ELECTRIC FUTURE
2026-10-28By Elise Hartley
- Bugatti boss Mate Rimac is considering a manual V16 supercar
- Volkswagen originally wanted the Chiron’s successor to be fully electric
- A lighter, more driver-focused Bugatti could be on the horizon
Bugatti could be preparing for a surprising change of direction, with CEO Mate Rimac expressing interest in a lightweight, manual V16 hypercar. The comments come as Rimac reveals how he pushed back against Volkswagen’s original plans for an all-electric Bugatti.
A MANUAL V16 BUGATTI? Speaking to Top Gear, Rimac suggested that Bugatti could develop a more engaging, lightweight model based on the Tourbillon platform. When asked whether a proper manual gearbox was a possibility, his response was simple: “Absolutely. You bet.”
The current Tourbillon features an 8.3L naturally aspirated V16 paired with three electric motors, producing around 1,775bhp. However, Rimac is interested in exploring a simpler approach, potentially removing some hybrid components and introducing a traditional manual transmission.
Such a car could offer a completely different experience from Bugatti's recent record-breaking hypercars, prioritising driver involvement over outright performance.
NO TO ELECTRIC Interestingly, Rimac also revealed that Volkswagen and Porsche originally pushed for the Chiron's successor to be fully electric. When discussions began over Bugatti's future, Volkswagen favoured an electric hypercar, potentially using technology already developed for the Rimac Nevera.
However, Rimac strongly opposed the idea, believing Bugatti needed to retain its own identity rather than become another electric performance brand. His decision ultimately led to the creation of the V16-powered Tourbillon, combining a traditional combustion engine with modern hybrid technology.
A NEW ERA With Bugatti now independent of Volkswagen and Porsche, Rimac has greater freedom to explore new ideas. He has expressed interest in returning to Bugatti's roots, taking inspiration from iconic lightweight models such as the Type 35 rather than simply chasing ever-higher horsepower figures.
Although a manual V16 Bugatti remains unconfirmed, Rimac's enthusiasm suggests that the brand's future could be just as focused on driving enjoyment as it is on extraordinary performance.
