Bugatti has announced that production of the Bugatti Chiron has come to an end, just a month before its successor is set to be revealed. The final model of the Chiron, called the Super Sport L’Ultime, is a special edition limited to 500 hand-built examples. It features a bespoke exterior paint and commemorative badging. This final model also marks the end of Bugatti’s famous W16 engine, which will be replaced in the Chiron’s successor by a 1000bhp hybridized naturally aspirated V16.
Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac recently revealed some details about the new engine in an interview. He mentioned that the engine will be one meter long, which is 400mm longer than the four-bank unit from the Chiron. Despite the larger size and the integration of a substantial electric drivetrain element, Rimac suggested that the new car will have a similar shape to its predecessor. He emphasized that the exterior will be an evolution of Bugatti’s distinct design.
Rimac also shared insights into the decision-making process behind the new powertrain. He revealed that there were discussions about making an electric coupé-SUV as the next Bugatti, but he believed it was important to maintain differentiation between Bugatti and his own company, Rimac. He argued that creating an electric version of Rimac’s Nevera and calling it a Bugatti would be wrong for the brand. Rimac also acknowledged that demand for electric hypercars has declined in recent years.
In terms of performance, Rimac hinted that the new Bugatti will have comfortably more than 1000bhp. Given the size of the engine and the introduction of a hybrid element, it is expected to exceed the maximum power output of the W16 engine in the Chiron, which is 1587bhp. This new engine will make the new Bugatti the first production car in decades to use such a powertrain.
Bugatti has described the hybrid powertrain as “incomparable in every detail” and a pure embodiment of Bugatti’s DNA. The company has not revealed specific technical details about the engine, but reports suggest it has an 8.3-liter capacity and has been developed by Cosworth.
The design of the new Bugatti has already been signed off, and it is said to bring the brand into a new era while retaining signature cues such as the horseshoe grille and crescent-shaped belt line. The new car is expected to be even more amazing than the Chiron, with innovations and unexpected features that will impress car enthusiasts.
It is not yet confirmed whether the hybrid drivetrain will allow for engine-off running or if the two propulsion systems will work in tandem for maximum power output. More details about the new Bugatti, including its performance figures and technical specifications, will be revealed when the car is officially unveiled.
