Bugatti is currently in the advanced on-road testing phase of its new Bugatti Tourbillon, which features a V16 hybrid drivetrain. The success of this model has the company considering other vehicles that could benefit from the same drivetrain. One possible option is a revival of the iconic Type 57 SC Atlantic. Bugatti’s design chief, Frank Heyl, mentioned that the engine could be moved to accommodate different silhouettes, citing the Type 57 SC Atlantic as an example. This suggests that Bugatti is open to exploring different designs and models in the future.
Bugatti’s Sur Mesure bespoke division is also expanding its scope, potentially creating separate model lines for limited-run or one-off creations. Heyl mentioned that Bugatti started with the Bollide, using a drivetrain or rolling chassis and giving it a different design. They continued to change with the Centodieci and created La Voiture Noire as a one-off car. The goal is to develop the brand into a Couture, offering unique and individualized vehicles. Bugatti sees this as an interesting and growing market, catering to customers who value ultimate individuality.
The Type 57 SC Atlantic had a distinctive ground-hugging silhouette, achieved by mounting the engine behind and underneath the front axle. This reduced the height of the bonnet and made it the world’s first front-mid-engined car. Autocar asked if it would be technically possible to achieve a similar design with the new V16 engine. Bugatti’s chief technical officer, Emilio Scervo, cryptically responded, “We can shuffle bits around,” leaving room for speculation on the potential design possibilities.
Bugatti’s CEO, Mate Rimac, believes that combustion engines will continue to play a role in Bugatti’s long-term future. The low volumes and mileages of Bugatti cars make the need for electrification less urgent. This suggests that the V16 hybrid powertrain in the Tourbillon is likely to be used in other Bugatti models. Rimac did not provide details on what these models might look like but hinted at the potential for diversification. He emphasized the importance of launching the Tourbillon as Bugatti’s hypercar first, with other models to follow.
Rimac also mentioned that Bugatti has not always been limited to sports cars, indicating that there may be opportunities for the brand to explore different vehicle segments. While he did not provide specific launch timings for potential future models, Rimac referred to the Tourbillon as the “very first step” of Bugatti’s new era. This suggests that Bugatti is taking a deliberate and strategic approach to its future lineup.
In the past, Bugatti considered a front-engined 16-cylinder GT with the Galibier concept in 2009. This concept was a four-door sibling to the Veyron, with the engine located at the front. This shows that Bugatti has contemplated different engine placements and designs in the past.
Overall, Bugatti’s exploration of different models and designs, along with its commitment to individuality and bespoke creations, indicates an exciting future for the brand. The revival of the Type 57 SC Atlantic and the potential for diverse model lines demonstrate Bugatti’s willingness to push boundaries and cater to the desires of its discerning customers. With the Tourbillon as the first step, Bugatti enthusiasts can look forward to more innovative and unique vehicles in the future.
