Last month, Bugatti CEO Stephan Winkelmann said the brand could benefit from a second model, but he didn't provide many clues as to how the range would expand. Now, he reveals Bugatti is considering an SUV, as well as hybrid cars.
0:00 / 0:00
"The brand is ready for more," Winkelmann said at the Paris Motor Show, reportsAutomotive News Europe. "The W-16 engine is at the core of the brand today, but it won't remain the heart forever."
The newBugatti Divo, and the Chiron on which it's based, pack a 8.0-liter quad-turbo W-16 with 1,479 hp. But Winkelmann says the brand may add new engine and chassis variants. He said a hybrid engine "could be part of the future—you have consider social acceptance in terms of emissions."
If Bugatti approved an SUV, it would join the ranks of Ferrari, Lotus, Maserati, Rolls-Royce, Aston Martin, and fellow VWGroup brandsLamborghini and Bentley. McLaren is one of the few exotic brands that hasn't jumped on board with the idea, although it will eventually build an electric supercar.
As we previously reported, a few key things must fall into place before Bugatti adds a second vehicle. The expansion will depend on Volkswagen Group sparing the investment amid its recent focus on autonomous tech and electric vehicles.
"We need to come up with a convincing pitch to our shareholders that justifies the related investment," Winkelmann confirmed at the Paris Motor Show.
Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription required)
When I tell people I write about cars, the most common reply I receive is “Really?” I guess I never strike people as a car type as I drive down the freeway in the right lane going 60 mph in my old SUV. My gripes about driving in city traffic and fast drivers don’t help my case, either. For a time, the only cars I liked were old cars. Not old as in "classic" or "vintage," but as in well-worn. My first appreciation of cars came when I drove a very old Ford pickup. It wasn't perfect: I used a booster seat to reach the gas pedal, and the turn signal once fell off in my hand as I was learning to drive. But the thing I valued most was the memories. It took several years for me to truly become a "car person." Being a long-time writer and an avid reader has helped me develop a healthy curiosity and a desire to know how things work. This has made cars one of the most fascinating points of study for me because they are such intricate machines. I am interested in how cars can reach 200 mph, how they can run on hydrogen, and how they can drive and park on their own. I also enjoy learning how cars can solve problems whether it be in the form of reducing pollution, minimizing traffic, or helping people stay connected on the road. Yes, maybe I’m not a gearhead. Perhaps I’m a car nerd. Either way, I very much enjoy writing about cars and helping people stay in tune with the automotive industry. I wouldn't want to be writing about anything else. And don’t get me wrong: I know how to drool over a hot car. I am fascinated by the Tesla Model S, awed by the Lamborghini Veneno, and am hopelessly obsessed with the Audi R8.
Read More
