Bugatti-Rimac CEO Mate Rimac revealed new details about the Bugatti Chiron hypercar successor in an interview at the Financial Times Future of the Car conference in London.He emphasized that while maintaining a resemblance in shape to its predecessor, the new model boasts over 1000 horsepower and involves a hybrid system.
Unlike the W16 engine with four turbochargers in the previous model, this new V16 engine extends a significant 400mm, making it 1 meter long.
The decision-making process revealed intriguing insights into Brand strategy and identity considerations within Bugatti-Rimac. Rimac's influence ensured that Bugatti did not shift completely towards electric vehicles, especially during times when electrification was gaining momentum industry-wide. There was a proposal initially to replace Chiron with an electric analog derived from Rimac’s own Nevera; however, differentiation between brands was deemed crucial.
Additionally, market trends have shown a declining demand for electric hypercars with reports of 150 units of Rimac Nevera still unsold upholding Rimac’s argument against going purely electric.
"Management was saying the next car has to be electric," he added, acknowledging that a rebadged and restyled version of the Rimac Nevera would have theoretically made a logical electric replacement for the Chiron. But maintaining differentiation between the two hypercar brands, while honouring the heritage of Bugatti, was essential.
Mate Rimac said: "You could very easily and convincingly make a Bugatti out of [the Nevera] – just make a different design and call it a day – but I thought that was absolutely wrong for the brand.
"Luckily, I won that argument three years ago when electrification was all the rage, which it isn't any more..."
Source: Autocar
