This is our best look yet at Bugatti’s future with a hybrid V16 powertrain
- A camouflaged prototype of Bugatti’s upcoming hypercar has been spotted, offering the first real look at the Chiron’s successor.
- The hypercar features a familiar design and combines elements of various Bugatti models in a slimmer and sexier body.
- Bugatti has confirmed that the new model will be powered by an all-new, hybrid-assisted V16 engine.
Bugatti is working on a new production hypercar that will continue the over-the-top legacy of the Veyron and Chiron. While little is known about its design, the very first camouflaged prototype was photographed outdoors, giving us the best look yet at the hybrid V16-powered beast.
Previously, Bugatti released a brief preview of the new V16 engine that will power it, while Mate Rimac unveiled the model under a veil.
More: Mate Rimac gives the first glimpse of the new Bugatti V16 hypercar
The first photo of the camouflaged prototype being loaded into a panel van was shared on the German Autoforum and was allegedly taken by someone working for Rimac. However, this image was quickly removed from the forum for unknown reasons. Luckily, an even more revealing shot has been released by Top Gear, leading us to believe that Bugatti could be following suit with official teasers.
The still unknown Bugatti is instantly recognizable thanks to the familiar proportions and large C-shaped line along its profile. Upon closer inspection, there are some notable differences to the Chiron, particularly in the greenhouse design and the more dramatic fender shaping. Large air intakes dominate the sharper front fascia, which is expected to retain the brand’s signature horseshoe grille.
This is your first look at Bugatti’s V16-powered successor to the Chiron. We have a spy photo of Bugatti’s next hypercar and it looks… colorful → https://t.co/swGT4wu3St pic.twitter.com/RMmfcJkp6c
— Top Gear (@BBC_TopGear) April 26, 2024
The new Bugatti hypercar still features a generously sized active rear spoiler, which only extends when additional downforce is required and probably also serves as an air brake. This wing is accompanied by a massive diffuser that integrates a series of tailpipes. The slim LED taillights are similar to those of the one-off Bugatti La Voiture Noire and give off a bit of McLaren P1 vibes. Finally, the aerodynamically optimized rear deck is similar to that of the Chiron Super Sports and leaves little space for the rear window.
A few weeks ago, Mate Rimac, the CEO of Bugatti Rimac, gave us a glimpse of the hypercar hidden under a veil in an Instagram story. This teaser revealed the model’s slim LED headlights, which appeared to be an evolution of those on the Chiron.
The development of the Chiron successor was announced over two years ago, along with confirmation that the model would retain its internal combustion engine (ICE). Earlier this year, Bugatti officially confirmed that the hypercar will ditch the old W16 engine in favor of an all-new V16 unit with some form of electrification. While there is no official performance figure information, the electrified model will likely outperform its predecessor and deliver well over 1,600 horsepower.
The loyal Bugatti customers have already seen the new model, but the rest of the world will have to wait until the official debut. Top Gear expects this to happen in June, although we wouldn’t be surprised if Bugatti started sharing teasers about the new hypercar much sooner.