This is our best look yet to the future of Bugatti, coming with a hybrid V16 powertrain
- A camouflaged prototype of Bugatti’s upcoming hypercar has been spotted, offering the first real glimpse of the Chiron’s successor.
- The hypercar boasts a familiar design, combining elements from various Bugatti models in a slimmer and sexier body.
- Bugatti has confirmed that the new model will be powered by a brand-new, hybrid-assisted V16 engine.
Bugatti is working on a new series-production hypercar set to continue the over-the-top legacy of the Veyron and the Chiron. While little is known about its styling, the very first camouflaged prototype was photographed out in the open, giving us the best look yet at the hybrid V16-powered beast.
Previously, Bugatti had released a soundbite of the new V16 engine that will power it, while Mate Rimac had teased the model under a veil.
More: Mate Rimac Gives First Glimpse Of New Bugatti V16 Hypercar
The first photo of the camouflaged prototype being loaded into a box truck was shared on the German Car Forum, reportedly taken by someone working for Rimac. However, that image was quickly taken down from the forum for unknown reasons. Fortunately, an even more revealing shot was published by Top Gear, leading us to believe that Bugatti might follow up with official teasers.
The yet-to-be-named Bugatti is instantly recognizable, thanks to the familiar proportions and the large C-shaped line along its profile. A closer look reveals some notable differences from the Chiron, particularly in the greenhouse design and the more dramatic sculpting of the fenders. Large air intakes dominate the sharper front end, which is expected to retain the brand’s signature horseshoe grille.
This is your first look at Bugatti’s V16-engined successor to the Chiron. We’ve got hold of a spy shot of Bugatti’s next hypercar, and it looks… colourful → https://t.co/swGT4wu3St pic.twitter.com/RMmfcJkp6c
— Top Gear (@BBC_TopGear) April 26, 2024
The new Bugatti hypercar retains a generously-sized active rear spoiler that deploys only when extra downforce is needed, likely doubling as an air brake. This wing is accompanied by a massive diffuser, integrating a set of tailpipes. The slim LED taillights resemble those of the Bugatti La Voiture Noire one-off, giving off some McLaren P1 vibes. Finally, the aerodynamically-optimized rear deck bears resemblance to that of the Chiron Super Sports, leaving little room for the rear glass.
A couple of weeks ago, Mate Rimac, the CEO of Bugatti Rimac, gave us a glimpse of the hypercar hiding under a veil in an Instagram story. This teaser revealed the slim LED headlights of the model, which appeared to be an evolution of those found in the Chiron.
The development of the Chiron’s successor was announced over two years ago, along with confirmation that the model would retain its internal combustion engine (ICE) powerplant. Earlier this year, Bugatti officially confirmed that the hypercar will ditch the old W16 engine in favor of a brand new V16 unit with some form of electrification. While there’s no word on official power output figures, the electrified setup will likely surpass its predecessor delivering well over 1,600 hp.
Bugatti’s loyal customers have already seen the new model, but the rest of the world has to wait until the official debut. Top Gear suggests that this will happen in June, although we wouldn’t be surprised if Bugatti starts sharing teasers about the new hypercar a lot sooner.