Bugatti Considers V16 Hypercar with True Manual Transmission
Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac has indicated the company is considering a V16 hypercar with a "true manual" transmission. This would offer drivers a more traditional and engaging driving experience.
Automaker Bugatti is contemplating the development of a V16 hypercar equipped with a traditional manual transmission, according to CEO Mate Rimac. The executive expressed his personal desire to offer customers a fully mechanical connection to the powertrain.
Rimac's comments about a "V16 engine car with a true manual gearbox" suggest an intention to pair extreme performance with classic driver engagement. This approach would differ from current offerings that often rely on automated systems or simulated manual functions within dual-clutch transmissions.
The Bugatti Tourbillon, unveiled earlier this year as the successor to the Chiron, is a potential candidate for such a transmission. The hypercar features an 8.3-liter V16 engine supplemented by electric motors, producing 1800 horsepower. While the current configuration is automatic, Rimac's remarks open the possibility for a mechanically actuated gearbox in future iterations.
Bugatti last produced a manual transmission hypercar with the EB110 in the 1990s. Those manual versions are now highly sought-after collector's items. A return to a manual gearbox would represent a significant departure from the industry trend towards automated systems in the high-performance segment.