Volkswagen Group initially intended for the successor to the Bugatti Chiron to be a fully electric vehicle. However, Mate Rimac, who took control of Bugatti alongside Porsche in 2021, advocated for a clean-sheet design featuring a naturally aspirated V16 engine integrated into a hybrid system.
Rimac's decision was influenced by the market performance of the Rimac Nevera. Despite its 1,914-horsepower output, only 71 units of the Nevera have been sold out of a planned production run of 150. Rimac concluded that demand for ultra-expensive electric hypercars was too limited.
The resulting Bugatti Tourbillon utilizes a V16 plug-in hybrid powertrain developed with Cosworth. The strategy proved successful, as all 250 planned units of the Tourbillon have already been sold. Rimac developed this vehicle without direct involvement from Volkswagen or Porsche.
Porsche concluded its involvement with the company by selling its stakes in Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group in early September. Mate Rimac stated that the company has a product portfolio planned for the next 10 years, maintaining independence in its future development.
