Updated: June 6th, 2024.
Bugatti, renowned for its hypercars and iconic 16-litre W16 engine first introduced in the Veyron, has made headlines with its decision to retire this beast of an engine. Text: Luca W. © Images, Video: Bugatti ©
Since its debut with 1001 HP in the Veyron, to its latest iteration in the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport boasting over 1570 HP, the W16 engine has been synonymous with unrivalled performance and remarkable engineering achievements.
Bugatti’s hybrid powertrain announcement
Bugatti is now taking a significant step towards electrification with its latest powertrain announcement. The company plans to integrate a petrol V16 engine with hybrid technology, marking a pivotal shift in its approach to propulsion technology. Leveraging the electric expertise and cutting-edge technology of Rimac Automobili, which recently assumed control of Bugatti1, the brand is poised to embrace electrification, partly.
With Rimac at the helm and Bugatti’s headquarters expansion to accommodate electrification, the stage is set for a new era for the French hypercar maker.
Mate Rimac adds more details of the Bugatti V16 engine
According to Auto Motor und Sport2, Bugatti V16 engine specs will be a naturally aspirated, 1000 HP, 8.3-litre, 90-degree V16, with a rev limit of 9,000 RPM. The hybrid component will comprise two motors on the front axle and one in the gearbox, transforming the next Bugatti hypercar into an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Each electrical machine is anticipated to deliver 250 kW (335 HP), culminating in a remarkable power output of 1,800 HP.
This configuration could propel the next Bugatti hypercar to a staggering top speed of 445 kph and achieve the 0-300 kph sprint in under 10 seconds. Additionally, it is projected to offer an electric driving range of 60 kilometres, courtesy of the 24.8 kWh battery.
It’s evident that Bugatti remains committed to the legacy of its 19-year-old W16, albeit in a new and electrified form. This transition signals a bold move towards sustainability and future-forward automotive engineering, echoing Bugatti’s pursuit of excellence and innovation.
- Rimac Newsroom, “RIMAC AUTOMOBILI AND BUGATTI BEGIN OPERATING UNDER NEW COMPANY: BUGATTI RIMAC”, Rimac Automobili, https://www.rimac-newsroom.com/press-releases/rimac-automobili/rimac-automobili-and-bugatti-begin-operating-under-new-company-bugatti-rimac (accessed February 29, 2024) ↩︎
- Auto Motor und Sport, “Kreischende 1.800 PS, gut für 445 km/h”, Auto Motor und Sport, https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/neuheiten/bugatti-chiron-nachfolger-verbrennungsmotor-mate-rimac/ (accessed March 08, 2024) ↩︎
