Bugatti's Bold Bet: Why They're Sticking With Combustion Engines Beyond 2035
In a world where the shift towards electric vehicles seems inevitable, Bugatti is making a stand. At the FT Future of the Car Summit in London, Bugatti CEO Matt Rimac unveiled audacious plans for the future of the brand, defying industry trends and regulations. Despite looming penalties and potential bans, Bugatti will continue to manufacture internal combustion engine (ICE) cars even after 2035.
Rimac's explanation wasn't just defiance for the sake of it. He suggested that Bugatti might even go as far as to build Bugatti-branded gas stations at the homes of their customers.
"I don’t see any reason not to make them beyond 2035," Rimac said. “We have developed a completely new engine and we want to use that engine for a while."
Rimac addressed potential future bans on ICE vehicles directly, stating, “I read the regulations and I don’t see a reason why it would be impossible – the headlines say combustion-engined cars will be banned from 2035, but you read the fine print and it doesn’t say that anywhere – you can still build them, but there might be some penalties." What's clear is that Bugatti doesn't just believe in combustion engines; they trust in the loyalty and power of their market.
The sentiment reflects in Bugatti's broader strategy. Rimac even has a contingency plan for when conventional gas stations may start to disappear.
“You could even make some beautiful Bugatti fuel stations for the homes of owners, using synthetic fuels,”he stated. With the rise of home EV chargers and mobile filling services, his idea seems more practical than fanciful.
The excitement around Bugatti's future isn't limited to their fueling strategies. Rimac also hinted at a new era of quality for the brand's next generation of hypercars, starting with the Chiron's replacement.
"Even if some watches don’t have a transparent cover on the back, you know when you take them apart, that everything’s beautiful because people care about it,"he said, drawing a parallel to Bugatti’s attention to detail. The upcoming vehicle will reportedly share no parts with the outgoing model or the Rimac Nevera, promising an entirely new level of precision and craftsmanship.
Such focus on quality, even in unseen areas, shows Bugatti’s commitment to excellence. Rimac envisions every small part of their vehicles being at the absolute highest level, reflecting the thoroughness and care that define luxury.
Adding to the buzz, a supposedly leaked image of the vehicle's gauge cluster suggests significant design innovations. While the anticipation builds, enthusiasts won't have to wait long to see if the new Bugatti lives up to its dramatic promises.
In an era of rapid electrification, Bugatti's unwavering commitment to combustion engines marks a fascinating chapter in automotive history. Whether you see it as a stubborn insistence on tradition or a bold bet on the enduring appeal of ICE cars, one thing is certain: Bugatti continues to defy convention and exceed expectations.