Bugatti's Next Move: Ultra-Exclusive V16 GT Car Set to Rival Rolls-Royce

Known for pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering, Bugatti has unveiled its new hypercar, the Tourbillon, featuring an electrified V16 engine that churns out an astonishing 1,775 horsepower. As remarkable as this powertrain is, the Molsheim-based automaker isn't stopping there. The buzz now surrounds a potential new model - a front-engined ultra-luxury GT car that could bring the grandeur of the classic Type 57 SC Atlantic back to life. This isn't just another hypercar in the pipeline; it's a luxurious grand tourer that could redefine high-powered elegance.

Bugatti's design maestro Frank Heyl dropped hints to Autocar, suggesting a modern-day reimagining of the Type 57 SC Atlantic could be a real possibility. 'Certainly. I mean, look at the Type 57 SC Atlantic: it's front-engined. So maybe later, but for now, we are super-happy that we went this way,' said Heyl. The Type 57 Atlantic stands as one of the most exclusive and esteemed classic cars globally, often fetching astronomical sums at auctions.

An Elegant Bugatti Grand Tourer Would Be Perfect

Bugatti has masterfully built refined mid-engined supercars like the Tourbillon and its predecessors, which are not just blisteringly fast but also supremely luxurious. Transitioning to a V16 grand tourer makes perfect sense for a brand that effortlessly combines speed and sophistication. Reviving the exquisite Type 57 SC for the modern era would give Bugatti a worthy contender to go head-to-head with the majestic models from Rolls-Royce.

Of course, Bugatti's ambitions don’t stop at just one model. They're considering the V16 engine and chassis as a foundation for bespoke, one-off coachbuilt creations. 'We started, with Bolide, bringing coachbuilding back by using a drivetrain or rolling chassis and dressing it up in a different design,' said Heyl. Adapting to a front-engine configuration might come at a higher cost, but for Bugatti's elite customers, cost is just a number.

Bugatti Wants to Build More Exclusive One-Off Cars

Heyl also confirmed that Bugatti wants to cultivate a couture-like service in the automotive world, crafting unique, one-of-a-kind vehicles. 'The Centodieci and La Voiture Noire were steps in this direction. This is an interesting aspect and it's a growing market, especially given the kind of customer Bugatti serves—ultimate individuality matters a lot to them.'

Could Bugatti further innovate by shuffling engine layouts? When asked about this possibility, Emilio Scervo, Bugatti's CTO, was non-committal but open to the idea: 'We can shuffle bits around,' he said, hinting at potential mechanical reconfigurations. The Type 57 SC had its engine mounted behind the front axle, making it a front-mid-engined car with a sleek, sporty profile. Bugatti Rimac Group CEO Mate Rimac has shown interest in keeping ICE powertrains as part of Bugatti's future, making it likely that the new V16 will power various future models.

Not the First Time Bugatti Has Considered a Front-Engined GT

This isn't Bugatti's first foray into front-engined GT territory. Over the years, they've explored several concepts, including:

• Bugatti EB112: A concept for a front-engined luxury sedan that unfortunately never reached full production.
• Bugatti EB 218: Another front-engined concept, this one with a powerful W18 engine, also did not proceed to production.
• Bugatti 16C Galibier: A near-production luxury GT that had the Veyron’s W16 engine but ultimately was shelved.
• Bugatti Rembrandt: A design-cut due to the Dieselgate scandal, this front-engined mega-GT could have been a game-changer.

Maybe the fifth time’s the charm for Bugatti. With new technology and a proven engine, the next front-engined GT from Bugatti could very well redefine the luxury grand tourer segment.

Source: Autocar