Bugatti Doesn’t Rule Out A Manual Transmission Tourbillon

Bugatti has spent the last 20 years defining extreme hypercars, blending record-breaking speeds with luxury in models from the Veyron to the Tourbillon.

The French hypercar maker is entering a new era of creative freedom following its full acquisition by the Rimac Group. CEO Mate Rimac recently shared plans to focus on bolder projects, including potential manual transmissions for the Tourbillon and a return to lightweight, “back-to-basics” designs inspired by the iconic Type 35.

Operating independently from VW, Bugatti now has the freedom to pursue bolder projects. CEO Mate Rimac confirmed the technical possibility of a manual transmission for the Tourbillon, which could cut 600 lbs and offer a pure 986-hp, 16-cylinder experience. While not yet in production, the concept highlights Bugatti’s shift toward more engaging, less restricted engineering.

While the Tourbillon is a masterpiece of engineering, CEO Mate Rimac is now looking toward Bugatti’s roots. Emphasizing a need for “lightweight and simplification”, Rimac envisions future models inspired by the iconic Type 35. Moving away from the “sledgehammer” hypercars of the last 20 years, a manual-transmission, lightweight speedster could offer a purer, more engaging driving experience that complements the brand’s high-performance legacy.

Again, he didn’t delve deeper into that idea; it would certainly be an interesting concept. A lightweight, eight-cylinder, open-top speedster with a manual and zero electrification would be the perfect contrast and complement to what Bugatti has been building for over 20 years.