CEO Stephan Winkelmann hinted that the new car will be for more than just weekend driving.
If Bugatti CEO Stephan Winkelmann has his way, driving a Bugatti will no longer be reserved for weekends and special occasions. The French automaker recently hinted at the possibility of expanding its lineup with another vehicle—something practical and sustainable.
“If we speak about a second model as Bugatti,” Winkelmann recently told Autocar. “I am convinced we don’t have to do a car which is only for weekends. This is a car to be used on a daily basis. It has to have a different shape [to the Chiron] and have a different mission.”
This comes as a surprise to fans of what has become known as the hypercar manufacturer, but no more surprising than the speculation that began circulating last fall; that Bugatti will be offering a more affordable, electric for-seater.
“If we do something outside of the hyper sports car business, there will be a car that is not in the direction of the W16,” Winkelmann added. “In my opinion, electrification would be the right approach.”
It seems as though Bugatti is gearing up to pivot in a whole new direction with its speculated second vehicle; although however practical or sustainable it may be, the brand’s slightly more affordable offering will still run customers a cool US$1.1 million and include a very limited number of the innovative vehicles (in the low thousands worldwide).
“We have to look back in history because when Ettore Bugatti did the car, he did every possible bodystyle, engine, price segment,” Winkelmann said. “He did a lot more than what you see today and I think roots are important.”
