Bugatti could be preparing for a new era of performance cars, with CEO Mate Rimac signaling plans for more ambitious projects, simpler designs and potentially new approaches to power and driving engagement. Now independent from major automakers, the French luxury brand has greater freedom to explore ideas that could reshape its lineup, including the possibility of a manual-transmission Tourbillon and a lightweight sports car inspired by its racing heritage.

Bugatti Has More Freedom to Explore New Ideas

Although Bugatti’s history spans more than a century, the brand has become known over the past 20 years for producing some of the world’s most extreme hypercars. From the Veyron to the Tourbillon, its vehicles have combined speeds exceeding 250 mph with luxury and the ability to deliver a more comfortable driving experience at lower speeds.

More recently, the automaker has expanded its work on exclusive, one-off vehicles created for wealthy clients. Recent examples include the Brouillard, which has been delivered to its owner, the Destrier and the F.K.P Hommage. Bugatti has also begun exploring additional ideas and options for the Tourbillon.

Rimac, Bugatti’s current CEO, believes the company can now pursue even more ambitious projects. The Rimac Group acquired the brand in its entirety from the Volkswagen Auto Group, with Porsche selling its remaining stake just a few months ago.

In a recent interview, Rimac discussed his vision for Bugatti’s future, including the possibility of simpler cars alongside vehicles delivering substantial power.

“Now with the freedom, having the company independent from any car manufacturer, we can really think long-term and do bold things. And we will do lots of cool stuff,” Rimac said.

Could Bugatti Build a Manual-Transmission Tourbillon?

Bugatti’s independence could give the automaker more flexibility to pursue projects that might be difficult to develop within a larger corporate structure. When asked whether a manual transmission could be used in the Tourbillon, Rimac responded directly: “Absolutely. You bet.”

His comments do not confirm that a manual-transmission Tourbillon is in development. Instead, they indicate that Bugatti believes it has the ability to pursue such a project if it chooses to do so.

A version without the car’s electrification components would also be significantly lighter, potentially shedding about 600 pounds. The proposed configuration would combine 986 horsepower, 16 cylinders and three pedals, creating a substantially different driving experience from the existing concept.

Rimac did not provide further details about the idea. However, Bugatti’s new independent status could give it more flexibility as it considers future performance cars, including alternatives to the electrification strategies adopted by many automakers in response to strict emissions rules and regulations.

Mate Rimac Wants Bugatti to Return to Simpler Designs

While the Tourbillon represents a major engineering achievement, Rimac is also considering how Bugatti could simplify its vehicles and reduce weight in future models. He described the Tourbillon as a logical successor to the Chiron but suggested that the company’s next steps could involve a different approach.

“I think the Tourbillon as it is now made a lot of sense as a successor to the Chiron. It’s an incredible car. But I wonder myself, what’s next for Bugatti and what would be interesting to do? And I think light weight and simplification of stuff,” Rimac said.

That vision does not mean Bugatti plans to abandon its luxury hypercars. Instead, Rimac wants to explore additional types of vehicles that could complement the brand’s existing lineup of luxurious, high-speed machines.

Bugatti Could Draw Inspiration From the Type 35

One potential direction involves creating a car inspired by the Type 35, one of the most successful race cars of all time. Rather than focusing exclusively on extreme power and top speed, Rimac is interested in exploring a vehicle that emphasizes lightweight construction, simplicity and a more engaging driving experience.

“Instead of a sledgehammer as Bugattis were the last 20 years, could you do something that’s also more engaging, more back to the roots, more Type 35? There’s so many ideas,” Rimac said.

He did not provide further details about what such a vehicle might look like or when it could arrive. A lightweight, open-top speedster with a V8 engine, a manual transmission and no electrification would offer a clear contrast to the hypercars Bugatti has produced over the past two decades.

What Bugatti’s Future Could Look Like

Bugatti’s next chapter could include both its established luxury hypercars and new vehicles built around simpler engineering and greater driver involvement. Rimac’s comments point to a willingness to explore different configurations, from a potential manual Tourbillon to a sports car inspired by the Type 35.

Neither concept has been confirmed as a production model, but the company’s independence has opened the door to a broader range of possibilities as Bugatti considers its long-term future.