Plug-in hybrids feature larger battery packs than self-charging hybrids. The compact-sized Escape PHEV, for example, boasts 14.4 kilowatt hours. Over at Mercedes, the S 580 e 4MATIC is equipped with a high-voltage battery rated at 28.6 kWh.
Mate Rimac has recently confirmed that Bugatti's next-gen hypercar is a plug-in hybrid as well. Its high-voltage battery promises 25 kilowatt hours or thereabout, with said energy going to three electric motors. In a similar fashion to the V12-powered Revuelto and the lesser SF90, one motor is located in the rear, and the other drive the front wheels.
The big kahuna at Bugatti Rimac further confirmed usable all-electric range, but who is he kidding? Not even a single customer buys the yet-unnamed successor of the Chiron for zero-emission range, but rather its badge and that fabulous V16 mill.
To debut on June 20, the plug-in hybrid thriller is built around a carbon-fiber tub à la Rimac's quad-motor Nevera. The Croatian hypercar may be a hoot in many respects, but on the other hand, the lack of internal combustion hinders its appeal.
Mate says that a naturally aspirated V16 is the perfect choice for the newcomer because of its uniqueness and emotional aspect. A high-revving lump that's believed to displace 8.3 liters compared to 8.0 for the quad-turbo W16 of the Chiron, said engine was allegedly developed with input from Cosworth. Almost 40 inches long, the V16 is reportedly good for 1,000 ponies on its own.
Photo: Bugatti
Add those electric drive units to the mix for something like 1,800 horses at full chatter, which – as you're well aware – is more than any Chiron ever produced. With a bit of luck, this fellow could trump the Bolide's original rating of 1,825 horsepower. The final version of the Chiron-based track car develops 1,578 horsepower, therefore matching the max output of the Super Sport.
Mate Rimac made it clear that Bugatti's new V16 wouldn't mean anything without hybrid assistance, and he does have a point. 1,000-odd ponies for a hypercar in this day and age is a bit underwhelming, for the Revuelto produces 1,001 horsepower. Despite colossal pressure to consider an electric-only powertrain, Rimac and his crew eventually convinced the Herbert Diess-era Volkswagen Group to agree on a plug-in hybrid setup. Not as a compromise between two extremes, but rather as the natural step forward from the mighty W16 masterminded by the one and only Ferdinand Piech.
Showcased to customers in March 2024, the new kid on the block retains the C-shaped profile element of its forerunner. The pronounced front and rear fenders also hark back to the Chiron and Veyron, whereas the rear end is more Nevera than Chiron or Veyron. Expected to spin all the way to 9,000 revolutions per minute, Bugatti's new V16 will be mated to a dual-clutch box at the company's Molsheim facility.
Hearsay suggests that only 250 units are in the offing, with production to start in 2026. Top speed? As per information obtained by Auto Motor und Sport, make that 445 kilometers per hour (277 miles per hour).
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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