BUGATTI PLOTS ‘EVERYDAY’ SECOND MODEL

HYPERCAR MAKER’S BOSS MAKES THE CASE FOR A MORE PRACTICAL CAR

Afuture electric Bugatti model would move away from the maker’s core business of hypercars and instead offer a more practical vehicle, but still with the performance and ultra-exclusivity for which the brand is famous.

“If we speak about a second model as Bugatti,” said Bugatti CEO Stephan Winkelmann. “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.

“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. In my opinion, electrification would be the right approach.”

A second Bugatti model has long been in contention, and is likely to be either an SUV or a four-door GT, but Winkelmann has repeatedly stated that no decision has yet been made by the Volkswagen Group board.

“For Bugatti, it is a good opportunity and could be a winner. But I also see that a big group like VW Group has a lot of priorities. It is in the midst of an electrification revolution and it must decide where to spend its money.

“A second model would mean doubling the size of the company or more. It’s clear we need 100% commitment from everybody — it’s not enough that I’m convinced!”

While group-wide sharing of platforms is commonplace, Bugatti would create its own. Winkelmann commented on the possibility of platform sharing: “This is not the case for a car with the performance of a Bugatti.”

He added that repeatable acceleration and top speed would be far more important than range for a Bugatti EV.

“I’d rather have some reserve performance than keep range on a high level,” he said. “We would sell [electric] cars where the infrastructure is best — the east and west coast of the US, the UK, Asia and so on. On top of that, our customers have more than one car — to say the least — so they are not depending on one particular car.”