Bugatti CEO Considers Manual Version of Tourbillon
Mate Rimac explores creating a stripped-back, manual variant of the 1,775-horsepower Bugatti Tourbillon.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Performance Vehicles
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Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac has expressed potential interest in developing a manual transmission variant of the Tourbillon hypercar. The proposed vehicle would prioritize driver engagement by removing complex electric components.
Why it matters
The concept signals a strategic focus on back-to-roots engineering as the company leverages its independence following the Rimac Group buyout. This move aims to cater to enthusiasts seeking a more traditional, mechanical driving experience.
The standard Tourbillon weighs 1,995kg, while a manual variant would shed an estimated 300kg by removing the battery and electric motors. Its 8.3-liter V16 engine features a one-meter-long crankshaft.
The players
Mate Rimac
He serves as the CEO of Bugatti and is the founder of the Rimac Group.
Bugatti
This historic automotive brand is now owned by the Rimac Group after being acquired from the VW Group and Porsche.
The details
The hypothetical project involves stripping the current hypercar of its dual-clutch automatic gearbox, electric motors, and battery pack. By isolating the 986hp naturally aspirated V16 engine, the company hopes to create a lighter, more engaging driving machine.
Timeline
October 30, 2026: The announcement regarding potential future variants was reported.
Roadmap
This development reflects a broader industry tension between the push for high-performance electrification and the enduring demand for traditional mechanical feedback. It positions Bugatti to pivot between cutting-edge hybrid hypercars and specialized, enthusiast-focused heritage models.
Prospective buyers and collectors should note that this remains a conceptual exploration rather than a confirmed product launch. Should it move forward, the manual model would offer a significantly lighter, albeit less powerful, alternative to the standard hybrid Tourbillon.
The takeaway
The move highlights how brand independence allows manufacturers to experiment with niche enthusiast vehicles that diverge from current industry electrification trends. Drivers looking for engagement over raw acceleration may find the potential manual variant a significant shift in hypercar design.
Further reading
Explore the latest trends in high-end automotive engineering at /Performance Vehicles.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Topgear.
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Would you prefer a luxury high-performance car with a manual gearbox over an automatic?
