Bear in mind the 2009 Galibier? The ultra-luxury grand tourer was axed as a result of VW Group reportedly did not just like the design. Rumor has it that the five-door liftback would’ve been too bulbous in manufacturing guise. As a substitute, the Veyron’s alternative was prioritized, thus the Chiron was born in 2016. Quick ahead to 2024, Bugatti is not ruling out launching a automobile with a sixteen-cylinder engine mounted in entrance of the motive force.
Whereas the Galibier had a twin-supercharged, 8.0-liter W-16, its religious successor would use the naturally aspirated, 8.3-liter V-16 from the Tourbillon. Talking with Autocar journal, the corporate’s Director of Design Frank Heyl was requested whether or not the engine co-developed with Cosworth may very well be relocated to the entrance: “We are able to shuffle bits round.”
That’s clearly not a affirmation, however these meticulously chosen phrases go away room for interpretation. As well as, Bugatti’s Director of Design Frank Heyl additionally hinted {that a} front-engined mannequin may occur in the future. When inquired whether or not it could be doable to place the V-16 on the entrance, Achim Anscheidt’s successor stated: “Definitely. I imply, have a look at the Kind 57 SC Atlantic: it is front-engined. So possibly later, however for now we’re super-happy that we went this fashion.”
Even when it is on the agenda, a front-engined Bugatti is unlikely to occur anytime quickly. Deliveries of the Tourbillon aren’t going to start out till 2026. In the meantime, the ultra-luxury marque based mostly in Molsheim is busy making the Mistral roadster and track-only Bolide as the ultimate chapters within the W-16 guide. Manufacturing of the “common” Chiron ended lately.
It will make sense to place that V-16 in different automobiles because it’s an all-new engine. Bugatti absolutely desires to unfold out the prices of creating the hybrid powertrain by launching extra fashions. The Chiron earlier than it already had a extra numerous portfolio than the Veyron. The corporate may kick issues up a notch now that there is new administration, with the Rimac Group holding a controlling stake.
It is too quickly to say whether or not a front-engined mannequin would have rear doorways just like the Galibier. Both manner, logic tells us that the main target would possible be on a grand tourer, leaving the Chiron’s alternative to cowl the no-compromise efficiency facet.
Whereas the Galibier is the best-known Bugatti to have a entrance engine within the fashionable period, there have been just a few earlier than it. The 1993 EB 112 had a V-12 borrowed from the mighty EB 110 supercar. Then the EB 118 got here alongside in 1998 with a naturally aspirated W-18 (sure, a W-18) engine and a coupe physique fashion. A yr later, the 1999 EB 218 was launched as a sedan whereas retaining the monstrous eighteen-cylinder engine. Within the 2010s, the Atlantic and the W16 Coupe “Rembrandt” have been left on the slicing room ground because of the Dieselgate.