According to a recent report by MOTOR1.COM, Bugatti may be exploring a Bugatti Tourbillon that trades electric assistance for a stick shift. The Bugatti V16 Engine is the star here, and Mate Rimac is clearly open to the idea. When asked about a manual, he told Top Gear, “Absolutely. You bet.”
Three Pedals In A Hypercar
Pulling the hybrid hardware would strip out three electric motors, the dual-clutch transmission, and the 25-kWh battery. Ditching that mass would sharpen the chassis and give the front axle more biting grip through fast sweepers. On paper, the 986 horsepower naturally aspirated engine needs no electric help to feel complete.
A stick shift would also change the rhythm of the car. Every downshift becomes a conscious act, and every throttle blip belongs to the driver. Still, the engineering hurdle is real, since a manual box must survive 664 lb-ft of torque without shredding its synchros.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 8.3L Naturally Aspirated V16 (hybrid system adds three electric motors) |
| 🐎Power Output | 986 HP (ICE only), 1,800 HP (combined hybrid) |
| ⚡Peak Torque | 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) (ICE only) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in 2.0s (est.) |
| 🚀Top Speed | 275 mph (442 km/h) (est.) |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | 8-Speed Dual-Clutch / AWD (hybrid), Manual / RWD (speculative concept) |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | $4 million (est.) |
Why the Bugatti V16 Engine Matters
Bugatti is already defying the industry’s downsizing trend with its engine. While rivals chase efficiency through turbocharged four-cylinders, the Bugatti V16 Engine relies on displacement and rev range instead. It is a mechanical statement that few automakers would dare to make.
Rimac’s openness to new ideas echoes the debate that started when he rejected the electric route for the Tourbillon. Even so, a manual version would take that rebellious streak a step further. Bugatti has the freedom, and the engineering talent, to attempt it.
A Lighter Tourbillon, A Louder Driver
Collectors would almost certainly line up for a pure combustion Tourbillon. Given how quickly the regular car sold out, a three-pedal variant could become one of the most desirable modern Bugattis. In reality, its value could climb well past the hybrid model over the next two decades.
A manual Tourbillon would not be faster on a spreadsheet, and that is exactly the point. It would make the driver earn every apex and every gear change. Ultimately, that kind of purity is what separates a hypercar from a very expensive appliance. Visit Bugatti for the latest official updates, and keep following Auto News Magazine for more hypercar coverage.
Marcus Vance
Senior Track & Performance Editor at Auto News Magazine. Veteran automotive journalist specializing in chassis dynamics, apex telemetry, track-day specials, and high-revving mechanical purity.
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