Bugatti CEO Criticizes Hybrid Supercars and Discloses His Surprising Dream Car | Carscoops

      Mate Rimac shares his dream project, critiques hybrid supercars, and hints at a bold future for Bugatti's performance.

      On June 2, 2025, Rimac expressed his ambition to create a V10-powered BMW E30 as a unique restomod endeavor. The CEO criticized turbo hybrid supercars, labeling them a design compromise, and suggested that future Bugatti models might eliminate hybrid elements or front axles for enhanced performance.

      Well-known automotive CEOs often share a passion for cars, including figures like Tim Kuniskis and Mate Rimac. Currently leading Bugatti, Rimac recently participated in an interview where he provided some surprisingly honest insights and intriguing details.

      Rimac's envisioned future garage includes the project of restomodding a BMW E30, although he has several Bugatti variants to manage first. His aspiration to create a high-performance E30 isn’t surprising; his career began with this model, famously swapping its gasoline engine for electric power. When asked why he would want to install a V10 in such a car later on, his comments on Bugatti's latest model, the Tourbillon, offer some explanation.

      Discussing his recent test of the Tourbillon with Top Gear, he remarked, “Look how fast it revs, that noise.” He noted that the sound and vibrations from a V16 are traits absent in electric vehicles but clarified that electric motors still have their place. The Tourbillon generates a total of 1,800 horsepower (1342 kW), largely thanks to its electric system which contributes 800 horsepower (596 kW). However, he questions the need for turbos, subtly critiquing brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and McLaren.

      “I’ve driven them all,” he said about turbocharged hybrid supercars. “And I don’t really understand it. Why have a hybrid powertrain with a turbo engine? A turbo engine is already a compromise. By switching from turbo to naturally aspirated, we lost 600 hp, but we knew we could compensate with the electric powertrain. It allowed us to create a remarkable combustion engine. In the Tourbillon, you get 70 km of all-electric range, whereas others have very limited electric operation.”

      When discussing the future of Bugatti, Rimac hinted at promising developments for upcoming iterations of the Tourbillon. “There are many possibilities with this hybrid powertrain,” he disclosed. “You could create a version without hybrid components, or one with reduced hybridization, or even omit the front axle.” This vision seems logical yet is rarely discussed by other supercar manufacturers.

      Eliminating hybrid components from the Tourbillon might slow it down but could provide a more authentic and exhilarating experience for buyers. Moreover, significant weight savings might yield performance advantages. After all, who wouldn’t want a rear-wheel drive V16 supercar?

      Rimac is also focused on enhancing the ownership experience to match the luxury of the cars. In practical terms, this means reducing running costs. “Look at the LaFerrari, P1, and 918; if someone gets a faulty battery, it can cost hundreds of thousands to replace,” he said. “We want to ensure that’s never the case with the Tourbillon. A Bugatti should be incredibly reliable and worry-free, as that also maintains resale value.”

      For Bugatti, this means developing wheels and tires that aren’t prohibitively expensive to replace, covering maintenance costs for the first four years of ownership, and designing components to last decades rather than a few years. Although Rimac is only 37, it’s evident that his influence on the brand will endure, which is impressive for someone with ambitions of fitting a V10 into an E30 M3.