Overview
- Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac told reporters at Monterey Car Week that he “definitely” supports the idea of a true manual V16, a remark published by multiple outlets and framed as his personal endorsement rather than a confirmed product plan.
- The new Tourbillon is currently shown with an eight‑speed dual‑clutch automatic and three electric motors, so any manual version would require major changes to the car’s hybrid drivetrain rather than a simple option box.
- Engineers face specific challenges because the Tourbillon’s naturally aspirated V16 already makes roughly 1,000 hp and 900 Nm before the electric motors add torque, which complicates fitting a conventional clutch, gearbox and packaging for safety and durability.
- Given those costs and low expected demand, reporting says Bugatti’s Solitaire bespoke program offers the clearest near‑term route to a manual V16 as a one‑off or very limited commission rather than full production availability.
- The comment sits inside a wider trend of ultra‑exotic makers reviving true three‑pedal cars to prioritize driver engagement, while some peers such as Lamborghini say they have no plans to return to manual gearboxes.