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Average Bugatti owner has 84 cars, 3 jets, 1 yacht

Between Audi, Porsche, Lamborghini, Bentley and Bugatti, the Volkswagen Group has no lack of prestige marques under its umbrella. And while some of these marques may produce models that compete against each other, each seems to be profitable enough in its own right to justify its existence. But what about Bentley and Bugatti? Surely these marques cater to the same customers, right?
Not according to their shared CEO. "The clientele between Bentley and Bugatti is remarkably different," said Wolfgang Dürheimer in an interview with Bloomberg. "The Bentley customer on average owns 8 cars. The average Bugatti customer has about 84 cars, 3 jets and 1 yacht."
That may be a slight exaggeration (we'd have expected three yachts and one jet), but it puts things into perspective: Bentleys are for the one percent. Bugattis are for the one percent of that one percent. Which only goes to show why it's taken Bugatti over eight years to sell 450 Veyrons - a number of units it would take Bentley about two weeks to move, albeit at about one tenth the price.

Bugatti won't make a hybrid, but an EV remains on the table

Bugatti is in an exploratory phase as it seeks ways to expand its lineup during the 2020s. Adding a second model to its range is almost a given, and electrification is possible, but the company's chief executive revealed he doesn't believe hybrid technology is the right solution. Speaking to Motor Authority, Bugatti boss Stephan Winkelmann said the internal combustion engine is "the right way to go" and "the real state-of-the-art powertrain." He backed up his argument by pointing out a gasoline-powered engine like the Chiron's W16 delivers limitless power and incredible acceleration without adding an excessive amount of weight or creating a packaging nightmare. Launching a second nameplate positioned below the Chiron remains one of the CEO's priorities. While it sounds like the model won't receive hybrid technology, Winkelmann is open to the idea of releasing an electric car that will deliver zero-emissions performance. He outlined a battery-powered, 2+2 model with a relatively high seating position, and more ground clearance than a standard luxury sedan. Increasing the distance between the tarmac and the rocker panels doesn't necessarily mean releasing an SUV, however. Bugatti previously told Autoblog it is not planning on making an SUV. And, it's important to note a final decision on the model hasn't been made yet. Winkelmann also closed the door to a modern-day interpretation of the gorgeous Galibier concept (pictured) unveiled in 2009 and often rumored to be a candidate for production. The close-to-production design study took the form of a four-door sedan with an evolution of the Veyron's 8.0-liter W16 engine mounted in front of the passenger compartment rather than behind it. The executive explained an updated version of the concept would compete in a segment that's "going down." He added Bugatti would need to make long- and short-wheelbase variants to cover the global market. Bugatti has offered stately sedans in the past, so the heritage is certainly there, but one of the issues with making a long-wheelbase four-door is that it would undoubtedly attract chauffeur-driven motorists, notably in China. Winkelmann stated he believes Bugatti makes cars that should be driven, not ridden in. That's a strong hint that the second model — regardless of what it looks like, when it makes its debut or what it's powered by — will be engineered as a driver's car.

Bugatti Veyron Vitesse La Finale bids us adieu [w/video]

Some things just keep popping up until you take them for granted. Like the endless procession of special-edition Bugatti Veyrons. It seems like every major auto show included another unique take on the iconic supercar, with more announced in between. And at the Geneva Motor Show this week, Bugatti unveiled yet another. Only this one will be the last. This edition is called La Finale, and it is what the Alsatian automaker says will be the very last. Not just the last special edition, but the last Veyron – the 450th and final one built. It's based on the Vitesse, which means it has the upgraded 1,184-horsepower engine from the Super Sport and the removable roof panel from the Grand Sport. The final Veyron features a unique red and black carbon-fiber livery with matching dark red wheels and an interior decked out in cream and scarlet leather, with La Finale script appearing throughout. Which is all well and fine, especially for the Middle Eastern customer who bought it. But more than what sets this Veyron apart from others is what it represents: the end of the line for the million-dollar supercar that started it all a decade ago. And we're looking forward to seeing what The House That Ettore Built comes up with next. Featured Gallery Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse La Finale: Geneva 2015 View 13 Photos Related Gallery Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse La Finale View 19 Photos Image Credit: Live photos copyright 2015 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL Geneva Motor Show Bugatti Convertible Supercars Videos 2015 Geneva Motor Show bugatti veyron grand sport vitesse bugatti veyron grand sport vitesse la finale