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Bugatti teases something new on the horizon

Bugatti isn't keeping a secret that development on a follow-up to the Veyron is advancing, but the brand continues to be very cagey about what is coming. In a new teaser video, the company is at least giving us something to think about with a narrator asking viewers to "imagine the impossible." Sadly, the clip never shows an actual vehicle, but you can hear a growling engine at the end. While Bugatti isn't talking officially, rumors are heaping up about the future vehicle, reportedly called the Chiron. Spy shots show a design that so far is largely similar to the Veyron, but the 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 reportedly is pushed to 1,500 horsepower and 1,106 pound-feet. The extra oomph comes thanks to the fitment of electric turbochargers to compliment the standard ones, and some reports even suggest a hybrid setup. During the unveiling of the final Veyron, company president Wolfgang Durheimer admitted, "Our challenge is to make the best even better." It's interesting to see Bugatti teasing something now because a previous report suggests a launch in 2016. Here's hoping, we get a glimpse sooner than that.

Rimac is reportedly close to buying Bugatti from the Volkswagen Group

Croatia-based Rimac is finalizing a deal to purchase Bugatti from the Volkswagen Group, according to an unverified report. If the rumor is accurate, the sale would propel Rimac to the top of the automotive industry, guarantee that Bugatti's future is electric, and mark the beginning of Volkswagen's efforts to divest its empire. Executives in Wolfsburg gave the deal the green light in September 2020, according to anonymous sources who spoke to British magazine Car, but the company's supervisory board hasn't approved it yet. Selling the French company isn't as simple as sending company founder Mate Rimac an email with an account number. Insiders explained Volkswagen would likely trade Bugatti and all of its assets for a significant stake in Rimac that would be transferred directly to Porsche, which already owns 15.5% of the brand. Officials hope to increase that figure to about 49%, meaning Bugatti is theoretically worth about 33.5% of Rimac, which was founded in 2009. Bugatti told Autoblog it can't comment on speculation. Mate Rimac gave us a similar answer. Rumors of a Bugatti sale have hovered around the automotive industry for several years, and they've never materialized. In theory, spinning off the brand would be relatively easy because it's not as deeply integrated into the Volkswagen Group as its sister companies. It doesn't share its W16 engine with another carmaker, for example. And yet, Car speculates Lamborghini, SEAT, ItalDesign, Bentley, and Ducati will also be sold in the coming years, leaving Volkswagen with its namesake division, Skoda, Audi, Porsche, Scania, and MAN. Volkswagen is having an estate sale to fund the development of electric, autonomous, and digital technologies. Its downsizing will send ripples through the auto industry. Porsche could move upmarket if it doesn't have to worry about stepping on Lamborghini's toes, for example. Spinoffs are always risky, so some companies may not survive if they're not bolstered by economies of scale. As of writing, there's no word on who will pick up the brands being divested under this scenario. And, keep in mind none of this is official. Volkswagen hasn't commented on the report. We'll update this developing story as more information becomes available.

Bugatti Chiron to get 3D-printed titanium brake calipers

Automakers have only recently started to take advantage of 3D printing. It's been interesting to see the wide variety 3D-printed parts being put into production. Mini now offers customizable trim and interior pieces. Michelin created an airless 3D-printed tire that looks a bit like an oversized sand dollar. The Koenigsegg Agera One:1 uses 3D-printed turbochargers. This week, Bugatti announced that it's testing 3D-printed brake calipers on the new Chiron. These eight-piston fixed calipers look wild, featuring an almost organic shape that ditches any unnecessary material in an effort to shave weight. Traditional calipers are limited in shape by the casting process. Aluminum must fill a mold, meaning there will always be some excess material. Using a 3D printer allows Bugatti to create the part layer by layer. While most calipers today are made from aluminum (including the ones currently on the Chiron), these new ones from Bugatti are crafted with titanium. The automaker says these calipers are the largest functional component made of 3D-printed titanium. The shape maximizes stiffness and reduces unsprung weight at the car's corners. Bugatti says this particular titanium alloy is used in the aerospace industry on parts like airplane wings and rocket engines. The new calipers weigh 6.4 pounds each, significantly less than the 10.8 pounds of the outgoing model. Tensile strength is up, too, meaning the parts are both lighter and stronger than before. The main drawback of the new part is the extremely long production time. It takes 45 hours to print each individual caliper. That's not really too much of an issue with a limited-production model like the Chiron. The first trials will begin early this year, and Bugatti hopes to reduce the production time as testing goes forward. Still, don't expect to see 3D-printed titanium calipers on a Toyota Camry anytime soon. Related Video: Related Gallery Bugatti Chiron: First Drive View 67 Photos News Source: Bugatti Plants/Manufacturing Bugatti Technology Coupe Luxury Performance Supercars brakes Bugatti Chiron