Bugatti's Mate Rimac Says V16 Manual Is "Absolutely" On The Table

Speaking to Top Gear magazine, Rimac framed the Cosworth V16-engined Tourbillon as a platform rather than a single model, leaving room for lighter, more focused derivatives.

Asked directly about the prospect of a manual transmission, Rimac answered: "Absolutely. You bet." The response stops well short of confirmation. Bugatti has not announced a three-pedal Tourbillon, and the comment reflects what the brand is considering rather than what it has committed to building.

Rimac tied the possibility to Bugatti's position outside the Volkswagen Group, arguing the company can now pursue ideas it previously could not. A lightweight spin-off could drop the three electric motors, the dual-clutch transmission, and the battery pack rated at 25 kWh, shedding considerable weight in the process and leaving a naturally aspirated car with a stick.

The engine already stands on its own without electric assistance. The 8.3-liter V16 produces 986 horsepower, revs to 9,000 rpm, and develops 664 pound-feet (900 Newton-meters) of torque.

Building a manual transmission capable of handling that torque is far more complicated than adding a third pedal suggests, particularly at a performance tier where automatics have become the default for their faster shifts and higher torque capacity. Manuals have grown rare in the hypercar segment, where lap times and acceleration figures dominate development priorities.

A manual Tourbillon would not be quicker than the hybrid version.

The standard Tourbillon sold out before production began. Whether Bugatti commits to an analog derivative remains unconfirmed. For now, Rimac's remarks indicate interest, not a product plan, and the brand has set no timeline for such a car.

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