Faster, hybrid-powered Bugatti Chiron under consideration

The performance of the Bugatti Chiron hypercar could be boosted with a hybrid system, according to company chief Wolfgang Dürheimer.

Read our full review of the Bugatti Chiron

During the development of the 1479bhp Chiron, hybridisation was considered as a way to enhance the performance of the V16 engine compared with the version of the same engine in its predecessor, the Veyron.

The Chiron will challenge the Veyron’s 268mph production car world speed record in 2018.

“We examined what ingredients we needed to defend our position and to raise the bar,” Dürheimer said. “We designed this engine 13 years ago to 986bhp. Then we brought it up to 1184bhp and now to 1479bhp. You cannot just shake out this additional 493bhp from the same components, so it was a dedicated design process and 95% of the components are new. Our calculation was that if we get the power [we need] out of the engine, we do not need a hybrid component.”

However, Bugatti might have to turn to electrification if it wants to push the Chiron’s abilities even further.

Dürheimer said: “If we would do a hybrid component, then it would not be to drive around in the city using electric motors. It would only be to add to the performance. This is something we have under consideration now. We will see what the future brings.”

Dürheimer added that packaging restrictions could pose an additional challenge.