News

Bugatti Could Build a Lightweight Manual Supercar, Mate Rimac Hints

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Bugatti could be preparing a radical new chapter in its history, with company president Mate Rimac suggesting that a future supercar could combine a lighter construction with a traditional manual transmission. While the upcoming Bugatti Tourbillon is set to redefine the brand’s performance credentials with a naturally aspirated V16 engine and hybrid technology, Rimac appears keen to explore a different direction for future models.

In an interview with TopGear, Rimac revealed that Bugatti is considering possibilities that extend well beyond the Tourbillon, including the prospect of a genuine manual gearbox in a future high-performance model. For a brand synonymous with extreme power, cutting-edge engineering, and record-breaking speed, the idea of a manual Bugatti would represent a significant departure from its modern approach.

Mate Rimac Wants to Explore New Possibilities for Bugatti

Rimac believes Bugatti’s evolving corporate structure gives the brand greater freedom to pursue ambitious projects. With Volkswagen and Porsche no longer involved in the company’s ownership, Bugatti has an opportunity to develop its own long-term strategy without being constrained by the priorities of larger automotive groups.

That independence could allow the French marque to explore niche supercars designed specifically for driving enthusiasts rather than focusing exclusively on maximum performance figures.

“We are going to do a lot of great things,” Rimac told TopGear, highlighting the opportunities created by the company’s new position.

For Rimac, who has built his reputation around electric performance and advanced automotive engineering, the appeal of a manual Bugatti is particularly intriguing. It suggests that future models could place greater emphasis on driver engagement, offering a more direct connection between the driver and the engine.

Bugatti Tourbillon Could Provide the Foundation

The starting point for these possibilities is the Bugatti Tourbillon, the brand’s next-generation hybrid hypercar. Rather than treating the Tourbillon as an isolated product, Rimac described its underlying engineering as a platform that could potentially support different types of vehicles.

That distinction is important. If the platform can accommodate alternative powertrains, drivetrains, and vehicle configurations, Bugatti could potentially develop a smaller, lighter, and more agile model without starting the engineering process entirely from scratch.

The Tourbillon itself combines an 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine with electric motors to produce a combined output of 1,800 horsepower. Its sophisticated hybrid powertrain and dual-clutch transmission are designed to deliver extraordinary performance, but they also add complexity and weight.

A future manual Bugatti would likely require a substantially different approach.

When asked whether a manual transmission could feature in a future Bugatti, Rimac gave an emphatic answer: “Absolutely. You can count on it.”

Although that statement does not confirm a production model or a launch date, it makes the possibility considerably more interesting.

A Lighter Bugatti With a Manual Gearbox?

One potential direction would be to create a more focused Bugatti that prioritizes driving involvement over outright technological complexity.

Such a car could retain the Tourbillon’s V16 engine while abandoning some of its hybrid components and replacing the dual-clutch transmission with a conventional manual gearbox. Removing the electric assistance system and simplifying the drivetrain could significantly reduce weight.

The result could be a supercar with an output approaching 1,000 horsepower, depending on the final engine configuration and tuning.

That would still place the hypothetical model among the most powerful road cars ever equipped with a manual transmission. More importantly, a lighter chassis and a traditional gear lever could give it a distinct character compared with the Tourbillon.

Instead of concentrating solely on acceleration figures and top speed, Bugatti could create a car that rewards driver skill and offers a more involving experience on challenging roads or race circuits.

However, there are considerable engineering challenges. A manual gearbox would need to handle the V16 engine’s substantial torque, while the clutch, cooling system, and drivetrain would have to meet Bugatti’s demanding durability and performance standards.

The exact extent to which the Tourbillon’s existing platform could accommodate such changes remains unknown.

Could Bugatti Build a 1,800-HP Manual Supercar?

Reducing power would not necessarily be the only option. Bugatti could instead explore forced induction or a simplified hybrid configuration to retain a much higher output while developing a manual transmission capable of handling the additional stress.

There is already a notable example of how far this concept can be taken. The Hennessey Venom F5-M pairs a twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 1,842 horsepower with a manual transmission, demonstrating that an exceptionally powerful hypercar does not have to rely on an automatic or dual-clutch gearbox.

A comparable approach at Bugatti would be an extraordinary engineering undertaking, particularly if the company wanted to retain the Tourbillon’s naturally aspirated V16 character.

Turbocharging could increase power substantially, but it would also change the engine’s response and personality. A simplified hybrid system might preserve some electrification benefits, although integrating it with a conventional manual transmission would introduce additional complications.

For now, these remain possibilities rather than confirmed engineering plans. Rimac has expressed interest in the concept, but Bugatti has not announced a specific manual-powered model.

A Different Future for Bugatti

The prospect of a manual Bugatti reflects a broader question about the future of high-performance cars: does every new model need to be faster and more technologically sophisticated than the one before it?

The Tourbillon represents one answer, combining a V16 engine, electric motors, and advanced engineering to deliver 1,800 horsepower. A lighter manual model could represent the opposite philosophy, emphasizing mechanical interaction and a more intimate driving experience.

Such a car would also give Bugatti an opportunity to appeal to collectors seeking something fundamentally different from today’s increasingly automated hypercars.

Whether the company ultimately chooses a naturally aspirated V16, a turbocharged configuration, or a more limited hybrid system, the central idea is compelling. A manual Bugatti would not need to outperform the Tourbillon to justify its existence. It would need to offer a different kind of experience.

For now, the next-generation Tourbillon remains the immediate focus, but Rimac’s comments suggest that Bugatti’s future could be more diverse than its flagship hypercar alone would indicate. If the company follows through on his promise, enthusiasts may eventually have an opportunity to experience one of the world’s most exclusive automotive brands in a refreshingly old-school way.

Source: Bugatti

Auctions

Acura NSX Roadster From The Avengers Heads to Auction

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The one-of-a-kind Acura NSX Roadster built for Marvel’s The Avengers is heading to auction, giving collectors a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive and cinematic history. The spectacular red supercar, created specifically for the 2012 blockbuster, is being offered through Cars & Bids, with the auction scheduled to conclude on October 31 at the Las Vegas Concours.

Unlike an ordinary modified NSX, this open-top machine was developed as a bespoke movie prop by Acura’s Advanced Design Studio in Los Angeles. Inspired by the second-generation Acura NSX Concept, the roadster combines the proportions of a futuristic concept car with the mechanical foundations of a first-generation 1991 Acura NSX.

Its most recognizable detail remains intact: the screen-used “STARK 33” license plate, a direct reference to Tony Stark, the billionaire inventor and superhero better known as Iron Man.

A One-Off Acura NSX Created for Hollywood

The custom Acura NSX Roadster was commissioned for The Avengers, the Marvel film that brought together Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, and other iconic superheroes. The car was designed to reflect Tony Stark’s extravagant lifestyle and his fascination with cutting-edge technology.

Acura’s Advanced Design Studio handled the vehicle’s transformation, while specialist builder Trans FX constructed the distinctive bodywork. The result was a radically restyled roadster that looked more like a futuristic concept car than the original Japanese sports car beneath it.

Finished in Hot Rod Red with a black interior, the NSX features custom resin and fiberglass body panels and a paint finish inspired by Iron Man’s armor. Its dramatic appearance makes it one of the more unusual automotive creations associated with the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The underlying donor vehicle, however, is a 1991 Acura NSX. That detail connects the Hollywood showpiece to the first-generation NSX, the groundbreaking mid-engined sports car that helped establish Acura as a serious competitor in the high-performance segment during the 1990s.

Custom Bodywork and Distinctive Wheels

The exterior redesign is the defining feature of this movie car. Rather than simply removing the original roof, the builders created an entirely different roadster body, giving the NSX a unique silhouette and a more theatrical presence.

The car rides on 18-inch front wheels and larger 20-inch rear wheels, while aftermarket sport seats distinguish the interior from a standard first-generation NSX cabin.

Importantly, the vehicle is being offered in its movie-prop configuration rather than as a conventional road-going restoration. Its original appearance, including the “STARK 33” plate, has been preserved, making it particularly appealing to Marvel fans and collectors of screen-used vehicles.

The seller also lists a number of cosmetic imperfections. These include minor scratches on the bumpers, A-pillars, and doors, cracks in the paint on the C-pillars, scuffs on several interior trim pieces, and a warped driver-side door armrest. The custom bodywork is described as fragile, an important consideration for anyone planning to display the vehicle.

An Acura NSX With a Unique Ownership History

Following its appearance in The Avengers, the one-off roadster was preserved by Acura. The company later brought the vehicle back into the public eye as part of the first-generation NSX’s 35th-anniversary celebrations.

That history adds another layer of significance to the car. It is not simply a replica inspired by a Hollywood film, but a manufacturer-created concept vehicle with a direct connection to a major Marvel production.

The auction package includes one key, two key fobs, a Certificate of Authenticity, and a signed photograph of Acura’s creative director with the NSX.

For a serious collector, these items help document the car’s provenance and reinforce its status as an original movie prop rather than an aftermarket recreation.

The Acura NSX Roadster Cannot Be Driven on Public Roads

There is one major caveat for prospective bidders: this Acura NSX Roadster is not eligible for conventional road registration.

Because it is an original movie prop and manufacturer concept prototype, the vehicle is being sold strictly on a bill of sale and cannot be titled, registered, or operated on public roads. The final transaction is also subject to a usage agreement.

The car is being sold on an “as is” basis, without warranties of any kind. Potential buyers must therefore carry out their own due diligence before placing a bid, particularly given the delicate custom bodywork and the vehicle’s unusual legal status.

In practical terms, this is a car intended for private collections, exhibitions, and display rather than regular driving. Its value lies in its rarity, provenance, and cultural significance, not in its suitability as a conventional sports car.

Auction Proceeds to Benefit Charity

The Cars & Bids auction also comes with an unusual charitable component. According to the seller, 100 percent of the winning bid proceeds will be donated to a charity mutually agreed upon by the buyer and seller.

The winning bidder will initially be responsible for the standard Cars & Bids buyer’s fee, but American Honda will reimburse that fee directly after the sale.

The auction is scheduled to conclude on October 31, when the NSX Roadster will make its next public appearance at the Las Vegas Concours. The event will provide an opportunity for enthusiasts to see the distinctive red roadster in person as the online auction reaches its conclusion.

A Rare Piece of Acura and Marvel History

The Acura NSX Roadster from The Avengers occupies an unusual place at the intersection of automotive design, Hollywood filmmaking, and superhero culture. Built around a 1991 NSX but transformed into a bespoke concept vehicle, it represents a creative interpretation of what a Tony Stark sports car might look like.

Its lack of road-registration eligibility will limit the pool of potential buyers, but that restriction is unlikely to diminish its appeal to collectors who value originality and movie provenance.

With its Iron Man-inspired paintwork, dramatic open-top design, and unmistakable “STARK 33” license plate, this one-off Acura is far more than an ordinary NSX. It is a surviving piece of The Avengers production history—and an opportunity to own one of the more distinctive automotive creations to emerge from the Marvel universe.

Source: Cars & Bids

NEW CARS

Bentley Torcal Electric SUV Completes More Than 1 Million Kilometres of Extreme Testing

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Bentley is revealing the engineering work behind the Torcal, its first fully electric vehicle, as the luxury automaker shares details of an extensive global development programme involving more than 1 million kilometres of testing. From the frozen landscapes of Sweden to the scorching heat of the desert and the high-altitude roads of Colorado, the Torcal has been subjected to some of the most demanding conditions imaginable to ensure it delivers the refinement, performance and craftsmanship expected of the British luxury brand.

With temperatures ranging from -38°C to more than 40°C and testing altitudes extending from sea level to over 14,000 feet at Pikes Peak, the development programme goes far beyond validating an electric powertrain. Bentley has also introduced advanced virtual engineering tools, sophisticated software integration processes and an extensive battery safety validation programme as it prepares the Torcal for customer deliveries.

The result is one of the most comprehensive engineering programmes in the company’s history, designed to ensure that electrification does not compromise the qualities that define a Bentley.

Bentley Torcal: More Than 1 Million Kilometres of Global Testing

Developing a luxury electric vehicle capable of delivering consistent performance in vastly different environments presents unique engineering challenges. For the Torcal, Bentley’s engineers have conducted extensive testing across a wide range of climates, road conditions and operating environments.

The development fleet has faced severe winter conditions in Sweden, where temperatures can plunge to -38°C, as well as desert environments exceeding 40°C. Engineers have also evaluated the vehicle at extreme altitudes, including locations above 14,000 feet at Pikes Peak in Colorado.

These tests help establish how the vehicle’s systems perform under different environmental conditions, including the challenges associated with temperature extremes and changing atmospheric conditions.

The programme also reflects the demands of preparing a new Bentley for international markets, where customers expect consistent comfort, reliability and performance regardless of the climate or terrain.

More than 1 million kilometres of accumulated testing by prototype and pre-series vehicles have allowed engineers to identify potential weaknesses, refine vehicle systems and validate components before production.

For Bentley, this process is particularly important because the Torcal represents a significant technological milestone: the transition to an entirely electric vehicle while preserving the brand’s established standards of luxury and refinement.

Extended Reality Transforms Bentley’s Vehicle Development

One of the most significant innovations introduced during the Torcal programme is the expanded use of Extended Reality (XR), which Bentley has employed more extensively than ever before.

XR combines physical and digital environments, allowing engineers and designers to interact with virtual vehicle components as though they were working with physical parts. The technology is particularly valuable during the early stages of vehicle development, when changes to architecture, ergonomics and cabin layout can otherwise become expensive and time-consuming.

Using Bentley’s XR Hub, the company’s Concept Validation team created a fully digital version of the Torcal’s interior. The virtual environment includes adjustable seating positions, interactive controls and a realistic cabin layout, enabling engineers to assess how occupants will interact with the vehicle.

This approach allows the team to evaluate important ergonomic considerations before physical components have been manufactured. Seating positions, control placement and the overall cabin experience can be adjusted and assessed virtually, helping ensure that the finished vehicle feels intuitive and comfortable.

By identifying and resolving potential problems earlier in the development process, Bentley can reduce development time, improve flexibility and limit the need for unnecessary physical prototypes.

The technology also supports more sustainable engineering practices by reducing material use and avoiding some of the rework associated with late-stage design changes.

For a luxury manufacturer, however, the objective extends beyond efficiency. Every control, seating position and interaction must contribute to an interior experience that feels unmistakably Bentley.

Physical Validation Remains Essential

Although virtual engineering has become an increasingly important part of modern vehicle development, Bentley continues to rely on physical validation to ensure that components meet the company’s exacting standards.

Physical Design Confirmation remains a critical stage in the Torcal programme, allowing engineers to assess component fit, clearances, serviceability, assembly quality and the way customers interact with the vehicle.

More than 90 per cent of the Torcal’s parts were available during this stage, allowing engineers to conduct extensive assessments and provide rapid feedback to the design and manufacturing teams.

Advanced laser-scanning technology was used to compare physical components directly against their original computer-aided design (CAD) data. This makes it possible to identify dimensional deviations early and determine whether components require further refinement.

Bentley also employed sequenced slow-build exercises, in which the vehicle was assembled under carefully controlled conditions to simulate production processes. These exercises helped validate assembly procedures, manufacturing flow and the integration of individual components.

Combining virtual development with physical inspection allows Bentley to identify potential problems at different stages of the programme, improving the chances of resolving them before full-scale production begins.

The approach is particularly important for a vehicle as technologically complex as the Torcal, where mechanical components, electrical systems, software and battery technology must work together seamlessly.

Advanced Electrical Architecture and Software Integration

The Torcal’s electrical systems represent another major engineering challenge for Bentley as it prepares to enter the fully electric luxury vehicle segment.

Three specialist teams have worked continuously across electrical architecture, software integration and validation testing. Their combined responsibility is to develop an electrical ecosystem capable of supporting the vehicle’s advanced functions while maintaining the reliability and seamless operation customers expect from the brand.

Software development follows a structured six-week integration cycle. At each stage, a new software integration level incorporates refinements, additional functionality and performance improvements.

Every release undergoes rigorous testing in laboratory environments and physical vehicles before moving to the next phase of development.

This process allows engineers to identify software-related issues, evaluate interactions between different vehicle systems and verify that new functions do not compromise existing capabilities.

The importance of this work is increasing across the automotive industry as modern vehicles become more dependent on software to control powertrain operation, safety systems, connectivity and other onboard technologies.

For Bentley, the challenge is to ensure that this growing technological complexity remains largely invisible to the driver. The Torcal must deliver a cohesive and effortless driving experience rather than exposing occupants to the complexity of the systems working behind the scenes.

Bentley Torcal Battery: High Energy Density and Extensive Safety Testing

The battery is one of the most important components of the Torcal’s electric architecture, bringing new engineering requirements alongside the vehicle’s advanced powertrain.

According to Bentley, the battery achieves an energy density of more than 180 Wh/kg and weighs approximately 625 kilograms. Its development has involved extensive durability assessments, safety validation and regulatory compliance testing designed to meet global requirements.

Protecting the battery from damage is a central part of the vehicle’s safety strategy. Bentley has therefore incorporated a composite impact shield beneath the battery pack to help protect the cells and associated components from impacts to the vehicle’s underside.

The battery system also incorporates multiple layers of protection and monitoring intended to support occupant safety across a wide range of operating conditions.

Several demanding tests are used to evaluate its resilience.

Two-hour fire resistance testing

One of the most stringent requirements involves a thermal incident. The battery must remain free from fire propagation or explosion for a minimum of two hours under the specified test conditions.

This requirement is intended to assess the battery system’s ability to contain a serious thermal event and limit the risk of it spreading to other cells or components.

High-speed underside impact testing

The battery enclosure is also subjected to an extreme impact test designed to simulate potential damage from road debris or other objects striking the vehicle’s underside.

A steel projectile measuring 30 millimetres in diameter and weighing approximately 111 grams is launched at the battery enclosure at speeds exceeding 100 mph.

The test evaluates the enclosure’s resistance to high-energy impacts and helps engineers assess the effectiveness of the protective structure beneath the battery.

Corrosion and environmental durability

Additional validation includes salt-spray corrosion exposure and a comprehensive programme of environmental and durability assessments.

These tests help establish how the battery enclosure and its protective components withstand environmental exposure over time.

Together, the procedures form part of a broader strategy designed to protect the battery, maintain system integrity and reduce risks to vehicle occupants.

While no battery system can eliminate every possible risk, Bentley’s extensive validation programme is intended to ensure that the Torcal’s battery meets demanding safety and durability requirements before the vehicle reaches customers.

Why Bentley’s Camouflaged Prototypes Look Different

The extensive testing programme also explains why the Torcal’s development vehicles have spent so much time hidden beneath camouflage.

Before a new Bentley is officially revealed, prototype and pre-series vehicles must undergo real-world testing while keeping the final design confidential. The camouflage strategy evolves as development progresses and the vehicle moves closer to production.

Some prototypes use elaborate graphic wraps designed to distort body lines and make it difficult to interpret photographs. Others feature temporary body panels and physical camouflage that conceal important styling details.

The level of concealment depends on the development stage, the test environment and the features engineers need to evaluate.

As the Torcal approaches customer deliveries, Bentley is now beginning to remove the camouflage from its development fleet, offering a clearer look at the vehicle that has spent years undergoing intensive testing.

The transition from heavily disguised prototypes to production-ready vehicles marks an important milestone in the programme, even though the engineering work continues until the final validation requirements have been satisfied.

Bentley’s Electric Future Depends on More Than Performance

The Torcal represents a significant step in Bentley’s transition towards electrification, but the development programme demonstrates that the company’s priorities extend well beyond the powertrain itself.

The challenge is to combine advanced battery technology, sophisticated electrical architecture and increasingly digital development processes with the qualities that have traditionally defined the brand: craftsmanship, comfort, refinement and effortless performance.

The use of Extended Reality demonstrates how Bentley is changing its engineering methods, while physical validation, laser scanning and carefully controlled assembly exercises ensure that digital designs translate accurately into real-world components.

Meanwhile, the global testing programme and extensive battery safety assessments underline the importance of proving the vehicle under demanding conditions before customer deliveries begin.

With more than 1 million kilometres of testing completed by its prototype and pre-series fleet, the Torcal has undergone an extensive development journey. As camouflage begins to disappear from the remaining test vehicles, Bentley is bringing its first fully electric vehicle closer to the next stage of its launch.

For the British luxury automaker, the ultimate measure of success will be whether the Torcal can deliver the benefits of electrification while retaining the distinctive driving experience and attention to detail expected of a Bentley.

Source: Bentley

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