Bugatti Veyron Successor To Feature Hybrid Power In Two-Tier Line-Up

The eventual replacement for the Bugatti Veyron hypercar will shock few when it is released with a hybrid powerplant, according to reports out of Europe.

In an interview set to be published this week, Germany’s Bild newspaper quotes Volkswagen Group boss Martin Winterkorn as confirming the long-held rumour.

But fans may be surprised to learn that the hybrid set-up will join a stand-alone petrol engine in the new hypercar 'range', with the hybrid powertrain reserved for a range-topping model.

"Next to the petrol model there will be a hybrid version with added performance for the first time," Winterkorn said.

The new model - rumoured to be called the Bugatti ‘Chiron’ - could continue to use the 8.0 litre quad-turbo W16 which powers the current Veyron, thus freeing up resources for the development of the petrol-electric hybrid system.

And what a powertrain it will be. With the aforementioned W16 combined with an electric motor, the ‘Chiron’ will reportedly offer as much as 1104kW under the driver’s right foot and a top speed of 286 MPH (458km/h).