Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac recently shared his perspective on the future of supercars during an interview with CNBC, emphasizing the lasting appeal of combustion engines in the luxury sports car segment. Rimac, who took the helm of Bugatti in 2021 after Rimac Group gained control of the brand, believes that while electric vehicles dominate the mainstream market, the top-tier car market will continue to favor powerful, combustion-engine vehicles. He likened this trend to the Swiss watch industry, where mechanical watches remain highly desirable and profitable despite the widespread popularity of smartwatches.

In a surprising move, Rimac announced the creation of the Tourbillon, a Bugatti model powered by an 8.3-liter V16 combustion engine, paired with electric motors to deliver a combined 1,800 horsepower. Priced at about $4.5 million, the Tourbillon reflects Bugatti’s commitment to blending traditional craftsmanship with modern performance. Only 250 units will be produced, all sold out, with customers typically investing an additional $600,000 to $700,000 in personalized customizations such as special paints and interior details.

Customization has become a major profit driver for supercar manufacturers like Bugatti, Ferrari, and Lamborghini, as wealthy buyers increasingly seek exclusive vehicles that express their individuality. Rimac highlighted this trend by describing the growing demand for one-of-a-kind cars that tell the owner's personal story. Recently, Bugatti unveiled its one-off model Destrier at Monterey Car Week, further demonstrating the brand’s focus on unique, individualized vehicles catering to its elite clientele.

Looking ahead, Rimac plans to enhance Bugatti’s production quality and profitability while maintaining exclusivity, with production numbers capped in the low hundreds. The company reported earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization of 200 million euros ($233 million) last year. Rimac dismissed performance as a primary concern for the broader market, stressing instead Bugatti’s dedication to craftsmanship and the celebration of human skill in the creation of extraordinary vehicles that combine artistry with extreme engineering.