After nearly two decades at the creative helm of one of the world’s most exclusive automotive brands, Achim Anscheidt, Bugatti’s Chief of Design, is stepping down — and leaving behind one final masterpiece: the highly anticipated hybrid successor to the Bugatti Chiron.
Anscheidt’s departure was confirmed by Bugatti this week, with the company noting he will now serve as a special adviser to CEO Mate Rimac, who took the reins of the brand in 2021. In his place, longtime deputy Frank Heyl will assume the top design role, tasked with shepherding Bugatti into its next performance chapter.
The final project under Anscheidt’s direction marks a major evolution for the brand — a new hybridized V-8 supercar designed to replace the W-16-powered Chiron. First reported by Autocar, the vehicle will draw inspiration from Bugatti’s past while embracing a new era of electrified performance.
“The Veyron, the Chiron, and now this successor all draw from the same soul,” Anscheidt told Autocar. “They are not race cars for the road, but grand touring icons — each capturing the elegance of the Type 57 Atlantic, the luxury of the Royale, and the spirit of the Type 35.”
Though design details remain closely guarded, the new supercar will reportedly ride on an all-new chassis optimized for hybrid performance. Renderings suggest a fusion of design cues from the Chiron and the extreme Bolide, including X-shaped headlights and a more sculpted silhouette. The signature horseshoe grille and beltline — hallmarks of Bugatti’s DNA — will return.
Production tooling is already underway, with the car expected to debut in 2025 and go on sale by 2026. Industry analysts expect pricing to exceed $5 million, positioning it alongside Bugatti’s most exclusive models, such as the recently launched Mistral.
Anscheidt’s legacy spans icons like the Veyron Super Sport and multiple Chiron derivatives, and his final design appears set to redefine the boundaries of hypercar engineering once again.
“Every centimeter of this car has been considered,” Anscheidt said. “It’s not about replacing the W-16. It’s about pushing beyond it.”
Bugatti’s future may be hybrid, but with Heyl stepping in and Rimac’s performance vision guiding the way, the legacy of luxury and speed is in no danger of slowing down.