Mate Rimac’s dreams about the BMW E30 and the future of Bugatti
Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti, is known for his passion for cars. In a recent interview, he shared his plans to create a unique restomod BMW E30 with a V10 under the hood. This is not his first experience with this model—it was the E30 that launched his career when he converted it into an electric car. However, his current dream is to bring a classic back to life with a powerful gasoline engine.
Rimac also criticized modern turbo-hybrid supercars, calling them a “design compromise.” He believes that turbos combined with hybrid systems complicate the design without significant gains in driving dynamics. Instead, the Bugatti Tourbillon, the brand’s new flagship, features a naturally aspirated V16 with electric assistance, delivering 1800 hp and 70 km of fully electric range.
The future of Bugatti: more options
Rimac hinted that in the future, Bugatti may offer different versions of the Tourbillon—for example, without a hybrid system or with rear-wheel drive only. This would allow customers to choose a “purer” driving experience. At the same time, he emphasized that Bugatti must remain a reliable car with low operating costs, unlike some competitors where battery replacement can cost hundreds of thousands.
The company plans to make tires and wheels more affordable to replace and include maintenance in the car’s price for the first four years. This approach aims to ensure stability in the secondary market. Despite his young age, Rimac demonstrates a deep understanding of both the technical and business aspects of the automotive industry.
His words about the BMW E30 and Bugatti’s future projects show that even in the era of electrification, there is still room for emotional decisions. Perhaps this balance between tradition and innovation will be the key to the brand’s success in the coming years.