Forgotten Bugatti Veyron Concept Shown to the Public for the First Time
The acquisition of the Bugatti brand by the Volkswagen Group was a turning point for the automotive industry. The company set out to create one of the most iconic supercars in history, which later became the fastest production car. However, several concepts were developed before the launch of the Veyron, showcasing alternative design options.
One such prototype, created by Walter de Silva, remained hidden from the public for many years. It was not until 2009 that the Italian magazine Quattroruote published photos of this car. Unlike other concepts, this one was never shown at auto shows and remained largely unknown.
Unique Design with Elements of the Future Veyron
Although this concept did not become the basis for the production Veyron, it contains characteristic Bugatti design elements. The oval horseshoe-shaped radiator grille and the characteristic “C” line later found their embodiment in the Veyron, Chiron, and Tourbillon. The car is painted in a rich blue color, emphasizing its exclusivity.
The concept was equipped with an experimental 6.3-liter W18 engine with three banks of cylinders. Although a different power unit—a turbocharged W16—was used in the production version, this prototype demonstrates how bold Bugatti’s engineering solutions were in the early 2000s.
The Autostadt museum in Germany has temporarily put this unique concept on public display. For automotive history enthusiasts, this is a rare opportunity to see one of the least known but important stages in the development of the legendary brand. It is worth noting that some design elements, such as the engine cover and the central exhaust manifold, did find their way into the production model.