Fullscreen
As Bugatti hangs on to internal combustion with the V16 Tourbillion, could Porsche do the same with it's next Hypercar?
by Khris Bharath on June 21, 2024, 18:00With Automobili Rimac taking over Bugatti in 2021, the world expected the Chiron’s successor to be a rebadged Nevera. However, the French automaker just defied expectations and has instead stuck with internal combustion. Forget, turbocharged hybrids; Bugatti has ditched the W16 and in its place has worked with Cosworth to develop an all-new, naturally-aspirated V16 engine that revs to 9,000 rpm. It produces 1,000 horsepower. Additionally, there’s a tri-motor setup with 800 horsepower and a 37-mile all-electric range. Combined, this is an analog hybrid supercar with 1,800 horsepower on tap. For the first time, we actually have a modern-Bugatti that actually sounds good. This move begs the question: with Porsche holding a fat 45% stake in the recently formed Bugatti-Rimac, could we see a similar surprise approach from the upcoming flagship Porsche, i.e. the 918’s successor?
An Electrified High-Revving V10 Supercar Could Be The Ultimate 918 Successor
Porsche clearly isn’t afraid to play with fire and is no stranger to glorious engine sounds, and halo supercars. Think innovative 959 in the 80s,the extreme 996 911 GT1 in the 90s, the mental Carrera GT, in the 2000s, and the 918 Spyder in the 2010s. Now I know this is pure speculation, but ask any Porsche aficionado and they’ll most likely agree with me; the ultimate wish would be to bring back the iconic V10 from the Carrera GT in some form. Think about it. Porsche’s racing heritage practically screams high-revving fury. Outside of the WEC Porsches, that exotic-sounding F1-derived V10 is a masterpiece, and a modern interpretation, electrified with a battery pack that’s larger than the 918s, stuffed into a halo analog supercar, could be an absolute game-changer. A swansong for the glorious V10 hurrah before Porsche dives headfirst into EVs perhaps. The Carrera GT’s 600 horsepower is no longer ground-breaking by modern standards, as even a 911 Turbo S now makes more power. However, the V10 is all about that soundtrack.
It could offer a distinct character from the Bugatti, which is a brand that puts emphasis on absolute speed. Porsche can take an alternative route with a visceral, lightweight track-focused model. So far, we’ve seen two concepts from the German automaker that serve as the ideal candidates, the Mission X and Mission R concepts that already make between 1000 and 1500 horsepower respectively. While both carry all-electric powertrains, given Bugatti’s surprise move, you can no longer rule out the possibility of a similar hybridized setup in Porsche’s upcoming supercar as well. Porsche also now has access to the hybrid tech from the Tourbillion and the Mission R and Mission X concepts to serve as the base for electrification without sacrificing the soul of the engine. All we have to do is wait and watch if they’ll embrace this tech or stick with the pure EV route.
In the meantime, enjoy the visceral soundtrack of the CGT’s V10 in the compilation video below:
Khris Bharath
Khris is a Mechanical Engineer and a classic car aficionado, who adores his Jags, Alfas, and old-school American muscle cars. He keeps tabs on everything from super exotics like an old EB 110 to the latest from Lucid and geeks out on three-row family haulers. Formula One remains very close to his heart, and he diligently makes time to tune in for the Grand Prix on Sundays. Khris also loves his road trips and he prefers a stick shift over an auto. Read full bio
related articles
Analog Aficionado? Porsche's Digital Surprise Goes Way Back (Can You Guess the Car?)
June 24, 2024
