Bugatti designer steps down ahead of Chiron successor’s 2025 unveiling

Bugatti has announced the departure of its design director, Achim Anscheidt, following a 19-year tenure at the 114-year-old ultra-luxury carmaker from Alsace.

Appointed in 2004 – just ahead of Veyron's 2005 launch – Anscheidt’s first project as director was the Veyron Grand Sport; he went on to lead Chiron and its many ‘coach-built’ offshoots such as Bolide, Mistral and one-off La Voiture Noire.

As Anscheidt steps down, he’s confirmed that the Chiron’s successor – again, penned under his lead – is due for reveal next year and launch in 2026. It will feature a hybridised turbo-petrol V8 powertrain after the iconic 1177kW quad-turbo W16 bowed out with the Mistral.

The Veyron, the Chiron and the successor to the Chiron all share one thing: They are not racecars for the road

5

“The Veyron, the Chiron and the successor to the Chiron all share one thing”, says Anscheidt, “they are not racecars for the road, they are the pinnacle of Grand Tourisme development, they are an intriguing mixture of a nimble type 35, the luxury of the Type 41 Royale, and the peerless elegance of the Type 57 Atlantic.

“I will be forever grateful for having been a part of this developing Bugatti incredible journey, the best is still to come, and I’m truly thankful for all who supported the brand and our design department to help us evolve the brand to a place I know where Ettore and Jean would be proud”, added Achim Anscheidt.

Frank Heyl, who also oversaw the design of Chiron’s successor, will take the torch from Achim. Working closely with part-owner Mate Rimac, the pair’s vision for Bugatti’s future is laid out until 2030.

Expect more of the same from the Chiron’s successor – that being a two-door grand tourer capable of ridiculous speeds. It’s safe to expect the new electrified V8 will propel the next instalment of Bugatti GT beyond 420km/h flat out.

5

The turbo-petrol V8 with hybrid boost will need to move power on from the 1103kW Chiron, though with Rimac's Nevera outputting 1428kW from electric motors alone that shouldn't be too hard a task.

Don’t expect stagnation, as the Chiron’s successor will need to push Bugatti into a new era, without sacrificing hallmarks such as the prominent belt line – known as the ‘Bugatti Line’ – and iconic inverted horseshoe grille.

5

Expected to cost in excess of €5 million (A$8.2 million), the new car will be more compact and lighter than the Chiron, with its gearbox snuggled between the seats to better balance batteries.

The new car will ride on a brand-spanking platform, though it’s understood the cabin design will remain faithful to the Chiron, Mistral and Veyron, reflecting interior designer Aldo Maria Sica’s obsession over beautiful details over screen-heavy minimalism.

Bugatti’s press release mentions the 2009 Bugatti Galibier, a four-seater concept that explored what a family-friendly Buatti could look like. With the hype around Koenigsegg’s four-door Gemera, Bugatti could introduce a production Galibier-type vehicle in the future.

5

“Since engaging in my role at Bugatti a couple of years ago, it was obvious that Achim was a crucial component in establishing the next generation of Bugatti hyper sports cars, so I sincerely encouraged him in 2021 to remain with Bugatti for a further three years before retiring”, said Mate Rimac, Bugatti Rimac CEO, of Anscheidt.

“His attention to detail and dedication to perfection extends to almost every part of Bugatti today; the visual quality perception, the consequent material philosophy, our communications with our customers and everything else in between.

“He has ensured that every interaction an individual has with our brand is incomparable by design”, Rimac added.

Moving forward, Frank Van Heyl will take point on the Bugatti design team working in close collaboration with Rimac’s design facilities in Berlin and Zagreb.