Akmal Azhar
A Hidden Piece of Bugatti History Revealed
A long-forgotten chapter in Bugatti’s design journey has finally surfaced. Designed in 1999 by iconic Italian designer Walter de Silva, this mysterious concept—an early predecessor to the Veyron—remained hidden from public view for years.
Originally shown only in internal design circles and later photographed in 2009, the prototype is now on public display at Germany’s Autostadt museum, next to Volkswagen’s headquarters, the company that acquired Bugatti around the same time.
Distinctive Design That Blends Legacy and Bold Experimentation
Visually, the prototype reimagines familiar Bugatti cues while venturing into daring new territory. The traditional horseshoe grille becomes an exaggerated oval. A sweeping C-line accents the side profile, a motif later echoed in the Veyron and Chiron. But the most attention-grabbing elements are the round, oversized headlights and taillights that give the prototype a bug-eyed appearance—earning it a nickname that puts the “bug” in Bugatti quite literally.
Powered by a Radical W18 Engine
Underneath the eye-catching body lies an even more radical piece of engineering—a 6.3-liter W18 engine. This 18-cylinder unit was configured in three banks of six cylinders, a technical marvel at the time. Though never reaching production, the W18 signaled Bugatti’s willingness to push engineering limits, eventually paving the way for the quad-turbocharged W16 engine that powered the Veyron with up to 1,183 horsepower.
Design Influence on the Veyron
Despite being shelved, the prototype’s influence carried over into the Veyron’s final design. Elements like the diffuser, engine cover, and central exhaust tip found echoes in the production model. Even the C-shaped profile and aerodynamic cues established an early DNA that Bugatti would continue to refine in future models.
Now on Display for the Public
After more than two decades in obscurity, this rare prototype is now open to public viewing at the Autostadt museum. While no official end date for the exhibit has been announced, it offers fans and design enthusiasts a rare chance to see the hidden roots of one of the most iconic hypercars ever made.
Legacy of Innovation and Risk-Taking
This bug-eyed Bugatti may never have reached production, but its story is a powerful reminder of the experimentation that fuels automotive greatness. Its recent unveiling not only fills in a missing chapter of Bugatti history—it also celebrates the bold ideas that led to the Veyron and beyond.
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