For more than two decades, Bugatti’s identity has been shaped under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group. That chapter has now officially come to a close, as Porsche has agreed to sell its stakes in Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Group to a consortium led by HOF Capital.
The End of a 28-Year Volkswagen Era
Bugatti
Volkswagen first brought Bugatti back to life in 1998, a few years after the EB110 was discontinued. Under VW ownership, the French hypercar maker delivered icons like the Veyron and later the Chiron, cars that redefined what hypercars could be.
In 2021, Bugatti entered a new era with the creation of Bugatti Rimac, a joint venture designed to add electrification to the mix. Porsche held a 45% stake in the joint venture, along with a 20.6% share in the Rimac Group. Now, with both holdings sold entirely (for an undisclosed amount), the Volkswagen era is officially over. Control now shifts to Mate Rimac and a new group of global investors, effectively wiping the slate clean and setting the stage for a very different future.
What Bugatti Looks Like Without Volkswagen
Bugatti
Whether Mate Rimac wants to admit it or not, Volkswagen’s engineering depth influenced Bugatti in more ways than many realised. One of the clearest examples came when Mat Armstrong uncovered shared components between the Chiron Super Sport and more mainstream Audi and VW models, highlighting just how interconnected the group really was. Without that ecosystem, will Bugatti continue sourcing components from the wider industry, or will Rimac push for more bespoke, in-house solutions?
While the Mistral marks the final chapter of its W16 era, the Tourbillon gives us a taste of what’s possible with Rimac’s guidance. Its naturally aspirated 8.3-litre V16 engine, paired with three electric motors, produces a combined 1,775 hp and showcases just how impactful electrification can be.
Porsche Refocuses as Bugatti Starts Over
Porsche
Recently, Porsche has seen quite a tough time, with operating profit collapsing by 92.7% to just $478 million in 2025, and its profit margin declining from 14.1% to just 1.1%. In response, Porsche AG CEO Dr Michael Leiters said that they “will focus Porsche on the core business,” with their most recent announcement being the all-electric Cayenne Coupe. Stepping away from Bugatti will allow Porsche to focus its resources where they matter most
As for Bugatti, though, this marks a hard reset. Without Volkswagen’s backing, there’s no shared parts bin and no established formula they have to follow. What comes next will define the brand for decades to come, and for the first time in years, no one knows what comes next.
