Rumors of Bugatti's plans to launch a second model alongside the Chiron have now been put to rest, company president Stephan Winkelmann revealed. The decision isn't surprising given that Volkswagen Group executives are scheduled to meet in November to discuss the fate of Bugatti, which could be sold off to Croatian electric supercar maker Rimac.

Winkelmann blames it on the coronavirus pandemic, but we know that's not true

While the outbreak of COVID-19 has indeed ruined plans for most automakers, Bugatti isn't allowed to talk about adding a second model to the lineup because it's future within the Volkswagen Group is uncertain.

The German giant is set to discuss the future of niche brands like Bugatti, Lamborghini, and Ducati in November and decide whether it will continue to invest in these companies. While Lamborghini is tipped to become a more independent firm, as FCA did with Ferrari, Bugatti might be sold off to Rimac. Volkswagen is reportedly looking to sell the luxury brand to the Croatian EV firm, which in turn would have its majority stake purchased by Porsche, also owned by the German group. This move would give Porsche access to Rimac's high-performance EV technology. Under Rimac, Bugatti could also replace the Chiron with an all-electric supercar in the future.}

Winkelmann declined to comment on this rumor.

Bugatti doesn't have room for a second model anyway

Investing in a bigger factory is out of the question right now, so Bugatti has only one alternative: to outsource production to an independent manufacturer like Magna Steyr. But this might not be an option with most customers that are paying millions of dollars for a car that has to be hand-built at the Molsheim facility.

Bugatti could reveal a Rimac-powered supercar in October 2020

Back in September, it was revealed that Bugatti might reveal an all-electric hypercar with Rimac technology under the skin. This supercar would be based on the Vision Le Mans concept. The hypercar could have close to 1,900 horsepower, and production might be limited to just one. It's not yet clear whether it will be a concept car, a technological showcase, or a customer car developed for millions of dollars. Given that Bugatti is under scrutiny until November, the unveiling could take place later than rumored. If this hypercar comes to life, it will preview the technology and performance of upcoming EVs built by the French firm, regardless of whether it will remain under the Volkswagen Group or move to Rimac.