Bugatti has stood for innovative, extraordinary and timeless automotive design for more than 110 years. For the French luxury brand, design development is both a key competence and a highly complex task. Bugatti has been intensively working on virtual design processes with photorealistic 3D animations since 2016 in order to master this challenge in the age of digital transformation. The design team under Achim Anscheidt has already digitalized more than 90 percent of the creative model development process and has thus established a paradigm shift in design creation.
As Director of CAD and Visualization, Ahmet Daggün is responsible for the digital design processes of new models. The designer has been modelling cars since he was 13 years old. He even had a poster of a Bugatti EB110 in his room as a child, which served as an inspiration for his first drawings. After receiving a degree in vehicle engineering, Daggün joined Bugatti as a surface designer in 2012. “I had always wanted to understand how technical things work – and optimize them if at all possible,†Daggün explains. For him, this includes the design development processes, as well as the technical components. These processes are his area of expertise.
Half of the design of the Bugatti Chiron1 was already produced digitally, and this share increased to 90 percent for the Divo2 hyper sports car. “With the Divo, we proved for the first time that we could use the digital design process to develop a breathtaking shape into an extraordinary vehicle that is ready for the prototype stage within just a few months,†says Daggün. This would not have been possible within such a short timeframe with traditional clay models. Around 50 percent of time can be saved and approximately a quarter of costs cut thanks to this virtual process. The significant improvement of VR data goggles, which now provide designers with a hyper-realistic view of virtual models, was crucial for the technological breakthrough.
The transition to digital design
In the analogue age, there initially were draft drawings of new vehicles, which were then transformed into clay models with a scale of 1:4. Employees from different departments could then assess the shape, provide input and request changes at an early development stage. The employees spent months changing nuances or the lines of more than 10 design models. Designers would then produce a clay model at a scale of 1:1, of which several experts from different departments would assess and make any necessary alterations until the final design was decided upon. Thanks to virtual reality and 3D models, Bugatti now develops its hyper sports cars considerably faster and even more precisely.
“Today, we are the leading manufacturer to apply this form of development in such a systematic way, and not just in the hyper sports car segment,†says Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. “Throughout our tradition spanning over 110 years, Bugatti has always proven that it is able to choose the right path on the basis of new and courageous ideas. As the manufacturer of the world’s most outstanding vehicles, we are obligated to always develop new ideas, both in terms of technology and design. We owe this to our tradition and our customers.â€
Everything starts with the draft from a creative individual like Chief Designer Achim Anscheidt. Design computer specialists then digitize this draft and virtually develop the shape on the screen using special computers with enormous computing power. They first roughly edit the studies on the basis of sketch models to come up with initial, rudimentary proportions. “We subsequently refine the curves, adapt surfaces and balance the interplay of light and shadow. We generate a VR presentation from the completed digital data record, which comes stunningly close to seeing the real thing,†Ahmet Daggün explains.
Digital models increase productivity and precision
Using monitors or VR goggles with a high depth effect, Bugatti employees can assess the vehicles, which are already at 90 percent of the subsequent production status, from all sides. Experts implement requested changes within one day – regardless of the country in which the decision-makers such as Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann or Chief Designer Achim Anscheidt are currently located. Back in the analogue age, this took up to two weeks. This gives designers and engineers more freedom and time to perfect the respective model.
Bugatti produces a physical data control model from rigid foam as soon as an agreement has been reached on the digital model. Designers and developers analyze the proportions at a distance of between 30 to 40 meters to get a better impression of the shapes and proportions. “A physical model you can touch is still important because Bugatti vehicles are always highly emotive and we really want to feel them,†says Achim Anscheidt. Any requested changes are manually visualized by the designers for correction on the respective model and are incorporated in the digital model so that a show car or pre-series vehicle can be directly created from the final data record. “Thanks to this digital process, we save a minimum of five months development time, while also increasing the number of adaptation loops and thus also the quality. Digital models also allow us to identify and smooth out even the smallest imperfections in advance. We therefore designed the Bugatti Divo in six months instead of one year,†explains Achim Anscheidt.
All the involved Bugatti designers are also experts in computer-generated imagery (CGI) and image synthesis. It is extremely important to have an excellent visual understanding of 3D animations, vehicle volumes, shapes and defining contours. “These individuals are absolute specialists and without them, this process would not be possible,†says Achim Anscheidt.
Digital 3D technology will continue to massively transform the automotive design and engineering process. Bugatti is one of the most outstanding innovators here. “As a result, we live up to the claim of company founder Ettore Bugatti, who once said that perfection is never reached. But we will do all we can to get as close to it as possible,†adds Stephan Winkelmann.
1 Fuel consumption, l/100km: urban 35.2 / extra-urban 15.2 / combined 22.5; combined CO2emissions, g/km: 516; efficiency class: G
WLTP: Fuel consumption, l/100km: low 43.3 / medium 22.2 / high 18.0 / particularly high 18.3 / combined 22.3; combined CO2 emissions, g/km: 506; efficiency class: G
2 Fuel consumption, l/100km: not subject to Directive 1999/94/EC as overall type approval is currently not yet available
BMW is reportedly preparing another special M2 before the current generation ends, with an all-wheel-drive M2 CS, manual version, or hardcore CSL among the possibilities.
BMW may not be finished expanding the M2 lineup.
With roughly two years remaining in the current M2’s production cycle, a new report suggests that another special version could arrive before the compact performance coupe is replaced.
The information comes from BimmerPost member Ynguldyn, who has previously reported accurate details about BMW’s future product plans. According to the report, BMW is preparing a “special model” of the M2, although specific details remain unknown.
BMW could push the M2 even further
The current M2 CS already takes the compact sports car to another level.
It uses the same basic engine family as the M3 and M4 Competition while combining it with a smaller body and rear-wheel drive.
The BMW M2 CS could provide the foundation for another, even more specialized version.
The M2 CS produces 523 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, leaving BMW several potential directions for another special edition.
One obvious possibility would be to add all-wheel drive.
BMW has already introduced an xDrive version of the regular M2, proving that the hardware exists to combine the drivetrain with the more powerful engine used in the CS.
Could the M2 CS get xDrive?
The regular M2’s all-wheel-drive version produces 473 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.
Adding the same system to the M2 CS could give the car even stronger acceleration and greater traction.
BMW already offers an all-wheel-drive M2, creating a potential path for an M2 CS xDrive.
The standard M2’s move to all-wheel drive cuts its 0-to-62-mph time by 0.3 seconds compared with the rear-wheel-drive version.
An all-wheel-drive CS could potentially make an even larger difference, particularly during launches and corner exits.
However, BMW has not confirmed that an M2 CS xDrive is in development.
A manual M2 or CSL are also possibilities
BMW could take the special-edition M2 in another direction instead.
One possibility would be a manual M2, following the approach used by special M3 and M4 variants.
A manual-focused M2 could follow the strategy BMW has used for other special M models.
Another possibility would be an even more extreme M2 CSL.
That version could focus on reducing weight, sharpening the chassis, and potentially extracting even more power from the twin-turbocharged engine.
Such a car would sit above the already potent M2 CS and could become the ultimate version of the current-generation M2.
BMW appears to have more M2 plans
For now, there is no confirmation of what BMW’s reported special model will actually be.
The company has several options, ranging from increased traction with xDrive to a more driver-focused manual version or a lightweight CSL.
What seems increasingly likely is that BMW M2 development is not finished yet.
With the current generation expected to remain in production until around 2029, enthusiasts may have one more major M2 variant to look forward to before the next generation arrives.
The 2026 MINI Rooftop Edition reverses its signature body-and-roof color scheme on Cooper S hatchbacks while adding exclusive equipment and styling.
MINI is putting a fresh spin on one of its most recognizable design elements with the 2026 MINI Rooftop Edition.
Created for the U.S. market, the special edition is based on the Cooper S 2 Door and 4 Door and reverses the traditional contrast between the body and roof colors.
The model is part of MINI’s Icon Drops anniversary campaign and focuses entirely on design rather than performance upgrades.
MINI Turns Its Signature Roof Upside Down
The Rooftop Edition keeps the standard Cooper S powertrain, including its turbocharged four-cylinder engine and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Instead, the special edition’s main attraction is the unusual paint treatment.
The MINI Rooftop Edition reverses the traditional body-and-roof color combination.
MINI offers two metallic colors: Indigo Sunset Blue and Melting Silver III.
One configuration features an Indigo Sunset Blue body with a Melting Silver III roof and matching mirror caps.
The second reverses the combination, placing the darker blue finish on the roof while the silver covers the body.
Both versions receive Piano Black exterior trim and 17-inch U-Spoke Grey wheels.
The Cabin Gets Sportier Details
The interior retains the latest Cooper S cabin design but adds several exclusive touches.
MINI fits the Rooftop Edition with John Cooper Works sport seats, complete with MINI badges on the backrests.
John Cooper Works sport seats and black Vescin upholstery give the Rooftop Edition a sportier cabin.
The seats are finished in black Vescin upholstery with contrast stitching and blue accents.
The overall approach keeps the minimalist character of the modern MINI interior while giving the limited edition a more distinctive appearance.
Loaded With Standard Equipment
Although the Rooftop Edition does not add horsepower or chassis upgrades, MINI has equipped it with a substantial amount of technology.
Standard equipment includes adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, augmented-reality navigation, Parking Assist Plus, wireless smartphone charging, and Harman Kardon premium audio.
The Rooftop Edition combines its distinctive paint treatment with a long list of standard technology and comfort features.
The package is built on top of the Iconic Trim, Comfort Package Plus, Favoured Style package, and other equipment.
MINI says the combined value of the added equipment exceeds $4,100, while the Rooftop Edition content itself represents a $1,595 package.
Pricing and U.S. Availability
The MINI Rooftop Edition starts at $39,995 for the Cooper S 2 Door and $40,995 for the Cooper S 4 Door.
Those prices exclude the $1,350 destination charge.
Production is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with U.S. dealer arrivals expected in October.
The Rooftop Edition will be the fifth of eight Icon Drops planned for 2026 as MINI celebrates the 25th anniversary of the modern Cooper in the United States.
Rather than changing the mechanical formula, MINI is using limited-run design themes to make the Cooper S feel more exclusive.
Nico Hülkenberg narrowly avoided hitting Audi teammate Gabriel Bortoleto after the Brazilian spun across the track during the opening lap of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Nico Hülkenberg revealed how he narrowly avoided a potentially huge accident with Audi teammate Gabriel Bortoleto during the opening lap of the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix.
The incident happened shortly after Max Verstappen crashed at the final corner. With the track still wet in places, Bortoleto lost control of his Audi and spun 360 degrees before coming to a stop in the middle of the circuit.
Hülkenberg arrived moments later and managed to avoid his teammate by passing around the left side of the stranded car.
Hülkenberg had almost no time to react
The track was mostly dry, but the final banked corner remained significantly wetter following the earlier rain.
That caught several drivers by surprise, including Bortoleto.
Nico Hülkenberg narrowly avoided Gabriel Bortoleto after the Brazilian spun across the track at Zandvoort.
Hülkenberg said the situation was extremely difficult because he could not immediately predict which direction Bortoleto’s car would move.
He waited as long as possible before committing to an escape route.
According to the Audi driver, luck also played a major role.
The gap between the two cars was so small that Hülkenberg said it felt as though “a sheet of paper” could have separated them.
Audi team principal calls it an incredible save
Audi competition director Allan McNish watched the incident from the pit wall while monitoring the onboard cameras from both cars.
Audi competition director Allan McNish said the incident was even more alarming after reviewing the onboard footage.
McNish admitted that he initially did not realize just how close the two Audi cars had come to each other.
He compared the moment to a scene from “Days of Thunder”, highlighting how little margin Hülkenberg had for error.
From his experience as a former driver, McNish explained that avoiding an accident in such a situation requires a combination of instinct and judgment.
Drivers have to react immediately, but they must also determine how far they can move and which direction offers the safest escape.
Hülkenberg escaped while Bortoleto recovered
Bortoleto’s spin was particularly difficult to handle because the banking of the corner could have sent the car in an unpredictable direction.
Bortoleto recovered from the spin while Hülkenberg escaped through the narrow gap beside his teammate.
McNish praised Bortoleto for keeping the car away from the wall and preventing an even bigger incident.
He also described Hülkenberg’s avoidance maneuver as an incredible save, saying it was difficult to determine whether instinct, skill, concentration, or a combination of all three made the difference.
The incident ultimately had no major consequences for either Audi driver.
Hülkenberg scored more points for Audi
Hülkenberg went on to finish eighth, scoring four points for Audi.
The result marked the team’s fourth consecutive points-scoring weekend.
Bortoleto had a more difficult afternoon and finished 13th after the opening-lap incident.
For Nico Hülkenberg Audi, the most memorable moment of the weekend was therefore not the final result but the extraordinary escape from what could have been a major teammate collision.
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