Canada’s Bruno Spengler Hired as Bugatti’s New Official Driver
With his prolific 13-year career at BMW M Motorsport now over, Canadian race car driver and former DTM champion Bruno Spengler has just found a prestigious new job as Bugatti’s “Pilote Officiel.”
He will replace Pierre-Henri Raphanel, who occupied the role for nearly two decades.
- Also: Bugatti Goes Hybrid With All-New, V16-Powered Tourbillon
- Also: Bugatti Chiron Super Sport L’Ultime is the Very Last of the 500
Spengler will contribute to development across a new Bugatti era that began last June with the unveiling of the Tourbillon. He will also serve as an ambassador for Bugatti, sharing his remarkable expertise and demonstrating the French automaker’s exceptional hypercars to customers and enthusiasts worldwide.
“When the opportunity to join a brand like Bugatti arises, there’s no hesitation—it’s the most prestigious brand in the world, in my eyes,” Spengler said. “It’s a childhood dream come true, a once-in-a-lifetime chance.”
Born in Alsace, the same region in France that is home to Bugatti’s headquarters in Molsheim, Spengler moved to Canada when he was three. His passion for the brand began as a child when he used to play the card game Auto-Quartett for hours. And the strongest card was always the Bugatti EB110.
“I was born in this region, I am living close by, and now that I’m here, it feels surreal, but I’m incredibly proud,” he added. “It’s a new challenge, a different challenge, but one that’s truly exciting – and I’m ready for it.”
Bugatti’s managing director, Hendrik Malinowski, is thrilled to welcome Spengler as the new Bugatti Pilote Officiel.
“Having such an accomplished driver join us, someone who not only has an outstanding motorsport pedigree but also hails from the region, is truly special,” he said. “Bruno understands just how significant Bugatti is, not only to Alsace but to the entire automotive world. We look forward to embarking on many exciting adventures together.”
Considering that Raphanel set a world speed record for a production car at the wheel of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport back in 2010, how awesome would it be if Spengler could do the same with the new Tourbillon?
As the Chiron’s successor, the Tourbillon replaces the quad-turbo 8.0-litre W16 engine with a hybrid powertrain featuring a naturally aspirated V16 and three electric motors. Total output amounts to 1,775 horsepower, surpassing the Chiron Super Sport by just over 200 horsepower. It can sprint from 0-100 km/h in two seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 380 km/h, although a Speed Key unlocks the powertrain and allows a maximum velocity of 445 km/h. For now.
