These two brands make only cars with eight, ten and twelve cylinders.

The Volkswagen Group has been investing heavily in electrification. However, its elite brands aren’t so keen to embrace zero-emissions. This is evident when you consider Lamborghini has only V8, V10 and V12 models, while Bugatti offers only a W16 hypercar.

Stephan Winkelmann, the leading Lamborghini and Bugatti driver, sat down for a chat. Top Gear Magazine about the future. He stated his desire to keep the internal-combustion engine alive “as long possible”, arguing that the two brands are low volume manufacturers and are therefore less harmful to the environment. He also mentioned that Bugatti owners rarely drive their cars and the average annual mileage for a Chiron is around 1,000 miles (1 609 kilometers).

The President and CEO at Sant’Agata Bolognese and Molsheim doesn’t expect an electric supercar to arrive in the foreseeable future. He also said that it wouldn’t happen before the end of this decade. He explains that EV technology has not improved enough in terms charging times and performance. There are also legal and cost issues. Winkelmann also wants customers to be open to the idea of an all electric Lamborghini or Bugatti.

Lamborghini’s Sian 37 supercar, which is Aventador-based, has made its first steps with hybrid technology that relies on supercapacitors. Winkelmann stated that the Aventador’s replacement is his top priority during his second tenure with the legendary Italian brand. This has been confirmed to use a naturally-aspirated V12 with hybrid assistance.

Lamborghini also places high on the priority list the next Huracan, Urus SUV and electrification. Winkelmann stated that he had seen the brand’s R&D bosses and head designer, but details will not be revealed for some time.

Bugatti was set to begin work on a second model but the coronavirus forced VW Group to stop production of a vehicle that would have complemented the Chiron. This model was thought to be more affordable, perhaps a grand tourer with the Galibier design. It would have had two rear seats, a higher ground clearance and been taller than an SUV.