You Won't Believe What the Bugatti Rimac CEO Drives Every Day
In a move that defies expectations, the Bugatti Rimac CEO, Mate Rimac, has captured the attention of car enthusiasts by opting for a humble Volkswagen Golf R32 MkV as his personal ride. While he leads one of the most elite hypercar manufacturers in the world, Rimac's daily driver is a five-door hatchback from a bygone era—one that perfectly reflects his down-to-earth love for authentic driving.
This revelation echoes similar stories in the automotive world—like Koenigsegg's founder commuting in understated vehicles. But coming from the CEO of Bugatti Rimac, a brand synonymous with cutting-edge luxury and speed, the choice of a Golf R32 speaks volumes about his personal philosophy.
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From Hypercar Innovator to Hot Hatch Enthusiast
Mate Rimac, the Croatian tech visionary behind the electric hypercar revolution, has always balanced innovation with genuine automotive passion. As the founder of Rimac Automobili and now the CEO of Bugatti Rimac, he's been at the forefront of performance EV development. Yet despite his futuristic endeavors, Rimac hasn't lost touch with the visceral joy of analog driving.
His car collection includes BMW icons like the E30 M3 Sport Evolution, E46 M3 CSL, E39 M5, and the V10-powered E64 M6. But his latest acquisition—a Volkswagen Golf R32 MkV—reveals something deeper about his appreciation for raw, real-world performance.
Why the Golf R32 Stands Out for the Bugatti Rimac CEO
The Golf R32 MkV, known as the crown jewel of its generation, features a 3.2-liter VR6 engine that delivers 250 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque. Coupled with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a rapid six-speed DSG transmission, it delivers thrilling performance wrapped in a subtle, practical design. Interestingly, the car's key fob resembles that of the Bugatti Veyron—a fitting coincidence for the Bugatti Rimac CEO.
Rimac calls the R32 'the purest expression of driving fun,' and he isn't keeping it stock. He plans to upgrade the cabin with modern tech, merging nostalgia with next-gen comfort in a way that mirrors his broader philosophy at Bugatti Rimac.
The Philosophy Behind the Wheel
The Bugatti Rimac CEO's choice of a Golf R32 is more than just sentimental—it's a reminder that driving pleasure isn't limited to multimillion-dollar machines. His desire to enhance a classic hatchback rather than trade it for something newer speaks to a deeper connection with the automotive soul. It's the same spirit driving the development of the 2026 Bugatti Tourbillon—a hybrid hypercar blending a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 with cutting-edge technology.
A Human Touch in a High-Tech Industry
Rimac's approach breaks the stereotype of the distant, corporate executive. Instead, the Bugatti Rimac CEO lives and breathes the passion his company stands for—whether behind the wheel of a Tourbillon or a Golf R32. His leadership style bridges the gap between technological innovation and human emotion, offering a refreshing example in an increasingly digitized industry.
As the automotive world accelerates toward electrification, the sight of Rimac choosing a hatchback over a hypercar reinforces a vital truth: no matter how fast or advanced cars become, the thrill of the drive remains eternal.
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