Bugatti Unveils First Electric Car: A Miniature Type 35 Grand Prix Racer
Bugatti has officially launched its first all-electric vehicle, and it isn’t the high-speed road car fans expected. Instead, it’s a scaled-down replica of the Type 35 Grand Prix race car named the Baby II, starting at $33,000—all of which have already been sold out.
The Baby II is an authentic reproduction based on laser scans of an original car that participated in the 1924 French Grand Prix. Unlike its gasoline-powered predecessors, this miniature version features a 1.4- or 2.8-kWh lithium-ion battery that provides nearly 19 miles of driving range. Its electric motor, linked to the rear axle via a limited-slip differential, offers different power outputs depending on the driver’s age or maturity level.
In “child mode,” the Baby II maxes out at 12 mph with a single kilowatt (1.34 horsepower) from its motor. For safety, if a young driver opts to test their limits or refuses to share with siblings, a remote control can disable the car from as far away as 164 feet.
To accommodate adult drivers, the Baby II features adjustable pedals, allowing a capable driver to access a more powerful drive mode of four kilowatts (5.4 horsepower) with a top speed of 28 mph. Buyers of the Baby II Pur Sang or Vitesse can unlock even more power, with a driving mode offering 10 kilowatts (13.4 horsepower). Inserting a "speed key" can override limitations, similar to those used in Bugatti’s Super Sport models, although the company hasn’t disclosed the top speed for a delimited Baby II.
While Bugatti did not provide specifics on the Baby II’s drifting capabilities, its lightweight build, rear-wheel-drive system, limited-slip differential, and functional handbrake lead to some conclusions. Enthusiasts can tell concerned parents that the Baby II is a work of craftsmanship, featuring gauges that reflect the original Type 35 style but display speed and battery level instead of oil or fuel pressure.
Production of the Baby II will be managed by The Little Car Company in the UK, with only 500 units to be made across three configurations. The base model will boast composite bodies painted in French Racing Blue, albeit without the exclusive “speed key,” which is reserved for the higher-end Pur Sang and Vitesse models, which feature handcrafted aluminum and carbon fiber bodies. Buying a Baby II grants membership to The Little Car Club, which allows buyers and their families to participate in club events at racetracks.
If you’re eager to own a Baby II, there’s unfortunate news: all 500 units were sold within three weeks of the prototype’s debut. While Bugatti is maintaining a waitlist, prospective buyers might consider monitoring resale sites for a chance to purchase one from a scalper.
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