Delage Daring the Supercar Realm: A Grand Tourer to Rival Bugatti Chiron on the Horizon

After an impressive seven-decade-long slumber, the revered French marque, Delage, has rekindled its automotive mastery with the initiation of its D12 hypercar production. However, the ambition doesn’t halt here; the firm is already sketching the blueprint for a successor, a grand tourer that’s projected to rival the magnificence of the Bugatti Chiron.

The narrative unfolds with Delage’s CEO, Laurent Tapie, unveiling to Autocar the grand plans of designing a second model that would transition from the single-seat hybrid hypercar persona of D12 to embody a grand tourer ethos. This endeavor is not merely a sequel but a notable shift, as the forthcoming model will feature a two-seater configuration akin to the Bugatti Chiron, promising a fusion of road legality and exhilarating speed.

From Dormancy to Daring Ambitions

Delage’s re-entry into the automotive spectacle is nothing short of audacious. The marque, known for its luxurious automobiles and motorsport heritage, ceased its operations in 1953 only to resurface in 2019 with a renewed vigor. Its renaissance was further underscored by its return to the venerated Le Mans race this year.

The D12 hypercar is a testament to Delage’s undeterred pursuit of automotive excellence. This road-going marvel, priced at a staggering $2.3 million, harmonizes a naturally aspirated 7.6-liter V12 with an electric motor, orchestrating a powerhouse of up to 1,100 horsepower. Touted as an F1 car for the roads, the D12 saw the expertise of F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve in its developmental phase.

An Eye on the Future: The Grand Tourer

As Delage meticulously crafts the 30 global units of the D12, with a notable allocation of nine for the US market, the aspiration for its successor simmers. The grand tourer, envisioned to be a formidable contender to the Bugatti Chiron, will inherit the hybrid tag yet will offer a distinct driving and luxury experience, encapsulated in a two-seater configuration.

Though the commencement of this project awaits the culmination of the D12 production, estimated to span four to five years, the aura of anticipation is palpable.

Even amidst the unfolding narrative of the D12 and its grand tourer successor, whispers of a third model already echo through the automotive corridors, hinting at the relentless ambition driving the Delage marque forward.

The roadmap may span several years, yet with each revelation, Delage underscores its resolve to reclaim its esteemed position in the luxury automotive landscape. As the D12 paves the path, the grand tourer successor stands as a beacon of Delage’s enduring legacy and its audacious vision towards an exhilarating automotive future.