There was a time when the Bugatti Veyron was untouchable. No other car could really come close to its insane performance and output. But times change and the competition catches up. Today there's the McLaren P1, Porsche 918 Spyder, and the LaFerrari. While the Veyron is still an incredible thing, it's clearly about time for a replacement. And fortunately, we can now confirm that the so far unnamed Veyron successor will debut by early 2016.

The news comes from Top Gear, who managed to get the information from none other than Volkswagen Group design chief Walter de Silva. According to de Silva: "we're working hard at Bugatti, but don't worry it's (Veyron successor) coming. I cannot predict exactly, but at the end of 2015 or early 2016, we'll see the new Bugatti." In fact, this new hyper car isn't even being considered as a Veyron replacement, but something "more than that. We're investigating all avenues at the moment," de Silva clarified. More than likely, the next Bugatti will incorporate some use of hybrid technology, but don't worry - it'll still be very much a true Bugatti.

Perhaps de Silva summarized it best: "For me, Bugatti is not a car," de Silva said, "it is a piece of art. You have to understand this. You are in another range when you talk about Bugatti. No, forget that, you play in another league with Bugatti. When you buy a Bugatti, you buy a piece of art. It's a story, and I would like to transfer the Bugatti idea in this way." Getting ready for a new breed of awesome.