Theft and Recovery
Mate Rimac’s Bugatti Chiron, valued at approximately €3 million, was stolen from a company building in Sveta Nedelja, Croatia, on Wednesday and recovered later that evening in Austria following a coordinated international police operation. The car, which bears Zagreb license plates, was taken from the premises of Rimac’s company, and the thief—a 36-year-old Croatian national—drove it across the Slovenian border into Austria before being apprehended.
According to Austrian police, the suspect was arrested at a gas station along the Pyhrn Autobahn (A9) near Seiersberg in Styria shortly after 7 p.m. on Wednesday. He had reportedly entered Austria via the Spielfeld border crossing after driving through Slovenia. The vehicle was located using telemetry data that Rimac himself accessed, tracking its location, fuel level, and speed. Rimac, who had initially pursued the car in his own Porsche 911, said the thief had a one-hour head start.
How the Thief Was Caught
The theft was noticed quickly when an employee saw the Chiron speeding away from the building. A group chat among Bugatti staff confirmed that the driver was not authorized to be in the car. Police were alerted, and Rimac used the vehicle’s telemetry to monitor its progress toward Slovenia. The car was eventually stopped in Austria after the thief had refueled roughly half a tank. One of the Austrian police officers involved was reportedly part of the group chat, providing real-time updates on the car’s location.
Legal Outcome
The suspect confessed to the theft during questioning, according to Styrian police. Unconfirmed reports suggest the car was destined for Germany. Despite the confession and the high value of the stolen vehicle, the suspect will not be held in pre-trial detention. The Graz public prosecutor’s office ordered that criminal charges be filed, but the proceedings will continue with the suspect at liberty. Rimac has declined to press charges, though the thief could still face legal consequences.
The Role of Data and Security
The recovery highlights the growing importance of connected-car technology in combating vehicle theft. Rimac’s Chiron was equipped with telemetry that allowed him to track its every move, turning a potential loss into a live pursuit. Rimac said he used to leave his cars parked with the keys inside—a habit that likely allowed the thief to access the vehicle. He has since stated that the company will no longer keep keys around the factory.
A Public Warning
Rimac posted security footage of the theft on social media, turning the incident into a public warning about key security. The episode underscores how modern supercars, often equipped with advanced tracking systems, can be recovered quickly—but also how basic lapses, such as leaving keys in the car, can create openings for thieves.
Rimac’s Broader Vision for Bugatti
The theft comes at a time when Rimac, as Bugatti’s president, is reshaping the brand’s future. In a recent interview with Top Gear, Rimac suggested that a lightweight, manual-transmission Bugatti could be on the horizon, possibly based on the Tourbillon platform. He described the Tourbillon as “more of a platform” than a single model, and said a manual gearbox is “absolutely” a possibility. Such a car would likely strip out the hybrid system and dual-clutch transmission, leaving the 8.3-liter V16 engine to produce just under 1,000 horsepower.
Back to the Roots
Rimac framed this idea as a return to the Type 35, a lightweight, driver-focused Grand Prix car from the 1920s. He has previously expressed interest in a “real manual” with an actual clutch pedal, rather than the simulated shifts offered by some competitors. The move would mark a departure from the trend of ever-heavier, hybridized hypercars and could appeal to purists.
Implications for the Industry
The stolen Chiron incident and Rimac’s forward-looking comments paint a picture of a brand in transition. On one hand, the theft highlights the vulnerabilities that come with high-value vehicles and the importance of data-driven security. On the other, Rimac’s vision for a simpler, more engaging Bugatti suggests a shift in priorities away from raw numbers and toward driving experience.
Security and Connectivity
As cars become more connected, telemetry and tracking systems are becoming standard even in the hypercar segment. The Chiron’s recovery demonstrates how these technologies can aid law enforcement, but also raises questions about privacy and the responsibility of owners to secure their vehicles. Rimac’s decision to stop leaving keys in cars is a simple but effective measure.
A New Direction for Bugatti
Under Rimac’s leadership, Bugatti appears to be exploring a more diverse lineup. While the Tourbillon continues the tradition of extreme performance, the potential for a manual, non-hybrid model signals a willingness to cater to enthusiasts who value engagement over outright speed. This could help Bugatti stand out in an increasingly crowded hypercar market.
As the investigation into the theft continues, the automotive world will be watching both Rimac’s security practices and his plans for Bugatti’s future. The stolen Chiron may have been recovered, but the conversation it sparked about data, security, and the soul of the hypercar is just beginning.
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