Sports car exhibition starting November 2026: The Diablo featured in the current Bugatti exhibition at the Zeithaus in Wolfsburg is a piece of automotive history.
The Lamborghini Diablo served as a "mule" (test vehicle) for the Bugatti Veyron - the prototype is currently on display at the Zeithaus. It’s hard to believe, but there really is a Lamborghini with a Bugatti heart!
Lamborghini on the outside, Bugatti on the inside: The Autostadt’s Zeithaus is showcasing a rare W16 prototype, allowing visitors to experience Bugatti’s supercars firsthand (Italiano, Deutsch, English)
Wolfsburg – Hard to believe, but true: there is a Lamborghini with a Bugatti heart! The Zeithaus at Autostadt Wolfsburg is exhibiting a truly extraordinary piece of automotive history. Known as the "Lamborghini Diablo," this vehicle served as a test bed in the late 1990s for the development of the W16 engine—the very engine that would later become the "heart" of the Bugatti Veyron 16.4. With this W16-powered Diablo, the Zeithaus adds a new dimension to its current Bugatti exhibition.
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| Autostadt Wolfsburg, photographed from a VW Golf. Photo: Helga Waess (Press Photo Archive) |
In automotive development, "mules" are frequently used as test vehicles.
The modification of the Lamborghini Diablo proceeded as follows: the standard V12 engine was removed, openings for cooling were added, the rear end was redesigned—incorporating four centrally positioned tailpipes—and, finally, a W16 engine was installed—the very same engine that would later help the Bugatti Veyron become an icon among enthusiasts. With this powerhouse under the hood, drivers’ pulses were sure to quicken, and it undoubtedly brought a broad smile to the faces of any car lover.
Now, this experimental vehicle—which ultimately became a true milestone—is being showcased at the Zeithaus in Wolfsburg.
As a unique prototype, the W16-powered Diablo served as a key milestone in the development of the Bugatti Veyron.
The Zeithaus in Wolfsburg houses a multi-brand collection belonging to the Autostadt.
A visit to the Zeithaus always promises a fantastic journey through 300 milestones of automotive history, representing more than 60 different manufacturers.
At the Zeithaus, visitors can explore classic cars, concept vehicles, and prototypes, experiencing automotive history through a series of rotating exhibitions. These exhibitions serve as an excellent complement to the brand-specific pavilions found throughout the Autostadt.
Zeithaus – Autostadt in Wolfsburg
Vehicles and exhibits from the Bugatti brand
We fondly recall the 1990s—a time when, alongside numerous new VW models, a different Bugatti was always on display on the "Unter den Linden" boulevard in Berlin. Now, you can marvel at all these models in Wolfsburg:
The Zeithaus in Wolfsburg has expanded its collection with several new additions, including prototypes and test vehicles from the era when Bugatti was part of the Volkswagen Group.
With this exhibition, the Autostadt highlights a significant chapter in automotive history—one written by Bugatti through its super sports cars!
Visitors to the Zeithaus can experience these exceptional Bugatti models firsthand.
This is also a fantastic tip for motorsport enthusiasts and Bugatti fans looking to enjoy a wonderful day out with their families during the "Winter Magic" (Winterzauber) event at the Autostadt.
The Vision
Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the Bugatti EB 118 (1998)—
featuring an 18-cylinder engine—embodies the first concrete vision for the "revival" of the brand under the Volkswagen Group. Also on display is the engine from the EB 218, which served as the technical foundation for subsequent production models.
Concept Cars
The genesis of the Veyron is revealed here:
Two design models from 1999 document the journey from concept to a true supercar. The first model was created by Hartmut Warkuß and Jozef Kabaň, the second by Walter de Silva. Both showcase distinct approaches from renowned automotive designers, illustrating how the vision evolved, step by step, into an automotive milestone.
Roadster
The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse (2012)—
the fastest convertible of its time—embodies the core of the Bugatti DNA: technical perfection, extreme performance, and unparalleled exclusivity. On the "Roadster Island," the Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport is presented in two configurations: one with the roof in place, and the other as an open-top version.
Special Edition
With the Divo (2019) and the Centodieci (2021), Bugatti introduced two exclusive limited-edition models.
The Divo was engineered for maximum cornering performance, featuring optimized aerodynamics and reduced weight.
The design DNA of the legendary Bugatti EB 110—produced between 1991 and 1995—served as the inspiration for the Centodieci.
This reinterpretation was led by Achim Anscheidt, who shaped the brand’s stylistic direction for over 19 years.
World Record Car
The Bugatti Chiron WRC 300+ (2019) became the first production car in the world to exceed a speed of 300 miles per hour (482 km/h)—literally a milestone in automotive history.
With a top speed of over 490 km/h, the record-breaking vehicle set a benchmark for internal combustion-engine cars that remains standing to this day. This thematic display is complemented by the W16 engine—the core component that made this record possible.
Bugatti at the Zeithaus in Autostadt Wolfsburg
- Daily during Autostadt’s opening hours, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Requires a valid day or annual pass
- as well as the Autostadt Key
During the Autostadt Winter Magic (Winterzauber)
4.-30. Dezember: Winterzauber in der Autostadt Wolfsburg
- From December 4 to December 30,
- the exhibition is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
