The Tourbillon marks a radical evolution for French hypercar maker Bugatti. Unveiled in June last year, it is the brand’s first new model under CEO Mate Rimac’s leadership and the first model since, to ditch forced induction. That’s right, no turbos. The quad-turbos seen on the Veyron and Chiron’s 8.0-liter W16 has now made way for a naturally-aspirated V16 hybrid in Bugatti’s latest flagship.
In a rare behind-the-scenes video part of the documentary series from Bugatti, ‘A New Era’, Rimac invites viewers into the car’s Validation Prototype (VP) phase, the second major milestone in Bugatti’s three-part development process in Episode 8. Just like the Veyron and Chiron before it, the Tourbillon moves from the Experimental Phase (XP) to (VP) and then eventually to the pre-series production, where everything is locked in.
At the heart of the Bugatti Tourbillon lies an all-new 8.3-liter V16 engine developed by Cosworth, which by itself produces 1,000 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. Throw in three electric motors and the Tourbillon has a combined system output of 1,800 horsepower and 1,696 pound-feet of torque. It pairs with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and a single rear 250 kW electric motor. But operating at 800 volts, the electric motors do more than provide instantaneous torque, as they also generate power, recharge the battery, and serve as the starter motor, eliminating the need for a separate 12-volt starting system.
“The electric powertrain, being very high tech, very high performance, is actually enabling this very emotional combustion engine. Where the combustion engine isn’t able to deliver its full power, the electric motor can with the roar of a V16 naturally aspirated engine. This is how electrification should enhance, not compromise, the driving experience.” – Mate Rimac, CEO Bugatti-Rimac
Upfront, two more electric motors, each with their own gearbox and inverter, live inside a unified housing and offer torque vectoring and all-wheel drive, all while saving space. There’s also the 25 kWh, 800–volt T-shaped oil-cooled battery, embedded into the chassis, packing 1,500 cells, all while keeping the center of gravity low. The Tourbillon offers up to 37 miles (60 kilometers) of all-electric driving range.
Despite being a hybrid, the entire powertrain module on the Tourbillon weighs 947 pounds (430 kg), making it lighter than the engine and transmission of the outgoing Chiron. You no longer need the additional plumbing and intercoolers found on the quad-turbo W16. Even the forged aluminium suspension is 3D-printed and 45% lighter than before.
Although it packs a longer V16 compared to the old W16, the aforementioned dual front-electric motors, complex cooling system, and the T-Shaped battery, the overall footprint of the Tourbillon has been reduced, with increased luggage space compared to its predecessors, all made possible due to clever packaging. But really, a Bugatti all about big speed, and the company claims a top speed of 277 mph, but the goal will eventually be to outgun the Chiron Super Sport 300+. Bugatti will only build 250 examples of the $4.1 million Tourbillon, with deliveries beginning in 2026.
Source: Bugatti