Bugatti Unveils the Tourbillon: A Naturally Aspirated V16 Gets Electrified
Mate Rimac, head honcho at Bugatti Rimac, is brimming with enthusiasm for the Tourbillon, Bugatti’s latest masterpiece. This hypercar marks a significant departure from the Chiron, its predecessor, boasting not only a revolutionary powertrain but also a meticulously crafted, driver-centric interior. The New Bugatti Tourbillon now gets a V16 naturally aspirated electrified engine, excited! Let’s get started with the details.
A Naturally Aspirated V16 Gets Electrified
The Tourbillon throws out the Chiron’s quad-turbo W-16 engine in favour of a bespoke 8.3-litre, naturally aspirated V-16. Co-developed with Cosworth, this high-revving marvel reaches a staggering 9000 rpm, churning out 1000 horsepower and 900 NM of torque. Surprisingly, forced induction is absent here, a bold move for a car in this segment.
But the story doesn’t end there. The Tourbillon packs an additional punch thanks to a trio of electric motors – two up front and one at the rear – contributing a combined 800 horsepower. With the combined might of the combustion engine and electric motors, the Tourbillon boasts a mind-numbing 1800 horsepower.
As a bonus, the hybrid powertrain allows for nearly 37 miles (60 Km) of pure electric driving thanks to its 25 kWh Battery pack, a welcome feature considering the car’s hefty $4.6 million price tag. Though the top speed of the Tourbillon is 380 km/h (236 mph) limited – 445 km/h (276 mph) with Speed Key, which is less than the Chiron.
A Driver-Focused Cabin Built to Last
The Tourbillon’s makeover extends far beyond its engine. The carbon-fibre body houses a completely redesigned cabin, prioritizing ergonomics and driver comfort. Unlike the Chiron, which positioned the transmission between the seats, the Tourbillon’s gearbox sits behind the engine, allowing for a lower seating position and more spacious interior. The 25 kWh oil-cooled 800V battery pack runs along the centre tunnel, further optimizing space.
The watch-inspired theme continues inside the car. The gauge cluster, a marvel of milled sapphire crystal, evokes a high-end timepiece and mounts directly to the steering column for unobstructed viewing.
“The real revolution is in the interior,” Rimac proclaims, highlighting the importance of timeless design choices. Frank Heyl, design director at Bugatti Rimac, echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the desire to create a car that remains relevant for decades to come.
The solution? A sculptural, analogue interior with a fixed-hub steering wheel and physical gauges built by a Swiss watchmaker. A small, retractable screen caters to those who require some digital interaction. The entire interior is customizable, allowing owners to match it to their prized possessions, be it a watch or a yacht.
Exterior Design: A Balancing Act of Legacy and Modernity
While the Tourbillon boasts a lower and sleeker profile than the Chiron, it retains design cues that connect it to Bugatti’s illustrious past. The horseshoe grille, C-shaped cabin line, and raised roof spine all pay homage to iconic Bugattis like the Type 35 and the Atlantic.
However, make no mistake – this is no mere rehash. The Tourbillon shares no components with its predecessor. Subtle design elements ensure optimal airflow, and the underbody diffuser allows the rear wing to function solely as an airbrake, maximizing top speed.
Bugatti Rimac’s in-house software seamlessly integrates the engine and electric motors, propelling the Tourbillon from 0 to 60 mph in a jaw-dropping 2.0 seconds and to 250 mph (400 Km) in a mere 25 seconds.
Rimac assures us that the Tourbillon, despite its immense power, will be no heavier than the Chiron. Production is slated to begin in 2026, with a limited run of just 250 units. Owning a piece of Bugatti’s future, however, requires more than just money – prospective buyers must have a history of acquiring Bugatti or Rimac cars.
