In 2004, Bugatti redefined automotive performance and luxury with the launch of the Veyron, a hyper sports car boasting an unprecedented 1,001 horsepower. This groundbreaking vehicle set the stage for its successor, the Chiron, unveiled in 2016 with an astonishing 1,500 horsepower. At the heart of these engineering marvels was the revolutionary 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine. Now, two decades later, Bugatti has once again reimagined the hyper sports car with an entirely new powertrain and platform: the Bugatti Tourbillon.
Name and Philosophy
The development of the Bugatti Tourbillon was deeply influence by Bugatti’s rich 115-year history and the visionary principles of its founder, Ettore Bugatti. Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, emphasize that the creation of the Tourbillon was guide by Ettore’s mantras: “If comparable, it is no longer Bugatti” and “Nothing is too beautiful.” These principles shape the design and engineering teams’ approach, resulting in a vehicle that embodies beauty, performance, and luxury.
The Tourbillon name is a nod to Bugatti’s French heritage. The term “tourbillon” originates from watchmaking and refers to a complex mechanism that counters the effects of gravity to ensure consistent timekeeping. This reference to timeless precision and mechanical excellence perfectly encapsulates the essence of the new Bugatti Tourbillon.
Design and Aerodynamics
As with all modern Bugattis, the Tourbillon is designed to be “shaped by speed.” Achieving speeds of over 400 km/h requires meticulous attention to aerodynamics and thermodynamics. The Tourbillon’s design incorporates four key Bugatti elements inspired by its historical models: the horseshoe grille, the Bugatti Line, the central ridge, and the dual color split.
Bugatti’s Director of Design, Frank Heyl, highlighted the influence of iconic models such as the Type 35 and Type 57SC Atlantic. The horseshoe grille shape guides the car’s aerodynamic profile, while the lowered stance of the Tourbillon echoes the design philosophy of the Type 57SC. The dual-tone paintwork, a hallmark of Bugatti design, is evolved in the Tourbillon, enhancing its modern yet timeless appeal.
The Tourbillon’s aerodynamic design includes innovative features such as a new diffuser concept that maintains balance at high speeds and an integrated crash structure. The rear wing, submerged during top-speed runs, provides downforce at lower speeds and acts as an airbrake. The front design incorporates ultra-efficient cooling systems, while the advanced dihedral doors offer both functionality and dramatic flair.
Interior: A Timeless Masterpiece
Bugatti has taken a unique approach to the Tourbillon’s interior, prioritizing timelessness over transient digital trends. Inspired by the world of horlogerie, the cabin features an analogue instrument cluster crafted by Swiss watchmakers. This intricate masterpiece, made from titanium and gemstones, weighs just 700 grams and offers a clear view of the instrumentation, regardless of steering angle, thanks to a fixed hub steering wheel design.
The center console, a blend of crystal glass and aluminum, reveals the intricate workings of the switches and engine start lever. This combination of materials ensures both aesthetic appeal and durability. Hidden within the console is a high-definition digital screen, deployable in both portrait and landscape modes, providing vehicle data and connectivity when needed.
Every interior element is design for performance and comfort. The seats, fix to the floor, are complement by an electrically adjustable pedal box, ensuring a comfortable driving position. The advance audio system, devoid of traditional speakers, uses exciters on the door panels to create a lightweight and efficient sound experience.
Powertrain and Performance
The Bugatti Tourbillon introduces a new era of performance with its all-new 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine, developed in collaboration with Cosworth. Furthermore, This engine is paired with a sophisticated electric powertrain, delivers a total of 1,800 horsepower—1,000 hp from the combustion engine and 800 hp from the electric motors. This combination ensures immediate torque and unparalleled flexibility.
The Tourbillon’s electric motors are powered by a 25 kWh oil-cooled 800V battery, offering a usable all-electric range of more than 60 km. Furthermore, The vehicle’s four-wheel-drive system, coupled with full torque-vectoring, provides exceptional traction and agility. Despite its powerful hybrid powertrain, the Tourbillon weighs less than its predecessor, the Chiron, thanks to advanced materials and engineering.
Engineering Excellence
The Tourbillon’s chassis and body structure represent a significant leap forward in automotive engineering. Constructed from next-generation T800 carbon composite, the structure integrates weight-saving innovations such as a structural battery and a crash composite rear diffuser. Moreover, The new multi-link suspension system, forged from aluminum, reduces weight and enhances vehicle dynamics.
Advanced braking technology, including carboceramic brakes and a bespoke brake-by-wire system, ensures superior stopping power. Moreover, The Michelin Pilot Cup Sport 2 tires, specially developed for the Tourbillon, contribute to its remarkable performance.
A Vision for the Future
Mate Rimac’s vision for the Bugatti Tourbillon extends beyond mere performance. He envisages a vehicle that stands as a timeless icon, embodying the spirit of Ettore Bugatti’s relentless pursuit of perfection. Moreover, The Tourbillon’s combination of a naturally aspirated V16 engine and advanced electric motors represents a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation.
The Bugatti Tourbillon is set to begin its testing phase, with customer deliveries expect in 2026. Limited to just 250 units and priced at 33.9 Crores ₹(4.1 Million $), this hypercar promises to be a masterpiece of engineering and design. Furthermore, As Bugatti enters this new era, the Tourbillon stands as a testament to the brand’s enduring legacy and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence.
In conclusion, the Bugatti Tourbillon is not just a hypercar; it is a celebration of Bugatti’s history and a bold statement of its future. With its innovative design, unparalleled performance, and timeless appeal, the Tourbillon is poised to become an icon “pour l’éternité”—for eternity. The Bugatti Tourbillon specs highlight the extraordinary engineering and design that make this vehicle a true masterpiece in the world of hyper sports cars.
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