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After years of exquisite Chiron-based creations, we finally have the first clean-sheet vehicle from Bugatti in nearly a decade––the Tourbillon. From its incredible hybrid-assisted V16 powertrain all the way to the gorgeous, timepiece-inspired gauges behind the steering wheel, this is yet another engineering marvel that's well worth its price tag upwards of $4 million before options. But much like the beastly machines that came before it, the Tourbillon will be a rare bird, as only 250 units will be built in total after the first example rolls off the line in 2026.
On the outside, we'll admit that the Tourbillon's curvy sheetmetal and sinister face don't stray too far from the W16-powered Chiron, but in spite of that, not a single part is shared between the two. Everything from the monocoque to the suspension has been completely overhauled, and behind the seats there sits the entirely new V16 engine, which gets help from three electric motors to churn out a whopping 1,800 horsepower––that's 300 ponies more than the Chiron.
While some electric bits have inevitably made their way into this Bugatti, the 8.3 liter V16 still remarkably manages to rev all the way up to 9,500 RPM, achieve its 1,000-hp standalone power rating, and churn out 664 lb-ft of torque without any turbochargers. In addition, the V16 weighs only 555 pounds––that's a whopping 327 pounds lighter than the old W16, and this new engine is actually larger. Some of this trickery has been reached with help from Cosworth, which partnered up with Bugatti to develop the revolutionary sixteen-cylinder engine.
Now about those electric motors, some interesting details apply to them as well. Bugatti has installed two electric motors onto the front axle, while bolting on a third to the rear to assist in spinning those rear wheels. Together, these motors contribute an additional 800 hp to the Tourbillon's total power rating, and they receive all of that punch from a centrally-mounted, 25-kWh battery pack.
Even more shockingly, this electric powertrain doesn't add anything to the Tourbillon's weight. In fact, even with its battery pack and trio of motors––parts that usually add lots of extra heft to a vehicle––the Tourbillon is actually lighter than the Chiron it replaces, thanks to both its powertrain and its brand new multi-link suspension. And that's not to say the motors and battery are useless, as drivers will be able to shut off the V16 engine and travel for up to 37 miles solely on electric power. While Bugatti hasn't talked about the speeds and charging rates its new 800-volt architecture can support, it's worth noting the Tourbillon was developed when electric hypercar maker Rimac entered the fold, so we're sure the numbers will be quite impressive.
Speaking of impressive numbers, the Tourbillon's powertrain can send it from 0-62 mph in just 2.0 seconds, assuming its exclusive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are sticky enough to handle the brisk launch. Things get even crazier when that intricately-crafted speedometer starts reading three digits––124 mph comes in just 5.0 seconds, 186 mph arrives in only 10, and after a whopping 25 seconds you've reached the vehicle's 236-mph top speed. If you opt for the Speed Key, you can achieve a face-melting 276 mph.
While performance is one of the key attributes that defines a Bugatti, a high-class interior is also a major part of the experience––and boy does this thing deliver. Upon opening the Tourbillon's electronic dihedral doors, the hypercar's euphonious name begins to make a lot of sense. 'Tourbillon' is a term that refers to the mechanics of a watch that are meant to increase its accuracy, and a look at the impressive analog gauges behind the steering wheel reveals why Bugatti chose such a name. The gauges, which comprise of three dials that are permanently attached to the steering wheel, were designed by none other than Swiss watchmakers. They display engine revs, fuel levels, and engine temperature, among other things. As you turn the wheel, the center cap and the gauge pieces remain in place so they can be viewed and admired at all times.
Despite taking direct inspiration from timepieces, the cabin as a whole has been designed to be timeless. As a result, the analog aesthetic continues along the center stack, where glorious physical switchgear reigns supreme. Alongside the satisfying aluminum switches and rotary dials, this area also houses the exquisite crystal lever that starts up the Tourbillon's V16 engine. There are no screens to be found in this stunning interior, though if the driver so chooses to use functions such as Apple CarPlay, Bugatti has installed a button that activates a small hidden display, which pops out from the top of the center stack.
The cabin's analog layout is quite functional, as it eschews deep menus for simple physical controls. The Tourbillon's exterior design similarly blends form with function, primarily in terms of aerodynamics and airflow. Up front, the iconic horseshoe grille sends air to the radiators while also adding to the vehicle's downforce, while the slim headlights on each side are underlined by vents that send air to the side intakes. The hypercar also features a hidden diffuser behind the passenger side of the cabin, and there's an active rear wing that extends upward to assist with braking.
The Tourbillon won't begin production until 2026, as the hypercar is still in its rigorous testing phase. But if you want one, we're sure Bugatti will let you reserve a build slot now––as long as you have around $4 million to burn. Only 250 of these incredible machines will be built in total, but we do expect other variants such as the Sport and Super Sport––and who knows, maybe a Vitesse convertible like the Veyron––to break cover later on.
Image Credits: Bugatti
Revealed
Jun 30, 2024
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Bugatti Tourbillon Replaces The Chiron With A Mighty 1,800-HP Hybrid V16
The next-generation Bugatti can also rev up to 9,500 RPM, and it features an exquisite interior.
After years of exquisite Chiron-based creations, we finally have the first clean-sheet vehicle from Bugatti in nearly a decade––the Tourbillon. From its incredible hybrid-assisted V16 powertrain all the way to the gorgeous, timepiece-inspired gauges behind the steering wheel, this is yet another engineering marvel that's well worth its price tag upwards of $4 million before options. But much like the beastly machines that came before it, the Tourbillon will be a rare bird, as only 250 units will be built in total after the first example rolls off the line in 2026.
On the outside, we'll admit that the Tourbillon's curvy sheetmetal and sinister face don't stray too far from the W16-powered Chiron, but in spite of that, not a single part is shared between the two. Everything from the monocoque to the suspension has been completely overhauled, and behind the seats there sits the entirely new V16 engine, which gets help from three electric motors to churn out a whopping 1,800 horsepower––that's 300 ponies more than the Chiron.
While some electric bits have inevitably made their way into this Bugatti, the 8.3 liter V16 still remarkably manages to rev all the way up to 9,500 RPM, achieve its 1,000-hp standalone power rating, and churn out 664 lb-ft of torque without any turbochargers. In addition, the V16 weighs only 555 pounds––that's a whopping 327 pounds lighter than the old W16, and this new engine is actually larger. Some of this trickery has been reached with help from Cosworth, which partnered up with Bugatti to develop the revolutionary sixteen-cylinder engine.
Now about those electric motors, some interesting details apply to them as well. Bugatti has installed two electric motors onto the front axle, while bolting on a third to the rear to assist in spinning those rear wheels. Together, these motors contribute an additional 800 hp to the Tourbillon's total power rating, and they receive all of that punch from a centrally-mounted, 25-kWh battery pack.
Even more shockingly, this electric powertrain doesn't add anything to the Tourbillon's weight. In fact, even with its battery pack and trio of motors––parts that usually add lots of extra heft to a vehicle––the Tourbillon is actually lighter than the Chiron it replaces, thanks to both its powertrain and its brand new multi-link suspension. And that's not to say the motors and battery are useless, as drivers will be able to shut off the V16 engine and travel for up to 37 miles solely on electric power. While Bugatti hasn't talked about the speeds and charging rates its new 800-volt architecture can support, it's worth noting the Tourbillon was developed when electric hypercar maker Rimac entered the fold, so we're sure the numbers will be quite impressive.
Speaking of impressive numbers, the Tourbillon's powertrain can send it from 0-62 mph in just 2.0 seconds, assuming its exclusive Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are sticky enough to handle the brisk launch. Things get even crazier when that intricately-crafted speedometer starts reading three digits––124 mph comes in just 5.0 seconds, 186 mph arrives in only 10, and after a whopping 25 seconds you've reached the vehicle's 236-mph top speed. If you opt for the Speed Key, you can achieve a face-melting 276 mph.
While performance is one of the key attributes that defines a Bugatti, a high-class interior is also a major part of the experience––and boy does this thing deliver. Upon opening the Tourbillon's electronic dihedral doors, the hypercar's euphonious name begins to make a lot of sense. 'Tourbillon' is a term that refers to the mechanics of a watch that are meant to increase its accuracy, and a look at the impressive analog gauges behind the steering wheel reveals why Bugatti chose such a name. The gauges, which comprise of three dials that are permanently attached to the steering wheel, were designed by none other than Swiss watchmakers. They display engine revs, fuel levels, and engine temperature, among other things. As you turn the wheel, the center cap and the gauge pieces remain in place so they can be viewed and admired at all times.
Despite taking direct inspiration from timepieces, the cabin as a whole has been designed to be timeless. As a result, the analog aesthetic continues along the center stack, where glorious physical switchgear reigns supreme. Alongside the satisfying aluminum switches and rotary dials, this area also houses the exquisite crystal lever that starts up the Tourbillon's V16 engine. There are no screens to be found in this stunning interior, though if the driver so chooses to use functions such as Apple CarPlay, Bugatti has installed a button that activates a small hidden display, which pops out from the top of the center stack.
The cabin's analog layout is quite functional, as it eschews deep menus for simple physical controls. The Tourbillon's exterior design similarly blends form with function, primarily in terms of aerodynamics and airflow. Up front, the iconic horseshoe grille sends air to the radiators while also adding to the vehicle's downforce, while the slim headlights on each side are underlined by vents that send air to the side intakes. The hypercar also features a hidden diffuser behind the passenger side of the cabin, and there's an active rear wing that extends upward to assist with braking.
The Tourbillon won't begin production until 2026, as the hypercar is still in its rigorous testing phase. But if you want one, we're sure Bugatti will let you reserve a build slot now––as long as you have around $4 million to burn. Only 250 of these incredible machines will be built in total, but we do expect other variants such as the Sport and Super Sport––and who knows, maybe a Vitesse convertible like the Veyron––to break cover later on.
Image Credits: Bugatti
