The Bugatti Tourbillon Targets 1,800-Horsepower Perfection

Two decades ago, the Veyron was introduced. Twelve years later, the Chiron arrived. Now, Bugatti’s latest era begins with the Tourbillon—a luxury hybrid hypercar featuring a 277-mph (446 km/h), 1,800-hp naturally aspirated V16 engine with three electric motors.

Priced at US$4 million, this timeless creation is crafted with meticulous precision akin to a century-old Swiss watch. The analog gauge cluster, made from over 600 pieces of titanium, billet aluminum, crystal glass, rubies, and sapphires, is set in the steering wheel, exuding Breguet-like luxury.

Concealed High-Definition Screen for Vehicle Data and Reverse Camera

However, to preserve the bespoke interior, a high-definition screen is concealed in the center console and can be deployed on-demand in portrait or landscape mode, displaying vehicle data or the reverse camera feed.

“If you think a part is titanium, then it actually is,” stated Bugatti president Christophe Piochon.

“Ettore Bugatti’s creations show that every element, visible or not, is a work of art. We had the same approach with the Tourbillon.”

A “Whirlwind” of Unparalleled Craftsmanship and Quality

No expense is spared in creating the Tourbillon, a name that means “whirlwind” but has no connection to breezes. In horology, a tourbillon is a sophisticated mechanism in high-end mechanical watches that enhances timekeeping accuracy by rotating and counteracting gravity’s effects. This mechanism represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship and quality in watchmaking, a feat achieved by only a few watchmakers due to its intricate and costly nature.

Bugatti has consistently applied this exceptional level of craftsmanship to its cars.

As Ettore Bugatti famously said, “Nothing is too beautiful.”

Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti, embraced this philosophy when developing the Tourbillon, aiming to create something unprecedented. Rimac emphasized that the Tourbillon was designed not just for the present or future, but pour l’éternité—for eternity.

Transition to Hybrid Innovation Post-Rimac Acquisition

Since Bugatti’s acquisition by the Rimac Group from VW, there has been speculation about an electric Bugatti given Rimac’s EV expertise. In Bugatti’s previous hypercars, the iconic W16 engine with four turbos powered the Veyron and Chiron to unprecedented production car speeds.

While Bugatti considered reengineering the W16 or going fully electric, they ultimately chose the more challenging path: developing a completely new hybrid system and chassis from scratch.

Moreover, the Tourbillon departs from its turbocharged W16 roots, featuring a new 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine producing 1,000 hp (745 kW). This is paired with a dual front axle and a single rear axle electric motor, adding a combined 800 hp (596 kW). These electric motors are powered by a relatively small 25-kWh, oil-cooled battery pack operating at 800 volts. In all-electric mode, the Tourbillon offers a range of 37 miles (60 km).

Advanced Materials for Enhanced Performance and Weight Reduction

This cutting-edge technology and engineering, utilizing mostly composite materials, make the Tourbillon lighter than its predecessor, the Chiron, despite the V16 engine weighing 555.5 lb (252 kg).

“Yes, it may seem audacious to build a new V16 engine, integrate it with a new battery pack and electric motors, and include a genuine Swiss-made watchmaker instrument cluster, 3D-printed suspension parts, and a Crystal Glass center console. But this is precisely what Ettore would have done, making Bugatti incomparable and timeless,” stated Mate Rimac in Bugatti’s press release.

Bugatti has entered the testing phase, with prototypes already on the road.

To conclude, Customer deliveries are scheduled to start in 2026. Most of the 250 hand-built units, each priced at $4 million, have already been reserved.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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