Twenty years after the revolutionary Bugatti Veyron entered the market and eight years since the Chiron’s debut, Bugatti has unveiled a new hypercar: the Bugatti Tourbillon. This latest model boasts a V16 plug-in-hybrid engine, a new chassis, and an exceptional design. Bugatti aims for the Tourbillon to remain timeless “for all eternity.”
Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac has drawn inspiration from Ettore Bugatti’s philosophy that “if comparable, it is no longer Bugatti” and “nothing is too beautiful.” The Tourbillon is the first car developed under the Bugatti-Rimac partnership established in 2021. It draws design inspiration from three iconic Bugatti models: the Type 57SC Atlantic, the Type 35, and the Type 41 Royale. Bugatti’s goal was to create a car that would look as impressive in the future as it does today, considering how quickly modern technology can become outdated.
The name Tourbillon is derived from a watchmaking technique invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet, which aims to counteract gravity and increase accuracy. This technique symbolizes the pinnacle of watchmaking, and Bugatti sees the Tourbillon as the pinnacle of automotive engineering. Rimac describes the car as “more elegant, more emotive, and more luxurious than anything before it,” featuring several watch-inspired design elements.
The Tourbillon is not merely a modified Chiron but is built on a completely new T800 carbon composite chassis. It includes 3D-printed aluminum components and advanced suspension systems, making it 45% lighter than the Chiron. Its V16 engine, developed with Cosworth, is a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter powerhouse generating 1,000 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. The engine is lightweight, weighing just 556 pounds, and revs up to 9,000 rpm, significantly higher than the Chiron Super Sport.
The car also features a 24.8-kWh 800-volt battery pack integrated into the monocoque, providing an electric range of over 37 miles. The electric powertrain, which includes three electric motors, delivers an additional 800 horsepower. This setup allows the Tourbillon to have all-wheel drive and advanced torque vectoring. The total output is an impressive 1,800 horsepower, making it the most powerful Bugatti ever.
Bugatti claims the Tourbillon can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2 seconds, reach 124 mph in under 5 seconds, and hit 186 mph in less than 10 seconds. Its top speed is 236 mph, but with the Speed Key, it can reach 276 mph. The car features new carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin Pilot Cup Sport 2 tires, ensuring top-notch performance.
In terms of design, the Tourbillon is larger and more dramatic than the Chiron, with wedge-shaped proportions and intricate details. It incorporates four key design elements: the central ridge, the C-shaped Bugatti Line, a split dual-color scheme, and the horseshoe grille. Inspired by falcons, the car’s shape is designed for both aerodynamic efficiency and cooling. The interior features innovative elements like butterfly doors, a unique gauge cluster, and a minimalistic yet luxurious design.
Overall, the Bugatti Tourbillon is a testament to Bugatti’s commitment to excellence and innovation, combining cutting-edge technology with timeless design. Mate Rimac’s vision for Bugatti ensures that the brand continues to set new standards in the automotive world while honoring its rich heritage.
