Bugatti has unveiled its latest creation, the Bugatti Tourbillon, a hypercar named after the precision watch mechanism designed to enhance timekeeping accuracy by counteracting gravity. This new model continues Bugatti’s legacy of automotive excellence since 1909, renowned for pioneering power and innovation, notably revived with the Veyron over two decades ago. Text: Luca W. © Images: Bugatti ©
New Design
Exterior
Standing 33 mm lower than its predecessor, the Chiron, the Bugatti Tourbillon features a streamlined profile with a lower roof and forward-raked stance. Inspired by the Type 57 SC Atlantic, its design pays homage to historical necessity with a magnesium alloy body that couldn’t be welded, hence riveted. Air intake channels under the headlights feed the naturally aspirated engine, while the rear design blends technical precision with organic aesthetics.
Interior
The Bugatti hypercar’s interior merges advanced horological design with automotive engineering. Its centrepiece is an analog instrument cluster crafted by Swiss watchmakers, featuring over 600 components made from titanium, sapphire, and ruby. This fixed hub steering wheel setup ensures an unobstructed view of the instrumentation.
The centre console combines crystal glass and aluminium, revealing the intricate workings of switches and an engine start lever, echoing historic automobile rituals. A hidden high-definition screen offers vehicle data and mobile connectivity.
The seats are fixed to the floor for weight reduction, with an adjustable pedal box for driver comfort, enhancing practicality for long trips.
Chassis
The new Bugatti Tourbillon features a completely redesigned chassis with lightweight multi-link aluminium suspension at both ends, replacing the steel double wishbone setup of the Chiron. Engineers utilized 3D-printed aluminium for the suspension arms and uprights, achieving a 45% weight reduction compared to its predecessor. The rear suspension incorporates an AI-developed 3D-printed hollow airfoil arm to enhance aerodynamics and vehicle dynamics.
The chassis accommodates a new ultra-compact front e-axle with dual independent motors and dual inverters, maintaining the same packaging space as the Chiron despite increased complexity. This redesign also frees up additional storage and luggage space, complementing the Tourbillon’s clean-sheet chassis and bodyshell design.
The Tourbillon boasts a slightly longer wheelbase, is lighter than the Chiron, and incorporates a substantial 200 kg battery pack integrated into the tunnel for structural reinforcement. Its 8-speed double-clutch gearbox positioned at the rear of the engine allows for a narrower greenhouse design, optimizing aerodynamics and overall performance.
The new V16 powerhouse
The new Bugatti engine, made buy Cosworth, is an 8.3-litre, 90-degree naturally aspirated V16, developing 1000 HP and 900 Nm, with a rev limit of 9,500 RPM.
The hybrid component will comprise two motors on the front axle and one in the rear. Each electrical machine is anticipated to deliver 298 kW (400 HP) from the 25 kWh battery, culminating in a remarkable power output of 1,798 HP (1,000 HP from the combustion engine, 798 HP from the electric motors).
The car can be fully propelled by electrical energy for 60–70 kilometres (37–38 miles).
HP, PS, CV, kW what are the differences? Use our live converting tool!
Bugatti has transitioned from the quad-turbo W16 engine to a more “old-school” naturally aspirated engine, to the new V8, 25 centimetres longer. Dropping turbochargers reduces constraints by theoretically making engine tuning easier, addressing cooling issues and weight concerns (turbochargers, intercoolers, hoses, etc.). This approach saves weight, improves reliability, and reduces the workload for engineers, notwithstanding the integration and tuning of the electric motors in this model.
For the driver, this setup theoretically allows for higher revs and produces a less muffled sound, enhancing the driving experience.
[…] the electric powertrain is actually an enabler for such an emotional engine.
Mate Rimac – CEO of Rimac Group
Bugatti Tourbillon specs
| Engine | 8.3-litre V8 engine |
| Power/torque | 1000 HP / 900 Nm (664 ft-lbs) // Total: 1800 HP / 2300 Nm (1696 ft-lbs) |
| Weight | less than 1995 kg (4400 lb) TBC |
| Power/weight ratio | 1.11 kg/hp (2.44 lb/hp) |
| Fuel consumption | TBC // EV range: 60 km (37 miles) |
| Top speed | 380 kph (236 mph) limited 445 kph (276 mph) with Speed Key |
| Acceleration (0-100 kph / 0-62 mph) | 2.0 seconds |
| Price | $4.1 million (£3.2 million, €3.8 million, CHF 3.6 million) |
Bugatti Tourbillon price and units
Limited to 250 units worldwide, each priced at $4.1 million (£3.2 million, €3.8 million, CHF 3.6 million), the Bugatti Tourbillon epitomizes exclusivity and cutting-edge automotive technology, scheduled for release in 2026.
Bugatti Tourbillon wallpapers
