Bugatti has unveiled its latest marvel, the Tourbillon hybrid hypercar, set to hit the roads in two years. With production capped at 250 units and starting prices at a staggering £3.21 million, this new Chiron successor promises to deliver an extraordinary 1,800 horsepower, with the ability to travel 37 miles purely on electric power.
Celebrating two decades of hyper sports cars, Bugatti introduced the Tourbillon during a live stream event titled “pour l’éternité” (for eternity). This new hypercar features a cutting-edge hybrid powertrain and a naturally aspirated V16 engine.
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Slated for delivery in 2026, the Tourbillon derives its name from a Swiss-French watchmaking patent, reflecting Bugatti’s dedication to precision and timeless design.
For prospective buyers, saving up for this masterpiece over the next two years will require an exceptional interest rate, as the starting price is set at €3.8 million. Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac has been building anticipation, highlighting the emotional resonance of the naturally aspirated V16 engine.
The all-new 8.3-litre V16, developed with Cosworth, is complemented by a front e-Axle with two electric motors and a rear axle-mounted electric motor, echoing the legacy of Bugatti’s “benchmark” W16 engine.
This hybrid setup delivers a remarkable 1,800 horsepower, split between 1,000 from the combustion engine and 800 from the electric motors, powered by a 25kWh battery located in the central tunnel behind the passengers.
Bugatti boasts that the Tourbillon, despite its advanced hybrid powertrain, weighs less than its predecessor, the Chiron. This feat is achieved through a 225kg engine, an electric powertrain, and a large battery pack, all contributing to the vehicle’s impressive engineering.
The Tourbillon features a completely new chassis and a next-generation, weight-saving carbon body structure, including front composite air ducts and a stiffer 3D-printed structural base. Its 3D-printed aluminium suspension reduces weight by 45% compared to the Chiron.
Emilio Scervo, Bugatti’s Chief Technology Officer, emphasized the importance of retaining the pure, raw feel of a naturally aspirated engine while enhancing it with the agility provided by electric motors. The design of the Tourbillon is quintessentially Bugatti, guided by Ettore Bugatti’s principles that nothing comparable is a true Bugatti, and nothing is too beautiful.
The Tourbillon’s design embraces timelessness, with classic Bugatti elements like the horseshoe grille, central ridge, and dual colour split. Aerodynamic features include a submerging rear wing, a climbing diffuser, left and right flying fenders, and a sculpted frontal overhang with a storage compartment.
Frank Heyl, Bugatti’s Director of Design, remarked on the evolution of Bugatti’s dual-tone paintwork, rooted in Jean Bugatti’s bold designs. The Tourbillon’s interior avoids ultra-modern technology, instead aiming for a timeless elegance akin to horology. The instrument cluster, crafted by Swiss watchmakers, features 600 parts, including titanium and gemstones, making it a complex, engineered masterpiece.
The fixed hub steering wheel rotates to provide an unobstructed view of the instruments. A single screen, deployable from the center console, serves as both a reversing camera and an infotainment system, focusing on Apple CarPlay and vehicle data. The console itself is a blend of glass and aluminium, with a historic pull-to-start lever.
Innovative speaker technology utilizes exciters instead of traditional speakers, and the non-moving seats are paired with an adjustable pedal box for enhanced comfort and space. This design ensures that every element of the car, inside and out, could be placed in an art gallery, according to Emilio Scervo.
Bugatti’s Tourbillon is now entering its testing phase, with prototypes already spotted on the road. All 250 units will be hand-assembled at the Bugatti Atelier in Molsheim, following the final W16-powered models, the Bolide and W16 Mistral. This hypercar promises to be the most powerful and artistically captivating Bugatti to date.
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