Bugatti has unveiled its highly anticipated Tourbillon hyper-GT, marking the beginning of a new era for the brand. The Tourbillon replaces the Chiron and features a radical hybridized V16 engine, a striking new design, and aims to become the fastest road car in the world. With only 250 units to be produced, the Tourbillon comes with a starting price of £3.2 million, making it the most expensive new car in “series” production.
Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac describes the Tourbillon as “art on wheels” and wanted to continue the company’s legacy of pushing boundaries. Rimac, who acquired Bugatti in 2021, emphasized the importance of maintaining the brand’s identity and stated that an electric coupé-SUV would not have been suitable for Bugatti. Instead, Rimac opted for a low-slung silhouette and a powerful engine to evoke a sense of emotion and uniqueness.
The Tourbillon takes an unconventional approach to electrification by utilizing a plug-in hybrid arrangement centered around a naturally aspirated V16 engine. This engine, developed in collaboration with Cosworth, produces 986bhp on its own. However, with the assistance of Rimac-supplied electric motors, the Tourbillon achieves a total power output of 1775bhp, making it the most powerful combustion car on the market.
Bugatti aims to surpass the top speed of the Chiron, which currently stands at 261mph. While a preliminary top speed of 276mph has been quoted for the Tourbillon, Rimac hinted that it could go even faster. Additionally, Bugatti targets a blistering 0-62mph time of 2.0 seconds and a sub-5.0sec 0-124mph time, solidifying its position as one of the world’s quickest-accelerating cars.
The design of the Tourbillon stays true to Bugatti’s established principles, with recognizable features such as the trademark horseshoe front grille and two-tone paint. However, the unique powertrain and aerodynamic requirements for achieving a top speed of over 250mph have influenced the Tourbillon’s silhouette. The bodywork has been meticulously sculpted to optimize airflow and cool the massive engine.
The interior of the Tourbillon embodies Bugatti’s commitment to timeless design. It embraces analogue appeal and physical controls, showcasing highly visible internal mechanisms and intricate Swiss watchmaker-crafted instrument clusters. Bugatti President Christophe Piochon emphasizes that every component, even if unseen, is a work of art and a masterpiece of packaging and engineering.
Engineering-wise, the Tourbillon weighs less than its predecessor due to a bespoke carbon shell and the use of 3D-printed components. The addition of a traction battery and electrified front axle required careful weight management to preserve the car’s practicality. Bugatti was able to maintain the Tourbillon’s storage space by fitting the e-axle assembly in the same space as its predecessor, allowing for an increased frunk size.
Bugatti’s Tourbillon hyper-GT represents a new chapter for the brand, combining exceptional performance, striking design, and timeless craftsmanship. With its limited production and high price tag, the Tourbillon embodies exclusivity and serves as a testament to Bugatti’s continued commitment to pushing boundaries in the automotive industry.
