Bugatti’s latest creation, the Tourbillon, aims to follow in the footsteps of its iconic predecessors, the Veyron and the Chiron. However, the landscape of high-performance vehicles has changed dramatically since their releases. While the Chiron’s 1,500 horsepower was groundbreaking in 2016, it now pales in comparison to luxury sedans producing over 1,200 horsepower and the world’s quickest production car offering nearly 2,000 hp. Recognizing the paradigm shift brought on by high-performance EVs, Bugatti formed a technical alliance with Rimac, a Croatian EV manufacturer. Initially tasked with developing a new powerplant for the Tourbillon, Rimac eventually gained control of Bugatti through a partnership with Porsche.
Given that Rimac has upstaged Bugatti with its own technology, the question arises: how does Bugatti create something equally unprecedented? According to Bugatti design director Frank Heyl, the focus is less on statistics and more on the driving experience. Heyl explains that the Tourbillon is about how you feel in the driver’s seat—the haptics of the switchgear, the smell of the leather, and the sounds and vibrations of the engine. It’s an emotional experience that can’t be quantified.
The Tourbillon’s hybrid powertrain plays a significant role in delivering this experience. It features a dual-motor and dual-inverter setup at the front, producing 600 horsepower, along with an additional 200 hp from a rear electric motor. With an oil-submerged 25 kilowatt battery integrated into the carbon fiber monocoque, the Tourbillon can go all-electric for an estimated 37 miles. In addition, the car boasts a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 engine, delivering another 1,000 horsepower. Bugatti stayed true to its origins with the cylinder count, regrouping the band of 16 in a different format. The new engine’s V configuration required a long 3-foot crankshaft, but extensive computer simulation and materials testing helped minimize vibrations, creating a smoother driving experience.
While Heyl doesn’t want to focus on numbers, a few are worth mentioning. Equipped with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox and all-wheel drive, the Tourbillon can reach 124 mph from a standstill in under 5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 277 mph. While it may not match the Chiron Super Sport’s top speed of 304.7 mph, there’s still potential for a Super Sport iteration in the future.
When it comes to design, Heyl compares the Tourbillon to a falcon, particularly noting the reduced frontal area compared to its predecessors. This change reduces aerodynamic drag, allowing for even faster acceleration and aerodynamic neutrality at top speed. The Tourbillon also diverges from large screens, instead prioritizing finely crafted instrumentation and physical switchgear. Bugatti drew inspiration from high-end watch design by using materials like sapphire, titanium, and crystal glass in the gauge cluster. The car’s functions are accessible without relying on a retractable digital display, ensuring that it won’t feel outdated in the future.
Ultimately, Bugatti believes that cars are now so fast that speed alone is no longer the differentiator. Instead, it’s about the emotions they generate. Heyl believes that the Tourbillon will continue to be enjoyed by owners well into the future, regardless of future contenders’ headline-grabbing statistics. The decision to buy this car should be driven by the heart, not just the brain.
