Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac recently unveiled the new Bugatti Tourbillon, which takes the torch from the Chiron as the brand’s latest hypercar. Rimac explained that there were many considerations in developing the successor to the Chiron, including whether to make a luxury car or stick with the brand’s heritage of building speed record-breaking cars. Ultimately, Bugatti decided to extend its hypercar lineage and develop a hypercar that pushes boundaries.
One of the major decisions Rimac and his team had to make was regarding the powertrain. They had several options, including electric, hybrid, and non-electrified. Rimac’s expertise lies in batteries and motors, so many assumed that the next Bugatti would be electric. Additionally, the Volkswagen Group, which resurrected Bugatti over 20 years ago, pushed for a battery-powered model.
However, Rimac wanted to do something different. He wanted to keep a combustion engine in the equation because he believed in the importance of emotions in a Bugatti. The new Tourbillon features an 8.3-liter V16, which is naturally aspirated and provides a more “emotional” driving experience. The plug-in hybrid system’s motors compensate for the lack of low-end torque.
The decision to stick with the V16 layout was not without its challenges. Bugatti’s chief technical officer, Emilio Scervo, suggested using a V12 instead, but Rimac insisted on the 16-cylinder layout because it makes the car unique. Making the V16 fit without increasing the wheelbase too much required clever engineering solutions. The seats are fixed, but the pedal box is adjustable, and the monocoque doubles as the battery’s cover. The engine is tilted at an angle to accommodate a massive air diffuser.
Despite these challenges, Bugatti’s team succeeded in creating a hypercar that is both longer and lighter than its predecessor, the Chiron. The Tourbillon offers a unique driving experience that cannot be compared to any other car on the market.
In conclusion, Bugatti’s decision to develop the Tourbillon as a successor to the Chiron demonstrates the brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and creating a hypercar that is truly exceptional. By opting for a V16 engine and a plug-in hybrid system, Bugatti has ensured that the Tourbillon offers a thrilling and emotional driving experience. The engineering challenges involved in making the V16 fit without increasing the wheelbase too much were overcome through innovative solutions. The end result is a hypercar that is longer, lighter, and more spacious than its predecessor, making it truly one of a kind.