With the production of the 500th Chiron concluding, Bugatti transitions into a new chapter with Rimac’s influence. Meet the Bugatti Tourbillon, a supercar that not only follows the legacy of the EB110, Veyron, and Chiron but also sets a fresh benchmark with an astonishing 1,800 hp output.
Saying goodbye to the iconic W16 engine, the Tourbillon introduces a formidable V16 engine providing 1,000 hp by itself. The powertrain is further augmented with three electric motors, two harnessed at the front axle and another at the rear, contributing an additional 800 hp. This awe-inspiring total power output is supported by a set of batteries that increase the weight by 200 kg, yet the Tourbillon successfully weighs less than the Chiron at 1,995 kg – a true engineering marvel.
Engineered in collaboration with Cosworth, the Tourbillon’s V16 engine boasts an 8.3-liter displacement and exhilarating 9,000 rpm peak, emphasizing its high-performance caliber. The powerplant, featuring a full meter in length crankshaft, signifies unprecedented engineering in the automotive industry.
Equipped with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the successor to the Bugatti Chiron manages to unleash 1,000 horsepower onto the tarmac, despite having a length comparable to the model it replaces.
Many enthusiasts had reservations that the Bugatti Chiron’s successor would be a rebranded Rimac Nevera, but Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, has clarified his vision for the new Bugatti. His aim is to craft a vehicle that honors tradition, exclusive craftsmanship, unparalleled quality, and superior performance, yet maintaining a more refined and classical edge, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the tactile, analog sensations that are integral to the Bugatti driving experience.
Mate Rimac, with his aspirations for perfection, quickly set aside the thought of simply attaching the iconic Bugatti grille to the forefront of the Rimac Nevera, a move that wouldn’t meet the mark. Additionally, he discarded the notion of transforming the Bugatti Chiron into a hybrid, recognizing that the result would be unacceptably hefty for the hypercar enthusiasts of Bugatti. The only response was to design an entirely fresh creation, one that would carry the storied 115-year-old legacy into the future with grace and power – thus, the Bugatti Tourbillon was born.
A first glance at the fresh Bugatti Tourbillon might deceive you into thinking it’s merely a robust variant of the Chiron. But a keener observation reveals a multitudinous array of enhancements. It stands before you, a completely original machine, yet its essence—the unmistakable Bugatti charisma—is evident from every angle. Each curve and line announce its pedigree, yet it’s a modern revolution.
The standout feature of the Tourbillon for me is unquestionably the doors. The fact that they are dihedral and motorized is a first for Bugatti, and they evoke the iconic McLaren F1’s doors, which in itself is a seal of enduring legend. The car’s exterior design is a symphony of striking features, from the slender headlights perched above giant air scoops, right down to the expansive taillight area that proudly displays the Bugatti name while accommodating robust vents positioned above an imposing lower diffuser.
In keeping with the trend, the Tourbillon’s remarkable V16 engine is fully visible, thanks to the absence of a covering. This is made possible in part by the oversized rear diffuser which eliminates the need for an additional rear wing – a feature typically used to increase downforce during high-speed maneuvers. However, this doesn’t mean that the vehicle is without mind-blowing aerodynamics; it does boast an adjustable rear wing that comes into play as an air brake when decelerating, adding another layer of high-performance sophistication to the vehicle.
“Instead of taking a radical departure from tradition, we chose to preserve the legacy of the brand. The new company direction, management, and innovative powertrain developments called for a bold move. However, rather than discarding our heritage, we opted for an evolution. These Bugatti signatures, like the iconic horseshoe grille, the central spine, and the classic two-tone aesthetics, are not just recognizable but integral to our identity. To let go of such distinguished features would be a loss to our brand’s elegance and timelessness,” Mate commented
Even though the Bugatti Tourbillon has been unveiled in numerous visuals, road tests for this fresh addition have only just commenced. Anticipate a delay until 2026 for customers to receive their vehicles. Specifications for this remarkable creation have been established; we can look forward to an engine outputting 1,000 horsepower coupled with electric motors providing an extra 800 horsepower, granting the Tourbillon four-wheel drive capability and an electric range of 60 kilometers. This feature alone is sure to please those in close quarters
The Bugatti Tourbillon boasts capabilities of hitting speeds up to 300 mph, yet has been tactically capped at 277 mph (445 km/h). It is estimated that it will bolt from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in under two seconds, reach 124 mph (200 km/h) in under five seconds, and soar to 186 mph (300 km/h) from a standstill in less than 10 seconds. Bugatti’s test driver Andy Wallace asserts that the Tourbillon can surge to 250 mph in merely around 25 seconds
The magnificence of the Bugatti Tourbillon extends beyond its attractive exterior. As soon as you swing open its remarkable doors and behold the cockpit, the vehicle’s name, ‘Tourbillon’, makes perfect sense. This moniker was inspired by the intricate skeleton watches that expose their inner mechanics. In this same spirit, the Bugatti’s dashboard features a design that’s like gazing into grand timepieces, exhibiting these mechanics on an exaggerated scale.
In front of the pilot seat, you’ll discover an array of dials arranged “exposed bones” style, where the speedometer’s needle can climb to a staggering 550 km/h, and the integrated tachometer measures revolutions up to 10,000 rpm within the same display. To the right of this central gauge resides a meter that indicates the power being exerted by both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor. On the left side, traditional analog indicators present essential information regarding the battery level, oil temperature, and remaining fuel—a particularly important gauge, considering the speed at which fuel can deplete when traveling close to the vehicle’s top speed of nearly 300 mph.
The interior of the 2024 Bugatti Tourbillon boasts a transparent aesthetic, particularly emphasized on the sculpted central console made from crystal glass. This console is where a couple of finely crafted knobs reside. Look to the door panel and you’ll notice the seat adjuster adopts a similar, intricate skeletal design, offering a nod to Bugatti’s meticulous craftsmanship. To awaken the beastly V16 engine, a distinctive pull of a lever on the dash is required, a unique departure from the conventional push-button start, echoing Bugatti’s penchant for exclusivity.
Perhaps you didn’t spot it at first glance, but most interior shots don’t reveal any display tech. Ingeniously concealed when not required, at the touch of a button, the screen emerges from its resting place atop the dashboard, transitioning neatly from a vertical to a horizontal layout for ease of use. Bugatti has pulled off the clever feat of marrying modern technology with timeless aesthetics in their latest Tourbillon model. The result? A flawless representation of elegance from the prestigious marque.
Step into the Bugatti Tourbillon and you’re enveloped in a fusion of sophistication and opulence. With its lavish use of crystal, refined leather, and polished aluminum, the interior radiates a sense of grandeur you’d expect from a vehicle with a fetching price tag of €3,800,000 before taxes. And for those desiring exclusivity, Bugatti reveals they are crafting a mere 250 Tourbillon coupes—a testament to its scarcity. At an estimated yield of 80 automobiles annually, one can only daydream about the possibilities at the decade’s close; the allure of a Tourbillon Super Sport may just entice the imagination.
Mate Rimac shares his collaborative approach: “We have maintained a very integrated team dynamic, where designers, engineers, and I have worked together intensely from the very start on each aspect,” he explains. “This synergy ensures that by the time the project nears completion, making any changes if something isn’t as desired becomes infeasible, resulting in a waste of both time and funds. Fortunately, we managed to realize our original vision to the letter, perfectly embodying what we set out to do from the start.”
Image Source: Informa Plus / Shutterstock
