(Source – Road & Track)
Bugatti has introduced its latest marvel, the Bugatti Tourbillon, a powerful hybrid with an equally impressive price tag. Set to replace the $3.3 million, 1,500-horsepower Bugatti Chiron, the Tourbillon pushes the boundaries of automotive engineering and luxury.
Embracing Hybrid Over Electric
Despite industry trends and Bugatti’s 2021 merger with Rimac, a Croatian company known for the all-electric Rimac Nevera supercar, the Tourbillon is not an all-electric vehicle. Mate Rimac, CEO of the newly formed Bugatti Rimac, clarified that there were no plans to make an all-electric Bugatti. As gasoline-powered cars become rarer, Bugatti Rimac aimed to preserve the essence of mechanically powered Bugatti cars while enhancing their performance with hybrid technology.
The Bugatti Tourbillon features a massive 16-cylinder gasoline engine, developed in partnership with the British race car engineering firm Cosworth, complemented by three powerful electric motors. These electric motors, one at the rear and two at the front, can independently produce at least 800 horsepower. Combined, the hybrid system delivers a staggering 1,800 horsepower. Unlike its predecessor, the Chiron, which used four turbochargers to boost power, the Tourbillon’s engine is naturally aspirated, relying on its electric components to compensate for the lack of turbochargers.
The Tourbillon’s interior also pays homage to traditional mechanical engineering. Named after a set of gears in mechanical watches, the car’s instrument display mimics watch dials, reflecting a blend of timeless craftsmanship and modern technology. “One of the first things we did when the new company was formed, I took the whole team to Switzerland and we visited a few watchmakers,” Rimac told CNN. The central speedometer features two needles like a clock: a long hand for speed and a shorthand for engine revolutions per minute.
The hybrid system allows the Bugatti Tourbillon to travel approximately 37 miles on electric power alone, with the option for drivers to run the gasoline engine continuously if preferred.
FIRST LOOK: £3.8m Bugatti Tourbillon – 1800hp V16 Hybrid Chiron Successor!
A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
While the Tourbillon stays true to Bugatti’s tradition of handcrafted luxury, it incorporates modern conveniences. Unlike previous models, the Tourbillon includes a large display screen with Apple CarPlay, but the screen remains hidden until requested by the driver. This design choice aligns with Bugatti’s philosophy of creating timeless interiors that won’t appear outdated as technology evolves. “We think, really, how will this product look in 50 years, 100 years,” said Rimac. “And it’s clear that, if you have a screen, it won’t look that great.”
The Tourbillon will be meticulously assembled one at a time at Bugatti’s small factory in Molsheim, France. Only 250 units will be produced, each starting at approximately $4 million. This limited production ensures exclusivity and maintains the brand’s legacy of unparalleled luxury and performance.
The unveiling of the Bugatti Tourbillon marks a significant step in the evolution of high-performance hybrids. By blending powerful mechanical engineering with cutting-edge hybrid technology, Bugatti Rimac has created a vehicle that honors its storied past while looking confidently toward the future.
