Inside the $4 Million, 1,800-HP Bugatti Tourbillon: The Hypercar King Reimagined
Bugatti has once again redefined the realm of hypercars with the dazzling debut of its new flagship, the Tourbillon. Unveiled on Thursday, this V-16-powered plug-in hybrid not only succeeds the iconic Chiron but also surpasses it in almost every conceivable way.
A Celebration of Mechanical Mastery
Unlike its predecessors named after famous racing drivers, the Tourbillon draws its moniker from high-end watchmaking. Just like an intricate watch, this hypercar is a marvel of mechanical complexity, according to Mate Rimac, the CEO of Bugatti Rimac. Limited to a production run of just 250 units, each priced around a mind-boggling $4 million, getting your hands on one will be as challenging as acquiring a rare timepiece.
This is the first Bugatti unveiled under Rimac's leadership—previously responsible for electric masterpieces like the Rimac Nevera and Concept_One. Yet, Rimac felt that Bugatti's future deserved an emotional internal-combustion anchor, which led to a new naturally-aspirated 8.3-liter V-16 engine replacing the Chiron’s quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16. Yes, you heard that right—a V-16 in the 21st century.
Power That Stuns
The Tourbillon's V-16 engine alone generates 1,000 hp and revs up to a staggering 9,000 rpm. Complemented by three electric motors—two at the front and one at the rear—the hypercar achieves a combined output of 1,800 hp. With an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, the Tourbillon delivers a broader power band than its naturally-aspirated core could manage alone.
That's not all. The car features a structurally-integral, 25-kWh T-shaped battery pack situated in the tunnel and behind the seats. This battery offers up to 37 miles of pure electric range. Despite harboring this high-density pack and multiple motors, the Tourbillon is lighter than the Chiron, courtesy of 3D-printed components that cut significant weight.
Blistering Performance
Bugatti's performance claims are nothing short of jaw-dropping. The Tourbillon accelerates from 0-62 mph in just 2.0 seconds, rockets to 124 mph in under 5.0 seconds, and hits 186 mph in less than 10.0 seconds. Ultimately, it achieves 248 mph within 25.0 seconds and stops accelerating at 276 mph. These numbers easily position it as one of the fastest cars ever made.
Design Evolution
Though the Tourbillon doesn’t share any components with the Chiron, its design is an evolutionary step forward. The signature Bugatti horseshoe grille has widened and moved forward, while the intakes flanking it have grown larger. The hoop-like element encasing the side air intakes remains but now frames McLaren-inspired butterfly doors. A central spine, inspired by the riveted halves of the Bugatti Type 57SC Atlantic, makes a triumphant return. A larger rear diffuser decreases dependency on the pop-up rear wing and doubles as a crash structure.
Interior Extravagance
Inside, Bugatti ensures the Tourbillon is just as luxurious as it is powerful. Despite housing a longer engine and a battery pack, the hypercar maintains the same interior space as the Chiron. The centerpiece is an intricate mechanical gauge cluster, developed with help from Swiss watchmakers, consisting of over 600 parts including titanium and gemstones. The center console, crafted from aluminum and custom-designed crystal glass, hides a touchscreen that deploys only when necessary.
This breathtaking blend of engineering prowess and opulent luxury cements the Bugatti Tourbillon as the hypercar to beat, overshadowing its predecessors and competitors alike.