Introduction:
In 2004, Bugatti revolutionized the automotive industry with the Veyron, the first road car to boast more than 1,000 hp. Over the years, Bugatti continued to push the boundaries of performance and luxury, culminating in the 2016 release of the Chiron, the world’s first 1,500 hp car. Now, 20 years after the introduction of the hyper sports car, Bugatti is once again redefining the concept with the Bugatti Tourbillon. This new hyper sports car features a completely new powertrain and platform, marking a departure from the iconic W16 engine that powered its predecessors.
Name and Philosophy:
The development of the Bugatti Tourbillon was guided by Bugatti’s rich history and the words of Ettore Bugatti himself. The car draws inspiration from iconic Bugatti models such as the Type 57SC Atlantic, the Type 35, and the Type 41 Royale, combining beauty, performance, and luxury to create a truly incomparable vehicle. The name “Tourbillon” was chosen as a nod to Bugatti’s French heritage and pays homage to a watchmaking invention that exemplifies complexity and beauty, much like the car itself.
Design & Aerodynamics:
Shaped by speed, the Bugatti Tourbillon features aerodynamic elements inspired by Bugatti’s rich history. The design of the car is influenced by iconic Bugatti models like the Type 35 and Type 57SC Atlantic, incorporating key design elements such as the horseshoe grille, Bugatti line, central ridge, and dual-color split. The car’s design not only focuses on aesthetics but also on enhancing aerodynamic performance at speeds exceeding 400km/h.
Powertrain and Performance:
The Bugatti Tourbillon is powered by an all-new 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine, developed in collaboration with Cosworth. Paired with front and rear electric motors, the Tourbillon boasts a staggering 1,800 hp, with 1,000 hp coming from the combustion engine and an additional 800 hp from the electric motors. This powertrain setup represents a significant technological advancement, surpassing the capabilities of the iconic W16 engine that powered previous Bugatti models.
Engineering:
The Bugatti Tourbillon features a completely new chassis and body structure made from a next-generation T800 carbon composite. This innovative construction incorporates weight-saving measures such as integrating the battery into the monocoque and utilizing a crash composite rear diffuser inspired by top-level motorsport. The engineering behind the Tourbillon ensures a rigid and lightweight structure that enhances performance and safety.
Coming in 2026:
The Bugatti Tourbillon is currently in its testing phase, with prototypes already on the road in anticipation of customer deliveries in 2026. A limited production run of 250 examples will be hand-assembled at the Bugatti Atelier in Molsheim, with a starting price of 3.8m EUR net. The Bugatti Tourbillon embodies Bugatti’s tradition of uncompromising innovation and excellence, setting a new standard for hyper sports cars that will endure for eternity.