After eight years, 500 models produced and an (unofficial) manufacturing velocity document, the Bugatti Chiron has handed its baton to its successor – an altogether very completely different automobile known as the Bugatti Tourbillon. Named after an accuracy-improving rotating mechanism on an costly watch – itself derived from the French phrase for “whirlwind” – this ferocious machine is the primary to be produced since Molsheim merged with Rimac.
Rimac, after all, is a maker of fully-electric hypercars, which ought to provide you with some concept as to the form of automobile the Tourbillon is. No, this isn’t an EV, but it surely is Bugatti’s first plug-in hybrid – and this time the corporate has ditched the highly-turbocharged W16 that has outlined its vehicles previous.
Sitting as a substitute – nonetheless uncovered by a rear deck – is a brand-new 8.3 litre naturally-aspirated V16, developed in partnership with Cosworth. Weighing simply 252 kg, it nonetheless manages to churn out 1,000 PS and 900 Nm, with its redline at a stratospheric 9,000 rpm. This drives the rear wheels via a brand new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and an digital restricted slip differential.
Augmenting the interior combustion engine are three electrical motors, together with a 340 PS/240 Nm electrical motor sandwiched between the V16 and the gearbox. One other pair of 340 PS motors powers the entrance wheels, delivering all-wheel drive, torque vectoring throughout the entrance axle and an astonishing whole system output of 1,800 PS.
The efficiency figures make for some dizzying studying – the Toubillon accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in simply two seconds flat and blitzes previous the 200 km/h mark in lower than 5 seconds. It then passes 300 km/h in underneath ten seconds and 400 km/h in lower than 25.
Regardless of the eyebrow-raising numbers, the Tourbillon isn’t fairly an out-and-out velocity machine, which is why it’s restricted to 380 km/h in most conditions. Even with the Pace Key, which lowers the rear wing at larger speeds to cut back drag, the automobile remains to be solely able to simply 445 km/h – effectively beneath the Chiron Tremendous Sport 300+‘s 490 km/h. Likely Bugatti will try a tilt on the velocity document with a particular version afterward.
Juicing the electrical motors is a 25 kWh battery that gives an all-electric vary of 60 km. Regardless of the PHEV powertrain, Bugatti claims the Tourbillon weighs lower than the Chiron, though that’s not saying a lot when the latter ideas the scales at practically two tonnes.
Enveloping the ICE and motors is a brand new composite physique construction produced from T800 carbon fibre, integrating the battery, the rear diffuser with the crash construction in-built, and even the entrance air intakes. You’ll additionally discover 3D-printed elements, together with the entrance and rear structural bracing and the arms and uprights on the all-round multilink suspension, slashing weight within the suspension by 45%.
To drag it again from the large speeds it could actually obtain, the Tourbillon options carbon ceramic brakes and a brake-by-wire system linked to the powertrain via an built-in car non-linear controller. The large discs disguise behind beautiful alloy wheels (20 inches in diameter on the entrance, 21 inches on the rear), wrapped in bespoke Michelin Pilot Cup Sport 2 tyres measuring 285/35 R20 on the entrance and 345/30 R21 on the rear.
Given the foolish speeds it could actually obtain, the Tourbillon has been designed to steadiness aerodynamic effectivity and the cooling necessities of the voracious powertrain. To that finish, the automobile incorporates a extra lithe and sculpted evolution of the Chiron’s design, retaining the hallmark C-shaped Bugatti line that now curves extra sharply forwards in direction of the underside – giving the automobile a extra athletic look.
On the entrance, the horseshoe grille has been made wider and the intakes that flank it bigger, directing air not simply to the radiators but in addition via the entrance finish and out the bonnet to extend downforce (don’t fear, there’s nonetheless area for a big entrance boot and fitted baggage). Sitting beneath the slim headlights is one other inlet that channels air via the “flying” entrance fenders and into the aspect scoops.
Shifting to the aspect, the Tourbillon’s design is outlined by voluptuous curves, particularly the haunches over the rear wheels. This attracts the attention in direction of the gaping rear finish, which homes the full-width taillights with the illuminated “Bugatti” script in addition to the large diffuser that begins from simply behind the cabin, integrating the slim quad tailpipes.
Step inside (via the electrical dihedral doorways, aping the EB110) and also you’ll discover a typical Bugatti dual-cockpit design. As common, the cabin is cut up by a centre line, this time enhanced by the centre-mounted wiper on the entrance and an illuminated mild strip on the rear.
Right here, nevertheless, the intricacy of the main points have been cranked as much as 11. Sitting in entrance of the motive force is the centrepiece that defines the Tourbillon’s watch-inspired ethos – a skeletonised analogue instrument cluster that has been designed and engineered by Swiss watchmakers. Made up of 600 elements produced out of titanium and gems corresponding to sapphire and ruby, the meters are extremely busy, with a concentric speedometer and rev counter being the primary focus of consideration.
To make sure it stays seen always, the cluster sits proper in the course of the steering wheel atop a set centre hub; the spokes of the flat-bottomed ‘wheel are mounted on the highest and backside and attain across the again the entire meeting. The paddle shifters are affixed to the management “pods” on the perimeters.
Additionally intricate is the centre console, produced from milled aluminium with machined crystal on prime. Right here, you’ll discover knurled aluminium dials and a novel powertrain starter lever that you just pull on to have interaction the engine. A rotating display is hidden away till wanted, by which case it rises out the sprint in simply two seconds in portrait mode (for the reverse digital camera) and 5 seconds in panorama mode.
Elsewhere, the seats are fastened to the ground, with drivers as a substitute adjusting the pedal field to swimsuit. This not solely reduces weight but in addition enabled Bugatti to decrease the roofline considerably, decreasing the frontal space and therefore drag. One other weight-saving measure is a sound system that dispenses with audio system and woofers, in favour of exciters that vibrate the door playing cards and different panels to provide sound.
The Tourbillon is now coming into its testing section forward of buyer deliveries in 2026. Simply 250 models will likely be produced this time round, priced at an eye-watering €3.8 million (RM19.2 million) a pop.
Seeking to promote your automobile? Promote it with Carro.
