Bugatti Tourbillion: Powered by a Raw V16 Engine with Hybrid Setup

The French automobile manufacturer Bugatti has officially unveiled the V16 naturally-aspirated-powered Bugatti car with a hybrid setup, dubbed the ‘Tourbillion.’ This vehicle is the successor to the Chiron. 

This new engine has replaced the iconic 8.0-litre W16 engine, which was used to power the Veyron. In its place appears the new 8.3-litre naturally-aspirated Cosworth-designed V16 petrol engine, which is capable of reaching 9000rpm. This engine is coupled with electric motors, making the Tourbillion have a hybrid-based engine. 

So, let’s delve into the offerings of the new Bugatti Tourbillion. 

Chiron’s Reminiscent But New Features

In terms of design, the new offering looks nearly identical to the Bugatti Chiron. 

The signature C-line, horseshoe front grille, quad barrel headlight setup, and dual-tone colour scheme are the borrowed design cues from its predecessors. The typical Bugatti’s silhouette is retained too. 

The Rimac-owned company (which owns 55% of Bugatti and the rest share is owned by Porsche) has now made this hypercar even more aerodynamic and designed according to the needs of the new powertrain.

In addition to that, the new construction will optimise airflow and thermodynamic efficiency, making it capable of securing high speeds. 

Moreover, this hybrid hypercar is equipped with butterfly doors, plus it has a few exclusive design elements. 

Getting inside, there are some design elements that were there in the predecessors. However, the most significant change is the reprofiled multi-function steering wheel, as its two spokes are positioned at 12 and 6 instead of 3 and 9. 

The centre console which cascades down from the centre of the dashboard is also tweaked. The mounted controls at the centre are for the audio system, HVAC, electronic parking brake, and power-operated doors, to name a few. 

The three-dial instrument cluster also looks plush and exquisite, thanks to the usage of metal buttons, high-end leather, and the overall interior’s layout, exuding more visual drama.  

Specifications

The new Bugatti Tourbillion is constructed on the newly designed carbon fibre-made monocoque chassis, which houses the new V16 naturally-aspirated petrol engine, alongside three electric motors on front and rear axles. 

Without any help of quad turbochargers, this V16 engine alone produces 986bhp, while the 25 kWh tri-electric motors give an extra 789bhp, making a combined output of 1775bhp.

Despite the added battery weight, the Bugatti Tourbillion has a nearly identical weight as the Chiron, rated at 1995kg. If run only on electric motors, this car can cover a distance of 60 km on a single charge. 

Availability

Unlike the previous Bugatti cars, the Bugatti Tourbillion will be limited to 250 units, which will be rarer than the already rare Chiron. Having said that, the price will also be higher than the Chiron, which is expected to be at EUR 3.8 million (Rs 35 crore). 

According to industry reports, Bugatti is expected to come up with stricter requirements to be eligible for the Tourbillion, as far as the purchasing is concerned.