Bugatti Tourbillon 1800PS hypercar breaks cover

Bugatti has ripped the veil off its latest creation, the Tourbillon, and it's not just another derivative of the Chiron. This is a completely new beast, boasting a new monocoque, new suspension, and a revolutionary hybrid V-16 powertrain producing a mind-blowing 1,800PS.

The beating heart of the Tourbillon is an 8.3-liter, naturally-aspirated W-16 engine co-developed with Cosworth. This monstrous machine revs to a staggering 9,500 rpm and cranks out 1,000PS on its own, without the help of any turbochargers. Incredibly, despite its larger size compared to the W-16 it replaces, the new engine weighs a mere 555 pounds. It also produces 900 Nm of torque.

But that's not all. The Tourbillon also boasts a sophisticated hybrid system, featuring a front e-axle with two electric motors and a third motor positioned at the back to assist the rear wheels. A 25kWh centrally-mounted battery pack provides the necessary juice, adding 800PS to the mix.
The combined output of the powertrain is a mind-boggling 1,800PS, enough to propel the Tourbillon from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a scant 2.0 seconds, provided the bespoke Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres have enough grip to handle that kind of acceleration.

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Bugatti goes beyond the typical 0-60 mph benchmark, though. They say that under full throttle, the Tourbillon will reach 124 mph (200 km/h) in around 5.0 seconds, 186 mph (300 km/h) in a mere 10 seconds, and a top speed of 236 mph (380 km/h) in less than 25 seconds.

However, if you have the special Speed Key, the Tourbillon can unleash its full potential, reaching a staggering top speed of 276 mph (443 km/h) with the enormous rear wing tucked away.

Despite packing a monstrous powertrain, Bugatti assures us that the Tourbillon is actually lighter than the Chiron. Additionally, the hybrid system allows the car to run solely on electric power, offering an estimated electric-only range of 37 miles (60 km). No details were provided on electric-only acceleration or charging times. However, the car uses an 800-volt system, and Bugatti is now under the leadership of Mate Rimac, who is no stranger to electric vehicle performance.

The Bugatti Tourbillon isn't just about mind-blowing performance; it also boasts a stunning and timeless interior. Upon opening the electrically actuated dihedral doors, drivers are greeted by a sea of analogue gauges. Three large dials are fixed to the steering wheel, displaying everything a driver needs to know, from speed and engine revs to fuel quantity and engine temperature. There's not a single digital screen in sight.
These gauges were designed and crafted by Switch watchmakers and are permanently fixed to the steering column to ensure they remain stationary as the driver turns the wheel. The centre console houses a collection of aluminium switches, rotary dials, and a single crystal lever that starts the V-16 engine. While the overall design aesthetic leans towards a timeless look, there is a hidden digital screen that emerges from the top of the centre console, providing access to Apple CarPlay and other features.

The exterior design of the Tourbillon is unmistakably Bugatti. The Chiron influence is evident but with some unique touches. A special diffuser hidden behind the passenger cabin adds a touch of sophistication, while vents under the headlights channel air to the large side intakes. The horseshoe grille feeds air to the radiators and enhances downforce. When needed, the active rear wing can deploy upwards to act as an airbrake. The car rides on a completely new multi-link suspension system that is 45 per cent lighter than Chiron's setup.

"The development of the Bugatti Tourbillon was guided at every step by the 115 years of Bugatti history and the words of Ettore Bugatti himself," said Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac. "His mantras ‘if comparable it is no longer Bugatti’ and ‘nothing is too beautiful’ were a guiding path for me personally, as well as the design and engineering teams looking to create the next exciting era in the Bugatti hyper sports car story."