Bugatti Tourbillon: Redefining the Hyper Sports Car
In 2004, the reborn Bugatti brand reshaped the world of automotive performance and luxury with the Veyron, the first road car to exceed 1,000 horsepower. Twelve years later, Bugatti set a new benchmark with the Chiron, a hyper sports car that delivered an unprecedented 1,500 horsepower. At the heart of these engineering marvels was the 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine, a feat of automotive innovation. Now, twenty years after introducing the hyper sports car concept, Bugatti once again redefines the category with the unveiling of the Bugatti Tourbillon. This revolutionary vehicle introduces an entirely new powertrain and platform, setting a fresh standard for performance, elegance, and timeless design.
Name and Philosophy
Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, explained, "The development of the Bugatti Tourbillon was guided by 115 years of Bugatti history and the philosophy of Ettore Bugatti. His mantras, ‘If comparable, it is no longer Bugatti’ and ‘Nothing is too beautiful,’ inspired our team to create a car that ushers in a new era for Bugatti hyper sports cars."
Drawing inspiration from iconic models like the Type 57SC Atlantic, Type 35, and Type 41 Royale, the Tourbillon represents Bugatti’s core pillars: beauty, performance, and luxury. The car’s name, Tourbillon, reflects its timeless and intricate engineering, borrowing from the world of watchmaking, where the tourbillon mechanism remains a pinnacle of craftsmanship even two centuries after its invention. This philosophy of mechanical timelessness permeates the Tourbillon, designed not just for today or tomorrow but for eternity.
Design and Aerodynamics
Bugatti’s philosophy of being "shaped by speed" is evident in every aspect of the Tourbillon’s design. Its aerodynamics are meticulously crafted to enable speeds exceeding 400 km/h while balancing thermodynamics and downforce. The design evolves Bugatti’s four iconic elements—the horseshoe grille, the Bugatti Line, the central ridge, and the dual-color split—to create a car that is both functional and stunning.
Frank Heyl, Bugatti’s Director of Design, highlighted the importance of proportions: "By lowering the roofline and refining the placement of volumes, the Tourbillon achieves a muscular stance, exuding tension and readiness even at a standstill."
Every surface and intake is honed for aerodynamic efficiency, and patented innovations ensure the rear wing remains submerged during top-speed runs, contributing to perfect balance. The Tourbillon’s diffuser, integrated with its crash structure, rises seamlessly behind the passenger cabin to maintain equilibrium. Even the advanced dihedral doors add drama and functionality, operable via key fob or interior controls.
Interior: A Timeless Experience
In an age of rapidly outdated digital technologies, the Tourbillon’s interior focuses on timeless craftsmanship. Inspired by haute horlogerie, the cabin features an analogue instrument cluster designed by Swiss watchmakers. Crafted from titanium and gemstones, this cluster is both a functional masterpiece and a work of art, fixed at the center of a rotating steering wheel for uninterrupted visibility.
The center console blends crystal glass with anodized aluminum, showcasing intricate mechanisms, including a pull-to-start engine lever. A concealed high-definition touchscreen deploys when needed, ensuring the cabin’s timeless aesthetic remains uncompromised.
Seats fixed to the floor optimize weight and driving position, while an innovative audio system uses exciters embedded in the interior panels, eliminating traditional speakers for a lighter, more efficient setup. Every detail, from materials to ergonomics, reflects Bugatti’s dedication to authenticity and perfection.
Powertrain and Performance
The Tourbillon introduces an entirely new 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine, developed with Cosworth. Paired with a hybrid powertrain featuring three electric motors, the system delivers a staggering 1,800 horsepower—1,000 hp from the combustion engine and 800 hp from the electric motors. Despite its advanced technology, the engine weighs just 252 kg, a testament to Bugatti’s commitment to lightweight engineering.
The electric motors, powered by a 25 kWh oil-cooled 800V battery, provide an all-electric range of over 60 km. With four-wheel drive and full torque vectoring, the Tourbillon offers unparalleled traction and agility. Remarkably, despite its powerful hybrid system, the car weighs less than its predecessor, the Chiron.
Emilio Scervo, CTO of Bugatti Rimac, stated, "The Tourbillon combines the visceral thrill of a naturally aspirated V16 with the instant torque of electric motors. It’s a masterpiece that elevates mechanical fascination and technical beauty to unprecedented levels."
Engineering Excellence
The Tourbillon’s new chassis and body structure feature next-generation T800 carbon composites and innovative weight-saving techniques. The battery is integrated into the monocoque for added rigidity, while 3D-printed aluminum components contribute to a lighter, stiffer frame. The suspension system, forged from aluminum, replaces the Chiron’s double-wishbone steel construction, saving weight and improving performance.
Aerodynamic efficiency is further enhanced by integrated air ducts and an advanced crash-absorbing rear diffuser, ensuring optimal performance at high speeds. Every element of the car, from its lightweight construction to its advanced hybrid powertrain, reflects Bugatti’s dedication to engineering perfection.
Conclusion
The Bugatti Tourbillon is more than a hyper sports car; it is a statement of artistry, innovation, and timeless engineering. With its revolutionary powertrain, elegant design, and unparalleled craftsmanship, the Tourbillon continues Bugatti’s legacy of creating incomparable vehicles that push the boundaries of what is possible. It is a car not just for the present or future, but truly “pour l’éternité”—for eternity.
The Bugatti Tourbillon: an automotive icon ‘Pour l’éternité’