Bugatti Goes Hybrid With All-New, V16-Powered Tourbillon
A new era is beginning for Bugatti, now under the stewardship of Croatian electric hypercar maker Rimac.
Taking over the Chiron, the all-new Tourbillon replaces the quad-turbo 8.0-litre W16 engine with a hybrid powertrain featuring a naturally aspirated V16 (developed with the help of Cosworth) and three electric motors (two up front and one in the rear). Total output amounts to 1,775 horsepower, surpassing the Chiron Super Sport by just over 200 horsepower.
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The Tourbillon weighs no more than 1,995 kg and, from what we hear, it can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 2 seconds, 0-200 km/h in less than 5 seconds, 0-300 km/h in less than 10 seconds and 0-400 km/h in less than 25 seconds. Maximum velocity is electronically limited to 380 km/h, but a Speed Key unlocks the powertrain and allows a top speed of 445 km/h.
The transmission is an eight-speed, dual-clutch unit that no longer slots between the seats. Instead, it’s positioned behind the engine and is paired with an electronic limited-slip differential. Meanwhile, the electric motors draw energy from a 24.8kWh battery (net capacity: 21 kWh) that reportedly enables over 60 km of zero-emission range based on the WLTP standard (more realistically around 50 km). Like we said, this is a new era for Bugatti.
High-Precision Masterpiece
The Tourbillon name refers to the intricate device designed to increase accuracy in mechanical watches. According to Bugatti-Rimac, nothing dates a car faster than its screen technology, so behind the carbon fibre body and dihedral doors lies a mostly analogue and timeless interior crafted with elegance and precision in mind.
The highlight, of course, is the instrument cluster mounted to the steering column and always visible by the driver. Rivalling the finest Swiss watches, it is protected by sapphire crystal, an extremely expensive material known for its scratch resistance.
The controls are configurable and a seemingly endless array of options can be selected by customers to dress up the interior. Oh, by the way, a folding digital screen hides at the top of the centre stack.
Very Limited Production
With regard to styling, despite the obvious similarities with the outgoing Chiron, the company says that every component and body panel is unique to the Tourbillon. The horseshoe grille is narrower, the fenders are wider, the rear spine and diffuser are larger, and the car is approximately 25 mm lower.
The rear end incorporates an active spoiler and the lighting signature even has the Bugatti name in it, which is pretty cool.
While production of the Chiron was limited to 500 units, Bugatti-Rimac plans to build just 250 Tourbillons. Those will be offered to select customers who’ve previously purchased a Bugatti or a Rimac Nevera and sold for the equivalent of $5.5 million CAD, slightly undercutting the Bugatti Bolide.