Twenty years after Bugatti debuted the 1,001-horsepower Veyron hypercar kickstarting the modern transformation of the brand, the automaker has revealed the next chapter in the story, Tourbillon.
"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. 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," Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti said in a press release.
The new Bugatti rides on a new platform and can go over 248 miles per hour. This speed inspired its exterior design, which is maximized for aerodynmic efficiency without compromising on key brand aesthetics.
"The creations of Ettore and Jean Bugatti are ingenious in their aerodynamics, innovation and enduring beauty. We draw from the Bugatti Type 35, where the whole shape of the car was guided by the shape of the horseshoe grille, tapering back into this streamlined fuselage shape," said Frank Heyl, Bugatti director of design. "Every design decision is geared towards creating a sense of speed even at a standstill."
All of the car's exterior design lines emanate from the horseshoe grille. Airflow is maximized with sculpted overhangs directing air in and out of the hood. A front trunk (frunk) is positioned under the hood between two radiators.
The design of the car takes advantage of patented Bugatti technologies to continue its streamlined look even while hitting top speed. Its rear wing only deploys at slow speeds to develop downforce, acting as an air brake. A new diffuser, hidden from sight, helps maintain balance as well.
This next-generation Bugatti is powered by an 8.3-liter V16 engine that is paired with a front axle that is home to two electric motors, and one electric motor on the rear axle.
The system provides 1,800 horsepower total, with 1,000 of that coming exclusively from the engine. It can go 37 miles on battery-electric power before switching to hybrid functionality.
The powertrain is completed by a new-generation eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which was specifically developed for the car.
Four-wheel drive and torque vectoring technology are engineered to keep the vehicle on the road at high and low speeds.
Despite the integrated battery technology and three electric motors, Tourbillon weighs less than its predecessor, the Chiron. This is partly because its body structure is made from T800 carbon composite.
The automaker also integrated thin wall aluminum casting and 3D printed structural braces to strengthen the car. Using a new, printed aluminum suspension arm saved 45 percent suspension weight over the Chiron. A printed hollow airfoil arm enhances vehicle dynamics and aerodynamic performance.
In a move to preserve Tourbillon's timelessness, Bugatti worked with Swiss watchmakers to create an instrument cluster made of more than 600 parts. It incorporates sapphires, rubies and other gemstones into its titanium body and weigh just 1.5 pounds.
Tourbillon's cabin's interior features crystal glass and aluminum. The glass was developed in 13 stages to ensure its perfectly clear nature, and is extremely strong. Aluminum features on knurled switches and console parts made of the metal are anodized and milled from a single block of metal.
A high-definition digital screen sits hidden from view until called upon. A mechanism deploys the screen from the top of the center console in portrait mode for the reversing camera in two seconds, then twists for landscape mode, taking three additional seconds.
Bugatti Has Employed a Successful Formula, Again
Bugatti knows its audience. By offering high-performance, flashy models in very limited quantities, and at high prices, they are appealing to the most discerning customers on the planet. Tourbillon simply follows the Veyron and Chiron pattern that is part of the company’s modern history. By continuing to craft vehicles using this formula for desirability, Bugatti has ensured its success for decades to come.
The car's pedals are also mechanized, and able to be adjusted forwards and backwards depending on a driver's desire.
Bugatti has engineered the car's stereo system without speakers and woofers. Instead exciters on the door panels and through the car use existing panels to amplify sound.
Body design changes lead to additional cabin and luggage space over Chiron.
Tourbillon is now in its testing phase with prototypes of the model on the road. Customer delivers are expected to begin in 2026. Just 250 examples of the $4.1 million car will be hand-built at the Bugatti Atelier in Molsheim, France.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Eileen Falkenberg-Hull leads the Autos team at Newsweek. She has written extensively about the auto industry for U.S. News & ... Read more
