Plug-in hybrid technology has now reached the pinnacle of the automotive industry. Bugatti has introduced the Tourbillon, the highly anticipated successor to the Chiron, featuring a gas-electric drivetrain that boasts an impressive 1,800 horsepower, 3D-printed suspension parts, and a unique sound system that has no traditional speakers.
Bugatti started designing the Tourbillon from scratch. While its proportions are similar to the Chiron’s, both vehicles are designed to achieve similar goals: cruising safely and comfortably at breathtaking speeds. Bugatti suggests that the Tourbillon can easily surpass 250 mph. Just to give some perspective, the Chiron set a speed record by breaking the 300-mph barrier, reaching 304 mph in 2019, so Bugatti clearly knows speed.
With a press of a button on the key fob, the Tourbillon’s dihedral doors open majestically like a bird ready to take flight. Inside the car, Bugatti emphasizes craftsmanship over filling the interior with screens. Rather than keeping up with rapidly changing digital trends, Bugatti aims to create timeless vehicles that will remain stylish for years. This approach is akin to comparing a new Apple Watch with a classic Swiss luxury watch.
Interestingly, the watch comparison isn’t out of place. Bugatti collaborated with Swiss watchmakers to design an instrument cluster composed of over 600 parts, including titanium and gemstones like sapphire and ruby. This cluster is strategically positioned in front of the steering wheel for easy viewing.
Though Bugatti couldn’t completely avoid using screens, it opted for a single Apple CarPlay-compatible screen. This screen remains hidden within the center stack unless the driver chooses to reveal it. Bugatti’s innovative sound system is another highlight; instead of traditional speakers, they installed exciters that use the car’s interior panels as speakers, saving weight and showcasing cutting-edge technology. They retained a traditional volume knob, located at the top of the aluminum center stack, which operates just as you’d expect.
Twenty years ago, “hybrid” technology wasn’t particularly exciting, especially when Toyota introduced the original Prius. However, hybrid systems have significantly evolved. The Tourbillon’s power comes from a plug-in hybrid drivetrain combining a new 8.3-liter V16 engine, two front-mounted electric motors (one for each wheel), a third electric motor for the rear axle, and a 25-kilowatt-hour oil-cooled battery pack. The V16 engine produces 1,000 horsepower, and the electric motors add 800 more, bringing the total to 1,800 horsepower. This engine pairs with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the T-shaped battery pack is distributed between the cabin’s tunnel and the area behind the seats.
This setup enables through-the-road all-wheel drive, full torque vectoring, and nearly 40 miles of electric-only driving. Despite hybrid systems typically adding weight, Bugatti managed to make the Tourbillon lighter than the Chiron. Innovations like a carbon composite structure and 3D-printed aluminum suspension parts counteracted the hybrid system’s weight.
The Bugatti Tourbillon is meticulously hand-built in Molsheim, France, and is limited to just 250 units. Prices start at 3.8 million euros, roughly $4 million at current exchange rates, before customization. Bugatti’s Sur Mesure department allows buyers to collaborate with in-house designers to create a unique car with various color and material options.