Under the Rimac banner, Bugatti is setting out on the path to electrification with the new rechargeable hybrid Tourbillon.
Under the umbrella of the Volkswagen Group, Bugatti has recently come under the control of Rimac, a specialist in cutting-edge 100% electric technologies and creator of the Nevera. However, the brand has not chosen to adopt an electric powertrain: the new Bugatti Tourbillon opts for a hybrid engine. Surprisingly, Mate Rimac made an unexpected choice.
Indeed, the Tourbillon is equipped with a thermal engine, an atmospheric one at that! Developed in partnership with Cosworth, who also created the V12 atmospheric engine of Gordon Murray’s T.50, this unique engine retires the twin-turbo W16 after a 20-year career. With a displacement of 8.3 liters, this V16 produces 1,000 hp and 900 Nm of torque, revving up to 9,000 rpm.
Three electric motors for the Bugatti Tourbillon
The electric powertrain features three machines, although the type has not been specified. One is installed at the rear and the other two at the front axle. This configuration is reminiscent of the Honda NSX, offering front Torque Vectoring for enhanced agility, just like its Japanese counterpart.
These three machines are powered by a rechargeable 25 kWh battery, located in the central tunnel similar to a Rimac Nevera or a Maserati Granturismo Folgore. Running at 800 V, Rimac’s specialty, the battery is oil-immersed for cooling. The origin of the cells has not been specified, but the Croatian brand indicates that they have internally developed the electronic management.
Designed to replace turbocharging, the system offers a total of 1,800 hp. The resulting performance is staggering, with 0-100 km/h in 2.0 seconds, 0-300 km/h in 10.0 seconds, and a top speed of 445 km/h. While environmental concerns take a back seat, the Bugatti Tourbillon features an EV mode and can travel 60 km on electric power alone, achieving around 240 g/km of CO2 emissions according to European standards.
A price tag of 3.8 million euros
Conceived as a radical car, the Bugatti Tourbillon boasts a weight of 1,995 kg thanks to selected technical solutions, including the carbon monocoque chassis where the battery contributes to structural rigidity. The seats are fixed to the shell, and only the pedals and steering wheel are adjustable for the perfect driving position. The steering wheel has a fixed hub, reminiscent of what was found inside Citroën C4… or the Maserati Boomerang, a more relevant example for needle enthusiasts. As for the name itself, the Tourbillon lives up to its reputation: a reference to the watchmaking mechanism created with 600 pieces made of rubies, sapphire, and titanium, the instrumentation is crafted by Swiss watchmakers.
The Bugatti Tourbillon will be limited to only 250 units, compared to 500 units for the Chiron, priced at 3.8 million euros each. As usual, a significant portion of the production has already found buyers.