Bugatti's new Tourbillon hypercar, unveiled in France, combines a Cosworth-developed 8.3-liter V16 engine with a powerful electric system, delivering 1,800 hp and over 37 miles of electric range.
Bugatti has revealed the successor of the Chiron named the Tourbillon at a glamorous launch event in Molsheim, France. This new hypercar is a departure from the brand’s famous W16 engine, though it incorporates electricity with help from Mate Rimac, the genius behind the all-electric Nevera, the world’s fastest accelerating hypercar. I went to the event where I had a discussion with Rimac about his design process behind this multi-million-dollar vehicle.
Nevertheless, the Tourbillon did not take the path of transitioning to an all-electric powertrain like the Nevera as one might expect given its electrification. However, Bugatti followed an intermediate approach akin to Ferrari’s SF90 Stradale and McLaren Artura but with a unique Bugatti spin on it. The Tourbillon is equipped with an entirely new 8. 3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine that was designed in collaboration with the British race engine manufacturer Cosworth. This powerful engine is complemented by a highly complex electric powertrain that consists of a front electric gearbox with two electric motors and an electric motor at the rear. This configuration ensures instant torque and maneuverability while the 25kWh battery grants more than 37 miles of electric-only range.
An interview with Rimac took place in Zagreb a week before the launch, during which the choice of the powertrain was mentioned. He shared his opinion that mainstream transport will sooner or later switch to the electric powertrain, but there are some niches, especially those closely associated with brand emotion, that will stick to internal combustion engines for longer. “Some brands will find it very difficult to do so without a combustion engine which is part and parcel of their image,” he further elaborated.
Rimac focused on the advantages of electric vehicles which are best illustrated by the Nevera model which has nearly 1500 kW of power and 27 world records. He pointed out that their consumers who own more cars need variety and additional options in autos. ”Electric can be special,” Rimac said, pointing out at the potential for novelty and excitement that resides in electric powertrains.
