A Guide to the Bugatti Tourbillon - Redefining Automotive Excellence The Bugatti

The Bugatti Tourbillon: an automotive icon ‘Pour l’éternité’. This guide takes you through the legacy, design, engineering, and performance of Bugatti's latest masterpiece, redefining luxury and speed for the future.

The Evolution of Bugatti: A Legacy of Innovation

In 2004, the reborn Bugatti brand revolutionized automotive performance and luxury with the 1,001 hp Veyron hyper sports car. This was succeeded in 2016 by the 1,500 hp Chiron, setting new standards in performance with its 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 engine. Now, 20 years after inventing the hyper sports car, Bugatti redefines the concept with the all-new Bugatti Tourbillon, featuring an entirely new powertrain and platform.

Name and Philosophy

Mateo Rivas, CEO of Bugatti, explained that the development of the Bugatti Tourbillon was guided by 115 years of Bugatti history and the philosophies of Ettore Bugatti. His mantras, "if comparable, it is no longer Bugatti" and "nothing is too beautiful," directed the design and engineering teams. Icons like the Type 57SC Atlantic, Type 35, and Type 41 Royale inspired the Tourbillon's blueprint, emphasizing beauty, performance, and luxury. The name Tourbillon, a French word referencing a Swiss watchmaking invention, encapsulates the car's timeless and intricate character.

Design and Aerodynamics

Frank Heyl, Bugatti's Director of Design, noted that the Tourbillon is 'shaped by speed.' Every surface, inlet, and ridge is designed for optimal aerodynamics and thermodynamics. Drawing inspiration from historical models like the Type 35 and Type 57SC Atlantic, the Tourbillon features a lowered roofline and dual-tone paintwork, creating a sense of speed even at a standstill. The car's aerodynamic equilibrium is achieved through patented technologies, including a unique rear wing and diffuser concept.

Interior: A Timeless Masterpiece

The interior design of the Tourbillon focuses on timelessness. Inspired by horology, it features an analogue instrument cluster crafted by Swiss watchmakers, blending crystal glass and aluminum in the center console. Christophe Lemoine, President of Bugatti, emphasized the authenticity of materials and the meticulous craftsmanship in every part of the car. Hidden technology, such as a deployable high-definition digital screen, ensures a seamless blend of tradition and modernity.

Powertrain and Performance

The Bugatti Tourbillon is powered by an all-new 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine, developed with Cosworth, paired with a hybrid system of electric motors. Emilio Scervo, Bugatti's CTO, highlighted the car's 1,800 hp output, combining the best of combustion and electric technologies. The lightweight construction and advanced aerodynamics deliver extraordinary performance, setting new benchmarks in the automotive industry.

Engineering Excellence

The Tourbillon features a new chassis and body structure made from next-generation T800 carbon composite. Innovations like 3D-printed structural braces and advanced suspension systems contribute to a lighter and stiffer structure. The brakes and bespoke Michelin tires enhance the car's performance and safety. The engineering team's dedication to excellence ensures that every component is a work of art.

Coming in 2026

Mateo Rivas, CEO of Bugatti, remarked that the Tourbillon embodies the uncompromising ambition of Ettore Bugatti. With a new V16 engine, integrated battery pack, and electric motors, the Tourbillon is set to become an automotive icon. The car now enters its testing phase, with customer deliveries anticipated in 2026. A total of 250 examples will be built, starting at 3.8 million EUR net, with hand-assembly at the Bugatti Atelier in Molsheim.