1775-bhp Bugatti Tourbillon fuses N/A V16 with next-gen electric motors to redefine the hypercar

Bugatti’s “timeless” next chapter sees incomparably futuristic performance woven with satisfying analogue accents. Can Tourbillon rekindle the Veyron’s game-changing aura? Read on to find out…

Despite being over two decades old, tremors from the original Veyron’s seismic release can still be felt in the auto industry. As one of the first production cars to feature a quadruple digit power figure, the original hypercar dropped jaws and turned heads like few other vehicles before or since.  

Then followed the Chiron, kicking the brand into warp drive with an extra 500 bhp and suitably beguiling styling to boot. So, what next; how do you follow such momentous machines and meet the immense weight of public expectation?

One thing’s for sure: it’ll take more than a big power figure. Thanks to the recent proliferation of ludicrously powerful — and relatively affordable — EVs, we’ve all become a bit jaded towards high horsepower stats. Where four figures once made your exotic supercar the talk of the town, you can now get that many ponies in a practical family saloon.

An all-new V16 powertrain

That’s why, despite producing a monumental 1,775 bhp, the new Tourbillon isn’t defined by its grunt. Instead, it’s the meeting of an enormous, old-school 8.3-litre naturally aspirated V16 and a modern, power-dense electric setup that’s captured our imagination.  

Revving to over 9,000 rpm — no small feat for any engine, let alone one of this capacity — the new motor was developed in collaboration with Cosworth and achieves its 1,000 bhp peak power without the need for forced induction. It’ll sound immense too. Bugatti claims that the symphony at full throttle is a “visceral, awe-inspiring experience that will echo for eternity.” 

So the combustion engine is a homerun for Bugatti, but what about the electric element? Well, rather than dominating the experience, three electric motors (two on the front axle, one on the rear) bolster the V16’s output and deliver more instantaneous torque than turbochargers ever could. Spinning up to 24,000 rpm, the electric motors contribute a further 800 bhp to the tally, and even allow for up to 37 miles of all-electric cruising.

Performance like never before 

If you’re a petrolhead born in the last 30 years, you could probably recite the old Veyron’s performance stats before your times tables. 0-60 mph: 2.5 seconds. 0-100 mph: 5 seconds. Top speed: over 250 mph. Extraordinary numbers for its day, but the Tourbillon’s metrics are set to become the new yardstick.  

From rest, the new car can reach 60 mph in two seconds flat, then on to 124 mph in less than five – faster than the Veyron could hit 100. Arguably most impressive of all, the Tourbillon will reach 186 mph in less than ten seconds. For those brave enough to chase the top speed, a special key is required to unlock the car’s full 276-mph VMAX. 

Some incredible engineering was needed to achieve such physics-defying feats. Quality tyres are crucial on any car, but when you’ve got over five times the power of a Golf R and can cover the length of a football pitch in less than a second, profound stresses are placed on the rubber. As such, Bugatti’s engineers worked with Michelin to develop a bespoke version of the Pilot Sport Cup 2 that was up to the task of taming such an immense output.

The chassis is similarly advanced. It takes inspiration from top level motorsport, fashioned from next-generation T800 carbon composite. Ultimately, this means that, despite the inclusion of heavy batteries, the Tourbillon is lighter than the outgoing Chiron.  

Although it was predominantly designed for autobahn blasting and top speed runs rather than back road bashing, the Tourbillon should be surprisingly capable in the twisties. From 3D printed structural braces which improve stiffness, to a hidden rear diffuser that enhances aero at speed, the Tourbillon offers unflappable stability.  

Bugatti’s most beautiful interior to date 

Inside, the Tourbillon’s horological name sets the tone. In place of a brace of characterless touchscreens, Bugatti has opted for genuine mechanical gauges. Designed and built with the expertise of Swiss watchmakers, each “skeletonized” cluster is crafted from over 600 intricate parts and features real sapphires and rubies. 

Unlike some “premium” car interiors, you won’t find any instances of cost-cutting either. Every surface, touchpoint, switch, and button is the real deal. The centre console, for example, is built exclusively from crystal glass and aluminium. Developed over 13 separate stages, the glass is both perfectly clear and incredibly tough.  

Though such over-engineering might seem excessive, Bugatti’s goal with the Tourbillon was to create a machine immune to the sands of time. According to Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti, “…it wouldn’t be simply for the present, or even for the future, but Pour l’éternité – for eternity.” 

How much does the Tourbillon cost? 

Given the kind of ultra-exclusive, limited-run machine this is, pricing is about as relevant here as the top speed of a campervan, or the fuel economy of an oil tanker. But, for transparency’s sake, it’s £3.2 million… Ouch. 

If you’re lucky enough to have that sum squirreled away, on-road testing has reportedly already begun — where does one apply for such a taxing position? — with the first of just 250 examples set to be delivered in 2026.

Can any car be worth such an outrageous figure? We’ll let you know when our lottery numbers come up.

Hero image credit: Bugatti