The $4 Million Bugatti Tourbillon: The New V16 Hypercar – Power, Speed, and the Craziest Steering Wheel

Eight years after the Chiron's debut, its successor, the Bugatti Tourbillon, has arrived. Named after a high-end watch complication, the Tourbillon is the most powerful road car yet with an internal combustion engine. This hypercar, developed in conjunction with Cosworth, packs firsts that need you to sit down and absorb everything, one at a time. Here’s everything you need to know about Bugatti's latest masterpiece.

Key Highlights:

• Most powerful road car with an internal combustion engine
• 8.3-litre naturally-aspirated V16 engine, three electric motors
• Combined peak output of 1,775 bhp
• Limited to 250 units, priced at Rs 34 crore (excluding duties and taxes)

What Powers the Bugatti Tourbillon?

• Engine: 8.3-litre, naturally-aspirated V16 engine
• Output: Close to 1,000 bhp from the V16 alone

The Tourbillon replaces the iconic quad-turbo W16 engine with a newly-developed 8.3-litre, naturally-aspirated V16 engine from Cosworth. This is the first production V16 since the 1990s' Cizeta-Moroder V16T. Producing close to 1,000 bhp on its own, the V16 is lightweight at just 252 kg.

The hybrid system includes three electric motors (two on the front axle and one on the rear), each with an individual peak output of 250 kW (335 bhp). The combined system output is 1,775 bhp, delivered through an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Tourbillon uses a 24.8 kWh battery pack, enabling full torque vectoring and all-wheel drive.

Speed and Performance

• 0-100 kmph: 2 seconds
• 0-200 kmph: Less than 5 seconds
• 0-300 kmph: Less than 10 seconds
• 0-400 kmph: Under 25 seconds

Top speed is electronically limited to 380 kmph, but with the ‘Speed Key,’ it can reach up to 445 kmph.

Interior: Inspired by Horology

• Design Concept: Digital detoxification, full analogue instrumentation
• Instrument Cluster: Skeletonized, designed by Swiss watchmakers, featuring visible gears and gemstones (sapphire and ruby)
• Steering Wheel: Fixed hub with a screen for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Seating: Fixed seats with an adjustable pedal box

The interior of the Tourbillon draws heavily from watchmaking. Described as “digital detoxification,” the cabin avoids screens in favor of full analogue instrumentation. The skeletonized instrument cluster, designed by Swiss watchmakers, features visible gears and gemstones like sapphire and ruby.

The steering wheel has a fixed hub with a screen that pops out, housing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. The seats are fixed to the floor, with an adjustable pedal box for drivers of different heights.

Material used for Construction and Design

The Tourbillon's chassis is made from T800 carbon composite material, with 3D-printed aluminium components to reduce weight. The battery is structural, contributing to the monocoque’s integrity. The Tourbillon is lighter than the Chiron, with more luggage space.

Design-wise, the Tourbillon retains the essence of the Chiron and Veyron but with unique elements. It features dihedral, power-operated doors and a segmented, full-width LED tail-light reminiscent of the Centodieci.

Hybrid Capabilities

• Electric Range: Pure electric operation up to 60-70 kilometers
• Battery Architecture: 800-volt, allowing 80% charge in less than 15 minutes with a fast charger

Price and Production

• Units: Limited to 250
• Price: 3.8 million euros (approx. Rs 34 crore) before options, duties, and taxes
• Production Start: 2026

A New Era with Rimac’s Influence

Bugatti is now controlled by Croatian EV powerhouse Rimac. The Tourbillon hybrid hypercar signals the start of Rimac’s influence, integrating advanced technology while paying homage to Bugatti’s storied past.

With a V16 engine and three electric motors, the Tourbillon boasts a combined output of 1,800 hp. Its lightweight chassis, made from T800 carbon composite, and advanced aerodynamic design ensure performance and efficiency.

Interior Artistry

• Analogue Preference: Rejects large digital touchscreens for machined components
• Instrument Cluster: Fully analogue skeletonized, over 600 parts made from titanium, sapphire, and ruby
• Center Console: Combines crystal glass and aluminum, inspired by mechanical watches

Performance Specs

• Engine: 8.3-liter V16
• Motors: Three electric motors
• Total Output: 1,800 hp
• Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox
• Weight: Less than two metric tons
• Drive System: All-wheel drive, full torque vectoring
• Electric Range: 70 kilometers

Speed Metrics:

• 0 to 62 mph: 2 seconds
• 124 mph: Less than 5 seconds
• 186 mph: Less than 10 seconds
• 248 mph: Around 25 seconds
• Top Speed: 277 mph

Brakes and Tires:

The Tourbillon’s brakes use carbo-ceramic technology, and the tires are bespoke Michelin Pilot Cup Sport 2s. It achieves:

The Bugatti Tourbillon, with its blend of advanced technology, luxurious design, and unparalleled performance, sets a new benchmark in the world of hypercars. This V16 hybrid marvel is not just a car; it’s a statement of engineering prowess and a nod to Bugatti’s illustrious history.