Bugatti has once again pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation with the introduction of the 2027 Bugatti Tourbillon. The name itself pays tribute to the world of luxury watches, embodying elegance and precision. This hybrid flagship marks a new era for Bugatti, combining cutting-edge technology with the brand’s unmatched legacy. Join us as we delve into the details of this extraordinary vehicle and explore what sets the Bugatti Tourbillon apart from its predecessors.
If you’re familiar with Bugatti‘s previous models, the Tourbillon’s exterior design may not come as a complete surprise. It retains the essence of the Chiron but with a sleeker and more refined appearance. The car boasts an arrow-like, pointed nose and an overall curvaceous form.
The iconic Bugatti “arc” that gracefully runs along the bottom edge of the door and around the side window has been subtly altered, deviating slightly from its previous circular shape. At the rear, the lightbar design draws inspiration from the work of McLaren, while the exposed engine cover is elegantly connected to the roof by a thin bridge. In terms of dimensions, the Tourbillon is 33 millimeters shorter than its predecessor, the Chiron.
During the reveal, Bugatti’s Design Director, Frank Heyl, shed light on the reasoning behind the Tourbillon’s pointed nose. He explained that the company’s previous record-breaking creations taught them that reducing the frontal area of the car has a significant impact on its speed, more so than any other factor. However, the classic Bugatti horseshoe grille remains wider than ever, further emphasized by the sleek rake at the front.
The interior of the Tourbillon showcases a mechanical and analog aesthetic, with a minimalistic dash that features a small screen. Interestingly, this screen was not initially shown in the renders during the car’s unveiling. However, the true highlight lies in the steering wheel, which wraps around the instrument cluster, allowing the captivating watch-inspired gauges to be visible through the rim as it rotates. This design concept takes inspiration from Spyker’s old aero-deco motif but elevates it to new levels.
Under the hood, the Tourbillon is equipped with a formidable 8.3-liter, naturally aspirated V16 engine. This powerhouse is capable of revving up to an impressive 9,000 rpm and generates a staggering 1,000 horsepower on its own. With the assistance of three electric motors, the powertrain delivers a total output of 1,800 hp. Unlike the Chiron and Veyron, which featured a W16 engine configuration, the Tourbillon adopts a more traditional design with two banks of eight cylinders on each side. This variation in layout results in the new V16 being approximately 10 inches longer than its predecessor.
While the previous W16 engine boasted four turbochargers, the new Tourbillon engine relies on natural aspiration. Rimac emphasizes that the driver will have complete control over the powertrain, allowing them to choose between utilizing the internal combustion engine (ICE) alone, relying solely on battery power, or harnessing the full potential of the combined system. In the latter mode, the Tourbillon is reported to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a remarkable two seconds. Unfortunately, the projected top speed has not yet been disclosed.
Despite having a lengthier engine, the Tourbillon’s wheelbase is only 2.9 millimeters longer than that of the Chiron. Surprisingly, the overall curb weight of the Tourbillon is even less than that of the Chiron. Although Rimac has not provided specific figures yet, the CEO mentioned that this is the first instance where a hybrid replacement of a pure-ICE vehicle weighs less than its gas-only predecessor. Bugatti has always been known for achieving the unimaginable. The deliveries of the Tourbillon are scheduled to commence in 2026, with Bugatti planning to manufacture 250 units.
The Tourbillon is a true testament to Bugatti’s commitment to pushing boundaries and setting new standards in the automotive industry. With its striking design and innovative hybrid technology, it represents a thrilling new era for the marque.