Bugatti’s new $4 million, 1,800 horsepower hybrid

Bugatti has introduced its latest model, the Bugatti Tourbillon, a hybrid powerhouse with a staggering price tag. This new model will replace the $3.3 million, 1,500-horsepower Bugatti Chiron.

Contrary to expectations, the Bugatti Tourbillon is not all-electric, despite the automotive industry’s trend towards electrification and Bugatti’s merger with the all-electric supercar maker Rimac in 2021. Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, stated that an all-electric Bugatti was never the plan. Instead, the goal was to preserve the essence of Bugatti’s mechanically-powered vehicles by creating an extraordinarily powerful plug-in hybrid.

Like its predecessors, the Chiron and Veyron, the Tourbillon features a massive 16-cylinder gas engine, developed in collaboration with British race car engineering firm Cosworth. This engine is paired with three powerful electric motors—one at the rear and two at the front—together generating at least 800 horsepower. Combined, the Bugatti Tourbillon delivers a minimum of 1,800 horsepower.

These electric motors compensate for the absence of turbochargers in the new gas engine. Unlike the Chiron’s four turbochargers, the Tourbillon’s engine is naturally aspirated, meaning it relies solely on atmospheric pressure without turbocharging.

“We aimed to create the most thrilling and emotionally engaging combustion engine,” Rimac explained, highlighting the high-revving, naturally aspirated design.

The interior of the Tourbillon pays tribute to traditional machinery. The car’s name itself refers to a set of gears in mechanical watches that ensure precision. The instrument display is inspired by watch dials, featuring a central speedometer with two needles resembling clock hands. The long hand indicates speed, while the short hand shows the engine’s RPM.

With a fully charged battery, the Tourbillon can travel approximately 37 miles on electric power alone before the gas engine kicks in. However, drivers can opt to run the gas engine continuously if desired.

Unlike previous Bugatti models, the Tourbillon includes a reasonably large display screen with Apple CarPlay. This screen is designed to retract and remain hidden until activated by the driver, aligning with Bugatti’s philosophy that screens quickly become outdated.

“We consider how our products will appear in 50 or 100 years,” Rimac said. “And it’s evident that screens will not age well.”

The Bugatti Tourbillon will be handcrafted at Bugatti’s factory in Molsheim, France, with a limited production run of only 250 units. Each car will start at an approximate price of $4 million.