The Bugatti Tourbillon was announced in 2024 as the successor to the Chiron family and the beginning of a new chapter for Bugatti. Where the Chiron used a quad-turbocharged W16 engine to produce 1,500 horsepower, the Tourbillon takes a completely different path: a naturally aspirated 8.3-litre V16 paired with three electric motors for a combined output of 1,102 kW (1,500 hp). Same output, entirely different architecture.
Why V16
The decision to develop a new naturally aspirated V16 engine for the Tourbillon rather than evolving the Chiron’s turbocharged W16 reflects a clear design direction. The V16 produces its power without turbocharging, which means power delivery is linear and immediate from the first revolution. There is no lag, no waiting for boost pressure – simply progressive power that builds to a 9,000 rpm redline.
Bugatti worked with Cosworth to engineer the 8.3-litre V16. The engine produces 736 kW (1,000 hp) on its own. Three electric motors – two on the front axle and one integrated with the 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox – contribute the remaining 366 kW. Total system output is 1,102 kW (1,500 hp) and 1,600 Nm of torque.
The Architecture
The Tourbillon is built around an entirely new platform. The carbon fibre monocoque is all-new. The pushrod suspension, visible through the windows in the lower body, is a visual connection to racing car engineering that is functional as well as theatrical. The body panels are exposed carbon fibre in many configurations.
The name Tourbillon references the watchmaking complication – a rotating escapement mechanism that counteracts the effect of gravity on timekeeping precision. Bugatti has an established relationship with watchmakers, and the Tourbillon continues the tradition of naming significant cars after horological concepts.
Performance Claims
Bugatti claims the Tourbillon will reach 100 km/h in 2.0 seconds and achieve a top speed of more than 445 km/h. The 0-100 km/h claim would make it one of the fastest-accelerating production cars ever built. The top speed claim represents a significant step beyond the Chiron Super Sport’s record.
These figures are manufacturer claims for what the car will achieve in controlled conditions. Real-world performance data will be available as deliveries progress through 2025 and 2026.
Production and Pricing
Bugatti will build 250 Tourbillon units. Pricing is approximately 3.8 million Euros before local taxes and import costs. In Australia, a Tourbillon would cost in the region of $9 million to $12 million on the road after import duties, LCT, and compliance work – a figure that places it in an entirely different economic category from any car sold through a standard dealer network.
All Tourbillons are pre-allocated. Australian buyers who want one would need to have an existing relationship with Bugatti’s ownership group (Rimac Group) and the ability to demonstrate serious intent.
What Changes from the Chiron
The Chiron was the pinnacle of turbocharged hypercar development – its W16 with 1,500 turbocharged horsepower was an extraordinary piece of engineering that defined the hypercar era from 2016 to 2024. The Tourbillon represents a philosophical shift: naturally aspirated power with hybrid assistance, rather than forced induction.
This changes the character of the car fundamentally. Where the Chiron’s W16 builds thrust with an almost mechanical inevitability once the turbos spool, the Tourbillon’s V16 revs freely and immediately, with the electric motors providing instant fill at low revs and the V16 taking over as revs build.
Verdict
The Bugatti Tourbillon changes everything about what a Bugatti is. A new engine, a new platform, a new hybrid architecture – it is the most complete redesign Bugatti has undertaken since the original Veyron. Whether it succeeds in replacing the emotional connection people have with the Chiron’s W16 will be determined when production cars reach owners. The engineering argument for the V16 hybrid is compelling. The proof will be in the driving.
Side-by-side specs, Australian pricing and performance figures for every exotic and luxury car we cover.