Bugatti Tourbillon, the new 1,800 horsepower jewel

In the Automoto edition of this Sunday, June 23, Jean-Pierre Gagick took an interest in the brand new model from Bugatti: the Bugatti Tourbillon. Replacing the Chiron and the brand’s flagship for years to come, Bugatti’s new gem has something to delight sports car enthusiasts. A quick overview of the new 1,800 horsepower gem.

A diffuser twice as large

Compared to its predecessor, the aerodynamics and airflow have been completely revised on the Bugatti Tourbillon, so much so that the front end looks more like the Bugatti Mistral. As for the rear, the Tourbillon is reminiscent of the One Off model released in 2019. Here again, it is on aerodynamics that the manufacturer has bet everything. The diffuser is twice as large as on the Chiron, thus allowing for better airflow and a car “pressed to the ground”which evacuates air much better. The car does not need a spoiler to gain speed, but is fitted with a retractable airbrake.

As our journalist Jean-Pierre Gagick points out, Bugatti always opts for a mix between technology and tradition, in particular thanks to a huge light strip with the manufacturer’s name inserted inside and the central brake light along the edge. , which recalls the Bugatti Atlantic. Another big new feature: the doors, which now open in elytra and take part of the roof with them, like the Ford GT40.

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The Tourbillon’s objective: future elegance competitions

The interior is a real revolution. With the exception of a small screen that comes out of the center console and a digital speedometer, all other equipment is analog, manufactured in collaboration with major Swiss watchmakers. “It was really a wish to do a screen detox, jokes Christophe Piochon, president of Bugatti. When we look at current and historic Bugattis, we find them in competitions of elegance. In 20, 30 or even 60 years, we will be able to find a Tourbillon in these competitions.” Provided that the car does not look old. And according to Christophe Piochon, what makes cars old are the screens. The small detail that makes all the difference is a fixed hub steering wheel, which means that when you turn it when cornering, the instrumentation will not move and will therefore remain readable. The central console has also been reworked with crystal.

800 horsepower just with electric motors

In terms of power, it goes quickly: 445 km/h at maximum speed, 0 to 100 km/h is reached in just two seconds, 0 to 200 km/h in less than five seconds and 0 to 400 km/h in less than 25 seconds. Performance which far exceeds the Chiron, thanks to the Tourbillon’s new engine, a hybrid atmospheric V16. The latter is one meter long, but weighs only 252 kg, allowing Bugatti’s latest model to be no heavier than its predecessor. And this, even with its electric batteries which allow it to drive up to 60 km on 100% electric power.

So how is this power distributed in the Tourbillon? “There is an electric motor in each front wheel, each developing nearly 300 horsepower, or 600 horsepower available in electric mode”explains Jean-Pierre Gagick. The batteries are placed between the two passengers and behind the seats, and the third 200 horsepower electric motor is behind the gearbox. In total, the car has a power of 800 horsepower in electric in addition to the thermal engine which develops 1,000 horsepower. The Tourbillon will be limited to 250 copies, at a price of 3,800,000 euros. Note that, if you are interested, Bugatti’s order book is already almost full.