Tourbillon, meaning “whirlwind” in French, is a watchmaking mechanism from the late 18th century, created to eliminate time inconsistencies caused by gravity. Invented by Abraham-Louis Breguet in 1795, the tourbillon revolutionized watch precision by keeping the escapement and balance wheel movement constant. This invention, patented in 1801, is still revered as the pinnacle of watchmaking.
Watch-Inspired Design Details
The Bugatti Tourbillon features meticulous details that pay homage to its watchmaking inspiration. The dials were designed with the help of Swiss watchmakers, with maximum tolerances of 50 microns. The unique structure above the steering wheel is made up of over 600 titanium parts, with gemstones like sapphires and rubies embedded in each cluster, weighing just 1.5 pounds. The central console is made of crystal glass, developed in 13 stages for maximum clarity, and the aluminum accents have been anodized and machined from a single piece of metal.
V16 Hybrid Engine: Power and Innovation
The heart of the Bugatti Tourbillon is an 8.3-liter V16 hybrid engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth. This naturally aspirated engine produces an impressive 1,000 hp at 9,000 RPM without the need for turbochargers. Furthermore, the engine weighs only 251.7 kg, despite being larger than the Chiron’s W16. The Tourbillon also boasts 91.8 kgm of torque and a hybrid system that adds an extra 800 hp, totaling 1,800 hp.
High-Performance
The Tourbillon’s acceleration is simply spectacular. Fitted with custom-made Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, it reaches 100 km/h in just 2.0 seconds. In about 5 seconds, it hits 200 km/h, and in 10 seconds, it reaches 300 km/h. The standard top speed is 380 km/h, but with the special Speed Key, the car can reach up to 444 km/h.
Cutting-Edge Design and Technology
The design of the Bugatti Tourbillon is unmistakable. The bodywork, inspired by the Chiron, features a special diffuser, openings beneath the headlights, and a horseshoe-shaped grille that enhances downforce. The active rear wing can act as an aerodynamic brake. The interior is a spectacle in itself, with analog dials mounted on the steering wheel and a hidden screen in the central console that provides access to Apple CarPlay.
Weight and Efficiency
Despite being a hybrid, the Tourbillon is lighter than the Chiron. The new multi-link suspension is 45% lighter, contributing to weight reduction. The car can travel through the city in electric mode, with an estimated range of 60 km, thanks to the 25 kWh battery pack mounted in the center.
Promising Future
Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac states that the development of the Tourbillon was guided by Bugatti’s 115 years of history and Ettore Bugatti’s mantras: “If it can be compared, it’s no longer Bugatti” and “Nothing is too beautiful.” Production of the Tourbillon will begin in 2026, with only 250 units, and the starting price is 3.6 million euros.
The new era of Bugatti is approaching, and the Tourbillon is proof that innovation and tradition can go hand in hand.
