Bugatti Tourbillon Sets New Standard: Ditching Turbos for Naturally Aspirated V16 Hybrid Power

The Next Evolution of Performance: Introducing the Bugatti Tourbillon

Bugatti has always pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering, and the all-new Bugatti Tourbillon is no exception. While the acclaimed Chiron built upon the foundation of the Veyron, the Tourbillon forges a bold new path for the French marque. Marking a radical departure from convention, Bugatti has abandoned its signature quad-turbo W16 engine in favor of a bespoke, naturally aspirated V16 powerplant—a move that's generating plenty of discussion across the supercar landscape.

Powertrain Innovation: Naturally Aspirated V16 Meets Electric Hybrid

At the core of the Tourbillon lies an engine co-developed with Cosworth: an 8.3-liter V16 that weighs in at just 556 pounds (252 kg), making it approximately 42% lighter than the Chiron’s engine. Bugatti’s engineers meticulously reduced weight by eliminating turbochargers altogether, opting instead for cutting-edge naturally aspirated technology. According to Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac, turbocharging in hybrid supercars is unnecessary; the electric component sufficiently offsets the absence of forced induction while providing instant torque and the benefits of electrification.

The Tourbillon’s hybrid system integrates a substantial 24.8-kWh battery that delivers up to 43 miles (70 km) of pure electric range, ensuring impressive flexibility for both city driving and open-road performance.

Performance Numbers: Combining Raw Power with Electrification

While dropping the quad-turbo setup meant a loss of 600 hp from the combustion engine, Bugatti made up ground with three high-output electric motors that together provide 800 horsepower. Coupled with the V16’s own 1,000 hp, the Tourbillon produces a combined output that surpasses both the Chiron and Veyron, all while reducing curb weight. Thanks to a 3D-printed suspension system weighing 45% less than before, the entire vehicle tips the scales at under 4,398 pounds (1,995 kg) with all fluids and a nearly full fuel tank—impressive figures for a hybrid hypercar.

Design Philosophy & Market Benchmark

The Tourbillon’s approach stands in contrast to current trends in the exotic car segment. While most modern hybrid supercars—like the Ferrari F80 or the last-generation Porsche 918 Spyder—embrace turbocharging or downsized engines, Bugatti has gone in the opposite direction. Rivals such as the Lamborghini Revuelto retain naturally aspirated V12s, while Ferrari’s LaFerrari paired an electrified twelve-cylinder with hybrid tech, but the Bugatti Tourbillon’s massive V16 and hybrid integration set a new industry benchmark for uncompromised performance.

Future Variants & Production Plans

Bugatti’s ambitions don’t end here. CEO Mate Rimac has hinted at the possibility of a pure internal combustion V16, further hybrid variants with fewer electric motors for even greater weight savings, and an open-top roadster variant, joining the initial production run of 250 coupes. Before customer deliveries begin next year, Bugatti will build 35 prototypes for rigorous testing—ensuring the Tourbillon lives up to the brand’s peerless reputation.

As production wraps up for the final Bolide and Mistral models—last to feature the legendary W16—the Tourbillon ushers in a new era for Bugatti, blending traditional power with modern hybrid innovation for the ultimate driving experience.