This is not another derivation of the Bugatti Chiron. Although this looks a lot like the last W-16-powered hypercar, it is a whole different animal. It's a new monocoque. It's a fresh suspension. Furthermore, the hybrid V-16 powerplant is unquestionably novel. Introducing the Tourbillon, Bugatti's next-generation flagship vehicle with 1,800 horsepower.

The engine, an 8.3-liter monster with 1,000 horsepower and a maximum rev limit of 9,500 RPM, was exactly as reported in the past. Turbochargers were not used. The naturally aspirated beast, which weighs just 555 pounds despite being much larger than the W-16 it replaces, was developed with Cosworth's assistance. Although 664 pound-feet of torque is also there, the other half of the Tourbillon's engine is more interesting in this case.

We are discussing the hybrid support. Two electric motors are mounted in the front e-axle, while a third motor is mounted in the rear to assist in spinning the back wheels. Power is provided by a centrally located, 25 kWh battery pack, which adds 800 horsepower. With a total power of 1,800 horsepower, the Tourbillon can reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in only 2.0 seconds, if the specially designed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires have adequate traction.

However, such measure isn't appropriate for describing the Tourbillon's actual performance. Achieving 124 mph at full power takes about 5.0 seconds. It takes only ten seconds to reach 186 mph. If you don't have the special Speed Key inserted, you may reach the maximum speed of 236 mph in less than 25 seconds. When engaged, the Tourbillon maintains its enormous rear wing down even when the top speed reaches 276 mph. 

The most recent Bugatti only gains a little weight in the process of becoming a hybrid. Indeed, according to Bugatti, the Tourbillon is lighter than the Chiron even with an electric powertrain and battery pack. It can also go about town in style without having to start its fancy V-16 engine. In fact, with an estimated 37 miles of EV range, it can travel outside of town. Regarding electric power, no speed is mentioned, and Bugatti isn't prepared to provide charging timeframes. However, it runs on an 800-volt system, and in case we forgot, Mate Rimac currently drives Bugatti. Additionally, he has some experience with electrifying performances.

Tourbillons are mechanical components that enhance accuracy in high-end watches, as watch enthusiasts would attest to. For Bugatti, the Tourbillon is a massive, classic piece of flawless engineering. When you view the gorgeous analog inside and open the electrically operated dihedral doors, that becomes abundantly clear. The engine temperature, gasoline level, speed, engine rpm, and other information are all shown on three large dials that are mounted to the steering wheel. Not a single screen is visible.

Switch watchmakers created and manufactured the gauges, which are permanently mounted to the steering column to stay in place while you move the wheel. Concurrently, the middle console houses rotary dials, banks of metal switches, and a single crystal lever that initiates the V-16. All of this is done to give the Tourbillon a classic appearance, yet the top of the center console conceals a digital screen. It may be rotated up to provide the driver with access to Apple CarPlay and other features upon demand.

Regarding the style, it is unmistakably not a Bugatti. A unique diffuser, almost out of sight, starts just behind the passenger compartment on the Chiron-esque appearance. Air is guided to the huge side intakes via vents located beneath the headlights. In addition to providing air to radiators, the horseshoe grille increases downforce. As an airbrake, the active rear wing may deploy upward. And all of it rests on a brand-new multi-link suspension that weighs forty-five percent less than the Chiron's structural components.

"The development of the Bugatti Tourbillon was guided at every step by the 115 years of Bugatti history and the words of Ettore Bugatti himself," said Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac. "His mantras ‘if comparable it is no longer Bugatti’ and ‘nothing is too beautiful’ were a guiding path for me personally, as well as the design and engineering teams looking to create the next exciting era in the Bugatti hyper sports car story."

Even though the vehicle is being shown to us now, that period won't start until the first of 250 production automobiles is delivered in 2026. The Tourbillon is still undergoing testing, so start putting money aside. The Tourbillon starts at 3.6 million euros (about $3.9 million at current exchange rates), so you'll need every single one.