Bugatti had to start from scratch for the Tourbillon. With new regulations and a hybrid powertrain on the horizon, the platform that served the Veyron and Chiron couldn't be carried over. The result? A marvel of modern engineering, as revealed in Bugatti's latest photos and video.
Now, let’s not sugarcoat it the engineering challenge behind this was colossal. The Tourbillon was always meant to be Chiron-like in size, but with an even longer V-16 engine paired to an electric motor, dual-clutch transmission, twin-motor front axle, and a battery pack to keep it all running. Fitting all of that into a car with the footprint of a Chiron is no small feat. The V-16 alone is larger than the old W-16, and when you add the electrics into the mix, well, it starts to get a bit crowded.
To solve this, Bugatti’s engineers pulled the V-16 right up against the rear bulkhead, positioning fuel tanks on either side. The batteries? They’re arranged in a T-shape, running through the central tunnel and behind the seats. Speaking of which, the seats are fixed in place and moved closer together to shrink the frontal area. The pedals and steering wheel were repositioned, bringing them closer to the driver. Up front, the compact electric motor sits just behind the minimal luggage compartment. Despite all this rearranging, the Tourbillon’s wheelbase is just a touch longer than the Chiron’s, and its roofline is even lower.
One of the more ingenious design choices is the carbon-fiber rear diffuser, which doubles as a crash structure. This eliminates the need for a separate rear beam, shaving off weight and maintaining the car’s sleek proportions. Then there’s the sheer level of detail. The Tourbillon features eight radiators to keep the V-16 and hybrid system in check, and Bugatti collaborated with Divergent the tech company behind Czinger’s 21C for 3D-printed, "skeletonized" wishbones. These aren’t just lightweight they’re futuristic in both form and function.
Bugatti has packed so many incredible innovations into the Tourbillon, and this chassis is just the start. It’s a testament to what happens when cutting-edge technology meets uncompromising craftsmanship. The Tourbillon isn’t just a hypercar it’s a masterpiece in every sense of the word.