Bugatti has unveiled its replacement for the legendary Chiron, the Tourbillon. On display at a star-studded world premiere in Molsheim, France, the all-new hypercar marks a complete departure from the brand's iconic W16 engine. This time it has been electrified, with the help of Mate Rimac, the unstoppable force behind the all-electric Nevera, the fastest accelerating hypercar in the world.
I asked Mate Rimac about the powertrain choice when we met in Zagreb a week before the launch. “I’m fully convinced that normal transport will go electric,” he says. “It just makes more sense. But there will be very specific niches where combustion is going to stick around for a lot longer than people think. It's just something that people are emotional about." This is something I rediscovered when I recently.
However, unlike previous Bugattis, the Tourbillon abandons the tradition of naming core models after racing drivers. Instead,"Tourbillon”, a French word referencing a watchmaking invention , is meant to reflect the car's intricate mechanics and enduring elegance. The design prioritizes timeless appeal, employing a completely analogue instrument cluster crafted by Swiss watchmakers.
The Tourbillon is also built upon an entirely new chassis and body structure, to complement the unique motor configuration. The structure utilizes a next-generation T800 carbon composite, incorporating weight-saving innovations like a battery integrated into the monocoque and a revolutionary crash composite rear diffuser. The car also features a completely new multi-link suspension system, forged from aluminum, for exceptional handling.