Automotive
Bugatti has unveiled a deeper look into the engineering behind its revolutionary Tourbillon hybrid hypercar in Episode 08 of the “A New Era” documentary series, now streaming on the Bugatti YouTube channel. This latest chapter pulls back the curtain on a technical masterstroke that merges a high-revving naturally aspirated V16 with cutting-edge electric drive technology, delivering an experience that redefines what a hypercar can be.
Rather than using electrification as a substitute for internal combustion, Bugatti takes a more nuanced path. The electric components serve not as an alternative but as enablers of the V16’s raw emotion and performance. According to Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, this seamless integration is what makes the Tourbillon’s powertrain so extraordinary. The hybrid system combines a brand-new 8.3-liter V16, a sophisticated eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and a 250-kilowatt rear electric motor capable of spinning to 24,000 rpm. Astonishingly, this entire setup weighs only 430 kilograms, matching the weight of the Chiron’s engine alone.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zwGSQyD_HBU
Up front, two additional electric motors and dual inverters are housed within a compact unit on the electric axle. All of this is paired with a uniquely designed 25kWh T-shaped battery pack integrated directly into the chassis. This not only improves structural rigidity but also enables more than 60 kilometers of all-electric range. With oil-cooled, high-density cells and an 800-volt architecture, the battery is as much a feat of packaging as it is of performance.
Despite its complexity, the Tourbillon is lighter than its predecessor, offering improved handling, more luggage space, and even greater top speed. This was achieved through extensive use of innovative materials and manufacturing methods, such as 3D-printed, topologically optimized suspension components that weigh 45 percent less than previous designs.
The real genius lies in how each electric motor performs multiple roles. Acting as starter motors, generators, and torque-fillers, they enable rapid power delivery and eliminate the need for a traditional 12-volt system. It’s this type of multifunctional efficiency that defines the Tourbillon’s engineering philosophy.
Bugatti didn’t just create a hybrid hypercar. They built an entirely new blueprint for performance vehicles that doesn’t compromise the drama of internal combustion. Instead, it amplifies it. With this latest insight into the Tourbillon, it’s clear that Bugatti is not just writing a new chapter in its storied history but reshaping the future of automotive excellence altogether.
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