By Paul Whiston, July 23, 2025
The Bugatti Tourbillon marks a transformative leap in hypercar engineering, driven by a radical rethinking of its packaging and layout. Central to this shift is a newly designed angled V16 engine, longer and narrower than the previous W16, which enables the integration of super-long Venturi tunnels beneath the cabin. These tunnels significantly boost aerodynamic efficiency by generating powerful underbody downforce with minimal drag, eliminating the need for a deployed rear wing at top speeds.
A major innovation lies in the powertrain layout: the gearbox is now placed behind the engine, while the front axle is powered by dual electric motors, entirely decoupled from the combustion engine. A compact battery between the front and rear motors improves weight distribution and internal packaging.
This new layout also reduces the car’s frontal area, a key factor in minimizing aerodynamic resistance and surpassing the Chiron²’s performance benchmarks. As CEO Mate Rimac points out, reducing frontal area is crucial for achieving extreme speeds efficiently.
At the front, the iconic Bugatti horseshoe grille plays an active role in cooling, directing air through the front of the vehicle to regulate temperature for the electric axle, battery, and brakes. The combustion engine’s cooling intakes flank the grille.
In the rear, Bugatti merges structural performance with aerodynamics by using the diffuser itself as a crash structure, incorporating 3D-printed metal energy absorbers. Similarly, the suspension design uses airfoil-shaped, partially exposed components to reduce drag.
These wishbones, along with other structural elements, are topologically optimised using AI, resulting in lightweight, organic forms that retain maximum strength.
Every element of the Tourbillon reflects Bugatti’s integrated design philosophy: from the engine layout to the aerodynamic suspension and AI-driven part optimisation, the hypercar embodies a holistic approach to performance, efficiency, and innovation.