At initial observation, the new hypercar bears a striking similarity to the Veyron and Chiron, yet the latest offering from the renowned French car manufacturer Bugatti radiates elegance, performance, and opulence. Unlike its predecessors named after the firm’s racecar drivers, the Tourbillon derives its moniker from the 1801 horological innovation known as the tourbillon, crafted to enhance the precision of timekeepers.
The unveiling of the Tourbillon marks the debut product from Bugatti’s alliance with Rimac and the revelation transpired at Bugatti’s Molsheim base of operations. Bugatti’s Official Driver Andy Wallace piloted the vehicle, signifying the site’s most prominent assemblage since the centennial-plus celebrations in 2019. The car boasts an inaugural chassis, a body fine-tuned for peak performance, a pioneering V16 motor, and an electrified propulsion system. It can accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in a mere two seconds and hit 248 mph in less than 25 seconds. Engaging the Speed Key enables a max velocity of 276 mph while its ultimate speed is capped at 236 mph electronically.
This is Bugatti’s initial model featuring a completely novel petrol engine, diverging from the norm with a V16 naturally aspirated motor and a hybridized propulsion setup. Jointly developed with UK’s motoring engineering connoisseur Cosworth, the unforced 8.3-liter V16 power unit churns out 1,000-hp, maintains a featherweight profile at 555 lbs, and soars to a redline of 9,000 rpm. This supercar also embraces three electric engines, sporting a dual-motored front e-axle and a solitary motor at the rear axle, contributing an extra 800-hp.
“The Bugatti Tourbillon epitomizes the newest achievement in our constant quest for perfection. With the Tourbillon, we honor Ettore Bugatti’s legacy, synthesizing the splendor, opulence, and athleticism that embody our brand ethos,” articulated Christophe Piochon, Bugatti’s President.
Conceiving inspiration from horology and intricate craftsmanship, the car was “conceived and assembled with the craftsmanship of Swiss horologists,” claimed Bugatti in its statement. Shunning the modern trend of interactive digital dashboards, this distinctive automobile showcases 600 meticulously engineered components, echoing a horological instrument’s complexity. The frame, comprised of rare substances and gems such as titanium, sapphires, and rubies, distinguishes itself from its ultra car peers.
From Bugatti’s signature horseshoe-shaped grille to the central spine and the quintessential two-tone division, the supercar includes dihedral doors powered electrically. The car’s interior is accented with knurled aluminium toggles and embellishments of crystal glass mixed with aluminium, intricately curated, while the sound system is integrated into the inner panels to reduce weight and maintain a cohesive aesthetic.
Priced from a starting point of $4 million (€3.8 million), Bugatti plans to construct a mere 250 units of the Tourbillo, with the first deliveries anticipated by 2026.
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