The groundbreaking innovation behind the Bugatti Tourbillon makes this car unlike any other. Combining both an impressive gasoline engine and electric powertrain to achieve remarkable performance benchmarks.
Designers of this car opted to forgo fleeting digital trends in favor of timeless analogue craftsmanship; its instrument cluster was inspired by horology. Furthermore, its centre console featured both crystal glass and aluminium to highlight its intricate mechanical components.
Design
Bugatti has unlocked a unique, fully analog driving experience with their Tourbillon model – their first new vehicle since combining with electric car maker Rimac in 2015 – that will replace their superpowered Chiron in 2026.
Every curve, line and air tunnel on the Tourbillon serves a specific purpose. For example, its front wing tech has been tailored specifically to maximize airflow at speeds up to 400 km/h while the rear wing seamlessly integrates with its bodywork for downforce management without compromising aesthetics.
Open its electrically actuated butterfly doors, and you’ll discover an inviting cabin that combines luxury and mechanical intrigue. Inspired by watch design, the Tourbillon forgoes transient digital trends for an analogue, skeletonized instrument cluster reminiscent of watch world design. A small screen slides into view for Apple CarPlay or Android Auto when needed but then retracts back out of view to maintain aesthetic purity within its cabin – truly creating something unlike any other car available today. This design stands apart from all others in its unique look, feel and function – offering something unlike anything available anywhere else worldwide.
Performance
At 280mph without breaking a sweat and packed with more mechanical innovation than some cars in their entire lives combined, this vehicle effortlessly tickles 280mph without breaking a sweat. Engineered to balance aerodynamic efficiency with aesthetics, each surface, intake, and vent has been optimized for performance at speeds exceeding 400 km/h.
As such, the Tourbillon features an entirely new chassis and body structure crafted from T800 carbon composite with weight-saving innovations like integrating its battery into its monocoque chassis structure for greater agility and power than previous generations of car. As a result, its performance surpasses any of its predecessors.
Designers of this car opted for machined components and an analogue instrument cluster in favor of large digital touchscreens for its interior cabin design. When driving this beautiful bullet down the road, all you have to worry about is steering this magnificent beauty and let the gods do the rest – they certainly will.
Technology
As with its predecessors – Chiron, Centodieci and Mistral models – Bugatti’s Tourbillon features an aerodynamic carbon composite monocoque designed to accommodate its immense powertrain. Thanks to innovative techniques – such as integrated battery housing – its structure weighs less than the car itself!
As its name implies, the Tourbillon draws its inspiration from an intricate watchmaking mechanism designed to combat gravity for precise timekeeping. This theme continues inside where an exquisite skeletonized instrument cluster reveals intricate details characteristic of luxury Swiss watchmaking.
Driving experience of Tourbillon is as special as its visuals. To bring out its spine-tingling powertrain’s spine-tingling thrust, drivers must pull an organ stop lever that serves as an old choke, while various dynamic settings can be tuned with knurled rotary dials on steering wheel. Tourbillon is also unique among production cars in that it does not contain screens; rather a small display appears from center stack when necessary for safety reasons.
Price
At first glance, the Tourbillon displays Bugatti’s rich heritage. Its horseshoe grille, the signature Bugatti line scallops along its flanks and central spine running down its length all indicate it as the successor of Chiron – although in practice its form has been designed around speed rather than power.
Starting with its body crafted of next-generation carbon composite and featuring crash composite rear diffusers inspired by top-level motorsport, and moving through its internals that utilize a custom-built electric drive system and three electric motors to achieve both natural aspiration and useful battery range, the prototype’s construction sets it apart.
Interior is an astonishing work of mechanical perfection. Once you open its electrically operated dihedral doors, a stunning analog gauge cluster designed by Concepto (who also supply movements for Jacob & Co watches) awaits. Boasting raised numbers and physical needles similar to classic car dashboard instruments produced by Jaeger & Kienzle before internal-combustion engines became common.