The outstanding function of the Bugatti Tourbillon is one 1.800 PS plug-in-hybrid drive train Bugatti does not forget the aerodynamic work that is necessary to use the immense force on the barrel.
The goal was to surpass the Bugatti Chiron in Slipess’, said Paul Burnham, chief engineer of the tourbillon, in a video that was released on Thursday on the Bugattis YouTube channel. The lower aerodynamic resistance will be necessary to define the top speed that defined the chiron and its predecessor, the Veyron.
A big change compared to the chiron is the smaller greenhouse of the tourbillon, which reduces the frontal area of the new car. However, a large part of the development work focused on smaller details to optimize the air flow on all surfaces.
Bugatti Tourbillon Aerodynamic Testing
Aerodynamic development work began with simulations of computer liquid dynamics (CFD) before moving Wind tunnel test. This process, which began about 15 months before the unveiling of Tourbillon in June 2024, began with a half model that was made from over 250 3D printed components, and with over 100 pressure ports for measuring the air flow.
The engineers switched to complete prototypes in early 2024. At this point, a large part of the development work had already been carried out with computer simulations and small tests. Burnham, validating a comprehensive car in the wind tunnel, mainly served to validate this work.
The aerodynamic body is draped via a new chassis that does not share anything with that Veyron and Chiron platform. With the opportunity for clean leaves, the engineers were naturally able to pack the new 8.3-liter V-16 together with an 8-speed dual clutch transmission and three electric motors. This setup replaces the long-term 8.0-liter W-16 from Bugatti and is expected 0-60 miles per hour in just 2.0 seconds.
The design now aims at timelessness by avoiding striking trends. Instead of a digital screen, for example, it has a complicated mechanical measuring cluster for the driver, which designers hope to fight into the future.
The production of the tourbillon is scheduled to begin in 2026. Only 250 examples for which everyone is spoken – are planned.
The prices start at around 4 million US dollars.
