Bugatti Drops the W16 Engine for a V16 Hybrid
Bugatti is officially closing the book on its legendary quad-turbo W16 engine. For the first time in two decades, the hypercar manufacturer is changing its core formula with the introduction of the Bugatti Tourbillon. This new flagship replaces the Chiron by combining a massive naturally aspirated V16 engine with highly advanced plug-in hybrid technology.
The End of an Era for the W16 Engine
When Bugatti launched the Veyron in 2005, it shocked the automotive industry with an 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine. This monstrous powerplant pushed the Veyron past the 250 mph mark. Bugatti later refined this exact engine for the Chiron, eventually squeezing out 1,578 horsepower in the Chiron Super Sport.
However, emissions regulations and the demand for more instant power delivery forced a change. When Bugatti merged with electric hypercar maker Rimac in 2021, many fans assumed the next Bugatti would be fully electric. Instead, Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac chose a different path. He decided to keep the internal combustion engine alive but completely reinvent it, dropping the heavy turbochargers in favor of high-revving naturally aspirated power paired with electric assistance.
Enter the Tourbillon: A Naturally Aspirated V16
The beating heart of the new Bugatti Tourbillon is an 8.3-liter V16 engine. Bugatti partnered with the legendary British engine builder Cosworth to develop this masterpiece. Unlike the Chiron engine, the new V16 features zero turbochargers.
Removing the turbos completely changes the character of the car. The new V16 revs to an ear-piercing 9,000 rpm. On its own, this combustion engine produces 1,000 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque.
Despite being nearly three feet long, the new V16 is incredibly light. Engineers built it using lightweight materials, keeping the total engine weight down to just 555 pounds. This is significantly lighter than the outgoing W16, which helps offset the weight of the new hybrid battery system.
The Radical Hybrid Engineering Explained
To push the Tourbillon well past the performance of the Chiron, Bugatti integrated a complex plug-in hybrid system. The car features three separate electric motors. Two motors are mounted on the front e-axle, and one is mounted in the rear to assist the combustion engine.
These electric motors generate an additional 800 horsepower. When combined with the V16 engine, the Bugatti Tourbillon produces a staggering 1,800 total horsepower.
Here are the specific details of the hybrid system:
- The Battery: A 25 kWh oil-cooled battery pack provides the electrical juice.
- Voltage: The system operates on an 800-volt architecture, allowing for rapid energy discharge and incredibly fast charging times.
- Placement: To keep the center of gravity low, Bugatti housed the battery inside the central tunnel and right behind the passengers.
- Torque Vectoring: The dual motors on the front axle allow for precise torque vectoring. The car can send different amounts of power to the left and right front wheels, drastically improving cornering grip.
Remarkably, the Tourbillon is a plug-in hybrid with a usable electric-only driving mode. Bugatti states the car can travel roughly 37 miles (60 kilometers) strictly on battery power without the V16 engine turning on at all.
Staggering Performance and Aerodynamics
The combination of instant electric torque and high-rpm combustion power creates terrifying speed. Bugatti claims the Tourbillon will sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.0 seconds.
The acceleration numbers only get more impressive from there. The Tourbillon hits 124 mph (200 km/h) in under 5.0 seconds and reaches 186 mph (300 km/h) in under 10 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 236 mph by default. However, if the driver inserts a special “Speed Key,” the rear wing lowers, and the top speed unlocks to a massive 276 mph (445 km/h).
To handle this speed, Bugatti designed a completely new chassis. The transmission is an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Because the V16 engine is so long, Bugatti had to place the gearbox behind the engine at the very rear of the car to make everything fit.
A Swiss Watch Inspired Interior
The name “Tourbillon” comes from a specific mechanism used in high-end mechanical watches to increase accuracy. Bugatti took this inspiration directly into the cabin.
Instead of a massive digital tablet, the instrument cluster is entirely analog. Swiss watchmakers designed the gauges using titanium and sapphire crystal. The steering wheel actually rotates around this fixed instrument cluster, ensuring the driver’s view of the dials is never blocked while turning.
Pricing and Future Production
Bugatti is keeping the Tourbillon incredibly exclusive. The company will only build 250 units in total. This is half the production run of the Chiron, which saw 500 units built.
The starting price for the Bugatti Tourbillon is roughly $4.1 million (3.8 million Euros) before any personal customizations. Bugatti is currently hand-building the prototypes, and the first customer deliveries are officially scheduled to begin in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Bugatti stop making the W16 engine? Bugatti retired the 8.0-liter W16 engine because it reached its maximum potential after two decades of development. Additionally, global emissions standards require cleaner technology. The new V16 hybrid setup allows Bugatti to increase horsepower while meeting modern environmental regulations.
How fast is the new Bugatti Tourbillon? The Bugatti Tourbillon has a top speed of 276 mph (445 km/h) when the special Speed Key is activated. It can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.0 seconds.
Can the Bugatti Tourbillon run on electricity alone? Yes. The Tourbillon features a 25 kWh battery pack that provides about 37 miles of pure electric driving range. You can plug the car into a standard EV charger to top up the battery.
Who makes the new Bugatti V16 engine? Bugatti partnered with Cosworth, a famous British automotive engineering company, to develop the new 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine. Cosworth is known for building high-revving engines, including the V12 found in the Gordon Murray T.50 and the Aston Martin Valkyrie.