In the fourth episode of Bugatti’s A New Era docuseries, now available on YouTube, the legendary French marque delves into the creation of the Tourbillon—a hyper sports car that marks a new chapter in Bugatti’s history. This episode focuses on the entirely new platform of the Tourbillon, a design meticulously engineered to push the boundaries of automotive excellence.
A New Foundation for Innovation
Over its 115-year legacy, Bugatti has been synonymous with redefining performance and luxury. The Tourbillon, built on a completely new platform, carries this tradition forward. The development of this cutting-edge architecture allowed Bugatti to rethink every element of the car, setting the stage for the next generation of hyper sports vehicles.
While the platforms of the Veyron and Chiron served as the foundation for two decades of Bugatti innovation, the Tourbillon presents a leap forward. Bugatti’s Chief Technology Officer, Emilio Scervo, explained:
“We have always thought about how we could do it even better. How could we create a design that is even more beautiful than the Chiron? We thought about how we could improve its proportions, refine the aerodynamics, and further enhance the driving experience.”
This fresh start offered Bugatti’s engineering team the chance to craft something entirely unique—a vehicle that is not just a successor to the Chiron, but a new benchmark for the hypercar world.
Revolutionary Powertrain and Design
At the core of the Tourbillon is its V16 engine, paired with three electric motors, creating an advanced hybrid powertrain that combines immense power with cutting-edge efficiency. The platform’s innovative design integrates the powertrain components to maximize performance and handling. Notable features include:
- Five strategically positioned radiators at the front, ensuring optimal cooling for the engine and electrical components.
- A rear electric axle with two 250kW motors, providing four-wheel drive and torque vectoring for enhanced performance.
- A T-shaped battery housed centrally, delivering 800 HP of electric power and over 60 km of pure electric range.
The lightweight and aerodynamic-focused architecture of the Tourbillon also introduced a fixed seating position with a movable pedal box and steering wheel, optimizing the vehicle’s and weight.
Engineering Masterpiece
One of the most groundbreaking achievements in the Tourbillon’s design is the seamless integration of its naturally aspirated V16 engine and electric motors. The engine’s length necessitated innovative packaging, bringing it closer to the driver, while the fuel tanks were relocated to the sides of the car to optimize space. This thoughtful engineering helped maintain the car’s wheelbase and interior dimensions, while the integrated crash structure within the rear diffuser enhanced weight distribution without compromising safety.
Scervo adds:
“What I’m most proud of is how the overall design of the car feels like the work of a single hand. Although many talented contributors were involved, the Tourbillon feels like a complete and holistic product, crafted by one vision—a truly incomparable Bugatti.”
A New Era for Bugatti
The Tourbillon is more than just a hyper sports car; it’s a bold statement of Bugatti’s future. The all-new platform not only redefines what is possible in terms of design, performance, and engineering but also ensures Bugatti’s continuous pursuit of excellence. As Bugatti moves into its next era, the platform of the Tourbillon will be central to the brand’s future innovations, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the hypercar world.
Source: Bugatti
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
