Bugatti Tourbillon blends V16 power with intelligent packaging

The Bugatti Tourbillon features a V16 engine, AI-optimized suspension and advanced packaging to deliver speed, downforce and efficiency in a single hypercar.

Every new Bugatti is more than just a hypercar — it’s a meticulously crafted composition where engineering, performance, and aesthetics are seamlessly fused. With the Tourbillon, this philosophy reaches new heights. Episode 9 of the documentary series “Bugatti: A New Era” delves into the car’s unique packaging, revealing how deeply integrated the vehicle’s components truly are.

The transformation begins with the all-new 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine developed by Cosworth. Unlike the previous W16, this engine is longer and narrower, and it’s mounted at an angle — a subtle tweak with significant aerodynamic consequences. It allows for the creation of deep Venturi tunnels, stretching from beneath the cabin to nearly the middle of the car. These channels generate substantial downforce from below without the need for a rear wing, reducing drag at high speeds.

The gearbox, traditionally located in front of the engine, has been repositioned behind it. The front axle is powered by two independent electric motors, while a compact 25-kWh battery sits between the front and rear powertrains. This layout not only enables ideal weight distribution but also reduces the car’s frontal area — a crucial factor in maximizing speed. As a result, the Tourbillon can reach 445 km/h, accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2 seconds.

At the front, the iconic Bugatti horseshoe grille does more than honor tradition. It acts as an integrated cooling system, channeling air to the front electric axle, the battery, and the brake system. On either side, air is directed to cool the combustion engine. The entire layout is a testament to architectural precision, where airflow is intentionally distributed through the car’s body.

The rear continues this holistic philosophy. Instead of a conventional crash beam, the diffuser incorporates two 3D-printed metal structures that absorb crash energy and contribute to the overall structural integrity. A similar approach is used in the suspension system, where the airfoil-shaped wishbones are optimized using AI. This technology removes unnecessary material, leaving only what is needed for strength and stiffness, and enhances airflow efficiency.

These innovations reflect the mindset of Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac, who insists that no component can be designed in isolation. The Tourbillon is not a collection of impressive parts — it’s a cohesive organism engineered with purpose. It challenges not just the boundaries of automotive design, but also what we imagine is possible.