Bugatti Unveils the Tourbillon: A $4 Million Hybrid with 1,800 Horsepower
Bugatti has introduced its latest automotive marvel, the Bugatti Tourbillon, a plug-in hybrid supercar that marks a bold new chapter for the luxury automaker. With a price tag starting at $4 million and a staggering 1,800 horsepower under the hood, the Tourbillon is set to succeed the iconic Bugatti Chiron, which boasted 1,500 horsepower and carried a base price of $3.3 million.
Although many expected Bugatti’s next step to be a fully electric vehicle — especially after its merger with Croatian electric hypercar maker Rimac in 2021 — CEO Mate Rimac had a different vision. Despite the growing trend toward electrification, Rimac clarified that a fully electric Bugatti was never on the agenda. Instead, the aim was to blend traditional mechanical power with modern electric technology, creating a machine that preserves the raw emotional appeal of Bugatti’s combustion heritage.
At the heart of the Tourbillon lies a massive 16-cylinder petrol engine, a tribute to the brand’s legacy. This engine was developed in partnership with the British motorsport engineering firm Cosworth. In addition to the petrol engine, the Tourbillon features three powerful electric motors: one at the rear and two at the front. Together, the electric motors alone produce at least 800 horsepower. Combined with the petrol engine, the total system output reaches an astonishing 1,800 horsepower.
One major change from the Chiron is the absence of turbochargers. While the Chiron used four turbochargers to enhance performance, the Tourbillon’s engine is naturally aspirated, relying on air intake without forced induction. Rimac explained this choice by emphasizing a desire to develop the most thrilling and emotionally resonant combustion engine possible — one that is high-revving and delivers raw power in a more organic way.
The Tourbillon’s interior reflects a blend of mechanical sophistication and timeless design. Its name pays homage to the tourbillon mechanism found in high-end watches, a nod to precision and craftsmanship. In line with this theme, the instrument cluster is inspired by mechanical timepieces, featuring an analog-style speedometer with two hands. The longer hand displays speed, while the shorter hand indicates engine revolutions per minute.
To enhance sustainability, the Tourbillon includes a plug-in hybrid system that allows the vehicle to travel up to 59 kilometers (around 37 miles) on electric power alone. However, drivers can opt to activate the combustion engine at any time, ensuring performance is never compromised.
Despite Bugatti’s traditional reluctance to embrace screens in their interiors, the Tourbillon introduces a modern infotainment display — but with a twist. The screen, which supports Apple CarPlay, remains hidden and only appears at the driver’s request. This design choice reflects Bugatti’s long-term thinking. As Rimac noted, screens can quickly become outdated, and the team wanted a vehicle that would still look sophisticated decades into the future.
Production of the Tourbillon will remain an exclusive affair. Just 250 units will be built, each handcrafted at Bugatti’s historic factory in Molsheim, France. According to Rimac, the limited run and meticulous craftsmanship reflect the brand’s commitment to creating not just cars, but mechanical masterpieces designed to stand the test of time.
