Elite Traveler Fall 2024

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Bugatti Tourbillon

As expected, the Tourbillon pairs hybrid power with a ridiculously powerful gasoline engine — in this case, an all new 8 . 3 - literV 1 6 that can rev to a spectacular 9 , 000 RPM

Bugatti’s latest and greatest, unveiled in early summer, represents the French fi rm’s fi rstnewo ff ering under the oversight of Croatian electri fi cation pioneer Mate Rimac. As expected, the Tourbillon pairs hybrid power with a ridiculously fi erce gasoline engine — in this case, an all-new 8.3-liter V16 that can rev to a spectacular 9,000 RPM. Where the outgoing Chiron and its Veyron predecessor depended on four turbochargers to create record-setting amounts of low-end shove and high-end power simultaneously, the Tourbillon features three electric motors to allow for as much as a combined 1,800 hp. Yet somehow, the powertrain stats played second fi ddle in most coverage of the Tourbillon, thanks to a svelte design that builds on the aesthetic of the Chiron, and especially an eye-popping gauge cluster inspired by fi ne watchmaking. Constructed from materials that include titanium, sapphire and ruby, the ornate design can run in full analog mode or in concert with a digital screen — and the steering wheel rotates around the gauges, mimicking the hands on a clock. The fi rst hybrid Bugatti will also manage up to 37 miles of all electric range but, more important, may achieve a claimed sprint from a standstill to 250 mph in just 25 seconds. Aerodynamic concepts inspired by advanced F1 race car construction contribute to that top speed, while helping to save weight because the sizable rear di ff user alone increases downforce, reduces tire wear and also serves as a removable crash structure. Meanwhile, the sound of what’s essentially two high-revving V8 engines working together in concert simply beggars belief, even from a company consistently accustomed to leading the charge in terms of both design and performance. Approx. $4.1m, bugatti.com