Bugatti’s gone and done it again, haven’t they? Just when you thought they’d reached the pinnacle of automotive lunacy with that mad W16 engine, they’ve only gone and ripped up the rulebook entirely. Enter the Tourbillon – a name that sounds like it belongs on a fancy watch, which is fitting because this thing is about as intricate and jaw-dropping as a Swiss timepiece on wheels.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Oh great, another hybrid hypercar.” But hold your horses, because this isn’t just any old electric-petrol mashup. No, no. Bugatti, in their infinite wisdom (or perhaps madness), have decided to stuff an 8.3-liter V16 engine under the bonnet. That’s right, a V16. In 2024. It’s like they’ve looked at every environmental regulation and said, “Nah, not for us, thanks.”
But here’s the kicker – it’s naturally aspirated. No turbos. No superchargers. Just good old-fashioned cubic capacity and engineering wizardry. And it churns out 1,000 horsepower. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, they’ve strapped on some electric motors for good measure, bringing the total to a mind-bending 1,800 horses. It’s the kind of power that makes you wonder if they’re actually trying to achieve time travel.
The performance figures? They’re ridiculous. 0-60 in 2 seconds flat. Top speed? 276 mph. It’s not so much a car as it is a ground-based missile with wheels. And somehow, despite all this electrical gubbins, it’s lighter than the Chiron. It’s as if Newton’s laws of physics took one look at the Tourbillon and decided to go on holiday.
Inside, it’s a mix of old-school cool and space-age tech. The centerpiece is an instrument cluster that looks like it was designed by a watchmaker who’d had one too many espressos. It’s got more parts than a Lego Death Star and probably costs about the same. There’s a hidden touchscreen too, but it’s tucked away most of the time because Bugatti seems to think screens are a bit passé. How very analog of them.
Now, you might be wondering how much this monument to excess will set you back. Well, if you have to ask, you probably can’t afford it. But for those of you with 3.8 million euros burning a hole in your pocket (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?), you can join the queue. They’re only making 250 of these beauties, so you’d better get your order in sharpish.
In a world gone mad for efficiency and electrification, the Bugatti Tourbillon stands as a defiant middle finger to convention. It’s outrageous, it’s probably irresponsible, and it’s absolutely brilliant. It’s everything a hypercar should be – utterly, gloriously unnecessary. And I, for one, love it.
