- The Bugatti Veyron and Chiron relied on the same basic platform for two decades.
- An all-new chassis enables Bugatti to package the Tourbillon’s complex hybrid powertrain effectively.
- The hybrid powertrain combines a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 engine with three electric motors.
When Mate Rimac took over Bugatti and had to think up a fitting successor to the iconic Veyron and Chiron, he wanted to create something that didn’t just look beautiful from the outside but also looked like a piece of art with all of its body panels stripped away. After gawking at the exposed carbon fiber chassis of the Tourbillon, you’ll likely agree that this is exactly what’s been achieved.
In the latest episode of Bugatti’s ongoing series that takes a deep dive into the new hybrid hypercar, the brand’s chief technology officer Emilio Scervo and chief vehicle engineer Paul Burnham showcase the chassis in all its glory. Whereas the Veyron and Chiron used the same basic underpinnings for two decades, the Tourbillon is completely new.
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This new chassis was needed to make the car’s hybrid powertrain a reality. Mounted directly behind the cabin is a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16, while found in the center of the platform is a T-shaped 24 kWh battery. The car also features three electric motors, two of which are located on the front axle and one is mated to the engine. To make sure everything could fit, Bugatti uses two fuel tanks positioned on either side of the V16. It also cleverly incorporated the rear crash structure without the huge carbon fiber diffuser.
Found at the front of the Tourbillon are five of the eight radiators used by the hypercar. Two of these are used to channel air directly to the engine, while the others positioned in the center can direct airflow from the horseshoe grille to cool the electrical components and the cabin. Despite the tight packaging, Bugatti has managed to find room for a small storage area under the hood.
Bugatti has also elected to fix the seats in position, helping it to keep the wheelbase short while also allowing it to make the Tourbillon lower than the Chiron. The driver and passenger are also positioned slightly closer together, helping to minimize the car’s front area.
“What I’m most proud of is how the overall design of the car feels like the work of a single hand,” Scervo added. “Although many talented contributors were involved, the Tourbillon feels like a complete and holistic product. Just by looking at it, you can sense that it’s not just a collection of parts thrown together; starting from scratch has allowed us to create something cohesive and thoroughly considered, as if crafted by one vision – a truly incomparable Bugatti.”
