Bugatti Tourbillon debuts new V16 engine with authentic sound

Bugatti has transitioned from its iconic W16 engine to a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 for its new Tourbillon hypercar. Developed in collaboration with Cosworth, the engine features a cross-plane crank and revs up to 9,000 rpm. When paired with three electric motors, the plug-in hybrid system produces a combined 1,800 horsepower, enabling a top speed of 276 mph.

A primary focus of the vehicle's development was achieving an authentic acoustic profile. Bugatti engineers conducted thousands of simulations on intake and exhaust systems to ensure the car produces a “dirty and raw” sound rather than relying on artificial engine noises pumped through speakers.

Romain Volatier, Bugatti’s head of NVH and acoustics, noted that the goal was to maintain a mechanical character that feels real to the driver. The vehicle was also engineered to meet strict road-legal noise regulations, including drive-by sound tests.