Bugatti Tourbillon adopts V16 hybrid engine over electric platform

Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac has revealed that the new Bugatti Tourbillon was developed as a V16 plug-in hybrid rather than the fully electric model initially encouraged by the Volkswagen Group. While Volkswagen pushed for electrification using the existing Rimac Nevera platform to reduce development costs and time, Rimac opted for a bespoke engineering approach to maintain Bugatti’s unique identity.

The Tourbillon features an 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine developed with Cosworth, producing 1,000 hp, supplemented by three electric motors that provide an additional 800 hp for a total of 1,800 hp. The vehicle utilizes a 25 kWh battery, allowing for over 60 km of electric-only range.

Rimac stated the decision was driven by market feedback from the Rimac Nevera, noting that ultra-high-end clients seek the emotional experience, sound, and mechanical complexity of a combustion engine rather than a purely battery-powered vehicle. All 250 units of the Tourbillon have already been sold.