Bugatti Tourbillon Rotary Switch
Bugatti gives enthusiast buyers an intriguing choice in its new hypercar by letting drivers switch off its three electric motors entirely.
The Bugatti Tourbillon produces 1,800 horsepower when all systems operate together, but it still generates 1,000 horsepower from pure combustion alone.
That special rotary switch eliminates electrification for drivers who prefer a traditional mechanical setup. Bugatti clearly positions the engine as the undeniable star of the vehicle.
Naturally Aspirated V16 Power
The Bugatti Tourbillon relies on an 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine developed with Cosworth to headline its performance. That powerplant produces 1,000 horsepower at 9,000 rpm and 664 lb-ft of torque, according to Bugatti.
Three electric motors add another 800 horsepower to bring the total output to 1,800 horsepower. This setup helps the car accelerate to 62 mph in a claimed 2.0 seconds on its way to a Speed Key-activated top speed of 276 mph.
Combustion Only Driving Mode
A powertrain dial situated immediately to the right of the steering wheel hub features a combustion-only setting. When a driver selects that position, the electric propulsion and 800 horsepower disappear from the driving equation.
Two electric motors drive the front wheels and a third works at the rear during normal hybrid operation. Selecting combustion-only mode removes front motor drive completely, leaving the V16 to drive the rear wheels alone.
Bugatti Tunes Chassis for Progressive Oversteer and Manages Weight
Without electric propulsion driving the front wheels, Bugatti tunes the chassis for progressive oversteer. This allows the car to slip smoothly into oversteer and remain easy to catch.
The full powertrain package, including the V16, the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the rear electric motor, weighs about 430 kg or 948 lbs, according to Bugatti. That figure is approximately the same as the old W16 engine in the Chiron alone.
Rival Hybrid Hypercar Routes
Other exotic car manufacturers use electrification but take different engineering approaches from Bugatti. Ferrari built its F80 flagship around a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with a hybrid package adding 300 horsepower to 900 combustion horsepower.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Tourbillon
What is the total horsepower of the Bugatti Tourbillon?
The Bugatti Tourbillon produces 1,800 horsepower when the V16 engine and three electric motors work together, according to Bugatti specifications.
What happens when you select combustion-only mode?
Turning the rotary switch to combustion-only mode shuts off all three electric motors and removes 800 horsepower, leaving the 1,000-horsepower V16 to drive the rear wheels alone.
How much does the Bugatti Tourbillon powertrain weigh?
The complete powertrain package weighs about 430 kg or 948 lbs, which matches the weight of the older W16 engine in the Chiron by itself, according to Bugatti.
What is the electric-only driving range of the hypercar?
The Tourbillon has a claimed electric driving range of around 37 miles utilizing its 25 kWh, 800V battery, Bugatti reported.
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