Bugatti For over a century, it has stood for radical innovation, technical excellence and a deep-rooted pursuit of perfection.
With the development of a completely new V16 naturally aspirated engine The brand is now taking another spectacular step towards the future.
The V16 heart!
The result is no ordinary engine – but a true masterpiece of mechanical finesse. The collaboration with the British engine specialist Cosworth began in 2021, when Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, made the vision of a new powertrain a reality.
The aim was to develop an engine that is not only extremely powerful, but also offers an emotional, puristic driving experience – a V16 without turbocharging, in today's world almost an anachronism, which at the same time symbolizes uncompromising engineering at a hunt.
No half measures: Directly to the V16
Bugatti deliberately decided against conventional development phases, such as building a single-cylinder model. Instead, they built a full V16 engine straight away—a step that required courage, confidence in their own know-how, and a fair amount of ambition.
In 2023 the time had come: The first fully functional test engine was running on the test bench. What roared from the exhaust pipes wasn't just a new sound—it was the beginning of a completely new chapter for the brand.
Technical Masterclass
The new 8,3-liter V16 alone produces 1.000 PS at 9.000 RPM – without any turbo or compressor. Its maximum Torque is 900 Nm, and the whole is complemented by three electric motors, the further 800 PS provide. The system performance opportunities, Whirlwind is therefore 1.800 PS – a value that amazes even in the world of hyper sports cars.
The numbers speak for themselves: From 0 to 100 km / h in 2,0 seconds, a peak of 445 km/hThis puts the tourbillon in a league of its own – not only because of its performance, but also because of its characteristics: A naturally aspirated engine that screams instead of whistles, delivering a response that is undiminished.
Plenum as a work of art
A special focus during development was the Plenum, the air plenum, which plays a central role in the engine's air supply. As with every part of a Bugatti, the design was not just about function, but also about form. Every component was supposed to not only function flawlessly, but also visually meet the requirement of being considered a work of art.
The Tourbillon – more than a hyper sports car
With the Bugatti-Tourbillon is not simply a new vehicle – it is a manifestation of what is possible when engineers, designers and visionaries come together to create something that has never existed before. It is the only production vehicle in the world with a naturally aspirated V16 engine – embedded in a hybrid concept that makes no compromises.
Bugatti's journey is now entering the next phase. The new Drive is not just an engine – it is a symbol. A statement that expresses emotion and Technology can go hand in hand even in an increasingly electrified world.
All further information can be found in the video for the seventh episode, “A New Era: A 16-Cylinder Heart,” on Bugatti’s official YouTube channel. Image and video credits/source: Bugatti | This content was created using AI and reviewed by an editor.
