NEW V-16 Bugatti Tourbillon: All the details of the 1800hp HYPERCAR | Henry Catchpole

This is the new Bugatti Tourbillon, the successor to the Veyron and the Chiron, due to be delivered in 2026. Its looks are very much evolution rather than revolution but unlike its predecessors the Tourbillon doesn’t have a turbocharged W16 engine, instead it has a naturally aspirated, 8.3-litre V16 developed with Cosworth. This produces 1000hp on its own but in conjunction with three electric motors the Tourbillon has a combined hybrid system output of 1800hp (1775bhp).

As you can hear in this video, it is a pretty incredible sounding engine, revving to 9000rpm. It’s a distinctive sound too and for comparison we’ve included the soundtracks of a couple of its naturally aspirated hypercar rivals - the 6.5-litre V12 from the Aston Martin Valkyrie and the 3.9-litre V12 from the GMA T.50 (both also developed with Cosworth).

Bugatti’s Director of Design, Frank Heyl, talks Henry Catchpole around all the fascinating exterior details of the 3.8mIllion Euro Tourbillon but we think the interior is perhaps even more spectacular. With clear influence and inspiration taken from mechanical watches the titanium dials are wonders to behold. The steering wheel is pretty crazy too…

And talking of watches, the car’s name, Tourbillon, means whirlwind in French, but it is a word widely associated with a complicated mechanism found in watches. As Henry explains, with the help of a Ulysse Nardin, it was invented in 1795 to negate the impact of gravity and improve the accuracy of timekeeping in pocket watches.

Of course, this being a Bugatti, it is incredibly fast, with a top speed of 276mph (445kph). It is also capable of 0-62mph in 2sec, 0-124mph in under 5sec, 0-186mph in under 10sec and 0-248mph in under 25sec. But in the age of the hyper EV and cars like the the Bugatti’s cousin, the Rimac Nevera, pure performance doesn’t seem to carry the sway that it once did, so where does that leave the Tourbillon? Catchpole thinks that the answer can be found in the quartz crisis of the 1970s and what followed.

#henrycatchpole #thedriversseat #hypercar #bugatti #bugattitourbillon #supercar #neverstopdriving

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[revelare_xvii]

Never in a million years did I ever think a V16 hybrid combo would even be possible in the modern era, and here we are.🤯

[Livlifetaistdeth]

In 100 years that dash will still be revered as a masterpiece. The digital panels car makers pass off as a dash board today are embarrassing and should all take note of such a truly timeless masterpiece.

[BrendanEvan]

Automakers take note: mechanical instruments are premium, desirable, historically significant and most of all…better than a big slab of screen

[thatcopenguy]

I'd hope Hagerty lets Henry do more of these types of new car release films. The one thing I miss from the old Carfection is the in-depth engineering discussion of brand new cars, calmly presented with history lessons and none of "overblown drama/excitement" that some other publications use to hype up the event. Really love Henry Catchpole's presentation.

[ericship]

The v16 hasn’t been used since the 1930s in a production car. This is a historical moment for the automotive industry

[ericmin]

CAMMISA!! Get The T.50, Valkyrie, and Tourbillon in an Icons PLEASE!

[ImTanzeey]

The comparison between electric cars and the quartz crises in watches is absolutely spot on. It makes me hopeful that even if “regular” cars go electric, there will still be a place for mechanical enthusiasts just like in the watch world.

[Dragonson]

Ollie Marriage from Top Gear, if you're reading this comment, please learn from Henry's ability to let people answer questions without interrupting them.

[joetacchino]

Henry handling a 5 (maybe 6?) figure watch while wearing a Casio Calculator watch is a brilliant move. Bravo Henry.

[beatenbytheclown]

I have to say that I think your analogy with the quartz crisis is absolutely spot on, and you’re the only reviewer that has made that connection, I tip my hat sir.

[jamesnguyen]

Thank you, Mr Rimac, for keeping the internal combustion engine in the new Bugatti especially a naturally aspirated one, something that a rare breed nowadays

[phillm]

The instrument cluster is definitely deserving of the Tour-billion title! Amazing.

[TheRealStenn]

Love the looks. An interior like a Pagani and rear lights like a P1. The influences are apparent. Can't wait to see the Super Sport variant of this monster.

[TheSSEssesse]

The Quartz Crisis comparison was excellent. A feeling I’ve shared for years now. Glad companies are coming around.

[NitroNuggetTV]

Might just be me but something very nostalgic looking about this car, reminds me of some 2000s concept cars. Excessive in all the right ways. Looks great

[patrickm]

I love that Hagerty does these videos and that they have Henry. The algorithm offered me a video about this car from Top Gear, but this is a much more well done presentation of the car.

[Poorschedriver]

Supercars will survive as coachbuilt pieces of emotional art. Also, the dynamic forces of a V16 crankshaft spinning to 9000 rpm must be wild.

[jameslucas]

The build quality on these Bugattis is stunning

[damieg]

Absolutely astounding car. When Rimac was announced as the head of Bugatti, I think there was a collective sigh that the next Bugatti would be all electric, blending the stunning performance of the cars of his name, with the luxury and cache of the Bugatti marque. Man were we wrong! This is hybridization done right in the hyper car world, and a total shock from VAG, since the engine is bespoke and outsourced.

[mateoelizondo]

I think the design is brilliant. It keeps the legacy of the Chiron while taking radically new approaches such as the rear diffuser. The interior is also incredible, both futuristic and classic with all the watch-making elements.
The Tourbillon is definitely a gorgeous car, and while the Chiron might be a more raw car, the former is more refined and takes a new direction which I really like