With out query my most anticipated automobile of this decade is the Bugatti Tourbillon, the follow-up to the Chiron that options the one powertrain worthy of changing Bugatti’s world-breaking quad-turbo W16: a naturally aspirated V16. Not simply any V16, however one with a 9,000 rpm redline and a complete output of 1,800 horsepower due to a trio of electrical motors. CEO Mate Rimac posted a video on his Instagram of a Tourbillon prototype present process observe testing, giving us our greatest hear but of the absurd new engine.
We hear the V16 revving whereas parked, freely shrieking away, earlier than the check driver blasts off into the space at a really speedy tempo. Subsequent, in a drive-by clip, the engine is bellowing because the Tourbillon blasts previous. Coming again into the pits, shifts from 8-speed dual-clutch transmission are sharp like race automobile. It sounds in contrast to some other manufacturing engine that presently exists or has existed earlier than it, actually befitting of the automobile.
Within the caption, Rimac confirmed that “sure, that is how the manufacturing automobile will sound like. Hopefully we are able to maintain it soft-limiter free!” In reply to a remark asking why these limiters even exist, Rimac stated “I’m asking that myself to be sincere. Looks as if a requirement in some markets (noise restrictions) however in most it’s not a requirement. Perhaps it’s extra about thermal safety to engine elements.”
Rimac additionally posted some longer clips to his Instagram story, which can nonetheless be up as you’re studying this. In them, he stated the Tourbillon prototype in these movies was driving in internal-combustion-only mode, with no electrical help from the 24.8-kWh battery pack or three electrical motors. In ICE mode the Tourbillon makes simply 1,000 horsepower, as the electrical motors add that further 800 horsepower. It nonetheless seems to be rattling fast.
It’s all about alternative for the client, Rimac says. “Why? As a result of we consider in alternative. Wish to drive in hybrid? Or combustion solely? Or full EV? You paid for it. You select,” he added on Instagram. He isn’t solely constructing them for the patrons, both. Replying to a commenter who stated automobiles like these make him need to chase his goals, Rimac stated “We don’t do that just for our prospects but in addition for all those that simply love these automobiles.”
The Tourbillon is testing at tracks in Spain, however this video was taken on the Nardó circuit, the place the W16-powered Mistral just lately set a prime pace file. Deliveries received’t begin till some level in 2026, after the Mistral and Bolide have completed, so hopefully Rimac will maintain posting cool behind-the-scenes stuff on Instagram and replying to commenters. It’s a lot better than what that different “genius” CEO makes use of his socials for.