Bugatti has just lifted the veil on the behind-the-scenes development of the engine of its new hypercar, the Tourbillon. Contrary to rumors, the manufacturer has not opted for an evolution of the legendary W16, but for an all-new naturally aspirated V16. This decision, the result of close collaboration with the British engine manufacturer Cosworth, marks a turning point in the history of the brand. Discover the reasons for this bold choice and the challenges faced to create this exceptional powertrain.
A strategic partnership with Cosworth
The development of the Bugatti Tourbillon engine began with a call from Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, to Cosworth. The renowned engine manufacturer, responsible for the V12s in the Aston Martin Valkyrie and the GMA T50 and T33, was chosen for its expertise in designing high-performance engines.
Bruce Wood, Cosworth's managing director, underlines the scale of the challenge: “If it's comparable, it's not Bugatti… they must have something unique.” This sentence perfectly sums up the ambition of the project: to create an engine without equivalent on the market.
W16 discarded in favor of V16
Bugatti initially planned to continue with a new generation of its iconic W16. However, discussions between Cosworth and Mate Rimac quickly steered the project in a different direction. Bruce Wood explains: “The W16 is not an ideal architecture for a high-revving naturally aspirated engine… We proposed a V16 from the beginning because Mate was very clear: he did not want turbochargers.”
This decision to do without turbos meets two major objectives:
– Offer an incomparable sensory experience, both for the driver and for spectators, by highlighting the natural sounds of the engine.– Optimize the performance and weight of the vehicle, as Dario Benazzi, Head of Powertrain at Bugatti Rimac, points out: “Ultimately, the most efficient, the lightest, with this level of performance, is definitely the 90-degree V16.”
An exceptional engine for an exceptional car
The V16 of the Bugatti Tourbillon is not only remarkable for its configuration, but also for its technical characteristics:
– An impressive displacement, although not officially communicated – A power which should far exceed the 1500 horsepower of the W16 of the Chiron – A very high maximum speed, probably beyond 9000 rpm
These exceptional performances are accompanied by meticulous work on the engine's acoustics. Without the turbos to muffle the sound, the Tourbillon's V16 promises an unrivaled mechanical symphony.
A technical and historical challenge
The design of a V16 for a production car represents a true technical tour de force. Although this configuration has been used in the past, notably in the 1930s for competition (Maserati, Alfa Romeo, Auto Union), it remains extremely rare on road cars.
The last time a V16 was produced in a production model was the Cizeta Moroder V16T, of which only 13 were produced. With the Tourbillon, Bugatti is about to break an unexpected record: that of the most produced production car with a V16 in history.
A new era for Bugatti
The choice of the naturally aspirated V16 for the Tourbillon marks a turning point in Bugatti's strategy. It demonstrates the brand's desire to reinvent itself while remaining true to its values of excellence and exclusivity.
This new engine perfectly embodies the philosophy of Mate Rimac, who wishes to combine the prestigious heritage of Bugatti with the most advanced technologies. The V16 of the Tourbillon is not only a technical masterpiece, it is also a symbol of the brand's renewal during the Rimac era.
The development of this exceptional engine paves the way for a new generation of Bugatti hypercars. With the Tourbillon, the Molsheim brand proves that it remains at the forefront of automotive innovation, capable of pushing the limits of the possible to offer unprecedented performances and sensations.
The Bugatti V16 adventure is only just beginning, and there is no doubt that this extraordinary engine will inspire enthusiasts and collectors for decades to come. The Tourbillon is already shaping up to be a milestone in automotive history, a mechanical masterpiece that perpetuates Ettore Bugatti’s legacy while opening a new chapter for the brand.
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