Bugatti has taken the first important step into the electric era with the brand-new Tourbillon. However, it's not a pure EV but a hybrid, and it stays true to its legacy by boasting so much power that it makes its predecessor, the Chiron, look outdated.
However, while the Molsheim company keeps fine-tuning the Tourbillon, it also considers a second model. Contrary to what some may think, it might not be a high-end SUV that could put the Ferrari Purosangue and Lamborghini Urus in their corners, but a hyper GT with a front mid-mounted engine.
Autocar had a quick chat about such a model with the brand's chief designer, Frank Heyl, asking him if the new V16 motor can be moved in the monocoque to develop different derivatives of the Tourbillon. To everyone's surprise, he did not refuse to comment on possible future products as is often the case and said yes, albeit in more words.
"Certainly. I mean, look at the Type 57 SC Atlantic: it's front-engined. So, maybe later, but for now, we are super-happy that we went this way," Frank Heyl said. "We'd like to develop the brand into a Couture – few-off, one-off, unique – kind of thing." We don't know about you, but it sounds like Bugatti's Sur Mesure Division might eventually come up with separate model lines.
Photo: Bugatti
A front mid-engined beast would be a great addition to Bugatti's lineup, one that would allow the VW Group-owned brand to expand its reach and try new stuff, all while staying true to its legacy and saying a big no (for now) to the crossover/SUV trend.
If it stays true to the Tourbillon, then the rumored hyper GT might enjoy the same amount of power. Bugatti's new hypercar uses a three-motor system to boost the output and thrust of the 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine signed by Cosworth to a staggering 1,775 hp (1,800 ps/1,324 kW). That's 296 hp (300 ps/221 kW) more than the regular Chiron and 197 hp (200 ps/147 kW) more than the Chiron Super Sport.
According to the automaker, the Tourbillon is four-tenths of a second quicker to sixty-two mph (100 kph). That's a huge improvement that allows it to reach the mark in just two seconds. It can also reach 186 mph or 300 kph in less than ten seconds. But how quick is it flat-out? It has a default maximum speed of 236 miles an hour (380 kph). The second 'speed key' will allow users to reach 277 mph (445 kph), another important boost over the Chiron.
It's unknown when the brand's second model might launch, assuming it gets the green light for production, but it could be in a few years, and we're glad they're not considering a high-rider.
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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