Bugatti is known for constantly pushing the boundaries of engineering to create hypercars that set new standards. A few weeks back, the French automaker revealed its third new model of the 21st century, which follows the company’s tradition of being very fast, expensive, and extravagant. Called the Tourbillon, the automotive masterpiece is a lot more than its super-impressive 1800hp V16 hybrid powertrain. Here are seven cool things about Bugatti’s latest offering that make it a truly exceptional automotive creation.
No fancy start / stop button but a choke that needs to be pulled
Most modern cars, including EVs, have a push start-stop button to fire up the powertrain. While the affordable ones feature a boring round button, high-end automakers usually experiment with the idea to make the experience more memorable, with Lamborghini’s fighter jet-inspired toggle switch arguably the most famous type. However, Bugatti has subtly reinvented the engine start sequence in the Tourbillon. Instead of the traditional push-only button, the hypercar’s center console features a choke knob-like engine start-stop switch. Most people under the age of 30 might not have heard of a choke before. It’s a crucial component in carburetor engines that is critical when starting a cold engine. A tiny knob inside the cabin has to be pulled to activate the component. Bugatti Tourbillon’s start-stop switch mirrors a choke knob’s pulling mechanism to fire up the mighty V16 hybrid engine. On pressing the start-stop switch located on the beautifully crafted glass center console, it extends out from its place, which then has to be pulled to start the engine. It’s a stunning way to pay tribute to classic cars!
No lane-keep assist
Bugatti’s CEO Mate Rimac was adamant about making the Tourbillon as analog and pure as possible, which is evident from the decision to use a naturally aspirated engine. However, Bugatti has made plenty of interesting choices for its latest multi-million-dollar product simply to attract purists. One of them is the lack of lane-keep assist. While most automobile manufacturers are investing heavily in developing the smartest and most sophisticated driver-assist features, the Tourbillon doesn’t even have a lane-keep assist, which might surprise many as it’s a mandatory car feature in many countries. Bugatti decided to offer an old-school, analog experience to Tourbillon owners by skipping on such digital driver aids. As a result, the new hypercar doesn’t have exterior cameras integrated into door mirrors or radar components to spoil its beautiful design.
Almost no screen
Another interesting design decision to make sure the driver is offered an unadulterated driving experience was to create a cabin without any screens (almost). The Bugatti Tourbillion has a relatively small screen for the mandatory backup camera and for those who want to use the features of Apple CarPlay. However, the phone-sized display stays completely hidden within the dash when not in use, and the hypercar can be driven without any issues in this mode. If you need the screen, it can be called up in just 5 seconds at the touch of a button.
The seats cannot be adjusted
For a luxury hypercar like Bugatti Tourbillion worth $4 million, you’ll expect it to be equipped with plush, power-adjustable seats with a memory function. But the seats in the Tourbillon are fixed as they are bolted directly to the chassis. In fact, it’s not uncommon for manufacturers of performance-focused cars to use fixed seats as they have their own benefits. By screwing the sporty yet comfy seat shells to the carbon monocoque, Bugatti not only managed to shave off unnecessary weight but also got the seats lower to the ground, helping in lowering the center of gravity. This also allowed Bugatti to build the Tourbillon 33 millimeters flatter than its predecessor, the Chiron, making it more aerodynamic. Instead of adjustable seats, the Tourbillon features an adjustable steering wheel and foot pedals.
Mechanical gauge cluster developed by Swiss watchmakers
This brings us to one of the biggest highlights of the Tourbillon: its insanely complex and jaw-droppingly beautiful mechanical gauge cluster. Instead of following the industry trend of putting a massive digital display behind the steering wheel, Bugatti equipped its latest hypercar with the most sophisticated analog instrument consoles ever. You might already know that the Tourbillon is inspired by mechanical watches, as suggested by its name, and the gauge cluster is one hell of a cool tribute to Swiss watchmaking.
The three-dial analog gauge cluster was developed in collaboration with Swiss movement designer Concepto and consists of a total of 600 individual parts made of titanium and precious stones. The entire unit looks like a stunning skeletonized mechanical watch, weighs just 700 grams, and appears to float inside the two-spoke steering wheel.
Diffuser as an integrated part of the crash structure
The Tourbillon gets a massive rear diffuser to keep the hypercar glued to the tarmac at high speeds. The carbon-ceramic diffuser is about twice as big as the one fitted to the Chiron. However, it does a lot more than any typical diffuser. Said to be inspired by the nose cones on Formula 1 racing cars, Tourbillon’s diffuser is a structural part of the hypercar, integrated into its crash structure. The diffuser fins are just 30 centimeters long and can withstand the prescribed two-ton impact without smashing into the transmission housing. If damaged, it can be easily unbolted and replaced. The diffuser is so technical that Bugatti has patented its design.
No reverse gear
The all-new V16 engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth is so long that it was a huge challenge for Bugatti to place it in the middle of the hypercar. The combustion engine, along with the dual-clutch gearbox placed at the rear, measures a whopping 2 meters in length. However, Bugatti used a clever trick to make the transmission smaller and lighter. It doesn’t have a reverse gear. Instead, the electric motors can rotate in the opposite direction, helping the hypercar reverse.
Unusual single, centered wiper
The center line running from the redesigned horseshoe grille to the rear is a very important design element of Bugatti’s new hypercar. However, if you look closely, there is a single centered windshield wiper that adds continuity to the center line. While many cars, including affordable ones, have a mono-wiper setup, almost none have it placed right in the center, splitting the windshield in the middle. Only race cars use this setup, usually for functioning at high speeds in conjunction with big aero elements.
A frunk to carry designer luxury bags
Unlike its predecessors, the Tourbillon has two electric motors that drive the two wheels on the front. Yet Bugatti somehow managed to give the hypercar a relatively roomy frunk. Chiron’s frunk is so tiny that it can accommodate only a briefcase. Although the width of Tourbillon’s frunk is relatively narrow, it’s quite deep, which opens enough space to fit one of more bespoke designer bags. We’re quite sure Bugatti will offer a custom set of luggage to the buyers, matched to the interior.
