Bugatti's Chief Executive offers a preview of the roaring V-16 sound produced by the Tourbillon car model

In an unexpected turn of events, Bugatti has announced the introduction of the Tourbillon, a gasoline-electric hybrid hypercar, instead of an electric successor to the iconic Chiron. The Tourbillon, slated for production in 2026, is a testament to Bugatti's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.

Mate Rimac, head of the Bugatti Rimac partnership, recently shared a video of a Tourbillon prototype, offering a tantalising glimpse into the car's raw performance. The video provides a clear taste of the Tourbillon's newly developed 8.3-liter V-16 engine's sound, a distinctive symphony that, though heard before in cars like the Cizeta V16T, remains somewhat of a mystery.

At its heart, the Tourbillon houses a naturally aspirated V-16 engine, developed by Bugatti in collaboration with Rimac under the leadership of Chief Technical Officer Emilio Scervo. The engine, built by Cosworth, the ex-Formula 1 power unit builder, boasts an impressive total system output of 1,776 hp. The V-16 engine alone produces approximately 986 hp, with the remaining power supplied by three electric motors, contributing an additional 790 hp.

The Tourbillon's powertrain promises blistering acceleration. Estimates suggest that the car will accelerate from 0-62 mph in 2.0 seconds, 0-124 mph in less than 5.0 seconds, 0-186 mph in under 10.0 seconds, and 0-248 mph in under 25.0 seconds. The top speed of the Tourbillon is electronically limited to 276 mph, but a version might surpass 500 kph (310.7 mph).

Despite being a prototype, the Tourbillon's raw performance is glimpsed even without the aid of electrification. The starting price of this engineering marvel is approximately $4 million, making it one of the most expensive hypercars in the world. Production of the Tourbillon will begin in 2026, and the world eagerly awaits its arrival.

The Bugatti Tourbillon is a testament to the enduring allure of the internal combustion engine, blending it with the power and efficiency of electric motors to create a truly unique hypercar. With only 250 units planned for production, the Tourbillon is sure to be a rare and coveted addition to any collection.