Mate Rimac refused to turn the Bugatti Tourbillon V16 into a pure EV. Volkswagen Group pushed hard for electrification, but Rimac wanted a clean-sheet hypercar built around a naturally aspirated V16.
Why the Bugatti Tourbillon V16 Defies EV Logic
According to a report by MOTOR1.COM, Rimac based the decision on real customer data. The 1,914-horsepower Nevera proved what electric performance could achieve.
Yet only 71 Neveras sold from a planned run of 150. Still, that slow pace told Rimac that wealthy buyers wanted something beyond another battery-powered machine.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 8.3L Naturally Aspirated V16 Plug-In Hybrid |
| 🐎Power Output | 1,775 hp combined (est.) |
| ⚡Peak Torque | 1,280 Nm (944 lb-ft) combined (est.) |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-60 mph in 2.4s (est.) |
| 🚀Top Speed | 276 mph (445 km/h) (est.) |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | 8-Speed Dual-Clutch / AWD Hybrid |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | €3.8 million (est.) |
On paper, an electric Tourbillon on the Nevera platform would have been easier. In reality, Rimac chose a fresh combustion engine, a path that echoes the debate in our Tesla thruster tech coverage. Ultimately, the Bugatti Tourbillon V16 became a plug-in hybrid by design, not by accident.
Clean Sheet, Combustion Heart, Plug-In Soul
Under the skin, the Tourbillon pairs its 8.3-liter V16 with electric motors. Cosworth engineered the engine, and the system delivers 1,775 horsepower combined.
Electric drive still handles low-speed torque fill and regenerative braking duties. Meanwhile, the sixteen-cylinder engine supplies the sound and thermodynamic character that a battery simply cannot replicate.
Exclusivity Beats Raw Acceleration
A battery hypercar can launch with brutal intent. However, this clientele values emotional appeal as much as numbers on a spec sheet.
Every one of the 250 Tourbillons is already spoken for. Pricing reportedly started near €3.8 million per car.
What Rimac Plans for Bugatti Next
Rimac promises a decade of new Bugattis, and not all will be multi-million-euro hypercars. A spiritual successor to the Galibier liftback could broaden the range without diluting exclusivity.
Expect early Tourbillon examples to appreciate as the last great combustion Bugatti flagship. For more Bugatti coverage, visit Auto News Magazine and the official Bugatti website.
Julian Hayes
Future Mobility & Technology Editor at Auto News Magazine. Covering the next frontier of electric powertrains, 800V architectures, solid-state battery chemistry, and autonomous vehicle platforms.
View all articles by Julian Hayes →
