Bugatti V16 Tourbillon Lets Purists Reclaim Pure Gasoline Performance With Hybrid Deactivation
Marcus Vance
2 minutes read
The Bugatti V16 Tourbillon arrives with three electric motors and a headline figure of 1,800 hp. Yet Bugatti also gives buyers a dial that switches all of that off.
Bugatti V16 Tourbillon Off Switch
The selector sits right of the steering hub, and its combustion-only setting removes the two front motors and the power they add. What remains is an 8.3-liter V16 with 664 lb-ft of torque, sending everything to the rear wheels.
Bugatti’s previous W16 engines needed four turbochargers to reach similar output. Here, the V16 breathes naturally, revs to 9,000 rpm, and delivers visceral throttle response without forced induction. Riding a similar philosophy, the TVR Speed 12 proves big displacement still thrills, though with far less refinement.
| ⚙️Engine / Powertrain | 8.3L Naturally Aspirated V16 (Cosworth-developed) with three electric motors |
| 🐎Power Output | 1,800 hp combined (1,000 hp combustion only) |
| ⚡Peak Torque | 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) from the V16 |
| ⏱️0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) | 0-62 mph in 2.0s (claimed) |
| 🚀Top Speed | 276 mph (444 km/h) (target) |
| 🔄Drivetrain / Gearbox | Hybrid AWD, 8-Speed Dual-Clutch, rear-drive combustion-only mode |
| 💰Starting Price / Est. | $4,500,000 (est.) |
Two Personalities Beneath One Bodywork
Pressing that dial turns a 1,800 hp all-wheel-drive hybrid into a rear-driven car with honest steering feedback. Biting rear grip gives way to a chassis that slides progressively and catches easily.
According to Bugatti, the Bugatti V16 Tourbillon needs just 2.0 seconds to reach 62 mph in full hybrid trim. Its 276 mph target top speed matters less than the dial in your hand.
Why Bugatti Still Needs The Motors
Electric motors deliver instant torque while the V16 builds toward its peak. The powertrain package, including the engine, eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, and rear motor, weighs about 430 kg. Bugatti CEO Mate Rimac argues that weight is the price of making such an ambitious engine program possible.
On paper, the rotary dial is a clever compromise. In reality, most owners will likely leave it in combustion-only mode on a mountain road. Find more hypercar analysis at Auto News Magazine.
Marcus Vance
Senior Track & Performance Editor at Auto News Magazine. Veteran automotive journalist specializing in chassis dynamics, apex telemetry, track-day specials, and high-revving mechanical purity.
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