Deep dive: Bugatti Tourbillon aerodynamics

The Bugatti Tourbillon’s standout function is an 1,800-hp plug-in hybrid powertrain constructed round a high-revving V-16, however Bugatti did not overlook concerning the aerodynamic work wanted to utilize the immense energy on faucet.

The purpose was to surpass the Bugatti Chiron in slipperiness, Paul Burnham, chief engineer for the Tourbillon, stated in a video posted on Bugattis’ YouTube channel Thursday. Decrease aerodynamic drag might be essential to match—or maybe surpass—the highest velocity that outlined the Chiron and its predecessor, the Veyron.

A serious change in comparison with the Chiron is the Tourbillon’s smaller greenhouse, which reduces the brand new automotive’s frontal space. However a lot of the event work centered on smaller particulars to be able to optimize airflow throughout all surfaces.

Bugatti Tourbillon aerodynamic testing

Aerodynamic growth work began with computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, earlier than transferring to wind-tunnel testing. That course of, which started about 15 months earlier than the Tourbillon’s June 2024 unveiling, began with a half-scale mannequin made out of over 250 3D-printed elements, and studded with over 100 strain faucets to measure airflow.

Engineers moved as much as full-scale prototypes in early 2024. By that point a lot of the event work had already been executed with laptop simulations and small-scale exams; placing a full-scale automotive within the wind tunnel primarily served to validate that work, Burnham stated within the video.

The aerodynamic bodywork is draped over a brand new chassis that shares nothing with the Veyron and Chiron platform. The clean-sheet alternative allowed engineers to bundle the brand new naturally-aspirated 8.3-liter V-16, together with an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission and three electrical motors. This setup replaces Bugatti’s long-serving quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16, and is anticipated to get the Tourbillon from 0-60 mph in simply 2.0 seconds.

The design, in the meantime, goals for timelessness by eschewing flashy developments. As an alternative of a digital display, for instance, it options an intricate mechanical gauge cluster for the driving force, one thing designers hope will stay interesting nicely into the longer term.

Manufacturing of the Tourbillon is scheduled to begin in 2026. Simply 250 examples—all of that are spoken for—are deliberate.

Costs begin at about $4 million.