The 1,800hp Bugatti Tourbillon undergoes brutal cold-weather tests in Sweden. See how this V16 masterpiece is being perfected. Read more!
The Bugatti Tourbillon, the successor to the legendary Chiron, is entering the final stages of its rigorous development cycle. To ensure the hypercar performs flawlessly in every conceivable environment, Bugatti has transported the masterpiece to the frozen landscapes of Sweden for extreme winter testing.
A New Era of Engineering
Unveiled in June 2024, the Tourbillon represents a bold leap forward for the brand. Developed under the watchful eye of CEO Mate Rimac—the visionary founder of Croatia’s Rimac Automobili—the Tourbillon departs from the familiar W16 architecture.
In a stunning pivot, Bugatti has swapped the 8.0L quad-turbo W16 for a 8.3L naturally aspirated V16 engine crafted by Cosworth, paired with three cutting-edge electric motors. This powerhouse combination delivers a staggering total output of 1,800 horsepower, making it the most powerful vehicle in the brand’s history.
Conquering the Cold of Arjeplog
To push the vehicle to its absolute limits, Bugatti chose the Colmis testing area in Arjeplog, Sweden. In a region where temperatures frequently plummet below -30°C, the Tourbillon is being subjected to some of the harshest conditions on Earth.
The primary goal of this expedition is to calibrate the car’s behavior on low-friction surfaces, where road grip is significantly reduced. Bugatti’s engineers are focusing on several critical systems, including:
- Climate Control: Ensuring the heating and AC systems function perfectly in sub-zero temperatures.
- Safety & Stability: Fine-tuning the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESC).
- Traction Management: Optimizing how the 1,800hp is delivered to the ground to maintain precision and driver control.
Precision and Performance
Beyond basic safety, Bugatti is meticulously refining the car’s three distinct driving modes: Comfort, Sport, and Track. The objective is to ensure that despite the immense power, the driving experience remains intuitive, responsive, and accessible to the driver.
This intensive phase involves a dedicated team of 20 specialists working around the clock. For four weeks, the team operated in two rotating shifts, recording every data point and driver feedback for deep technical analysis.
Exclusivity and Availability
The Bugatti Tourbillon is designed for the most elite collectors, with production strictly limited to only 250 units. Upon its debut, the hypercar carried a starting price of 3.8 million Euros (approximately 4.1 million USD).
For the lucky few who secured a spot on the list, the wait is nearly over. With winter testing wrapping up, the first deliveries are expected to commence by the end of this year.