What does it take to design one of the world’s most expensive cars? Just ask 36-year-old Mate Rimac. At 19, he built his first electric race car, setting him on a path to become the CEO of Bugatti, a renowned name in luxury automotive manufacturing. Now at 36, Rimac has introduced the Bugatti Tourbillon, a $4 million, 1,800 horsepower marvel, which has quickly joined the ranks of the world’s most expensive cars.
Rimac’s journey began with his success in building battery-powered race cars, which led to the creation of Croatia’s first electric supercar manufacturer. The Rimac Nevera, an all-electric hypercar priced at $2.2 million, became the fastest car in the world and established Rimac as a key supplier of high-performance electric components for brands like Porsche and Aston Martin. This impressive track record made a merger between Bugatti and Rimac a natural progression when Bugatti sought to develop its first electrified vehicle.
A Bold New Vision
The Bugatti Tourbillon is a testament to the brand’s tradition of pushing boundaries. Unlike anything else in the automotive world, the Tourbillon embraces future-forward materials, technologies, and designs that may never be seen in more conventional cars.
This exceptional vehicle features a brand-new, lightweight 1,000 hp V-16 engine powering the rear wheels, complemented by three electric motors—two at the front and one at the back—adding an extra 800 hp. This combination results in an all-wheel-drive powerhouse capable of reaching at least 275 mph and traveling 35 miles on electric power alone.
Design That Defies Norms
The Tourbillon’s exterior is striking, with a wide, coved, dorsal-finned shape and aggressive styling. Its dihedral doors open upwards like a butterfly emerging from a cocoon, and the crystalline tail lamps seem to mockingly declare, “you can’t touch this.”
Inside, the car eschews modern electronic displays, favoring a purely analog instrument cluster crafted with the precision of Swiss watchmakers. This decision not only enhances the car’s timeless appeal but also aligns with Bugatti’s history of impeccable craftsmanship.
A Legacy of Excellence
The Tourbillon draws inspiration from Bugatti’s storied past, echoing the timeless appeal of models like the Type 57 Atlantic, Type 41, Type 51, and more recent icons such as the Veyron, Chiron, and Mistral. It also pays homage to other legendary cars that have defied conventions, such as the 1930s Duesenberg SSJ, the 1950s Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing,” the 1960s Lamborghini Miura, and the 1970s Porsche 928. These vehicles, like the Tourbillon, remain modern and inspiring due to their groundbreaking performance and innovative designs.
Limited Availability
Bugatti plans to produce only 250 units of the Tourbillon, with initial customer deliveries expected in 2026. Given that many of these are already reserved, those interested in owning this piece of automotive history will need to act quickly. With a base price of $4 million, plus potential six or seven-figure customization costs, the Tourbillon is a serious investment for those looking to own one of the most exclusive cars ever made.
In conclusion, the Bugatti Tourbillon is more than just a car; it’s a symbol of cutting-edge innovation and timeless luxury. For those with the means, it represents an opportunity to own a piece of automotive history that stands apart from anything else on the road today.
