Bugatti Tourbillon heat test: 1,800-PS hybrid takes on 40-degree heat in Spain

Bugatti has spent several days testing its new Tourbillon hypercar in the heat of southern Spain. According to a company statement dated Oct. 8, testing took place at a racetrack near Seville, where the track surface can exceed 40 C (104 F), and on public roads in the region at about 45 C (113 F). The focus was on cabin climate control, the temperatures of critical components and the overall cooling system. The prototype carried more than 200 temperature sensors.

Bugatti says the Tourbillon is powered by a naturally aspirated V16 and three electric motors with a combined 1,800 PS; two motors drive the front axle and one supports the V16 at the rear, fed by an 800-volt battery. U.S. site Carscoops also lists 2,300 Nm of torque, an 8.3-liter Cosworth V16 and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. “We need to make sure that these cars perform properly in all these varieties of conditions,” said Bugatti vehicle development engineer Daniel Ríos Hidalgo.

An earlier prototype was tested in Dubai at more than 50 C about 15 months earlier, while winter testing took place in Arjeplog, Sweden, at minus 30 C. Bugatti says all required data were collected in Spain and the targeted systems were validated. According to Carscoops, the brand is preparing to start customer deliveries. The video is an episode of Bugatti's documentary series “A New Era.”