The second episode of Bugatti’s docuseries, ‘A New Era,’ offers an exclusive look at the meticulous design process behind the iconic Bugatti Tourbillon, blending timeless elegance with unparalleled speed.
Today, July 25th, Bugatti premiered the latest episode of their docuseries ‘A New Era’ on YouTube, providing a rare glimpse into the intricate design philosophy of the Bugatti Tourbillon. Frank Heyl, Bugatti’s Director of Design, takes viewers on a journey through the blend of heritage and innovation that defines this remarkable vehicle.
“With over 115 years of Bugatti history, there is a rich legacy of design DNA that we can reference; we have a guiding line emphasizing what defines a Bugatti,” explains Heyl. “What we need to take into account is this: form always follows performance.”
The Bugatti Tourbillon, much like every Bugatti that precedes it, embodies the brand’s commitment to ‘shaped by speed.’ From its aerodynamic curves to its high-performance exhaust system, every element of the Tourbillon is crafted with the intent to enhance its performance on the road. Heyl emphasizes that each design decision is scrutinized for its impact on performance, ensuring that elements such as top speed and downforce are maximized without compromising the car’s aesthetic appeal.
Aerodynamic performance is pivotal in every design choice made. Heyl describes how the Tourbillon is engineered to handle speeds exceeding 400 km/h, a testament to Bugatti’s relentless pursuit of speed. However, the Tourbillon’s story is not solely about performance. Bugatti’s design ethos places a strong emphasis on timeless elegance, ensuring that their cars remain relevant and desirable for generations.
“Bugatti is about the interplay between elegance and speed,” Heyl notes. “Because these cars are around for so long, we also need to keep them current and in-vogue. What dates a car is the technology of the time it was created in; 100 years from now, today’s technology won’t be cutting-edge anymore. Instead, we need to focus on preciousness.”
Drawing inspiration from the art of watchmaking, the Bugatti Tourbillon’s design exudes timelessness. The interior of the Tourbillon offers an authentic analogue experience, reminiscent of century-old timepieces that still capture imaginations today. This blend of heritage and modernity creates a driving experience that is both luxurious and enduring.
“The experience – that is what we tailor-made the Tourbillon to evoke. It is about how you feel when you sit in the driver’s seat; touching the aluminum switchgear; how weighted the dials are when you turn them; the smell of the leather; the noise of the naturally aspirated, 9,000 RPM V16 engine. It sounds really emotional,” Heyl describes.
The design of the Tourbillon, while evolutionary, pushes the boundaries of Bugatti’s design principles. Heyl emphasizes that the radical and extreme execution of the Tourbillon’s design sets it apart from anything Bugatti has done before. This approach ensures that the experience of driving, owning, and living with a Bugatti remains incomparable.
To witness the full story behind the design philosophy of the Bugatti Tourbillon, watch the episode ‘A New Era: Design Philosophy’ on the official Bugatti YouTube channel. Here, Frank Heyl and his team share their insights into crafting a vehicle that epitomizes the harmonious blend of speed and elegance that defines Bugatti.
By delving deep into the essence of Bugatti’s design philosophy, the episode provides a comprehensive understanding of how the Bugatti Tourbillon continues to set new standards in the automotive world, embodying a legacy of performance and elegance that is timeless.
