Bugatti Tourbillon’s V16: Crafting the Sound of a New Era

Molsheim, France – For more than two decades, the distinctive sound of Bugatti’s W16 engine has been an integral part of the marque’s identity. From the Veyron and its successors to the Bolide, Mistral and numerous one-off creations, the 16-cylinder powerplant has delivered an unmistakable soundtrack to some of the world’s most extraordinary automobiles.

With the arrival of the Tourbillon, however, Bugatti entered a new chapter — and with it came the challenge of creating an entirely new acoustic signature for its naturally aspirated V16 engine.

05 2608 BUGATTI-Tourbillon-BTS-Ep18 In the latest episode of Bugatti’s A New Era documentary series, the company’s engineers reveal how they developed, refined and ultimately finalized the sound of the Tourbillon, making its acoustic character one of the defining elements of the new hypercar.

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The development did not begin with a blank sheet of paper. Instead, Bugatti’s engineers drew inspiration from the brand’s rich heritage while recognizing that the naturally aspirated V16, combined with an electric powertrain, demanded a fundamentally different approach.

According to Romain Volatier, Bugatti’s Head of NVH & Acoustics, the objective was to preserve an important part of the brand’s sonic identity: a raw, distinctive and slightly imperfect character rather than an overly polished engine note.

07 2608 BUGATTI-Tourbillon-BTS-Ep18 Achieving that balance required extensive development. Engineers conducted thousands of simulations involving both the exhaust and air-intake systems, fine-tuning the acoustic character to strike a balance between performance, refinement and the raw mechanical quality associated with Bugatti engines.

The sound was also designed to strengthen the relationship between driver and machine. For Paolo Magrone, Bugatti’s vehicle development driver, being able to hear the engine and follow its rising speed through the throttle is an essential part of the driving experience.

At the same time, the Tourbillon had to remain suitable for everyday use. Engineers therefore had to ensure a comfortable cabin during normal driving, particularly with the windows closed and the car operating in electric mode, while preserving the full character of the V16 when the driver demands it. Opening the windows provides an even more immersive experience, allowing the natural sounds of the intake and exhaust systems to reach the occupants.

Importantly, Bugatti chose not to rely on artificial engine sounds played through the car’s speakers. Instead, the acoustic package was engineered so that the genuine mechanical sounds of the powertrain could naturally reach the cabin.

From Engineering Challenge to Legal Requirement

After years of development, the Tourbillon’s sound faced its final test: homologation.

01 2608 BUGATTI-Tourbillon-BTS-Ep18 The engineers needed to demonstrate that the carefully crafted acoustic character could comply with stringent noise-emission regulations without sacrificing the qualities that distinguish the V16.

For the relevant homologation test, the maximum permitted noise level is 72 decibels. However, reaching the required figure involves far more than measuring the engine alone. The process combines several measurements, including constant-speed and accelerated runs, with the final result reflecting the combined acoustic output of the entire vehicle.

That includes the tires, bodywork and aerodynamic components. The Tourbillon’s active aerodynamics add another layer of complexity, with the rear wing generating significant downforce while also contributing to the car’s overall acoustic signature.

03 2608 BUGATTI-Tourbillon-BTS-Ep18 Environmental conditions can also influence the outcome. Temperature and wind speed must remain within tightly controlled parameters, while unexpected wind gusts can invalidate a test. As a result, Bugatti’s engineers carried out numerous preliminary runs before the final homologation session.

The Tourbillon ultimately completed the homologation testing successfully, marking the end of the major phase of its acoustic development. While engineers continue to work on minor refinements, the core project has now been completed.

After three years of development, the Tourbillon’s acoustic character has reached its final form. The result is an engine note designed to deepen the emotional connection between driver and machine — raw when desired, refined when necessary and entirely mechanical in origin.

With its naturally aspirated V16 capable of reaching 9,000 rpm, the Tourbillon carries the spirit of Bugatti’s legendary past into a new era, while establishing a distinctive sound of its own.