October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
CarCodyAdvertise
Service recordThe Garage

Bugatti’s Iconic W16 Engine: From Veyron to Chiron and the V16 Future

Bugatti’s Veyron introduced the iconic quad-turbo W16, Chiron refined and validated it, and Tourbillon begins a new chapter with a naturally aspirated V16 and three electric motors.
Entry573 Date Time5 min MechanicCarCody Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Bugatti’s modern engine story has two distinct chapters. The Veyron 16.4 introduced a compact, quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 making 1,001 PS. The Chiron developed that basic W16 idea through extensive testing and model-specific engineering. The upcoming Tourbillon keeps the 16-cylinder headline but abandons the W layout: it uses a naturally aspirated V16 combined with three electric motors for 1,800 hp.

What made the Bugatti W16 special?

The W16 gave Bugatti 16 cylinders in a package the company described as unusually compact and powerful. In the Veyron, four turbochargers helped the 8.0-liter engine produce 1,001 PS while supporting the car’s stated ability to exceed 400 km/h.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

That combination mattered more than the cylinder count alone. The W layout provided the basis for extreme output without the physical length of a conventional long 16-cylinder engine. The trade-off was immense engineering complexity: forced induction, heat management, cooling, drivetrain integration and durability all had to work together in a road car.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The Veyron 16.4 established the formula

8.0 liters, four turbochargers and 1,001 PS

Bugatti’s Veyron 16.4 used an 8.0-liter, 16-cylinder W engine with four turbochargers. Its official output was 1,001 PS. Bugatti quoted 0–100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and a top speed above 400 km/h.

#1 Best Overall
LEGO 42151 Technic Bugatti Car Toy Car Racing Model Car Collectible Iconic Vehicles from 9 Years Old
  • Motorsport fans and racing car enthusiasts can explore the amazing design of the Le Bolide Bugatti model with this LEGO Technic racing car building kit
  • With realistic movements and authentic features based on the original car model, the construction includes a working W16 engine, steering and scissor doors
  • With its yellow and black color theme and self-adhesive details that add the finishing touch, this toy car mockup looks great in kids' rooms
  • The Bugatti car model pushes the boundaries of motorsport technology; let your kids build the LEGO Technic model of this iconic racing car
  • This LEGO Technic model of the Bugatti Bolide model makes a great gift for kids over 9 and allows boys and girls to learn about the world of engineering

Those figures made the W16 a defining part of the Veyron’s identity. It was not merely a high-cylinder-count engine; it was the compact power source for a car intended to combine supercar acceleration with a previously exceptional top-speed target.

How the Chiron evolved the W16

The same core architecture, validated far more extensively

The Chiron generation retained the W16 concept rather than replacing it with a different cylinder arrangement. Bugatti says the Chiron engine program accumulated more than 16,000 development hours, while vehicles completed more than 500,000 test kilometers.

Bugatti lists 3,712 individual parts in the engine. Two experts assemble it by hand over six days before it is shipped to Molsheim for final vehicle assembly. Those figures illustrate why the Chiron’s W16 should be understood as a highly developed production system, not simply the Veyron engine carried over unchanged.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Chiron variants were not mechanically identical in character

The Chiron, Chiron Sport, Chiron Pur Sport and Chiron Super Sport were given distinct driving styles. Their differences involved the way the powertrain worked with each car’s chassis and aerodynamics, so it is misleading to treat every Chiron derivative as one mechanically identical specification.

Rank #2
Sale
LEGO Technic Bugatti Bolide Racing Car Building Set - Model and Race Engineering Toy for Back to School, Collectible Sports Car Construction Kit for Boys, Girls, and Teen Builders Ages 9+, 42151
  • Perfect Gift for Kids - This LEGO Technic Bugatti Bolide car toy model building set is an ideal gift for kids ages 9 and up, introducing them to engineering and construction
  • Explore Stunning Design - Discover the amazing design of the Bugatti Bolide with this LEGO Technic model race car building kit for motorsport fans and enthusiasts
  • Eye-Catching Display - With a yellow and black color theme and sticker detail, this LEGO Technic toy car model looks great on display in kids' rooms
  • Innovative Motorsport Technology - The Bugatti Bolide pushes the limits of motorsport technology; let your kids build this iconic LEGO Technic racing car model
  • Authentic Features Included - This build features a working W16 engine, steering, scissor doors, and realistic movement based on the original car model

The W16 also continued to impose substantial turbocharging and cooling demands. Bugatti’s published development figures show that durability and integration were central parts of the program, even where a particular derivative emphasized different handling or high-speed priorities.

Veyron, Chiron and Tourbillon compared

Area Veyron 16.4 Chiron family Tourbillon
Engine layout 8.0-liter quad-turbo W16 W16 concept retained; exact derivative specifications vary 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 with hybrid assistance
Engine or system output 1,001 PS Not stated in the cited Bugatti material 1,000 hp from the combustion engine; 1,800 hp combined
Published acceleration 0–100 km/h in 2.5 seconds Not stated in the cited Bugatti material Not stated in the cited announcement
Induction Four turbochargers W16 turbocharged concept developed for the Chiron program Naturally aspirated combustion engine
Electrification Not stated Not stated Two front motors and one rear motor; 800 hp from the electric system
Development evidence Veyron performance figures established the original benchmark More than 16,000 engine development hours and 500,000-plus vehicle test kilometers Prototype testing announced; final homologated specifications may change

Why did Bugatti switch from a W16 to a V16?

Tourbillon was a clean-sheet decision

Bugatti says the Tourbillon powertrain was not selected by lightly updating the existing W16. The company considered reengineering the W16, going fully electric and creating an entirely new system. It chose the most difficult option: a powertrain developed from scratch around a new V16, electric motors and a new-generation eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

“Ultimately, we chose the hardest possible option, creating a powertrain from scratch and pairing it seamlessly with a complex system of e-motors,” said Emilio Scervo, Bugatti Rimac’s chief technology officer.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16

The Tourbillon’s combustion engine is an all-new naturally aspirated V16 engineered with Cosworth. Bugatti gives it 8.3 liters of displacement, 1,000 hp and 900 Nm of torque, with a 9,000-rpm maximum speed. Cosworth’s production-engine description specifies 8.35 liters, a 90-degree cross-plane crankshaft, dry-sump lubrication and a 252 kg engine weight.

Rank #3
Mould King 10201 W16 Engine Model Kit, MOC Bug Supercar Engine Model with Battery and Motor, Collectable 16-Cylinder Car Engine Transmission, Shiftable Gear Operation for Adults (2024+ PCS)
  • BUG supercar W16 engine model kit come with 2024+ building block parts and has colorful paper instructions to help you easily assemble it. --Note: If you find a missing item in the package, please contact us via email, we will immediately send the missing item to you.
  • This W16 engine is composed of 2*V8 engines tightly packed together and arranged in a W shape. It includes many realistic details and features, such as transparent cylinder heads, shiftable gear operation、simulates precise piston motion, and turbochargers
  • This car engine model kit is electrically driven mode, with 1*L motor and 1* battery box. (Requires 6 AAA batteries, NOT included) which can be run after assembly. Providing strong power and excellent acceleration performance.
  • All our building blocks are made of high-quality ABS materials and carbon fiber materials. It is designed in accordance with common standards and can be compatible with your existing brand toys. All parts are easy to assemble and will not fall apart.
  • Mould King engine model building sets for teenagers, adults and collectors. And it is a good collection. For any occasion such as New Years Day, Christmas, Birthday, Easter, Halloween, STEM, Summer Camp Activities, Back To School

The small difference between the rounded 8.3-liter figure used by Bugatti and Cosworth’s 8.35-liter figure reflects different published precision, not two separate engines.

Electric motors supply the extra system output

Two electric motors drive the front wheels and a third motor is mounted at the rear. Together they contribute 800 hp, bringing total system output to 1,800 hp.

The hybrid system uses an 800-volt, 25 kWh oil-cooled battery. Bugatti says the car has more than 60 km of electric range. This makes the Tourbillon’s performance strategy fundamentally different from the Veyron and Chiron: the combustion engine is naturally aspirated, while electric torque and all-wheel-drive capability add the immediate response that turbochargers previously helped provide.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Is the Tourbillon V16 still related to the W16?

It is related historically, but not as a continuation of the same engine layout. Both engines have 16 cylinders and occupy Bugatti’s top performance lineage. The Tourbillon V16 is otherwise a clean-sheet design: it uses a V arrangement instead of a W, has no turbochargers, and is integrated with a hybrid system and a new eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Rank #4
Sosuy Mini W16 Engine Model Kit that Run,Car Motor Model Building Block Set
  • ▶【Classic W16 Engine Building Kit】Sosuy W16 car engine building set brings many realistic classic details to life. Such as a transparent cylinder head, dynamic piston motion, and a turbocharger. It is a valuable collectible artwork for modelers and mechanical enthusiasts. The wonderful gifts for car lovers and future engineers!
  • ▶【It Can Runs that Simulate Real】It powered by equipped battery that you can visually see the internal working details of the car engine model, the up and down movement of the piston, the opening and closing action of the valves, and eproduces the realistic dynamic principle for you. Challenge your hands-on ability. Explore the car mechanical mystery, as far as the mini W16 engine building blocks set.
  • ▶【Assemble Confidently & Safely】It made from ABS materials and tested for quality control to ensure compliance with safety standards. Comes with illustrated step-by-step instruction manual to help you easily assemble it. All parts are easy to assemble and will not fall apart. If there are any missing parts, please let us know as soon as possible.
  • ▶【Wonderful Set for Enthusiasts and Collectors】It recreates the operation of a classic car engine! Making it irresistible to car enthusiasts and car model collectors, car engineers and car mechanics. It combines fun with STEM education, fostering creativity, and a deeper understanding of automotive science. Packed in original color gift box, ready for gifting. For teens and adults aged 14+.
  • ▶【Ideal Present】 If you are looking for a cool present for your kids, boys, lover or family's birthday/ Christmas/ New Year, or you are searching for a construct challenge, Sosuy will not disappoint you. For any occasion such as New Years Day, Christmas, Birthday, Easter, Halloween, STEM.

Calling it “the W16 with two cylinders rearranged” would therefore be inaccurate. The shared number of cylinders is the clearest link; the architecture, induction system, packaging and electrical assistance are new.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

How the V16 changed the Tourbillon’s packaging

Bugatti says the V16 is substantially longer than the previous powertrain. Engineers moved the engine closer to the driver and relocated the fuel tanks to the sides to make room within the new platform.

The platform incorporates a structural battery and a rear electric motor. This arrangement shows that the Tourbillon was designed around the complete powertrain from the beginning rather than adding electric hardware to an existing W16 installation.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What Cosworth contributed

High-revving design in a lightweight package

Cosworth identifies the production engine as an 8.35-liter V16 with a 9,000-rpm redline and a 252 kg mass. Its 90-degree cross-plane crankshaft and dry-sump system are central engineering features of the design.

Best Value
Mould King W16 Engine Building Set, 952 Pcs Model Kit for Adults 14+
  • Working W16 Engine Model Kit: This engine model kit that works authentically replicates piston motion and drivetrain operation with included motor and battery box designed for adult builders and teens age 14 plus
  • Clear View Mechanical Design: Transparent cylinder head reveals detailed internal mechanics including valve system turbocharger and exhaust making this engine model kit for adults both educational and display worthy
  • Advanced Building Experience: With 952 pieces this W16 engine model kit that runs provides hours of creative assembly while developing logical thinking skills as you build and observe the working mechanism
  • Complete Building Set: The assembled W16 engine measures 30.2×14.8×15 cm (11.9×5.8×5.9 inches), includes color instruction manuals with easy to follow steps, all pieces come in a durable packaging box ready for immediate assembly
  • Premium Quality Construction: This mould king engine compatible building set delivers a realistic mechanical experience after assembly watch your creation come to life with authentic engine movement

A compressed development schedule

Cosworth says its team progressed from detailed designs to a dyno-running engine in 13 months. The company’s managing director of powertrain, Bruce Wood, described hearing the engine for the first time as “a truly unique piece of machinery.”

When will the Tourbillon arrive?

Bugatti announced a planned run of 250 Tourbillon cars. When the car entered testing, customer deliveries were anticipated in 2026. That schedule, along with final homologation and production specifications, can change as development and regulatory work continue.

The published figures describe the announced program and prototypes; they should not be treated as independent road-test results or as a guarantee of final customer-car performance.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

More from the Garage

  1. Entry001Date09 OCT 26Time3 minWhich Brake Pad Should You Buy From RockAuto or Elsewhere?Section: Blog
  2. Entry002Date09 OCT 26Time5 minThe Pros and Cons of Touchless Car Wash SystemsSection: Blog
  3. Entry003Date09 OCT 26Time3 minCan a Trickle Charger or Battery Tender Properly Charge a Car Battery?Section: Blog

Thanks for visiting Carcody

Carcody.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.co

Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.