1,800 Horsepower, No Turbochargers: Bugatti Unveils Fresh Hybrid V16 Motor

Rimac refrained from revealing specifics such as displacement and power output figures. However, the notable revelation is Bugatti’s decision to opt for natural aspiration with a hybrid boost, akin to the setup seen in the Corvette E-Ray featuring a mid-mounted naturally aspirated engine combined with an electric motor. As per insights from Motor1, the new V16 engine is approximately 39.3 inches long, which is nearly 16 inches longer than the outgoing W16 due to its two sets of eight cylinders. When paired with the dual-clutch transmission, the entire powertrain could extend up to 78.7 inches.

While official details about the new engine are scarce, Auto Motor und Sport suggests that Cosworth designed the engine, capable of revving up to 9,000 rpm. Rumors hint at Bugatti aiming for a total combined power output of 1,800 horsepower from the 16 cylinders and three electric motors.

Bugatti’s move towards a naturally aspirated engine is a strategic one. By eliminating the complexity of the previous quad-turbocharged system and shedding the additional weight from intercoolers, the focus shifts to batteries and electric motors. Combining hybrid technology with turbocharging at such a scale would have resulted in excessive weight. The hybrid boost now provides the naturally aspirated engine with comparable, if not superior, low-end torque compared to a turbocharged counterpart. Furthermore, the hybrid boost sustains its power delivery consistently throughout the rev range without dwindling at higher rpm levels.

When Bugatti introduced the Veyron with its quad-turbocharged W16 engine, it established a remarkable benchmark for power, generating over 1,000 horsepower while being an engineering marvel with its intricate design featuring four banks of cylinders, four turbochargers, and numerous cooling components. The new V16 engine represents a cutting-edge evolution, embracing hybridization for a different kind of excellence. Bugatti has always been synonymous with pushing technological boundaries, making it intriguing to witness the trajectory of this new powertrain and the extraordinary performance benchmarks it aims to set.

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