Besides meeting Piëch’s power specifications, the engine was also compact compared to a V12, thanks to its dual eight-cylinder bank configuration. Piëch aimed for smoothness and usability, both of which were achieved. The Veyron could effortlessly cruise at high speeds and possessed an abundance of power at any given moment. Capable of reaching 217 mph (350 km/h), the Veyron held the title of the world’s fastest car.
Being powerful is one thing, but being powerful and durable is another. To maintain optimal operating temperatures for high-speed performance, a unique cooling system was devised, utilizing over 40 liters of water. The development of the Bugatti Ion Current Sensing (BIS) system was necessary to prevent engine knock due to the engine’s exceptional smoothness, making detecting misfires a challenging task.
In 2016, the Bugatti Chiron hit the market with a significantly enhanced version of the W16 engine, now producing 1,500 PS (1,479 horsepower). This engine variant remains in production to this day. Upgrades included larger sequential turbochargers, revised valves, and the incorporation of lightweight materials, among other enhancements. As a result, the Bugatti achieved a top speed of 304.773 mph, making it the first production vehicle to surpass 300 mph. In the exclusive, track-only Bugatti Bolide, the W16 engine generated 1,825 horsepower.
Engines like Bugatti’s W16 are on the brink of extinction. The industry is transitioning towards smaller engines, hybrid powertrains, and widespread electrification. There may not be many more technological marvels like Bugatti’s powerful W16 in the future. It stands as the final iteration of its kind and will be celebrated as a pivotal moment in the history of internal combustion.
