Bugatti advances aerodynamics with Tourbillon development
In the latest episode of Bugatti’s New Era video series, the company discusses how it is pushing aerodynamic performance further with the Tourbillon, which was first revealed to the public in June 2024 and refines the low-drag foundation of its predecessor, the Chiron. “The Tourbillon’s predecessor, the Chiron, was already a low-drag car, but with the Tourbillon, we need to do better than that,” said Paul Burnham, Bugatti’s chief vehicle engineer.
Development began with CFD simulations to explore performance potential. Fifteen months before its unveiling in June last year, Bugatti’s engineering team tested a half-scale model in a wind tunnel in Italy.
“This test represents the first validation of the scale-model. This is the first test in which we assessed different design volumes, and different changes to the car,” explained David Šoštarić, head of aerodynamics and thermal management at Bugatti Rimac.
It was used to fine-tune high-speed performance before shifting focus to handling and dynamic efficiency.
The test model was built from 250 3D-printed components and fitted with over 100 pressure taps across its body panels. By measuring mass flow, static pressure, and air velocity at every key point, engineers validated their expected performance profile – crafted using advanced simulation tools.
Bugatti’s engineers used data-driven insights to refine the Tourbillon’s aero package. They reduced the car’s frontal area, incorporated an advanced rear diffuser and streamlined the cockpit’s exterior profile – all key improvements that build on the Chiron’s design.
The goal throughout the Tourbillon’s development was clear: optimize drag coefficient and airflow across the entire car. Months of work led to a new benchmark in performance. As a result, the Tourbillon can reach its top speed without deploying its rear wing while maintaining exceptional stability.
As engineers refined simulation models with real test results, the Tourbillon progressed from a scale model to a full-size prototype over the next year, requiring increasingly larger wind tunnel facilities.
“We’ve moved on from a scale-model wind tunnel to a full-sized facility, continuing our program of validating the Tourbillon’s aerodynamic performance. Only now, we are using a full-scale prototype, which represents a natural step in enhancing calibration of our simulation tools, getting that next degree of accuracy in results,” said Burnham.
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