‘Fastest’ car is a hybrid

The Bugatti Tourbillon, announced yesterday, is a hybrid, with 800hp spread across three electric motors in addition to its 1,000hp 8.3 litre Cosworth V16 petrol engine.

Two of the electric motors are part of the front axle system, and the other one is part of the rear axle assembly.

Powered them is a 800V 25kWh oil-cooled battery housed in the central tunnel and behind the passengers. The battery casing is part of the vehicle’s carbon fibre chassis.

“The electric powertrain, with the electric motors spinning up to 24,000rpm and an integrated dual silicon-carbide inverter, is amongst the most power-dense in the world. The e-axles are delivering over 6kW/kg, including inverters, motors and gearboxes,” according to Bugatti. “While power, throttle response and torque-fill are priorities for the electric power train, the relatively large energy content of 25kWh allows for a usable all-electric range of more than 60km or 37miles.”

Maximum speed is claimed to be 276mph (445km/h).