--- title: "1,800 HP, No Turbos: Bugatti’s New Hybrid V16 Engine" description: "Bugatti's new V16 engine is going to drop the old engine's turbochargers in favor of natural aspiration and hybridization." date: "2024-05-09" modified: "2024-05-09" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/1800-hp-no-turbos-bugattis-new-hybrid-v16-engine" categories: - "Bugatti News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "bugatti" - "Supercar" --- # 1,800 HP, No Turbos: Bugatti’s New Hybrid V16 Engine ![]() *\Bugatti\* A couple of months ago, Bugatti revealed to the world that it's dropping its legendary W16, in favor of an entirely new V16. However, the configuration—switching from a "W" to a "V"—isn't the only thing that's new. [Bugatti]() Rimac CEO Mate Rimac recently spoke at the [Future of the Car Summit](), during which he dropped a couple of info nuggets about the new engine. Most importantly, it's going to be naturally aspirated. Rimac didn't dish out details on displacement or power figures, but he did say that Bugatti is dropping turbochargers in favor of natural aspiration, with a hybrid boost. That would make it similar in theory to the [Corvette E-Ray](), which also uses a mid-mounted naturally aspirated engine paired with an electric motor. According to *[Motor1]()*, the new engine will be 39.3-inches long, almost 16-inches longer than the outgoing W16. That isn't surprising, given its two banks of eight cylinders. With the combined dual-clutch transmission, the entire powertrain could be up to 78.7-inches long. While there aren't any official specifics about the new engine, *Auto Motor und Sport* claims that the engine was designed by Cosworth and will rev up to 9,000 rpm. Rumor has it that Bugatti's target combined power output—from the 16 cylinders and three electric motors—is 1,800 horsepower. ![]() *Bugatti* I think this is a good move for Bugatti. Keeping the engine naturally aspirated reduces some of the complexity of the old quad-turbocharged setup, along with all of the added weight from the requisite intercoolers. Obviously that weight is now replaced by batteries and electric motors, but if it had both hybridization and turbocharging at that scale, it'd be too heavy. Plus, the added hybrid punch allows the naturally aspirated engine to have similar—if not better—boost at low rpm than a turbocharged engine. Hybrid boost also doesn't have to taper off at higher rpm, so it can keep on pulling at full strength all the way through the rev range. When Bugatti launched the [Veyron](), its quad-turbocharged W16 immediately became the brand's calling card. Not only was it immensely powerful, pushing out over 1,000 horsepower, but it was the most extraordinary engine in the world. Four banks of four cylinders, four turbochargers, countless radiators and intercoolers—it was immense. This new V16 is cutting edge too, but in an entirely different way thanks to hybridization. Bugatti has always been about pushing the technical envelope, so it will be fascinating to see where this new powertrain goes and what sort of dizzying performance heights it can achieve. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()