After a successful eight-year reign and 500 examples later, the iconic Bugatti Chiron is bowing out, leaving behind an even outrageous successor, the Tourbillon. Taking its name from an intricate mechanism in a watch, this all-new hypercar just debuted on the 20th of June 2024 as a 2026 model year, boasting a unique hybrid powertrain that combines a Cosworth-developed 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine with three electric motors, pushing out a total of 1,775 horses! This marks a significant milestone for Bugatti, as the Tourbillon is the French carmaker’s first-ever hybrid vehicle.

However, the Tourbillon isn’t the first supercar to embrace hybridization. Nearly a decade ago, the automotive world witnessed a paradigm shift when the Porsche 918 Spyder arrived on the scene. Launched in 2015 as a successor to the legendary V10-powered Carrera GT, the 918 Spyder was a technological marvel in its time, showcasing a plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s powered by a 4.6-liter V8 and two e-motors (one at the front and one at the rear). The combined output is rated at 887 horsepower, which is almost a thousand less than the Tourbillon.

Now, after almost a decade, much has changed in the world of hybrid supercars. The technology has matured, and new players, like the Tourbillon, have entered the arena. So, how does this spanking-new Bugatti set the rulebook in its favor? Is the new V16 a much better engine than the iconic W16 debuted with the Veyron in 2005? Let’s dive into this thrilling comparison and see how the past and the present stack up in the modern era of hybrid supercars.

Key differences: 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder vs. 2026 Bugatti Tourbillon

When comparing both the Porsche 918 Spyder and the Bugatti Tourbillon, we’re talking about a decade’s worth of engineering advancements. And yes, there are plenty of differences between the two. Starting with the 918 Spyder, it’s a Porsche, and you’ll notice a design philosophy similar to that of the carmaker’s other models, especially the 911. Its teardrop-designed headlight housing, large 20-/21-inch wheels, loads of vents, and cuts don’t give out the slightest hints that it’s a supercar from 2015. Its timeless design makes it more appealing.

Side-by-side, the Tourbillon features most of the Bugatti-core design elements, including the iconic Horseshoe grille, a sleek headlight design similar to the Chiron, and a taillight strip that’s almost identical to the Chiron-based La Voiture Noire. Apart from these elements, the Tourbillon features electrically operated dihedral doors, a first for a Bugatti, and a huge carbon diffuser at the rear that can accommodate an adult human. The Tourbillon looks otherwordly, and with its exposed V16 engine, the appeal is incomparable, even if you try to bring in the Lamborghini Revuelto into the conversation, which proudly exposes its V12.

However, the Tourbillon is strictly a coupe, at least for now, which is not the same as the 918 Spyder. The latter’s hardtop roof is removable, allowing you to enjoy the wind in your hair. Although you have to do quite a bit of work to get it removed and then store it in the frunk, which also kills cargo space, it’s good to have such a feature to show off.

On the inside, the 918 shows its age, but it wouldn’t bother you much because the Tourbillon, being a 2026 car, is all about going analog... well, almost. Stepping inside the 918 Spyder reveals analog-digital instrumentation, but what’s more interesting is the infotainment system. The center console is pretty busy with a touch-screen display on the top, and as you move down, you’ll find all the knobs and buttons needed to control the AC, media, and other creature comforts. There’s another display that’s not a touchscreen and is located above the center console, like a continuation of the instrument binnacle. This display operates via a touch panel located below and is super laggy and intuitive to the core, but it helps with viewing navigation.

The Tourbillon’s interior is designed to be timeless and inspired by the world of horology, which makes it even more special than the 918 Spyder, which now carries an average price of $1.8 million for a pre-owned example. The highlight is the analog instrument console built from crystal glass and aluminum, with the help of renowned Swiss watchmaker - Concepto Watches. You can literally see the gears ticking and working all together to make the dials run. Additionally, the steering wheel stands out with its unique two-spoke design, and what’s cool is that both the center part of the wheel and the instrument dials stay put; only the rim moves. Should you need navigation and other infotainment services, there’s a hidden touchscreen display inside the dashboard that can be summoned with just a button push. That said, like all Bugattis, the interior is super luxurious, with sumptions leather all around.

Regarding chassis, the 918 Spyder and the Tourbillon feature a carbon tub, carbon ceramic brakes, and adaptive suspension. One advantage of the 918 Spyder is the rear-axle steering system; it reduces the turning radius at city speeds and enhances handling when cornering at high speeds. However, the Toubillon’s braking system is fully electronic, thanks to the brake-by-wire system.

Performance: 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder vs. 2026 Bugatti Tourbillon

While the 918 Spyder and the Tourbillon are PHEVs, both are powered by different combustion engine layouts. The Porsche packs a 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 derived from the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) race car, the RS Spyder. It’s coupled with an e-motor at the rear and another at the front axle, allowing all-wheel drive. The V8 is mated to a seven-speed PDK gearbox, routing power to the rear wheels only. Combined, the total power is a staggering 887 horsepower and 944 pound-feet of torque, enough to sprint the 918 to 60 mph in 2.2 seconds. The top speed comes at 214 mph. Mind you, these numbers are even too much for current standards.

However, the Tourbillon’s powertrain configuration is unique. Unlike the Chiron, which features a W16, the Tourbillon sports an all-new 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16. This V16 was co-developed with Cosworth, the company responsible for the sweet-sounding V12s of the GMA T.50 and the Aston Martin Valkyrie. Unlike the 918 Spyder are three e-motors embedded into the chassis; one aids power to the V16, and the other two drive the front axle independently, enabling all-wheel drive. An eight-speed DCT transfers the power from the V16 to the rear wheels. Only this time, the gearbox is placed behind the engine. The combined output, as expected from a Bugatti, is 1,775 horsepower and 1,691 pound-feet of torque! Bugatti claims that the 0-60 mph time should be two seconds, and it can go as fast as 276 mph (electronically limited)!

Since the 918 Spyder and the Tourbillon are plug-in hybrids, sizeable battery packs power them. The 918 Spyder’s battery is only 6.8 kWh, better than the McLaren P1 back in the day, and can let the supercar move without firing the V8 for up to 12 miles. Comparatively, the Tourbillon packs a substantially larger 25 kWh battery pack, allowing it to travel for 37 miles in pure EV mode!

GALLERY