Multimillion-dollar hybrid dream machines bound for Singapore
Cream-of-the-crop hypercars rely on a combination of electricity and petrol engines for shocking speed, with price tags to match BY DERRYN WONG
HERE is a monstrous machine with 1,800 horsepower (hp) and a screaming 8.2-litre V16 petrol engine, but it is also one that might be kind to your neighbours.
The Bugatti Tourbillon was previewed in Singapore on Tuesday (Nov 26) by the French manufacturer. Its 3.8-million-euro (S$5.4 million) price tag comes with no options, add-ons, or a Certificate of Entitlement.
But it can travel around 60 kilometres on electric power alone. It is Bugatti’s first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Like full electric vehicles (EVs), PHEVs are able to run solely on electricity, using a battery that can be charged externally. But they also have an internal combustion engine, which in this case is chiefly for higher performance.
Deep-pocketed buyers have shown continuing fondness for petrol engines, while full EVs have generally not gained acceptance in the ultra-luxury segment, unlike the rest of the market.
Thus, makers of top-drawer, top-dollar hypercars are keeping the emotional hook of petrol combustion engines, while meeting the increasing demand for lower emissions, through the use of PHEV technology.
Almost all major ultra-luxury car manufacturers, such as Aston Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini and more, already have PHEV models or are planning to bring more of them to market.
Bugatti Tourbillon
8.2-litre V16 engine with three electric motors
Total Power: 1,800 hp
Performance: 0-100 kmh in 2 seconds, 445 kmh top speed Electric range: 60 km
Price: 3.8 million euros
The Tourbillon’s speedometer extends past 500 kmh, leading to speculation that Bugatti may attempt a new speed record for production cars. Only 250 units of the Tourbillon will be made, and all are sold.
Materials such as stronger T800 carbon fibre composite and aluminium add strength and reduce weight.
The new V16 engine makes 1,000 hp, and was engineered with Cosworth, a firm that has made Formula 1 engines.
The 25 kilowatt-hour battery provides more than 60 km of electric range.
The instrument cluster is made by Swiss watchmakers. Luxury watch brand Jacob & Co makes an accompanying timepiece for the car that costs more than 300,000 euros.
Aston Martin Valhalla 4-litre V8, turbocharged engine with two electric motors
Total power: 950 hp
Performance: 0-100 kmh in 2.5 seconds, 350 kmh top speed Electric range: 15 km
Price: £600,000 (S$1 million) Aston Martin’s challenger has less power than rivals, but also claims to be lighter for improved performance. Limited to 999 units.
Ferrari F80 3-litre V6, turbocharged engine with three electric motors
Total power: 1,200 hp
Performance: 0-100 kmh in 2.2 seconds, 350 kmh top speed Electric range: 0 km
Price: 3.6 million euros (estimate)
While Ferrari has six PHEV models in its line-up, its new flagship is a hybrid, but not a plug-in. Only 799 units will be made, and all have been sold.
McLaren W1 4-litre V8, turbocharged engine with one electric motor
Total power: 1,275 hp
Performance: 0-100 kmh in 2.7 seconds, 350 kmh top speed Electric range: 3 km
Price: £2 million The British manufacturer’s flagship uses newer radial flux electric motor technology for more power and less weight. Only 399 units will be made, and all are sold.
GRAPHICS: HYRIE RAHMAT