Next Bugatti W16 Engine Will Sport E-turbos; Hit 1,500 HP

Illustration of the current Bugatti quad-turbo W16 engine. The next generation will reportedly get direct injection and electronically controlled turbos.

Car Magazine is reporting that the next Bugatti hypercar called the Chiron will cost about $2.5 million and its 8.0-liter W16 quad-turbo engine will boast upwards of 1,500 horsepower. The last of the Bugatti Veyrons that ceased production after 450 units were rated around 1,200 horsepower.

According to published reports, the Chrion will retain the W16 engine configuration but will be updated with direct injection and a bunch more boost from those turbos, two of which will reportedly be electrically operated. Torque is expected to peak at 1,100 lb-ft. To help the exotic machine maintain some semblance of fuel economy around 14 mpg, cylinder deactivation will be employed.

Views of the Bugatti W16 engine in and out of the Veyron.

It doesn’t appear that much else will change in the unique 16-cylinder, 64-valve configuration. The Veyron’s configuration is basically two 15-degree V8 engines joined at a 90-degree angle to a common crankshaft. The block features plasma-coated cylinder walls and a 86 mm bore that matches the square 86 mm stroke crankshaft. Connecting rods were made from titanium. Obviously the pistons and fuel pump will have to be redesigned to accommodate direct injection, and the cam profiles will be adjusted to take advantage of the e-turbos’ low-end boost. The changes will reportedly allow the Chiron to top out at 288 mph.

Wonder if the updated W16 engine would be available in the Vision Gran Turismo digital concept from Bugatti designers?

About the author

Mike Magda

Mike Magda is a veteran automotive writer with credits in publications such as Racecar Engineering, Hot Rod, Engine Technology International, Motor Trend, Automobile, Automotive Testing Technology and Professional Motorsport World.
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