Made in Croatia: Rimac tech drives new Bugatti hypercar

(Photo: Rimac Technology)

ZAGREB, 13 June 2025 – Rimac Technology, the Croatian tech powerhouse and Tier 1 supplier to the global automotive industry, has once again made headlines by playing a central role in the creation of the Bugatti Tourbillon – a cutting-edge hybrid hypercar that blends traditional performance with modern electric innovation.

In close collaboration with Bugatti Rimac engineering teams, Rimac Technology designed and developed a sophisticated 800V hybrid system that underpins the new Tourbillon.

The system seamlessly integrates with an all-new 8.3-litre naturally aspirated V16 engine, delivering the raw power and emotion of classic combustion, now enhanced with instant electric torque.

At the core of the new powertrain are three high-performance electric motors – two on the front axle and one at the rear – producing 800 horsepower and capable of spinning up to 24,000 rpm.

These motors are controlled by Rimac’s advanced Silicon Carbide inverter technology and in-house software, ensuring high efficiency, performance and safety.

(Photo: Rimac Technology)

The result is a vehicle that is not only more compact and lighter than its predecessor – the quad-turbocharged W16 Chiron – but significantly more advanced.

Powering this hybrid marvel is Rimac’s newly developed 25 kWh battery pack, designed in a T-shape to optimise both energy storage and structural rigidity. This 800V system incorporates over 1,500 oil-immersed cells, kept in check by Rimac’s fifth-generation Battery Management System (BMS).

The BMS was developed to the highest standards in the industry, adhering to ASPICE Level 2 and ASIL D safety protocols.

“The Bugatti Tourbillon is a perfect example of Rimac Technology’s full-system capabilities,” said Mate Rimac, Founder and President of Rimac Group, and CEO of Bugatti Rimac and Rimac Technology.

(Photo: Rimac Technology)

“This is the result of over a decade of innovation in high-performance electrification. Despite the complexity of the hybrid system, we’ve delivered a car that’s not only lighter than its predecessor, but pushes the boundaries of what’s possible.”

The complete rear powertrain, including the V16 engine, eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox, torque-vectoring system, and the 250 kW rear motor, weighs only 430 kilograms – the same as the previous model’s engine alone. Meanwhile, the front axle’s twin electric motors and dual inverters add minimal weight, while offering precise torque distribution and control.

Rimac’s electric motors serve several purposes: they handle propulsion, replace traditional starter motors and generators, and eliminate the need for 12-volt systems.

(Photo: Rimac Technology)

This contributes to the Tourbillon’s class-leading power-to-weight ratio. The hybrid setup also provides over 60 kilometres of fully electric range and ensures seamless power delivery from both electric motors and the petrol engine.

Beyond propulsion, Rimac Technology also provided the Tourbillon’s electronic architecture, including three domain control units. Both hardware and software were fully developed in-house, following the highest automotive safety and quality benchmarks.

(Photo: Rimac Technology)

Rimac also engineered the advanced thermal systems needed to maintain consistent performance – crucial when dealing with the extreme speeds and outputs of a 445 km/h hypercar.

“This is where we excel – delivering bespoke, uncompromising solutions for high-performance, low-volume projects,” said Nurdin Pitarević, COO of Rimac Technology.

“But we’re also scaling up, with hundreds of thousands of powertrain and battery units produced for global OEMs like Porsche, BMW and CEER Motors. Our goal is to bring the same level of excellence seen in the Tourbillon to mass-market electrification.”

Production of the Bugatti Tourbillon is set to begin in 2026, with just 250 units planned.