Bugatti Turns Tourbillon up to 11 with Equipe Pur Sang

When Bugatti revealed the 1,800hp Tourbillon last, I don't think many of us thought it was left wanting for technical spec, but before we've even seen a Tourbillon outside the grounds of Goodwood, Bugatti has upped the ante with the Equipe Pur Sang package. Italian for 'pure blood', we've seen the Pur Sang moniker before on the Veyron, in a special run of five cars finished in polished aluminium and carbon fibre. In the case of the Tourbillon, it's a little different.

Bugatti says this 'pays emphatic visual testament to the Tourbillon's incomparable performance and Bugatti's motorsport history'. Great! So what does that mean? Well, the most notable difference off the bat is that it has eight exhausts. Yes, eight. They are admittedly more justified than those I recall seeing on Max Power Citroen Saxos with 60hp as a child, though I'm sure they'll still divide opinion. The pipes sit atop a new diffuser for better aero performance and a more purposeful aesthetic, and new wheels which are said to increase airflow to the rear radiator by up to eight per cent to help with the mammoth task of keeping that massive V16 running cool. There's also a new front splitter and rear wing endplates to further improve aerodynamic efficiency.

Inside, the new Performance Seat opion is finished in Alcantara to give a more sporting feel rather than the luxury Bugatti is known for, with special embroidery and more carbon fibre. If you'd rather stick with leather though, there are 20 new leathers to choose from along with seven new carpet options and 23 new paint colours, so the world is your oyster when speccing one of these, and I'm sure your wallet will be appropriately charged.

It's worth noting that power remains unchanged, in case you were hoping for more than 1,800hp.

Managing Director of Bugatti, Henrik Malinowski said: "With each new era of Bugatti, we seek to honour our heritage while pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The Tourbillon already represents an unprecedented fusion of naturally aspirated power and electrification. With the Équipe Pur Sang option, we elevate its appearance towards the track, enabling customers to celebrate the pure racing soul that has defined Bugatti for over a century".

One can only imagine the Tourbillon Pur Sang will more likely be spotted in Knightsbridge or Beverley Hills than Silverstone or Laguna Seca, but the capability is there, and I hope a future Secret Meet will allow us to see what the Tourbillon can really do.