The Bugatti Tourbillon has been making waves in the automotive world with its impressive technical specifications and stunning design. This hypercar is not only incredibly fast and exorbitantly expensive, but it also boasts a limited production run, adding to its exclusivity. However, there is a unique interior feature that sets it apart from other cars – a fixed steering wheel hub, reminiscent of a design choice seen in a Citroën model from the past.
The 2004 Citroën C4 compact hatchback also featured a fixed steering wheel hub, where only the rim of the wheel rotated while the center remained stationary. This design was implemented to ensure that all the buttons and warning lights on the steering wheel remained in a consistent position, regardless of the driver’s movements. Citroën continued this unconventional layout in other models such as the C4 Picasso and the C5 before eventually abandoning it.
Fast forward two decades, and Bugatti is revisiting this concept by incorporating a fixed steering wheel hub in the Tourbillon hypercar. Co-developed with Swiss watchmakers, the titanium instrument cluster is mounted to the steering wheel’s hub, providing an unobstructed view of the dials at all times. The analog instrument cluster features a 10,000-rpm tachometer, a 550-km/h (342-mph) speedometer, and a small screen displaying speed and gear information.
Interestingly, the idea of a fixed steering wheel hub is not exclusive to French automakers. The 1972 Maserati Boomerang concept car, designed by Italdesign, also featured a similar philosophy. Notably, the dials and switches in the Boomerang were sourced from a Citroën SM, highlighting the connection between these two iconic brands.
On the other hand, Koenigsegg has taken a different approach with its recently recalled Jesko model. While the steering wheel’s hub is not fixed, the digital instrument cluster is gyroscopic, ensuring that the gauge always stays horizontal as the wheel turns. This innovative solution showcases the creativity and engineering prowess of the Swedish automaker.
In conclusion, the fixed steering wheel hub in the Bugatti Tourbillon is a nod to a design concept that has roots in both French and Italian automotive history. As car manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of innovation, we can expect to see more unique and unconventional features in future models. The integration of these design elements adds a layer of sophistication and exclusivity to these high-performance vehicles, making them truly stand out in the hypercar segment.
