Bugatti pushes the limits of what a street-legal car can be, and their latest roadster, the W16 Mistral is a parting gift to the automotive universe. A masterpiece that blends performance, luxury, and innovation in a way that is incomparable to anything else on the road today.
“The Chiron family was never intended to have a roadster model. That is why we had to start afresh when we decided to build the W16 Mistral, the ultimate tribute to our rich roadster history and our legendary W16 engine. A Chiron without a roof might be an amazing car for many others, but it wouldn’t meet the uncompromisingly high standards that Bugatti adheres to. No matter what type of hyper sports car it is, a Bugatti model must be incomparable in every respect to anything else in the automotive world.” Emilio Scervo - CTO of Bugatti.
While few of us will ever get a chance to see a Mistral in person, let alone own or drive one, here is everything you need to know about this amazing hypercar.
A Legacy of Open-Top Excellence:
Bugatti, renowned for its rich lineage of open-top performance icons, unveils the W16 Mistral, a roadster that pays homage to the brand's historical commitment to engineering excellence. From the Type 40 A to the iconic Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid Gangloff, Bugatti's open-top automobiles have been crafted with absolute dedication to perfection. The W16 Mistral emerges as a tour-de-force, marking Bugatti's first roadster since the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse in 2012.
The Last of a Legendary Engine:
The W16 Mistral stands as the last road-going Bugatti model powered by the brand's legendary W16 engine. With a staggering 1,600 PS incarnation, the Mistral offers not only breathtaking performance but also a bespoke design. Unlike a mere redevelopment of the Chiron, the Mistral's engineering excellence is driven by the need to create a roadster that exceeds Bugatti's uncompromisingly high standards.
Craftsmanship and Luxury Beyond Compare:
The W16 Mistral is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and luxury. The car's design and engineering are entirely bespoke, with the existing monocoque reengineered to comply with stringent crash regulations, despite the absence of a roof. Bugatti's CTO, Emilio Scervo, emphasizes that the Mistral is more than just a convertible Chiron—it is the ultimate tribute to Bugatti's roadster history and the W16 engine.
Engineering Marvels for Performance and Safety:
Achieving a top speed of 420 km/h presented a challenge, requiring a perfect matrix of engineering attributes. Bugatti's 'Form Follows Performance' mantra guided the design, ensuring each component contributes not only to aesthetics but also to unprecedented levels of performance. The use of ultra-high-performance lightweight composite materials and advanced structural design enhances Mistral's driving dynamics and safety features.
Sensory Experience Inside and Out:
The W16 Mistral introduces an advanced air intake system and innovative ram induction air scoops, both designed with rollover safety tests in mind. The unique carbon fiber structure of the scoops can support the car's weight in the event of a rollover. The soundscape inside the Mistral is a symphony, blending the visceral signature of the W16 engine with a high-end sound system. Intricate woven leather, a machined aluminum gear shifter, and a nod to Bugatti's historic 'dancing elephant' sculpture on the shifter add to the sensory delights within the roadster.
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