Here we are! The latest Bugatti W16 engine models are coming off the assembly line…
Welcome to the Bugatti W16 Mistral. This roadster marks the end of an era for the Molsheim brand, representing the final appearance of the legendary W16 engine. After years of extraordinary performance and speed records, Bugatti is turning the page by delivering the first examples of this exceptional hypercar. A true fusion of tradition and innovation, the W16 Mistral combines elegant design with breathtaking performance while paying homage to Bugatti’s legendary roadsters of the past.
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A tribute to Bugatti’s icons of the past
The inspiration behind the W16 Mistral didn’t come out of nowhere. Bugatti drew on its history, relying on iconic models like the 1934 Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid Usine and the Type 57S Roadster Corsica. These classic cars, renowned for their sculpted lines and timeless elegance, have influenced the silhouette and aerodynamics of the new roadster.
Unveiled in grand style during Monterey Car Week 2022, the Bugatti W16 Mistral immediately captivated enthusiasts with its bold design and refined silhouette. Its unique style wasn’t limited to the United States—the car has since traveled the world, making stops in Tokyo, Singapore, and in France at Chantilly or on the southern roads. Each appearance has reinforced its status as a true rolling masterpiece.
The end of the quadriturbo W16 Engine
Under its hood, the W16 Mistral conceals one of the most impressive engines ever designed: the 8.0-liter quadriturbo W16, producing 1,600 horsepower. This colossal power allows it to reach a top speed of 453.91 km/h (282.05 mph), making it the fastest roadster in the world, in front of the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, which held the record of 408,84 km/h (254.04 mph) since 2013. This engine, which powered legendary models like the Veyron and the Chiron, reaches its pinnacle here. Combined with an open-top configuration, it offers an unparalleled driving experience where power and emotion come together to create a one-of-a-kind car. But if you’re lucky enough to own a W16 Mistral, you’re not advised to try to hit its top speed—you might lose a few hairs in the process!
The first deliveries of the W16 Mistral
The first examples of the W16 Mistral, hand-assembled in the Molsheim, workshops in France, are starting to be delivered to their fortunate owners. Each car is a unique piece, customized down to the smallest detail. One of the first models to leave the workshop sports a Black Carbon finish with touches of Bugatti Light Blue Sport, while the interior is adorned with matching leather and contrasting stitching. Another, more striking version features a White Glacier livery enhanced by accents of Blue Carbon, Atlantic Blue, and Italian Red, as a tribute to the Franco-American origins of its owners. Each model also includes a glass sculpture of the famous dancing elephant by Rembrandt Bugatti, Ettore’s brother, as a tribute to the Type 41 Royale, one of the most luxurious vehicles ever built in automotive history.
This article explores how the Bugatti W16 Mistral closes a historic chapter for the brand by combining raw power with exceptional craftsmanship. With its record-breaking performance and design inspired by legendary roadsters, it embodies the ultimate expression of the W16 engine—a masterpiece destined to go down in history.
Sources & images : Bugatti
