The Bugatti Mistral has achieved a new milestone, becoming the fastest roofless car ever made. With a staggering top speed of 282 mph (453.91 kph), this open-top supercar sets a new benchmark in automotive history. Only 99 units of the Bugatti W16 Mistral will be produced, making it an exclusive collector's item and a landmark farewell to Bugatti’s W16 engine era. This incredible feat places the Mistral in a class of its own, dethroning previous open-top records and securing its place in the history books.
A Record-Breaking Run: 282 MPH in Germany
Initially, Bugatti estimated the Mistral’s top speed to be 261 mph ( 420.039km/h) , already an impressive figure that exceeded its predecessor, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, which hit 254 mph (408km/h) in 2013. However, the Mistral surprised everyone when it reached a breathtaking 282 mph (453.835km/h) at the Papenburg test track in Germany, outperforming expectations by a full 21 mph.
Bugatti’s test driver and Le Mans winner, Andy Wallace, piloted the Mistral during this record-setting attempt. Wallace is no stranger to speed records, as he previously drove the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ to a closed-car record of 304.77 mph in 2019. The success of this run cements the Mistral’s status as the fastest open-top production car to date, dethroning the Hennessey Venom GT Spyder, which previously held the record at 265.6 mph since 2016.
The End of an Era: Bugatti’s Final W16 Masterpiece
The Bugatti W16 Mistral represents the final chapter for Bugatti’s legendary quad-turbo 8.0-liter W16 engine. With only 99 units planned for production, each Mistral is a collector’s dream, marking the end of a remarkable era. This masterpiece pays homage to the brand’s historic design cues, featuring distinctive Jet Orange accents reminiscent of previous record-breaking Bugattis. The black-and-orange color scheme not only evokes memories of the Veyron record cars but also aligns the Mistral with the brand’s prestigious legacy.
The Mistral’s speed record was celebrated by Bugatti’s CEO, Mate Rimac, who holds a 37% stake in the Rimac Group. The strategic alliance between Bugatti and Rimac reflects a commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and technology, even as Bugatti transitions into a new phase beyond the W16 engine.
A Legendary Farewell at Papenburg
The decision to hold the speed trial at the Papenburg test track rather than Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien track marked a unique turn in Bugatti’s history. Due to the shareholder structure within Bugatti Rimac, which includes significant investments from Porsche and Hyundai, access to Papenburg was a strategic choice.
In attendance at this historic run was the proud owner of the record-breaking Mistral, who holds one of the rarest collections of Bugatti’s record-holding cars. Bugatti’s commitment to excellence was on full display, with the Mistral now standing as the ultimate symbol of power, innovation, and exclusivity.
The Future of Speed: Can Rivals Keep Up?
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As of now, no other roadster has come close to the Mistral’s 282 mph top speed. Competitors like the Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut and Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster have yet to surpass the Mistral in open-top speed. Although Hennessey claims the Venom F5 could potentially break the 300-mph barrier, the Mistral’s 282 mph run is an undeniable achievement that sets a high bar for rivals.
In summary, the Bugatti W16 Mistral stands as the fastest roofless car in history and serves as a remarkable finale to Bugatti’s legendary W16 engine era. With a record-breaking top speed, limited production run, and unmatched design, the Mistral is a legendary addition to Bugatti’s legacy. For car enthusiasts and collectors alike, this is a landmark moment in automotive history, celebrating both the peak of open-top performance and the enduring legacy of Bugatti’s engineering marvels.