In a stunning display of engineering prowess, Bugatti has unveiled the Mistral as the fastest roofless car ever crafted. Defying expectations by a remarkable 21 miles per hour, the Mistral not only surpasses Bugatti’s own projections but also redefines the pinnacle of open-top automotive performance. When Bugatti initially announced that it was stepping back from its relentless pursuit of speed records, enthusiasts believed the W-16 era was nearing its end. However, the release of the Mistral proved otherwise. Equipped with the legendary quad-turbo 8.0-liter W-16 engine, the Mistral serves as the final masterpiece of this engine lineage, delivering an exhilarating performance that eclipses even Bugatti's bold estimates.
Originally projected to achieve a top speed of 261 mph, the Mistral shattered expectations by reaching an astounding 282 mph (453.91 km/h) during tests at Germany's Papenburg track. This impressive feat not only outpaces the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse's 254.04 mph record set in 2013 but also establishes the Mistral as the undisputed leader among open-top production cars. Interestingly, this achievement makes the Mistral approximately 22 mph slower than its coupe counterpart, the Chiron.
The record-breaking run was piloted by none other than Andy Wallace, Bugatti’s esteemed test driver and Le Mans winner. Wallace is no stranger to high-speed achievements, having previously driven the Chiron Super Sport 300+ to a closed-car top speed of 304.77 mph in 2019. His expertise ensured that the Mistral performed flawlessly, cementing its status as a marvel of automotive engineering.
Limited to just 99 units, the Mistral is a rare gem in Bugatti’s illustrious lineup. Among these, the Record Car variant is a one-off masterpiece, featuring striking Jet Orange accents that pay homage to Bugatti’s record-breaking Veyron models—the 16.4 Super Sport and the Grand Sport Vitesse. The Mistral's owner, a connoisseur of speed, also possesses the other three record-breaking Bugatti cars, showcasing an impressive collection of automotive excellence.
With its unprecedented speed, the Mistral has officially dethroned Hennessey’s Venom GT Spyder, which previously held the title with a top speed of 265.6 mph achieved in 2016. Bugatti orchestrated the successful speed run on November 9 at the Papenburg test track, witnessed by the car's proud owner and Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac. The strategic choice of Papenburg over the traditional Ehra-Lessien track—owned by Volkswagen Group—was influenced by the shareholder structure of Bugatti Rimac. The Rimac Group holds a 55% stake, with Porsche and Hyundai as significant shareholders, limiting Bugatti’s access to certain facilities.
While competitors like Hennessey claim that the Venom F5 Roadster can reach the elusive 300 mph mark, and Koenigsegg's Jesko Absolut is poised for its top-speed run, neither has yet substantiated these claims. Until these records are officially broken, the Bugatti Mistral stands unchallenged as the fastest open-top production car in the world.
As the W-16 era draws to a close, the Mistral serves as a fitting final chapter, showcasing the extraordinary capabilities of Bugatti’s engineering. With its unparalleled speed, limited production, and exclusive design, the Mistral not only reaffirms Bugatti’s legacy in the hypercar realm but also sets a formidable benchmark for future generations of open-top performance vehicles.
In the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance automobiles, the Bugatti Mistral has firmly established itself as the reigning monarch, blending breathtaking speed with exquisite craftsmanship to create a masterpiece that will be remembered for years to come.
Wael is an automotive content writer specializes in creating written content for Motor 283. Producing a wide range of content, including blog posts, articles, product descriptions, reviews, and technical guides related to cars, trucks, motorcycles, and other vehicles, with an unprecedented passion for cars, and motorcycles.
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