In a whirlwind of innovation and luxury, Bugatti has once again stirred the automotive world with its latest marvel, the W16 Mistral. This new roadster is not just a vehicle; it’s a tribute to over a century of Bugatti’s open-top excellence. From the Type 40 A to the iconic Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid Gangloff, the W16 Mistral continues the legacy of its legendary predecessors.
Under the hood, the W16 Mistral roars to life with a 1,600 PS Bugatti W16 engine. This powerhouse propels the roadster to new heights, blending unmatched craftsmanship and luxury in an open-top format. Unlike its Chiron cousin, the Mistral breaks new ground, being the first roadster since the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse and marking the end of an era as the final road-going model to be powered by Bugatti’s iconic W16 engine.
Emilio Scervo, CTO of Bugatti Rimac, puts it succinctly: “The Chiron was never meant to lose its top, so the W16 Mistral had to start from scratch, aiming to surpass even the highest of Bugatti’s exacting standards.” The result is a hyper sports car that redefines the roadster experience, boasting a top speed of 420km/h while maintaining a luxurious and refined cabin atmosphere.
This engineering marvel adheres to Bugatti’s ‘Form Follows Performance’ principle, where each component is not just a visual delight but also a crucial piece in the puzzle of performance. The roadster’s architecture achieves an impeccable balance of rigidity and lightness, ensuring dynamics akin to the Chiron. The doors of the W16 Mistral received special attention, designed to absorb significant energy during side impacts, emphasizing both safety and performance.
An innovative air intake system enhances the W16 Mistral’s performance, including ram induction air scoops behind the headrests, doubling as safety features during rollovers. These design elements not only contribute to the roadster’s functionality but also enhance the driver’s experience, amplifying the symphony from the 8-liter powertrain.
Inside, the W16 Mistral is a sensory haven, with intricate woven leather on the door panels and a high-end sound system that makes every journey an auditory delight. A nod to Bugatti’s heritage is evident in the gear shifter, featuring an homage to Rembrandt Bugatti’s ‘dancing elephant’ sculpture, bridging the gap between Bugatti’s illustrious past and its pioneering present.
The W16 Mistral is not just a car; it’s a testament to Bugatti’s unwavering commitment to excellence, a luxurious gust that sweeps through the world of hyper sports cars, redefining what it means to drive with the top down.
