The wind of change is sweeping through Bugatti, heralding the end of an extraordinary chapter in automotive history. With the first deliveries of the W16 Mistral now reaching their esteemed owners, the legendary W16 era takes its final bow in unparalleled style. More than just a vehicle, the W16 Mistral represents an engineering marvel and a celebration of Bugatti’s timeless pursuit of speed, luxury, and craftsmanship.
A Legacy Rooted in Heritage
The genesis of the W16 Mistral can be traced back through Bugatti’s distinguished lineage of open-top masterpieces. Echoing the spirit of the 1934 Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid Usine and the exquisite Type 57S Roadster by Corsica, the W16 Mistral redefines the roadster experience. From its inception, Bugatti’s design philosophy has seamlessly blended power with elegance—an ethos now embodied in the W16 Mistral.
Unveiled at Monterey Car Week in 2022, the W16 Mistral captivated audiences with its striking presence and aerodynamic artistry. Its spellbinding debut set the stage for a global tour, mesmerizing crowds from Europe to Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Everywhere it went, the Mistral left a lasting impression—a final tribute to Bugatti’s legendary W16 powertrain.
The Pinnacle of Open-Top Performance
More than just a beauty, the W16 Mistral is a force of nature. Housing the most powerful iteration of Bugatti’s revered quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine, the roadster achieved an unprecedented milestone—becoming the fastest open-top production car ever with a breathtaking top speed of 453.91 km/h. This monumental achievement solidifies the Mistral’s place in the automotive hall of fame, forever etching its name alongside the most iconic Bugatti creations.
A Masterpiece in Motion
Now, the first meticulously crafted examples of the W16 Mistral have left Bugatti’s Alsatian Atelier, ready to embark on their next journey with their owners. Each car is a testament to Bugatti’s uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship and individuality.
One of the first deliveries features a striking ‘Black Carbon’ finish with ‘Bugatti Light Blue Sport’ accents, exuding a commanding presence with its full-black aesthetic. The matt accents on the engine cover pay homage to the legendary W16, a final salute to one of the most celebrated engines in hypercar history. Inside, ‘Bugatti Light Blue Sport’ leather upholstery and ‘Beluga Black’ stitching elevate the cockpit’s bespoke refinement.
In contrast, another of the initial W16 Mistrals is a stunning vision in white, adorned in ‘White Glacier’ with ‘Blue Carbon’ detailing. A tribute to both Bugatti’s French heritage and its owner’s American roots, the vehicle incorporates subtle ‘Atlantic Blue’ and ‘Italian Red’ highlights. The interior, draped in full-white leather with ‘Lake Blue’ stitching, echoes the purity and sophistication of Bugatti’s design philosophy.
Artistry in Every Detail
Bugatti’s homage to its storied past is elegantly captured in every aspect of the W16 Mistral. The gear-lever, adorned with Rembrandt Bugatti’s iconic ‘Dancing Elephant’ sculpture, is a masterpiece in itself. Carved from a single block of aluminum, this emblem of craftsmanship is a nod to the Bugatti Type 41 Royale—a car synonymous with opulence and grandeur.
Each of these exclusive roadsters tells its own story, a vision uniquely crafted for its owner. Whether encased in ‘Bugatti Light Blue’ leather or ‘Italian Red’ glass with handcrafted wood, the gear-lever sculpture encapsulates the essence of Bugatti’s artistry and legacy.
A Grand Farewell to an Icon
“The Bugatti W16 Mistral is not just a symbol of our commitment to automotive innovation; it also represents a spectacular showcase for the exquisite legacy of Bugatti roadster design, and a beautiful closing chapter of the legendary W16 era,” says Hendrik Malinowski, Bugatti Managing Director. “Exclusive, elegant, and powerful in every sense, it celebrates the majesty of a pure, elegant design vision, with a mastery of the laws of physics. It is a wonder of roadster engineering for the ages.”
As the final encore to Bugatti’s W16 masterpiece, the W16 Mistral marks the end of an era while setting the stage for the brand’s future. Following the completion of the last Chiron, Bugatti embarks on an exciting new journey with the Tourbillon—a beacon of the brand’s next chapter. But for now, the W16 Mistral stands as the ultimate expression of Bugatti’s roadster heritage, a machine unmatched in its capabilities, character, and legacy. And for those fortunate enough to call one their own, the W16 Mistral is more than a car—it is history in motion.
