Bugatti closes an era with the last W16-powered masterpiece
Bugatti has officially turned a historic page with the Bugatti Mistral, the final production model to feature the brand’s legendary quad-turbo W16 engine. As detailed in the latest updates from EVO, the Mistral represents not just another hypercar release but a symbolic farewell to an engineering era that redefined high-performance automotive design.
With Bugatti transitioning toward an electrified future through its partnership with Rimac, the Bugatti Mistral serves as a meticulously crafted celebration of the company’s combustion-engine legacy, offering unmatched craftsmanship, extreme performance figures and a design philosophy that blends art with aerodynamics.
A Farewell to the Iconic W16 Engine
The heart of the Bugatti Mistral is the timeless 8.0-liter W16 engine that has been central to the brand’s identity since the Veyron debuted in 2005. Producing an astonishing 1,578 horsepower, the engine is the same one that powers the Chiron Super Sport, making the Mistral not only a farewell edition but also the most powerful roadster ever created by Bugatti.
With production strictly limited to 99 units globally, every Mistral is already sold, underscoring the intense demand for what is likely to be Bugatti’s last pure-combustion product. Collectors worldwide consider this model a once-in-a-generation opportunity, marking the end of an iconic powertrain era.
A Roadster Designed Around Performance and Luxury
The Mistral’s design is a radical departure from the Chiron while maintaining familiar cues. Bugatti engineers reshaped the entire upper section to create a new open-top silhouette, ensuring structural rigidity without compromising aerodynamic excellence.
Highlights include:
- A completely new monocoque optimised for open-air performance
- Sculpted air intakes inspired by the Bugatti Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid
- A redesigned front light signature
- A flowing rear end integrating the iconic X-shaped taillights
Bugatti says the Mistral’s design is more than aesthetic; it helps generate optimal airflow over the cockpit while ensuring the W16 receives sufficient cooling during high-speed runs.
Record-Breaking Ambitions
In true Bugatti fashion, the Bugatti Mistral is not merely a collector’s item but a performance machine engineered to break records. The brand intends for the Mistral to claim the title of fastest open-top car in the world, a record Bugatti last held with the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse at 254.04 mph.
Though Bugatti has not publicly confirmed a top-speed attempt date, insiders suggest the car’s aerodynamic profile and power output could push it well beyond 260 mph, cementing its status as a historic engineering achievement.
Interior Craftsmanship at Its Finest
The interior of the Bugatti Mistral is a celebration of hand-built luxury. Combining traditional artisanal techniques with modern materials, the cabin features:
- Premium leather finishes inspired by French craftsmanship
- Titanium, aluminium and carbon-fibre components
- A bespoke gear shifter shaped like Rembrandt Bugatti’s “dancing elephant” sculpture
Each customer receives extensive customization options, allowing them to tailor their Mistral to personal tastes, from colour palettes to stitching and bespoke emblems.
Bugatti’s Future Beyond the W16
While the Bugatti Mistral marks the end of the W16 era, the brand is already preparing its next evolution in partnership with Rimac. The upcoming Bugatti model—expected to debut with an electrified V16 hybrid powertrain—will signal a dramatic shift in the brand’s technological direction.
Despite the move toward hybridisation, Bugatti emphasises that its core principles will remain unchanged: elegance, extreme engineering and artistic automotive expression.
A Collector’s Dream and a Symbol of Transition
The Bugatti Mistral stands as a historic landmark in automotive engineering. For enthusiasts, it represents the pinnacle of combustion-engine hypercars; for Bugatti, it marks the transition into a bold new electrified chapter. With every unit already sold, the Mistral is poised to become one of the most sought-after Bugatti models ever produced.
Conclusion
As the final roar of the W16 engine fades into history, the Bugatti Mistral stands as both a tribute to two decades of engineering brilliance and a glimpse toward Bugatti’s future. With unmatched performance, breathtaking design and historical significance, the Mistral is truly the ultimate farewell.For more updates on cutting-edge technology, automotive innovation and startup insights, visit StartupNews.fyi.
