Bugatti has once again redefined the boundaries of automotive innovation with the W16 Mistral, setting a new top-speed world record for an open-top car at a breathtaking 453.91 km/h. This remarkable feat, achieved on November 9th at the Automotive Testing Papenburg (ATP) track in Germany, cements Bugatti’s place at the pinnacle of performance and engineering excellence.
A Legacy of Speed and Innovation
The Bugatti story is interwoven with record-breaking moments. From the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport reaching 431.07 km/h in 2010 to the Chiron Super Sport 300+ surpassing 490.48 km/h in 2019, Bugatti’s relentless pursuit of speed has been a hallmark of its identity. The W16 Mistral follows this legacy, building on the achievements of the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, which set a previous open-top record of 408.84 km/h in 2013.
The Road to Glory
Months of meticulous preparation and testing preceded this historic moment. Bugatti Pilote Officiel Andy Wallace, a Le Mans 24 Hours winner, took the wheel of the W16 Mistral, pushing its bespoke high-performance tires and unparalleled aerodynamics to their limits. With unwavering stability and the roaring sound of the W16 engine, the Mistral unleashed its full potential on ATP’s straight, confirming its place in history.
Reflecting on the experience, Wallace said:
“Feeling the elemental forces in the open-top cockpit and hearing the immense W16 engine beside me was overwhelmingly thrilling. It’s a true testament to Bugatti’s passion for innovation and excellence.”
A Unique Connection to Its Owner
For the first time, the owner of the record-breaking vehicle was present, witnessing this monumental achievement. As a tribute, the customer was offered an exclusive high-speed ride alongside Andy Wallace, almost matching the record-breaking pace. This event further solidifies the W16 Mistral as a centerpiece in an exceptional private collection, The Singh Collection, which includes other iconic Bugatti World Record Cars.
A Design That Reflects Power
The €14 million W16 Mistral World Record Car boasts a striking design with ‘Jet Orange’ accents against a visible-black carbon fiber exterior, echoing the signature hues of its record-breaking predecessors. Inside, orange accents continue the theme, enveloping the driver in an atmosphere of triumph and innovation.
An Achievement Etched in History
Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, celebrated this historic achievement, stating:
“Since 1909, Bugatti has pushed the boundaries of luxury, elegance, and performance. The W16 Mistral’s record-breaking feat is a testament to our passion for perfection and our unrelenting drive to make history.”
Specifications
- Engine: 8.0L quad-turbo W16
- Top Speed: 453.91 km/h (record-breaking open-top speed)
- Price: Approximately €14 million
- Special Features: Jet Orange accents, visible-black carbon fiber exterior
Source: Bugatti
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
