Redefining Speed
When Bugatti was revived by the Volkswagen Group back in the late 2000s, people expected just another supercar. What was eventually launched was one of the first-ever hypercars, a blend of luxury, history, and speed. Ever since the Veyron’s debut of the mighty W16 quad-turbocharged 1,000 + hp engine, it has become the calling card for the models that have followed.
With Bugatti now under new management, the decision was made to retire the W16 after the Mistral’s production ended. The day has finally come, and Bugatti just rolled out the very last Mistral, with the final ever W16 engine.
Bugatti
The Last of Its Kind
The last Mistral has just rolled off the production line at the Atelier in Molsheim. Bugatti says the car is an open-top farewell to the W16 engine, and it features a two-tone livery of pearl and sparkle. According to the brand, this car captures the very statement that best describes the Mistral, uttered when it was launched as “The last of its kind.”
Setting this particular Mistral apart from the others is that the whole concept pays tribute not just to the iconic W16 but also to the Bugatti models powered by it. Emblazoned on the door cards are silhouettes of the Veyron, Chiron, and Mistral. Also etched across different panels of the car is the saying “The last of its kind.” You can find it on plaques inside the interior and also at the bottom of the automatically retractable rear wing.
For the customer who commissioned the final build, it was vital to also give a homage to the brand founder Ettore Bugatti. His signature can be found on the headrests, door sills, and engine cover, all of which are finished in aluminum. Also immortalized on the center armrest is a plate created in collaboration with Lalique, cast in a frozen crystal glass titled “Spirit of the wind.” Finally, a personal touch by the customer is a falcon head placed on the gear lever, a nod to the customer’s home region.
Bugatti
W16 Legacy and the Future
When the Veyron project was underway, it was imperative to equip it with the best and most powerful engine available. At the time, due to packaging constraints, a V16 would have been too long, so it was decided to combine two VR8 engines to create the W16 layout. In November of 2024, a one-of-one World Record Edition Mistral recorded a top speed of 282 mph, making it the fastest open-top production car in the world. For reference, the Veyron Super Sport’s official top-speed record is just 267 mph, while the fastest W16 configuration was the Chiron Super Sport, with a top-speed run of 304 mph.
The Tourbillon is the next-generation model to take Bugatti into the modern era. According to reports, it will feature an 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine that was developed in collaboration with master engine builders Cosworth.
Bugatti
