Sign InThe Bugatti Mistral Sets a New Record For the World’s Fastest Open-Top Roadster
December 17, 2024 2:30 AM
By: MPH Team
After nearly a decade of Hennessey holding the title for the world's fastest roofless roadster, Bugatti has dramatically reclaimed the crown—seemingly without trying, we might add. The Bugatti Mistral, the final model to feature the illustrious W16 engine, has officially set a new record by reaching an astonishing 282.9 mph.
The Mistral is a heartfelt farewell to the iconic 8.0-liter W16 quad-turbocharged engine that has powered Bugatti's record-breaking machines for nearly two decades. Since it first appeared under the hood of the Veyron in 2005, the W16 engine has been reconfigured and refined multiple times, with each iteration delivering even greater horsepower and speed to Bugatti's breathtaking line of hypercars.
Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, encapsulated the sentiment:
“We knew we had to create a roadster. And not just any roadster—we had to once again deliver something that pushes the boundaries of engineering, design, and performance."
The Mistral embodies this philosophy, marrying cutting-edge technology with the visceral thrill that only a Bugatti can provide.
Engineering Without Compromise
Achieving such a monumental top speed in an open-top car is no small feat. The absence of a fixed roof introduces significant aerodynamic challenges and structural considerations. Bugatti's engineers embarked on a mission to ensure that the Mistral not only met but exceeded the performance benchmarks set by its hardtop siblings.
Every curve and contour of the Mistral has been meticulously designed to optimize airflow and minimize drag:
- Front Design: The car features an enlarged horseshoe grille to channel more air into the high-capacity engine. Vertically stacked LED headlights are not just stylistic but also aid in aerodynamic efficiency.
- Rear Styling: The X-shaped taillights, inspired by the Bugatti Bolide, serve a dual purpose by venting heat from the side-mounted oil coolers, ensuring optimal engine temperatures during extreme performance.
- Underbody Optimization: The undercarriage is aerodynamically designed to create a Venturi effect, enhancing downforce and stability at high speeds.
Structural Integrity
To counteract the loss of rigidity that comes with removing the roof, the Mistral's monocoque chassis has been reinforced using advanced carbon fiber composites. This maintains torsional stiffness without adding unnecessary weight—a critical factor in achieving top-tier performance.
At its core, the Mistral houses the ultimate iteration of the W16 engine, delivering an immense 1,578 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. This power is managed through a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and a recalibrated seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, ensuring that the car's prodigious power is delivered smoothly and efficiently.
Andy Wallace, Bugatti's official test driver and a Le Mans 24 Hours winner, was the man behind the wheel during the record-breaking run. Reflecting on the experience, he remarked:
"Driving the Mistral at full throttle is an otherworldly experience. Feeling the elemental forces from the open-top cockpit and the sound of the immense W16 engine emanating from the air scoops next to my ear made the achievement incredibly emotional."
The record attempt took place at the Volkswagen Group's Ehra-Lessien test track in Germany, renowned for its 5.4-mile straight—ideal for high-speed runs. Achieving 282.9 mph in an open-top production car shatters the previous record held by the Hennessey Venom GT Spyder, which reached 265.6 mph in 2016.
Bugatti originally planned to produce 99 units of the Mistral, pricing each exclusive hypercar just north of $5 million. Discerning collectors snapped up every unit, recognizing the Mistral as not just a car but a rare collectible for years to come.
For this specific record-breaking attempt, a bespoke, one-off Mistral was graciously lent by a private owner. Dressed in a striking Black and Jet Orange livery, the car pays homage to Bugatti's traditional color scheme for record attempts.
A Special Celebration with the Owner
In a gesture that honors the intimate relationship between Bugatti and its clientele, the owner of the record-breaking Mistral was present to witness this historic moment firsthand. After the official run, Andy Wallace invited the owner for a high-speed passenger ride—a move that speaks volumes about the trust and camaraderie shared within this exclusive community.
As the sun sets on the W16 era, the Mistral serves as a fitting tribute to an engine that redefined hypercar performance for almost two decades. Introduced with the Veyron and perfected in the Chiron, the W16 engine has been the heart and soul of Bugatti's modern era.
As the supercar industry shifts gears toward hybridization and electrification, Bugatti is poised to usher in an exhilarating new chapter—one that includes a strategic joint venture with Rimac Automobili.
With Bugatti Rimac steering into the future, we can expect a fusion of heritage and high-tech innovation that will influence the next generation of hypercars.
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