The Bugatti Mistral is the famous W16 motor’s final swan song

It’s the end of an era. The epitome position of the Bugatti nameplate has cemented itself as one of the most illustrious and exclusive automotive brands to date. The earth-shaking and astounding W16 engine, an irreplaceable epithet to the badge itself, has come to an end. Its final resting place will be in the body of the recently unveiled Bugatti Mistral.

Bugatti Mistral

Image: Bugatti Newsroom

The Bugatti Mistal will be the last nameplate from the esteemed stable to receive the famed W16 motor and not only that, but the Mistral is Bugatti’s only roadster in the Chiron lineage. As the final appearance of the famed motor, it’s been paired with a car that encapsulates the idea of power, speed, and elegance. This open-top Chiron relative will only have 99 examples and will come with an asking price of 5 million euros (roughly R84 million) and is — unsurprisingly — already sold out.

Although being a roadster variant of the Chiron, it forgoes guillotined A-pillars and instead uses a completely redesigned carbon-fibre monocoque that has uncompromising performance of the model. The Mistral’s figure is a clear indicator of its Chiron heritage, but its front and rear fascia are bespoke designs exclusive to it alone.

Bugatti Mistral

Image: Bugatti Newsroom

Sacrificing neither form nor function, the staple front horseshoe centre intake is made larger and sheathes an engine radiator fed by the air flowing through the wider and deeper horseshoe vent. Alongside the centre vent is two air scoops purposed with feeding air to the intercoolers. Two engine air intakes found above the driver and passenger seat are another example of the firm’s seamless integration of purposeful poise.

The Mistral’s most striking feature is found on its rear. Allowing functional air venting from the oil coolers to the side radiators, the Mistral’s X-taillight design curtails the sleeker Bugatti roadster. As the interior is reminiscent of a Chiron, that same design is echoed in the interior.

Bugatti Newsroom

Image: Bugatti Newsroom

Lightweight titanium, aluminium, carbon fibre, and woven leather galore within the Mistral’s interior design alongside tasteful design hark to the firm’s recognizable dedication to quality.

As for the heart of the Bugatti Mistral, it’s the final rendition of the famed 12,7-litre W16 motor —akin to the W16 found in the Chiron Super Sport 300+—produces roughly 1176 kW and is capable of speeds exceeding 400 km/h. This means that the Bugatti Mistral is likely the most powerful and fastest roadster to date.

The post The Bugatti Mistral is the famous W16 motor’s final swan song appeared first on CAR Magazine.


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