The Bugatti W16 Mistral has set a new benchmark for open-top vehicles, reaching an astounding 453.91km/h and seizing the title as the world’s fastest roofless car.
In a record-breaking attempt at Germany's Papenburg track this past week, Bugatti’s Pilote Officiel and Le Mans victor Andy Wallace took the hypercar to its unprecedented limit, adding another record to Bugatti's history.
Priced at a remarkable €14 million (around NZ$25 million), the W16 Mistral record car is triple the starting cost of the standard Chiron-based model, and the unique design embodies Bugatti's dedication to performance and exclusivity.
The model boasts a distinct Jet Orange livery, with eye-catching accents on its carbon fibre exterior and wheels, creating a bold yet refined look.
Inside, the cabin mirrors the exterior theme, adorned with orange highlights that reinforce its standout identity.
While Bugatti has not publicly detailed any modifications to the W16 Mistral’s 8.0-litre quad-turbo W16 engine or chassis, the company acknowledged that “months of intricate preparation, and meticulously planned testing” enabled the car to achieve this speed.
Notably, the car’s owner is part of an elite circle of collectors, housing Bugatti’s key record-breaking models as part of 'The Singh Collection' in Punjab, India.
This collection includes the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse and the Chiron Super Sport 300+ - each iconic in its respective speed milestones.
Bugatti had initially stepped back from the speed record chase in 2019.
However, the allure of pushing boundaries with the W16 Mistral proved too compelling for the Molsheim brand to ignore.
Now, enthusiasts are already speculating whether Bugatti’s forthcoming model, the Tourbillon, limited to 445 km/h, might one day attempt its own record-breaking feat.
With the W16 Mistral's achievement, Bugatti reaffirms its prowess in high-speed engineering, setting a new benchmark for open-top vehicles and reminding the world of its enduring legacy.
