Bugatti has once again etched its name into the automotive history books with the W16 Mistral World Record Car setting a new top-speed world record for an open-top vehicle at 453.91 km/h. The achievement, realised at the world-class ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH facility, underscores Bugatti’s relentless pursuit of innovation and engineering excellence.
A Legacy of Speed and Innovation
The W16 Mistral’s accomplishment is the latest chapter in Bugatti’s storied history of speed records, following iconic milestones set by the Veyron and Chiron models. In June 2010, the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport achieved a top speed of 431.07 km/h, solidifying Bugatti’s reputation as a leader in high-performance engineering.
Building on this foundation, Bugatti shattered the closed-cockpit record in 2019, with the Chiron Super Sport 300+ reaching 490.48 km/h. In 2013, the marque turned its attention to open-top vehicles, with the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse reaching 408.84 km/h – a record for convertibles that remained unchallenged until now.
Breaking New Ground with the W16 Mistral
After months of meticulous preparation and testing, the W16 Mistral’s record-breaking run took place on November 9, 2024. Bugatti Pilote Officiel Andy Wallace, a Le Mans 24 Hours winner, piloted the vehicle. Starting with a warm-up lap to prepare the bespoke high-performance tires, Wallace gradually increased speed, unleashing the W16 Mistral’s full power as he transitioned from the banking to the straight.
The record-breaking speed of 453.91 km/h was officially verified by SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH, marking the W16 Mistral as the fastest open-top car in history.
A Landmark Moment for Bugatti’s Customer
In a first for Bugatti, the customer of the W16 Mistral World Record Car was present to witness the historic achievement. As part of the celebrations, the owner joined Wallace for a high-speed run, nearly matching the record-breaking speed – an unofficial record for the fastest-ever passenger ride.
The W16 Mistral joins an extraordinary collection of Bugatti World Record Cars, including the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, and Chiron Super Sport 300+. This unique collection, known as The Singh Collection, reflects the visionary legacy of its owner, celebrating the achievements of the automotive community from Punjab, India.
A Unique Masterpiece
The W16 Mistral World Record Car’s design pays homage to Bugatti’s record-breaking heritage. Finished in visible black carbon with striking “Jet Orange” accents on the lower body and wheels, the vehicle features a bold design language that originated with the Veyron World Record Cars and evolved through the Chiron and W16 Mistral.
Inside, orange-accented details throughout the cabin complement the exterior, creating an immersive experience that embodies the spirit of record-breaking triumph.
Priced at €14 million, the W16 Mistral World Record Car represents the pinnacle of Bugatti’s engineering excellence and a fitting conclusion to the W16 era. As Bugatti continues its pursuit of automotive innovation, the W16 Mistral stands as a testament to the marque’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance and design.
