Bugatti has commenced deliveries of the highly anticipated W16 Mistral, marking the final chapter of its legendary quad-turbocharged W16 engine. The first customer units have now arrived in the United States, each representing the pinnacle of bespoke craftsmanship and performance engineering.
First unveiled at Monterey Car Week in 2022, the W16 Mistral pays homage to Bugatti’s rich heritage of open-top motoring. The design draws inspiration from iconic roadsters such as the 1934 Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid, blending timeless elegance with cutting-edge performance. With a record-breaking top speed of 453.91km/h, the Mistral now holds the title of the world’s fastest roadster, reinforcing Bugatti’s legacy of extreme performance.
Following its global debut, the W16 Mistral embarked on an extensive world tour, captivating audiences at Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille in France before making its way to the Middle East, Japan, Singapore, and the winding roads of Southern France. Each stop showcased the roadster’s combination of refined aesthetics and unparalleled engineering, building anticipation among collectors and automotive enthusiasts.
Now, as the first examples reach their owners, the personalisation and craftsmanship of each vehicle highlight Bugatti’s commitment to exclusivity. One of the first models delivered features a striking “Black Carbon” exterior, contrasted by “Bugatti Light Blue Sport” accents. This variant exudes power and refinement, with matte accents on the engine cover paying tribute to the legendary W16 engine. The interior is adorned with “Bugatti Light Blue Sport” leather upholstery, complemented by “Black Carbon” matte finishes and “Beluga Black” stitching.
In contrast, another W16 Mistral delivered to the U.S. showcases a “White Glacier” finish, accented with “Blue Carbon,” “Atlantic Blue,” and “Italian Red” details—an homage to both the French heritage of Bugatti and the American flag. The exterior’s polished aluminium highlights further enhance its sleek aesthetic, while the interior features a full-white leather and carbon fibre theme with “Lake Blue” stitching, reflecting meticulous attention to detail.
A unifying feature in both cars is the inclusion of Rembrandt Bugatti’s iconic “Dancing Elephant” motif, intricately displayed within the gear lever. Crafted from a single block of aluminium, this artistic detail references the sculpture that once adorned the legendary Bugatti Type 41 Royale. Each W16 Mistral’s interior is further distinguished by personalized elements, with the “Black Carbon” model featuring the motif encased in “Bugatti Light Blue” leather, while the “White Glacier” edition presents it in “Italian Red” glass, set within hand-crafted wood.
The delivery of the W16 Mistral marks a significant milestone for Bugatti, coming just months after the completion of the final hand-crafted Chiron and the unveiling of its successor, the Tourbillon. As the last model to feature the groundbreaking W16 powertrain, the Mistral serves as a grand finale to an era of unparalleled automotive innovation. With only a select number of units produced, it remains an exclusive tribute to Bugatti’s heritage, offering an unrivalled driving experience to a handful of privileged owners.
As Bugatti transitions into a new era, the W16 Mistral stands as a testament to the brand’s dedication to performance, artistry, and engineering excellence. With its combination of breathtaking speed, luxurious craftsmanship, and historic significance, the ultimate Bugatti roadster is poised to become a cherished collector’s masterpiece for generations to come.
