In a bittersweet moment for Bugatti enthusiasts, the iconic 8.0-litre, quad-turbocharged W16 engine that has powered the brand's high-performance models for years is nearing the end of its reign. As the company prepares to unveil the naturally aspirated hybrid V16 setup found in the new Tourbillon, the Bugatti Mistral has emerged as the final swan song for the legendary W16 powerplant, setting a new open-top speed record in the process.

Unleashing the Mistral's Unparalleled Performance

A Swansong for the Legendary W16 Engine

The Bugatti Mistral, a highly limited-run roadster with just 99 units slated for production, has been designed to give the W16 engine a proper send-off. Based on the Chiron, the Mistral is powered by the same 1578bhp version of the W16 as the Chiron Super Sport, serving as a testament to the engine's unparalleled capabilities.

Shattering the Open-Top Speed Record

In a recent record attempt, the Mistral, part of a private collection in India, was shipped to the massive automotive test facility at Papenburg in northern Germany. Piloted by Andy Wallace, the 1988 24 Hours of Le Mans winner and the man behind the wheel for all of Bugatti's past speed records, the roofless Mistral was able to reach a staggering top speed of 453.91 kph, or 282 mph. This achievement has officially dethroned the Hennessey Venom GT Spyder as the fastest open-top car of all time.

The Emotional Thrill of the Record-Breaking Run

According to Wallace, the experience of piloting the Mistral to this record-breaking speed was "overwhelmingly thrilling." He described the sensation of feeling the "elemental forces from the open-top cockpit" and the "sound of the immense W16 engine emanating from the air scoops" as making the achievement incredibly emotional.

Uncertainty Surrounding the Record's Status

While the Mistral's record-breaking run was verified by the German testing agency SGS-TÜV Saar, it's unclear whether the car will be officially recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records. This is because the run was only achieved in one direction, a requirement for inclusion in the prestigious record book. Additionally, it's uncertain if the Mistral used for the record attempt differed from the other 98 units in any mechanical way, as Bugatti has specifically designated it as the "Mistral World Record Car."

The Mistral's Place in Bugatti's Legacy

The Bugatti Mistral's record-breaking achievement serves as a fitting farewell to the iconic W16 engine that has powered the brand's high-performance models for years. As the company prepares to transition to a new era with the Tourbillon's V16 setup, the Mistral's remarkable performance and the emotional connection it evokes from drivers like Andy Wallace solidify its place in Bugatti's illustrious history.