Bugatti's Mistral Shatters Open-Top Speed Record

Nov 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Bugatti's relentless pursuit of speed has once again yielded a remarkable achievement, as the brand's latest creation, the W16 Mistral, has set a new world record for the fastest open-top car. This latest triumph is a testament to Bugatti's unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering and performance.

Unleashing the Power of the Mistral

A Legacy of Record-Breaking Feats

Bugatti's reputation for shattering speed records is well-established, with a lineage of iconic cars that have etched their names in the annals of automotive history. From the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport's blistering 431.07 km/h record in 2010 to the Chiron Super Sport 300+'s closed-cockpit record of 490.48 km/h in 2019, the brand has consistently raised the bar for what's possible in the world of high-performance vehicles.

Conquering the Open-Top Challenge

Determined to outdo their previous open-top record, Bugatti set their sights on the W16 Mistral, a car designed to push the boundaries of open-top performance. On November 9th, at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH facilities in Germany, the Mistral took center stage, with racing driver Andy Wallace behind the wheel.

A Thrilling Moment in Automotive History

As Wallace navigated the Mistral through a warm-up lap, he soon unleashed the car's full power, accelerating to a breathtaking 453.91 km/h (282 mph). This remarkable achievement not only shattered the previous open-top speed record but also left Wallace and the Bugatti team in awe of the Mistral's capabilities.

Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Wallace's account of the record-breaking run captures the sheer exhilaration and technical prowess that went into this accomplishment. "Throughout the testing program leading up to this moment, it was incredible to feel how stable the car felt – I got the sense that it wanted to go faster," he said. "When it came to the moment itself, the experience was overwhelmingly thrilling; feeling the elemental forces from the open-top cockpit, the sound of the immense W16 engine emanating from the air scoops next to my ear."

A Shared Triumph

Adding to the significance of the day, the Mistral's customer was present to witness the record-breaking feat firsthand. The customer was given the rare opportunity to ride alongside Wallace on a second high-speed run, experiencing the raw power and precision of the Mistral at the limits of its performance.

Pushing the Boundaries of Automotive Innovation

The Bugatti W16 Mistral's record-breaking achievement is a testament to the brand's relentless pursuit of innovation and performance. By continuously pushing the boundaries of what's possible, Bugatti has solidified its position as a leader in the world of high-performance automobiles, inspiring awe and admiration from enthusiasts and industry alike.