Bugatti has a rich history in creating high-performance roadsters, with a legacy that spans over a century of automotive breakthroughs. From the iconic Type 35 to the legendary Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, Bugatti has continually pushed the boundaries of design and performance in convertible vehicles. The latest addition to this impressive lineage is the W16 Mistral.
The W16 Mistral is a significant model as it marks Bugatti’s first open-top vehicle since 2015 and serves as a tribute to the brand’s unparalleled W16 engine. Given the project’s importance and Bugatti’s commitment to upholding its high standards, the testing process for the Mistral has been thorough and rigorous.
The Mistral car incorporates the latest version of the renowned W16 engine, refined aerodynamics, and a redesigned chassis for maximum performance, luxury, and a top speed exceeding 420 km/h.
Bugatti has meticulously reviewed every detail of the Mistral design to ensure exceptional performance, safety, and durability. The engineers have put significant effort into creating Bugatti’s most advanced roadster. As we progress into the latter half of 2024, the W16 Mistral is now in its final evaluation phase.
“We are in the last part of the testing program – we are getting close to the finish. From the initial validation stages to the intensive endurance tests, every aspect of the Mistral’s development is precisely planned and executed. The Mistral is the ultimate example of our dedication to setting new standards in roadster design.” Emilio Scervo – CTO of Bugatti Rimac.
Stringent crash tests have been successfully completed to ensure the Mistral’s ability to protect occupants in case of a collision. These tests are crucial due to the incorporation of a new monocoque in the redesign and play an essential role in meeting regulatory requirements for various markets like North America and Europe, in compliance with international safety standards.
Now, after completing aerodynamic evaluation in October and testing the W16 engine and its transmission on the dynamometer to ensure top performance, Bugatti is running tests on its Mistral prototypes to assess their performance in various driving conditions. These tests cover safety, emissions, endurance, and drivability.
The Bugatti Mistral has undergone extensive road tests. Just Prototype 2 has already traveled an impressive 32,000km, demonstrating its adaptability and durability across different terrains, altitudes, and traffic conditions. Bugatti plans to further push the limits with an additional 5,000 kilometers on the track, aiming for a total of 40,000km – a milestone rarely reached by modern Bugatti customer cars.
One of the most challenging parts of the upcoming tests will be verifying the Mistral’s top speed. Engineering teams face the logistical hurdle of finding a suitable track to safely test the Mistral at speeds exceeding 420km/h. Despite this challenge, Bugatti is confident that the Mistral will not only set records but also surpass expectations.
“We are planning to conduct the final high-speed test on one of the few tracks globally that allow us to perform the test safely. Once we have access to that track, achieving the top speed will no longer pose a challenge,” said Emilio Scervo.
Bugatti has been committed to developing the Mistral to meet their high-performance standards as well as to set new benchmarks for safety and reliability in a hypersports roadster. The car is designed to offer a luxurious and exceptional driving experience. As the Mistral nears the completion of its testing phase, Bugatti plans to start production at the Molsheim Atelier later this year.
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