Bugatti has long been synonymous with automotive excellence, pushing the boundaries of speed and performance since its revival in 2005. The iconic 8.0L Quad-Turbo W16 engine has powered some of the fastest hypercars in the world, setting multiple speed records over its 20-year reign. However, stringent emission regulations have rendered the legendary engine unviable for future production. As a fitting farewell, Bugatti has ensured that its final W16-powered machine, the Mistral, cemented its place in history with a breathtaking top-speed run.
Behind the Scenes of the Mistral’s Record-Breaking Top Speed Run
Originally, Bugatti planned to limit the Mistral’s top speed to 261 mph, but British businessman Reuben Singh—who owns every record edition of Bugatti hypercars—discussed with CEO Mate Rimac about attempting an unrestricted top-speed run. Not every owner of a $14.7 million hypercar would want to push it to its maximum potential, but Bugatti saw an opportunity to make history. Two months ago, the Mistral set an all-new convertible top-speed record.
Unlike previous Bugatti speed tests conducted at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien proving grounds, the Mistral’s run took place at the Papenburg High-Speed Oval in Northwest Germany. This was due to Bugatti now being under Rimac’s ownership instead of Volkswagen. With Andy Wallace—the brand’s legendary test driver—behind the wheel, the Mistral achieved a remarkable 282 mph, setting a new record for convertible hypercars.
The Evolution of Bugatti’s W16 Record Breakers
Veyron: The Beginning of a New Era (2005)
When Bugatti launched the Veyron in 2005, it completely redefined the hypercar segment. With a 1,000-horsepower W16 engine, the Veyron was both a technological marvel and an engineering masterpiece. It combined the refinement of a Rolls-Royce with the drivability of a Volkswagen Golf, all while delivering an astonishing top speed of 253 mph, officially making it the fastest car in the world at the time.
Veyron Super Sport: Raising the Bar (2010)
Five years later, Bugatti introduced the Veyron Super Sport, an even more potent version of its groundbreaking hypercar. With 1,200 horsepower, the Super Sport took on the challenge of breaking new records. At Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien test track, it achieved a top speed of 267 mph, solidifying its place as the world’s fastest production car.
Chiron: The Next Generation (2016)
A decade after the Veyron, Bugatti unveiled its successor—the Chiron. While it retained the mighty 8.0L W16 engine, it was significantly refined to produce 1,479 horsepower. Later, Bugatti introduced the Chiron Super Sport 300+, an even more extreme version with a sleeker aerodynamic profile and an output of 1,580 horsepower.
In 2019, with Andy Wallace at the helm, the Chiron Super Sport 300+ became the first road-legal production car to break the 300 mph barrier. On the 5.4-mile straight at Ehra-Lessien, it reached an astonishing 305 mph. Following this milestone, then-CEO Stephen Winkelmann announced that Bugatti would no longer chase speed records.
The Swan Song: Mistral’s Final Triumph
As the final chapter in Bugatti’s W16 legacy, the Mistral represents the pinnacle of performance, engineering, and craftsmanship. With its record-breaking 282 mph top speed, it solidifies Bugatti’s place as the ultimate speed champion in the hypercar world.
The Bugatti W16 era may have come to an end, but its legacy will endure forever in the history of automotive excellence. The Mistral’s incredible feat ensures that Bugatti’s unmatched pursuit of speed will never be forgotten.
The Legacy of Bugatti’s W16: A History of Record-Breaking Speed