FYI: Bugatti’s W16 Mistral Shatters World Speed Record, Setting a New Benchmark for Open-Top Cars.
In the realm of supercars, Bugatti continues to outshine its competitors by consistently pushing the boundaries of speed and performance. Known for producing some of the fastest vehicles on the planet, Bugatti has once again made history. With the W16 Mistral World Record Car, the luxury automaker has set a new world speed record for an open-top car by achieving an astounding 453.91 km/h.
Unmatched Speed Achievements
Bugatti holds a legendary reputation, especially with models like the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition, and Chiron Super Sport 300+. Each of these vehicles has distinguished itself by breaking world speed records. The latest masterpiece, the W16 Mistral, was tested at ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH in Germany, a venue renowned for automotive record-breaking achievements.
A New Era of Engineering Excellence
Beginning its record-breaking journey in June 2010, Bugatti’s Veyron 16.4 Super Sport shattered records by reaching 431.07 km/h. This accomplishment paved the way for Bugatti’s continued conquest of speed limits.
In 2019, the Chiron Super Sport 300+ stunned the automotive world by reaching 490.48 km/h, setting a new standard for closed-cockpit cars. Bugatti later explored open-top speeds, with the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse achieving 408.84 km/h. The W16 Mistral builds on this legacy, merging Bugatti’s engineering prowess with awe-inspiring speeds.
Historic Speed Run in Papenburg
On November 9th, the W16 Mistral embarked on its historic speed run in Papenburg. Witnessed by an array of guests, including Bugatti’s CEO, Mate Rimac, and other dignitaries, the atmosphere was charged with excitement. Driven by Le Mans 24-hour winner Andy Wallace, the Mistral commenced with a warm-up lap, its bespoke high-performance tires gripping the track, before accelerating down the straight to record-breaking speeds.
SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH officially confirmed the vehicle’s new world-record speed, bringing Bugatti’s innovative journey to new heights. Wallace described the experience as "overwhelmingly thrilling," as the car’s stability was evident even at such daunting speeds.
An Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Experience
In a unique turn of events, the private owner of the W16 Mistral witnessed this remarkable feat and even accompanied Wallace on a high-speed run, nearly matching the world-record top speed. This extraordinary experience marks a first in Bugatti’s history, as a customer took part in a record-breaking event.
Part of a notable collection, the W16 Mistral now joins other prestigious Bugatti legends like the Veyron and Chiron in The Singh Collection, a showcase of automotive excellence and a source of community pride in Punjab, India. The vehicle’s striking design includes ‘Jet Orange’ accents and a carbon-fiber exterior, aligning with the colors and aesthetics of its record-breaking predecessors.
Bugatti’s Continuing Legacy
"Since its inception in 1909, Bugatti has always pursued the limits of luxury, elegance, and performance," said Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac. "The W16 Mistral World Record Car is not just an accomplishment; it’s a new benchmark that reflects our team’s dedication and passion for making history."
This unparalleled achievement elevates Bugatti’s legacy, proving once again that the marque remains at the pinnacle of automotive innovation and prestige.
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William Rapp, Editor of Automotive.fyi
