The Journey of the W16 Engine When Bugatti launched the Veyron back in 2005, similar to the EB110 they wanted their latest engineering marvel to feature a bespoke engine to push hypercar performance to the next level. The result was combining two 4.0l Twin-Turbo V8s to create an 8.0L Quad-Turbo 1001 horsepower bespoke W16 engine. This not only propelled the Veyron to 253mph making it the fastest car in the world back then but featured ten radiators to keep the car cook. Over the years Bugatti have constantly fettled this unit to generate more power and torque in cars like the Chiron and Mistral, eventually reaching its peak with 1825 horsepower in the Bolide. Read More 2024 Bugatti Mistral’s Design Explained: How this Open-Air W16 finale masters aerodynamics? However, due to recent stringencies on emissions and regulations, this unruly, roaring, powertrain of torque, power and speed is being forced into retirement. With the Tourbillon using a brand new 8.3L V16, this engine is due to meet its end this year, celebrated through the bespoke and brilliant Mistral, unveiled in 2022. Bugatti Mistral: A Final Celebration that Pushes Boundaries to the Next Level Underneath its bespoke and beautiful body, the Mistral is strikingly similar to the incredible Chiron SuperSport. They both feature an 8.0l Quad Turbo 1578 horsepower W16 with 1180 lb-ft of torque, all-wheel drive and launch control, resulting in both having a 0-62mph sprint time of 2.5 seconds. The design of the Mistral follows Bugatti’s principle of 'form follows performance.' Its iconic horseshoe grille has been widened, and the redesigned C-line is raised. The car also features massive air intakes, keeping the W16, gearbox and rear axle in order to grant maximum performance. The design takes inspiration from many of Bugatti’s past models. Most of the design pays homage to Bugatti’s most iconic car the Type 57 such as redesigned C-line. The air intakes are inspired by the Bugatti’s first convertible hypercar, the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse. But all these features were really brought to the forefront on the 9th of November, 2024. At the Papenberg High-Speed Oval in North West Germany, with Bugatti’s chief test driver Andy Wallace at the wheel, the Mistral achieved a phenomenal 282.04mph. Officially this makes it the fastest convertible ever created, and really sends this engine off in the best way possible. Even at the end, it continues to be an unruly, roaring, powertrain of torque, power and speed. Read More Bugatti Mistral Sets World Record Speed For Convertibles: Overtaking Hennessey and Ending the W16’s Tenure on a High Note The Beginning of the End Bugatti have officially built their first two of the sold-out 99 completed Mistrals, each at $5.4 million. One is offered in a full-black carbon fibre exterior with ‘Bugatti Light Blue Sport’ accents. The other boasts a ‘Blue Carbon’ finish, ‘Atlantic Blue’ and ‘Italian Red’ accents, and an all-white leather interior. Both feature a Dancing Elephant sculpture elegantly integrated into the gearbox. This calls back to Rembrandt Bugatti, an Italian Sculptor who specialises in Bronze Sculptures of wildlife animals. Regardless, the Mistral is the last of its kind. A fond farewell to an iconic revolution, as it breaks records for one last time. F1rstMotors Facts and FiguresManufacturerBugatti Automobiles S.A.SModelMistralYear of Release2024Engine8.0L Quad-Turbo W16Horsepower1578hpTorque1180 lb–ft0–62mph (100km/h)2.5 secondsTop Speed261mph (420 km/h)Weight1,995kg (2 tonnes)Power to Weight791 hp per tonneGearbox8–speed Dual ClutchDriven WheelsAll Wheel Drive Source: Bugatti
