Bugatti’s Grand Finale: The Mistral Sets a New Benchmark for Speed
As Bugatti prepares to turn the page on the illustrious Chiron era, the company has unleashed a final masterpiece: the Bugatti Mistral. This stunning convertible has made waves in the automotive world by establishing a new world record, barreling down the track at an astonishing 282 mph—an impressive feat that eclipses the previous record held by the Hennessey Venom GT Spyder, which reached 265.6 mph in 2016.
The record-breaking run took place at the Automotive Testing facility in Papenburg, Germany, where renowned test driver Andy Wallace guided the Mistral. This venue, constrained to 4 kilometers—approximately 2.5 miles—offered a more limited stretch compared to the expansive Ehra-Lessien track, where previous records were set. The shift in location stems from Bugatti’s recent alliance with Rimac, leaving Volkswagen and its renowned track behind.
Commenting on the exhilarating experience, Wallace noted, “The Mistral was still climbing.” Entering the straight at a swift 124 mph, the results were nothing short of extraordinary. Compared to the famed Ehra-Lessien, where a longer stretch would have provided ample room, the supplied distance proved more than adequate to showcase the Mistral’s capabilities.
The Mistral shares its high-performance lineage with the Chiron Super Sport 300+, the first legal road vehicle to breach the elusive 300 mph mark, also piloted by Wallace in 2019. “I don’t think we reached our maximum velocity with either the Mistral or the Chiron Super Sport 300+, but we were very close,” he posited.
Unveiling the Mistral: A Design and Engineering Triumph
Named after the powerful winds of southern France, the Bugatti Mistral is more than just a headline-maker; it is a notable piece of engineering art. Beneath its elegant surface lies a quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 engine capable of generating a staggering 1,578 horsepower—100 more than the standard Chiron model. This prodigious power is seamlessly delivered to all four wheels via a sophisticated seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Visually, the Mistral draws inspiration from various iconic Bugatti designs, boasting vertical headlamps reminiscent of the singular La Voiture Noir, alongside rear lights derived from the track-focused Bolide. Meticulous modifications were introduced to ensure stability and handling at exhilarating speeds, solidifying its place in automotive history.
Limited to just 99 handcrafted units, the Mistral carries an eye-watering price tag of $5 million each, underscoring its exclusivity and bespoke craftsmanship.
Looking Ahead: The Bugatti Tourbillon
As the curtain draws near on the Chiron lineage, anticipation builds for the upcoming Bugatti Tourbillon, which takes a radically different approach to performance. While it retains a sixteen-cylinder engine, the configuration shifts to a V-formation, eliminating turbochargers in favor of three electric motors. This innovative design is poised to deliver an impressive output of 1,800 horsepower, with a claimed top speed of 277 mph. However, knowing Bugatti, it is plausible that this number may just be a starting point as they strive to push the boundaries of speed further still.
Your move, Hennessey.
Source:www.autoblog.com
