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Bugatti has once again broken records with the W16 Mistral, setting a new top speed for open-top vehicles at an astonishing 453.91 km/h. This remarkable achievement, achieved at Germany’s ATP Automotive Testing facility in Papenburg, adds a new chapter to Bugatti’s legendary legacy of record-breaking performance. The W16 Mistral joins Bugatti’s iconic line of record-breakers, including the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse and the Chiron Super Sport 300+.
The journey to this record was no small task. Months of rigorous testing and painstaking preparation culminated on November 9 when Bugatti Pilote Officiel and Le Mans winner Andy Wallace took the W16 Mistral on its record-breaking run. Wallace’s precise driving and Bugatti’s ultra-modern technology ensured that the Mistral reached this unprecedented speed. After strict supervision by SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH, the record was officially confirmed, cementing the W16 Mistral’s place in automotive history.
Beneath its sleek, carbon fiber exterior, the W16 Mistral houses a powerful quad-turbocharged W16 engine, delivering an exhilarating driving experience enhanced by its open-top design. Wallace described the ride as an overwhelming sensory experience, as he felt the full force of the wind and heard the roar of the engine echoing from the air intakes next to him.
Unique to this record-breaking event was the presence of the vehicle’s owner, who also had the rare opportunity to drive Wallace at high speed, potentially setting an unofficial passenger speed record.
Part of The Singh Collection, an esteemed car collection showcasing Bugatti’s world record editions, the W16 Mistral features a distinctive design with Jet Orange accents and an exposed black carbon finish. This design draws on Bugatti’s signature aesthetic, which was used on previous record-setting models, creating a visual and historical continuity within the brand.
Reflecting on this achievement, Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, celebrated the success of the Mistral: “With the unparalleled performance of the W16 Mistral World Record Car etched into the history books, we see that not only is history repeating itself, but new history is being written.”
With this new record, Bugatti has once again proven that it remains at the forefront of automotive innovation, combining power, luxury and performance in ways that continue to redefine the boundaries of possibility.
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