The Conclusion of the W-16 Legacy

The legendary W-16 engine chapter at Bugatti has officially reached its final page. In Molsheim, the brand has completed production of the very last Mistral, a vehicle aptly titled "The last of its kind." As the 99th and final unit of its production run, this open-top roadster serves as the ultimate send-off for one of the most significant powertrains in automotive history.


The Mistral, which functions as the convertible counterpart to the Chiron, remains exceptionally exclusive with only 99 units built, compared to the 500 Chirons produced. It carries the formidable quad-turbo W-16 powertrain, a machine that famously set the world speed record for open-roof production cars, reaching 282 mph at the Papenburg track earlier in 2024.


Looking Beyond the W-16

While Bugatti refers to this model as the "closing chapter" of the W-16's journey on public roads, the manufacturer has left the door slightly ajar for potential non-road-going applications in the future. However, for standard production vehicles, the focus has firmly shifted.

Moving forward, the brand is transitioning to an 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V-16 engine. This new powerplant is set to debut in the highly anticipated Tourbillon, which will be built at the newly inaugurated facility, La Manufacture.


Bespoke Details of the Final Build

The final Mistral is a showcase of exquisite craftsmanship, featuring a two-tone exterior color scheme of Pearl and Sparkle. The cabin is equally sophisticated, finished in a combination of Magnolia and Grey Carbon Matt. Key details include:

  • Ettore Bugatti's signature meticulously etched into the headrests, aluminum door sills, and the engine cover.
  • A frozen crystal glass insert on the armrest inscribed with the phrase "Spirit of the Wind."

According to the company, the crystal glass detail serves as a tribute to the enduring partnership between Bugatti and the renowned French glassmaker, Lalique. While this final model takes a more understated approach than some of the recent, highly experimental iterations like the porcelain-adorned Blanc Eternal, it stands as a historic milestone, bridging the gap between Bugatti's storied past and its high-performance future.