The automotive world is witnessing a historic transition as the first Bugatti W16 Mistral roadsters leave the Molsheim Atelier, marking the end of the legendary W16 engine era. With production limited to just 99 units and a staggering price tag of $5 million each, these final W16-powered Bugattis represent both a technological pinnacle and collector’s dream.
The first two examples have been delivered to American owners, each featuring distinct customizations that showcase Bugatti’s unparalleled craftsmanship. One sports a sophisticated “Black Carbon” finish with “Bugatti Light Blue Sport” accents, while the other presents a striking “White Glacier” exterior complemented by “Blue Carbon,” “Atlantic Blue,” and “Italian Red” touches—a nod to both American and French heritage.
At the heart of the W16 Mistral lies Bugatti’s engineering masterpiece: the quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine producing an astounding 1,578 horsepower. This powerplant recently helped the Mistral earn the title of world’s fastest roadster, achieving a record-breaking top speed of 453.91 km/h (282 mph). The performance credentials make it the ultimate expression of open-top motoring, combining brutal power with the sensory experience that only a roadster can deliver.
The Mistral’s design pays homage to Bugatti’s iconic roadster heritage, drawing inspiration from classics like the 1934 Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid Usine. Its elegant bodywork balances aerodynamic efficiency with timeless beauty—a hallmark of Bugatti design philosophy.
Inside, both vehicles feature a particularly meaningful detail: Rembrandt Bugatti’s iconic “Dancing Elephant” sculpture integrated into the gear lever. This artistic element, machined from a single aluminum block, references the ornament that adorned the legendary Bugatti Type 41 Royale. The attention to historical detail demonstrates Bugatti’s commitment to honoring its rich legacy even as it looks toward the future.
Hendrik Malinowski, Bugatti’s Managing Director, describes the W16 Mistral as “not just a symbol of our commitment to automotive innovation; it also represents a spectacular showcase for the exquisite legacy of Bugatti roadster design, and a beautiful closing chapter of the legendary W16 era.”
As Bugatti transitions to its next chapter with the recently unveiled Tourbillon, featuring a new V16 powertrain, the W16 Mistral stands as the magnificent finale to an engineering era that redefined automotive performance boundaries. While most of these extraordinary machines will likely spend their lives in climate-controlled collections rather than on public roads, they represent the culmination of Bugatti’s two-decade pursuit of combining ultimate performance with unmatched luxury and artistry.
For collectors fortunate enough to secure one, the W16 Mistral isn’t merely an automobile—it’s the final verse in one of automotive history’s most extraordinary chapters.
