Bugatti has once again redefined automotive speed records, this time with the Mistral convertible. Closing the chapter on the Chiron era, the Mistral achieved an astonishing 282 mph, making it the fastest open-top car in the world and overtaking the Hennessey Venom GT Spyder’s 2016 record of 265.6 mph.
The record-breaking run took place at the Automotive Testing facility in Papenburg, Germany, with Bugatti’s seasoned test driver Andy Wallace at the helm. Despite the shorter 2.5-mile straightaway at Papenburg—compared to the 5-mile stretch at Ehra-Lessien, where past Bugatti speed records were set—Wallace was able to maximize the Mistral’s performance. Entering the straight at 124 mph, he pushed the car to its limits, achieving the record-setting speed with room to spare.
The Mistral is a technical marvel based on the Chiron Super Sport 300+, the first road-legal car to surpass 300 mph. Under its striking exterior lies Bugatti’s legendary quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine, producing a staggering 1,578 horsepower—100 more than the standard Chiron. Power is delivered to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, ensuring both speed and stability.
Stylistically, the Mistral incorporates design cues from Bugatti’s most exclusive models. Its vertical headlamps draw inspiration from the one-off La Voiture Noire, while the rear light arrangement echoes the track-exclusive Bolide. Additional aerodynamic modifications ensure the car remains stable and road-gripping at extreme speeds.
Limited to just 99 units and priced at $5 million each, the Mistral is as exclusive as it is groundbreaking. Named after the powerful winds of southern France, the car represents the peak of Bugatti’s engineering prowess and design philosophy.
As the Mistral sets a new benchmark, Bugatti bids farewell to the Chiron lineage in unforgettable fashion, solidifying its position at the pinnacle of automotive innovation and performance.
Shawn Henry