Bugatti has once again demonstrated its engineering dominance by shattering the open-top speed record. At a test track in Germany, the W16 Mistral, a breathtakingly powerful hypercar, achieved an incredible one-way speed of 453.91 km/h (282.05 mph), eclipsing the previous benchmarks for open-top performance cars.
The car used to set this record was a specially modified “World Record Car” version of the W16 Mistral. While details of the upgrades remain under wraps, it’s likely that Bugatti enhanced the standard model’s already formidable 1,600-horsepower, quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine. Rumors suggest it might even rival the Bolide’s 1,825 horsepower, enabling the record-breaking run.
The W16 Mistral’s achievement is notable not only for its raw speed but also for its open-top configuration, which introduces significant aerodynamic challenges. Despite these limitations, the Mistral surpassed Koenigsegg’s official two-way record of 447.19 km/h (277.87 mph) set by the Agera RS in 2017.
However, Bugatti’s run was a one-way test and performed in a pre-production model, meaning it doesn’t qualify for the official title of the world’s fastest production car. Still, the W16 Mistral has showcased the potential of Bugatti’s engineering prowess and hinted at the brand’s ambitions for the future.
Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, has made it clear that the ultimate goal is to break the 500 km/h (311 mph) barrier and claim the outright speed crown. This new milestone, though unofficial, moves the company one step closer to that target.
With the iconic W16 engine nearing the end of its illustrious run, the W16 Mistral’s performance serves as a fitting swan song, cementing Bugatti’s legacy in the annals of speed history.
Shawn Henry