On November 9th, Bugatti etched another milestone in automotive history. The W16 Mistral, achieving a top speed of 453.91 km/h, became the fastest open-top car ever. This monumental feat was celebrated in a historic gathering of Bugatti’s four world-record-breaking vehicles at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH track in Germany.
The lineup included the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition, Chiron Super Sport 300+, and the newly crowned W16 Mistral World Record Car. Together, they represent over a decade of relentless innovation, showcasing Bugatti’s evolution and mastery in pushing the boundaries of automotive performance.
The journey began in 2010 with the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. Powered by a 1,200 PS W16 engine with enhanced turbochargers and intercoolers, it achieved a top speed of 431.07 km/h. This record cemented Bugatti’s position as a leader in high-performance engineering and inspired a special World Record Edition for customers.
In 2013, Bugatti shattered records in the open-top category with the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse. Anthony Liu pushed this marvel to 408.84 km/h, proving that open-air performance could rival closed-cockpit precision.
2019 saw another milestone with the Chiron Super Sport 300+, which reached 490.484 km/h. Equipped with an 8.0-liter W16 engine producing 1,600 PS, it redefined the limits of what was thought possible for production cars.
As the final masterpiece of Bugatti’s W16 era, the W16 Mistral honored its predecessors while setting a new open-top speed record. Minimal modifications allowed it to unleash 1,600 PS and reach 453.91 km/h, with Bugatti Pilote Officiel Andy Wallace behind the wheel.
Bugatti President Christophe Piochon reflected on the emotional significance of uniting these icons, emphasizing the dedication and passion behind each achievement. The W16 Mistral now joins The Singh Collection, preserving Bugatti’s legacy of speed and innovation for generations to come.
This unprecedented gathering celebrates not just the records but the spirit of innovation that defines Bugatti—a legacy of engineering brilliance and unmatched performance.