Bugatti continues its storied tradition of innovation and performance with the W16 Mistral, the latest addition to its lineage of exceptional roadsters. This open-top marvel, the first since 2015, marks the final chapter for Bugatti’s legendary W16 engine. Entering its final testing phase, the W16 Mistral underscores Bugatti’s unwavering commitment to excellence in performance, safety, and luxury, and is set to debut later this year.
The W16 Mistral represents a significant milestone for Bugatti, combining meticulously honed aerodynamics, a reengineered monocoque, and the ultimate incarnation of the iconic W16 engine. Achieving a top speed in excess of 420 km/h while delivering unmatched performance and luxury is a complex balancing act that Bugatti has meticulously planned and executed.
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Bugatti’s exhaustive testing program reflects its dedication to maintaining the marque’s high standards. “We are in the last part of the testing program – we are getting close to the finish,” said Emilio Scervo, CTO of Bugatti Rimac. From initial validation to intensive endurance tests, every aspect of the Mistral’s development has been meticulously managed.
Key aspects of the Mistral’s testing include stringent crash tests, which have ensured compliance with international safety standards for markets such as North America and Europe. Additionally, the aerodynamic evaluation was completed in October, and the W16 engine and its transmission were rigorously tested on the dynamometer to guarantee the expected exhilarating performance.
The road tests for the Bugatti Mistral have been comprehensive, with Prototype 2 covering an impressive 32,000 km through various terrains and conditions. This rigorous testing regime will add another 5,000 km on the track, totaling 40,000 km, a distance not often reached by modern Bugatti customer cars. The verification of the Mistral’s top speed remains a significant challenge, with the need for a suitable track that allows safe testing of speeds over 420 km/h. Despite this logistical hurdle, Bugatti is confident in the Mistral’s record-breaking potential.
“We are planning to run the final high-speed test on one of the very few tracks around the world that allow us to run the test in safe conditions,” Scervo added. Once access to such a track is secured, achieving the top speed will no longer be an issue.
Bugatti’s dedication to performance, safety, and luxury is evident throughout the Mistral’s development. As the roadster nears the end of its testing journey, production is expected to begin at the Molsheim Atelier later this year. The W16 Mistral stands as Bugatti’s most aerodynamic and emotional roadster to date, setting new benchmarks for hyper sports roadsters and continuing the brand’s legacy of pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation.
Source: Bugatti W16 Mistral Enters Final Testing Phase: Expanding the Legacy
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