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Bugatti W16 Mistral Enters Final Testing Phase, Expanding Legacy
Bugatti has a storied history in performance roadsters, with a lineage spanning over a century of automotive innovation. From the legendary Type 35 to the iconic Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, the brand has consistently pushed design and performance boundaries in open-top automobiles. The latest chapter in this tale is the W16 Mistral.
The W16 Mistral represents the first open-top model from Molsheim since 2015 and marks the swansong for Bugatti’s incomparable W16 engine. Given its significance, Bugatti's testing program for the Mistral has been exhaustive. The engineers have meticulously evaluated every aspect of its design to ensure it meets Bugatti’s high standards of performance, safety, and durability.
As we enter the second half of 2024, the W16 Mistral is in its final evaluation phase. "We are in the last part of the testing program – we are getting close to the finish. From the initial validation stages to intensive endurance tests, every aspect of the Mistral's development is precisely planned and executed. The Mistral is the ultimate example of our dedication to setting new standards in roadster design," said Emilio Scervo, CTO of Bugatti Rimac.
Stringent crash tests have already ensured that the Mistral can protect occupants during collisions. These tests are crucial for integrating a new monocoque into its design and obtaining homologation for markets like North America and Europe. These evaluations comply with international safety standards.
The road tests for the Bugatti Mistral are thorough. Prototype 2 alone has already covered an impressive distance of 32,000km, showcasing its adaptability and durability capabilities. These road tests have taken the W16 Mistral through various terrains, at high altitudes in mountains, at sea level, and even through heavy traffic conditions.
Looking ahead, Bugatti will push limits further by adding another 5,000 kilometres on track. With this rigorous regime, Bugatti will accumulate a total of 40,000km on just this vehicle – a figure not yet reached by most modern-day Bugatti customer cars.
Top Speed Verification
One challenging aspect of latter testing is verifying the Mistral's top speed. Engineers face logistical challenges finding suitable tracks allowing safe speeds over 420km/h. Despite this hurdle, Bugatti remains confident that Mistral will break records and exceed expectations.
"We are planning to run the final high-speed test in one of very few tracks around world allowing us to run test safely. Once we access that track, achieving top speed will no longer be a problem," added Emilio Scervo.
Aerodynamic Excellence
The heart of Mistral lies in definitive incarnation of iconic W16 engine with meticulously honed aerodynamic attributes and reengineered monocoque. To fuse these elements delivering unrelenting performance, acoustic excellence and ultimate luxury while enabling top speed over 420km/h is an extreme balancing act.
Bugatti’s commitment to delivering highest standards means careful evaluation of every aspect of Mistral's design. Engineers left no stone unturned creating Bugatti’s ultimate roadster.
Production Timeline
With Mistral nearing end of testing journey, production of Bugatti’s most aerodynamic and emotional roadster to date is expected to begin at Molsheim Atelier later this year.
Throughout testing phase of Mistral’s development, Bugatti remained dedicated delivering car meeting performance standards expected from Bugatti while setting new benchmarks for safety and reliability in hyper sports roadster offering unparalleled luxury driving experience.
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