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Bugatti Unites Four Iconic World Record Cars To Celebrate Automotive Innovation
The Bugatti W16 Mistral has set a new world record for open-top cars, reaching 453.91 km/h. This achievement took place at ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH in Germany on November 9th. The one-of-a-kind vehicle returned to its creators after this historic run, marking a significant moment in automotive history.
Before the day concluded, the W16 Mistral joined its predecessors—the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition, and Chiron Super Sport 300+—in a symbolic gathering. These vehicles represent Bugatti's commitment to pushing engineering boundaries and achieving unmatched performance.
In June 2010, Bugatti redefined speed with the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition. At Ehra-Lessien in Germany, Pierre-Henri Raphanel drove this modified vehicle with a 1,200 PS engine to a record-breaking speed of 431.07 km/h. This accomplishment led to the creation of five special World Record Editions for customers.
Bugatti continued its pursuit of speed with the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition in 2013. Anthony Liu drove this open-top car to a record speed of 408.84 km/h at Ehra-Lessien. The vehicle featured enhanced design elements like a strengthened carbon monocoque and bespoke roof spoiler for optimal airflow management.
In summer 2019, Bugatti achieved what many thought impossible with the Chiron Super Sport 300+. This car broke the 300-mph barrier, reaching an astonishing speed of 490.484 km/h under Andy Wallace's control. The vehicle's design included an extended 'longtail' bodywork for improved aerodynamics.
The Chiron Super Sport's success was celebrated with the production of 30 units featuring Jet Black exposed carbon fibre and Jet Orange racing stripes, symbolising Bugatti's ongoing innovation.
The W16 Mistral: A New Era
The W16 Mistral is named after a wind in southern France and represents the culmination of Bugatti's W16 engine legacy. Designed to honour past achievements while setting new records, it features intricate aerodynamic elements and a powerful 1,600 PS engine.
Minimal modifications were needed for its record run; adjustments included masking body-panel gaps and optimising suspension for reduced air resistance. With Andy Wallace at the wheel, it achieved its historic speed on November 9th.
A Momentous Gathering
Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, expressed his admiration for these achievements: "From 2010 to the present, Bugatti has celebrated the icons of its modern era with top-speed world record attempts... Seeing each of the World Record Cars gathered here is a truly emotional moment for me."
The W16 Mistral now joins The Singh Collection alongside other iconic vehicles that have shaped Bugatti’s legacy in automotive history.
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