Bugatti Begins Deliveries of the W16 Mistral, Closing the W16 Era

Bugatti starts deliveries of the W16 Mistral, the last model featuring the legendary quad-turbo W16 engine. Discover how this marks the end of an era and the transition to a new generation of hypercars.

The legendary Bugatti W16 era has come to an end as the French automaker begins deliveries of the first W16 Mistral roadsters. More than just another hypercar, this model serves as a farewell to one of the most iconic powertrains in automotive history.

Originally unveiled at Monterey Car Week in 2022, the Bugatti W16 Mistral immediately caught the attention of collectors. Its exclusivity is reinforced by its limited production run—only 99 units will ever be built. Each car is tailor-made to suit its owner, and the first two have already been delivered. One features a sleek black exterior with sky-blue accents, while the other showcases a striking combination of white, blue, and red, paying homage to the French flag.

At the heart of the W16 Mistral lies its most defining feature: the legendary 8.0-liter, quad-turbo W16 engine. First introduced in 2005 with the Bugatti Veyron, this powerhouse has set multiple records for power and speed. In 2024, the W16 Mistral cemented its legacy by becoming the fastest open-top car in the world, reaching a staggering 453.91 km/h (282.9 mph).

However, the W16 era is drawing to a close, and Bugatti is preparing for the next chapter. The company has officially confirmed that the Chiron’s successor, named Tourbillon, will feature a naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 developed in collaboration with Cosworth, combined with three electric motors. This hybrid configuration will maintain Bugatti’s signature performance while adapting to modern efficiency and environmental standards. The new hypercar made its debut in June 2024, with first deliveries expected in 2026.

Thus, the W16 Mistral is not just the final chapter in the W16 story—it is the bridge to Bugatti’s next era of performance and innovation.

Source: newsroom.bugatti.com