Bugatti W16 Mistral Is A Roadster Beyond Expectations
by AutoExpert | 27 January, 2024
Exhibiting the brand's commitment to pushing limits, the Bugatti W16 Mistral was created from the unexpected desire to produce a roadster version of the Chiron. Including a convertible option in the Chiron's 2016 debut wasn't the original intention.
One example of the carmaker's inventive spirit is the limited-edition Bugatti W16 Mistral, which gave form to the concept. But Chiron's transformation into the Mistral involved more than simply removing the roof.
For this model, Bugatti's engineers painstakingly reworked the carbon fiber monocoque to meet crash standards while also creating a more rounded profile. This is the first roadster that Bugatti has produced since the 2012 Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse and the last road-going vehicle to feature the renowned 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine.
With the Mistral, Bugatti sought to achieve results in both form and function. Designers overcame convertibles' usual dynamic drawbacks by reducing weight and increasing rigidity with the help of innovative ultra-high-performance composite materials. The doors were designed to protect the vehicle from side accidents by absorbing energy. This demonstrates Bugatti's dedication to safety.
The roof, which features carbon fiber ram induction air intakes behind the headrests, is another area that has been meticulously designed. Along with cooling the W16 engine, these intakes also serve to sustain the vehicle's weight in the event of a rollover. Using opulent woven leather on the door panels and a custom sound system made for the Mistral, Bugatti shows their commitment to an effortless open-top driving experience.
Emilio Scervo, chief technologist at Bugatti, says the W16 Mistral is more than just a Chiron without a roof, highlighting its own character. Every extreme sports vehicle in Bugatti's universe has to be unmatched, and the Mistral satisfies these requirements.