A few days ago, Bugatti revealed its most radical design yet – a permanent open-roof hypercar.
I know that the permanent open-top style is not new to the industry. However, it is completely new to a car that produces 1,600hp and can exceed 420 km/h! Driving faster than 400 km/h in an open-top car severely challenges the driver and passenger. I can only imagine the turbulence inside the cabin created at those speeds. I’m sure it will be safe, but I doubt it will be a pleasant experience for anyone to reach speeds of 400 km/h.
Importantly, though, no one is buying the Mistral for the speed – the lucky 99 buyers will own the final W16-powered Bugatti series. The W16 engine is not feasible anymore as a gas-only engine, and the world has changed. All brands are moving towards electric, and that’s why Bugatti is under the Rimac brand in VW Group. The Bugatti Mistral is the final addition to the W16-series, and W16 will be gone forever when the 500 Chirons sell out.
Is the Mistral worth buying? Yes, absolutely. Worth driving at 400 km/h? I’m not sure about that!
Photos // Bugatti