Unveiling Bugatti's Record-Breaking Triumph: The W16 Mistral Sets a New World Speed Record
Bugatti consistently redefines the zenith of automotive prowess, etching its name in the annals of automotive history through momentous achievements. Among its celebrated lineup, three Bugatti legends—the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition, and the Chiron Super Sport 300+—have shattered global speed records. The W16 Mistral World Record Car recently joined this prestigious ensemble by establishing a new world record for the fastest open-top car, achieving an astounding speed of 453.91 km/h.
This record-setting feat was accomplished at ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH in Germany, renowned for its top-tier facilities. This event marked another historic chapter that commenced in June 2010, when the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport reached a speed of 431.07 km/h. In 2019, the narrative continued with the Chiron Super Sport 300+ breaking the closed-cockpit world record by reaching 490.48 km/h, underscoring Bugatti’s dedication to boundary-pushing innovation.
Previously, the open-top record was pursued by the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, which reached 408.84 km/h, a legacy now advanced by the W16 Mistral. The culmination of intense preparation and detailed planning led to this record-breaking attempt on the 9th of November, observed by Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac, the senior management team, and an attentive assembly of vehicle technicians.
During this historic run, Andy Wallace, Bugatti's official test driver and a Le Mans 24 Hours victor, commandeered the W16 Mistral. After warming up the car’s bespoke high-performance tyres, he accelerated to 200 km/h, increasing the speed before fully unleashing the vehicle’s power on the track. SGS-TÜV Saar GmbH officially verified this new record, with Wallace achieving an unprecedented speed of 453.91 km/h.
Wallace shared his exhilaration, noting the car’s remarkable stability and the overwhelming sensory experience from the open-top cockpit—the wind's force and the roaring W16 engine beside him made the achievement profoundly stirring. This record exemplifies the dedication, focus, and teamwork inherent at Bugatti and highlights their unyielding passion for crafting automotive history.
The event also presented a singular experience for the W16 Mistral’s owner, who witnessed this monumental event and even participated in a high-speed run with Wallace, nearly matching the record speed.
Bugatti continues to fortify its legacy with the W16 Mistral World Record Car, now part of The Singh Collection—an esteemed compilation of Bugatti World Record Cars. This unique vehicle, marked by vibrant ‘Jet Orange’ accents and a visible-black carbon exterior, is a testament to its record-breaking capabilities and exceptional design.
Reflecting on this monumental achievement, Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac, praised the historical significance of this moment, highlighting Bugatti’s century-long quest to push beyond the perceived boundaries of luxury, elegance, and performance. This latest world record not only revisits history but sets a new benchmark, encapsulating the relentless pursuit of perfection that defines Bugatti.
