Bugatti has officially set a new benchmark with the Mistral roadster, reaching a blistering 282 mph, making it the fastest production open-top car in the world. This achievement took place on November 9 at the ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg site in Germany, with Bugatti’s chief test driver, Andy Wallace, behind the wheel. The Mistral surpasses the previous record of 265.6 mph, held by the Hennessey Venom GT Spyder since 2016.
Wallace was at the controls of a special, one-off version of the Mistral, known as the Mistral World Record Car. The car’s owner was present to witness the historic run. This unique Mistral is priced at 14 million euros ($14.7 million), significantly higher than the regular model’s 5 million euros ($5.3 million). It also features Bugatti’s signature carbon fiber and orange livery reserved for its World Record Edition cars.
Bugatti’s World Record Edition cars have a storied history, including the Veyron Super Sport and the Chiron Super Sport 300+, each also setting new speed records. The owner of this Mistral World Record Car has collected these rare editions, further cementing the car’s place in Bugatti’s legacy. Introduced at the 2022 Monterey Car Week, the Mistral celebrates the iconic 8.0-liter W-16 engine, a powerplant first seen in the Veyron two decades ago.
At the heart of the Mistral is its 1,578-hp engine, though Bugatti has not released additional performance data. With a top speed that exceeds the Chiron’s electronically limited 261 mph, the Mistral showcases extraordinary engineering. Developing an open-top version of the Chiron platform presented unique challenges, requiring modifications to the car’s carbon-fiber tub and fine-tuning the aerodynamics to ensure stability at high speeds.
Only 99 Mistrals will be produced, with every slot already accounted for, making this hypercar even more exclusive. Bugatti’s decision to limit production ensures its rarity, adding to its appeal. With such a remarkable combination of top-tier performance, engineering excellence, and luxury, the Mistral secures its position as a centerpiece in Bugatti’s legacy of groundbreaking automotive achievements. The Mistral stands as a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to pushing the limits of speed and innovation.
