The first time the world heard about a super Bugatti (actually all Bugattis are super anyway) was in late 2020 when the idea of a lightweight, track-only hyper sportscar was presented. The following year, at The Quail (a motorsports gathering) in August 2021, the carmaker announced that it would develop the Bolide, as the car would be known, into a limited production model.
The production run would be for just 40 units, all built around the iconic W16 engine. 20 months have passed and during that time, the engineers have been developing the car to an entirely new level of engineering, aerodynamic and technological innovation.
Well over 40% of all Bugatti vehicles ever created have been open-top in design but in the Chiron era, a roadster was never offered. Therefore, as a farewell to the legendary W16 powerplant, Bugatti decided to create a roadster which it has named the W16 Mistral.
“The introduction of the W16 Mistral continues the legacy, and also opens the next chapter in the Bugatti roadster story, inspired by over a century of open-top legends,” said Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac.
Being a very special Chiron, much consideration went into the name it should have. Inspiration came from the mistral, a powerful wind that blows from the Rhone River valley, through the chic towns of the Cote d’Azur in southern France and into the Mediterranean.
Built around the 1,600 ps W16 engine, first used in the Chiron Super Sport 300+, the W16 Mistral offers superlative performance unlike any open-top car. Its design and engineering is completely bespoke. The existing monocoque is not simply cut off above the A-pillars to make way for the new open-top design but has been reengineered and reshaped to create a more rounded silhouette without compromising performance.
“We know the W16 Mistral will always have significance in the story of Bugatti, marking the last time that perhaps the greatest ever automotive powertrain is used in a roadgoing production car. We, as a design team, felt enormous pressure to deliver styling that immediately conveyed this landmark moment, drawing inspiration from some of the most beautiful roadsters in Bugatti history,” said Achim Anscheidt, Bugatti’s Design Director.
As they considered the project, they looked at the 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid (pictured above), a sporting roadster that represented the pinnacle of elegant design. Marked out by its dual aerodynamic headrests, flowing backwards into the bodywork, and a cut down V-shaped windscreen, this particular Grand Raid was effortlessly sophisticated with an understated sportiness. Finished in a duo-tone black and yellow livery, it would provide the perfect inspiration for this watershed moment in the Bugatti story.
The W16 Mistral has colours inspired by the Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid. A warm black with hints of truffle brown and subtle yellow accents can be seen throughout. Not only is it homage to the iconic coachbuilt body, but also to Ettore Bugatti, who chose the black and yellow combination for many of his personal cars.
The open-top hypercar also captures the essence of the Grand Raid’s V-shaped windscreen and evolves it into a modern-day work of art. A curving windscreen that seemingly wraps around the A-pillars, blending seamlessly into the side windows and creating a ‘visor’ effect that hints at the motorsport levels of performance available. The windscreen itself is a marvel of engineering, curved just enough to create the rounded visor design, without distorting the driver’s vision.
The top line of the windscreen and side windows flows purposefully around the side air intakes. This character line then flows back underneath the side glass to shoot through all the way to the front horseshoe grill creating a new three-dimensional character for the famous Bugatti C-line introduced on Chiron.
To keep the body side section slim, but also allow for optimum airflow to the W16, the oil cooler intakes on the side were deliberately separated from the engine air intakes, which now sit on the roof, just behind the occupants.
The two-new roof-mounted engine air scoops also reference the Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid, as well as the first open top Bugatti of the modern era: the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport. Tighter, more powerful and appearing to leap forwards, the W16 Mistral exhibits an entirely different character.
“To reflect the W16 Mistral’s new character, we also totally reinvented its frontal appearance, in line with the vertical layout of our unique or few-off models like Divo and La Voiture Noire. It’s immediately imbued with a sense of exclusivity; the vertically stacked headlights are completely bespoke and the famous horseshoe grille is reimagined to be much more three-dimensional; both deeper and wider. At the rear, we challenged ourselves to create a striking but also more elegant iteration of Bolide’s X-theme taillight motif, which forever left its mark on the world of automotive design,” Anscheidt explained.
The headlights themselves are intricately shaped, incorporating a 4-light signature that subtly nods to the W16 Mistral’s 4-wheel-drive and 4 turbochargers. But their 3-dimensional surface also functions as an aerodynamic aid that funnels air through the light and out through the wheelarch to improve aerodynamic drag. The wider horseshoe grille allows the high temperature engine radiator to be fully fed purely from one intake, leaving the two side intakes to focus only on providing air to the intercoolers.
The X-taillight, meanwhile, serves the function of venting the side oil coolers through ducts connecting the triangular negative space in between the X beams to the side radiators. Therefore, a pressure drop is created between the side intakes and the outlets at the back, which helps to manage the mid-temperature cooling circuit of the engine most effectively.
Other engineering innovations can be seen in Bugatti’s advanced composite materials are paired with cutting-edge titanium and aluminium 3D-printing for the striking design. A detailed analysis of the W16 Mistral’s dynamic stiffness allowed engineers to develop lightweight solutions that would ensure optimum handling and performance under the most extreme conditions.
The interior follows that in the Chiron, providing an experience that’s both elegant and luxurious, but also functional enough to ensure all information is easily visible at up to 420 km/h. The dedication to material quality remains a hallmark of Bugatti design, with advanced, lightweight titanium, aluminium components milled from a solid block and soft, blemish-free leathers.
An intricate woven leather is used on newly designed door panels, meticulously tested and produced to Bugatti quality standards that envision regular use for over a hundred years into the future. The gear shifter – machined from a solid block of aluminium – features a touch of wood and an amber insert with Rembrandt Bugatti’s famous ‘dancing elephant’ sculpture locked within.
When Bugatti’s last roadster, the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, set a world speed record of 408.84 km/h in 2013, its 8-litre quad-turbo W16 had 1,200 ps. The W16 Mistral has 1,600ps, making use of the same power unit that propelled the Chiron Super Sport 300+ to a world-record-breaking speed of 490.7 km/h in 2019.
“The union of a roadster format and our W16 powertrain is absolute perfection. With the roof removed, and a pair of large air intakes directly behind your head feeding around 70,000 litres of air through the engine every minute at full bore, driving the W16 Mistral connects you to the intricate workings of this revolutionary powertrain like no other Bugatti to date,” declared Rimac.
Only 99 units of the W16 Mistral will be built, each with an ex-factory pricetag of 5 million euros (about RM22.4 million). Orders are no longer accepted as the entire production run has already been taken, with first deliveries due to being in 2024.
The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ first made headlines back in 2019 when a prototype blasted through the seemingly unbreakable 300 mph (480 km/h) barrier. Its officially recorded speed was 304.773 mph (490.484 km/h), setting a new world record.
The achievement was followed the announcement, to mark the 110th anniversary of the French marque, that 30 units of the Chiron Super Sport 300+ would be built. Thus began the 2-year development and testing program which had to be extensive given the ultra high performance of the car.
With speeds of up to 440 km/h, an abundance of power would be needed. This is provided by a modified version of Bugatti’s iconic 8-litre W16 engine that produces up to 1,600 ps – 100 ps more than the Chiron. To boosting the performance, the engineers developed a new thermal management system for the engine and gearbox, ensuring all vital components remain cool even when traveling at the top speed. Software refinements to the engine, gearbox, powertrain and turbochargers have all been necessary additions to the Chiron Super Sport 300+ as well.
Optimised to slip through the air
Visually and technically distinct from the Chiron, the Chiron Super Sport 300+’s capacity for speed is defined by its aerodynamically optimized body, enabling it to pass through the air with complete stability beyond 420 km/h. Most notably, the Longtail rear end – extending the body by 25 cm – allows the laminar flow to pass over the body for a longer period of time, therefore significantly reducing aerodynamic stall by more than 40%.
Air curtains adorning the sportscar’s front corners disperse excess air pressure towards the car’s sides. Simultaneously, air outlets at the wheelarches and behind the front wheels guide excess pressure away from each wheelarch, reducing drag by also producing a small amount of negative lift.
The streamlined bodywork is crafted using exposed jet-black carbonfibre, complemented by a Jet Orange racing stripe running through the centre of the car. The lightweight material continues to flow through into the car’s engine cover, and even the windscreen wiper.
Subtle touches including the Bugatti ‘Macaron’ logo made of genuine silver and black enamel add to the sense of exclusivity and rarity. Extremely light and strong magnesium alloy wheels are finished in a bespoke colour named ‘Nocturne’.
First 8 of 30 units
Now the two years have passed and production has also been completed for the first 8 highly exclusive vehicles which are now ready for delivery (the other 22 units also have owners waiting). Each car has a price starting from 3.5 million euros (about RM17 million) before all the customisation is included.
“It is the fastest hyper sportscar Bugatti has ever made, and is a true testament to the engineering passion, technical expertise and relentless pursuit of performance our brand is synonymous with. We are excited to deliver the first eight units of this record-setting pioneer to our customers, and for them to experience the sheer sensation of speed behind the wheel,” said Christophe Piochon, Managing Director of Production and Logistics.
During the fourth quarter of 2020, Bugatti provided the answer to this question: What if the French carmaker built a radically light vehicle around the legendary 8.0-litre W16 engine? This led to a study that created the Bolide, a racetrack-oriented hyper sports car with a production-based W16 engine and minimal bodywork designed with maximum downforce in mind.
“The Bolide generated a great deal of enthusiasm and intrigue last year. Following its presentation, a significant number of enthusiasts and collectors asked us to develop the experimental Bolide as a production vehicle. I was absolutely amazed by the reactions and feedback from customers from all over the world,” recalled Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti.
“We therefore decided to make the Bolide a few-off in order to give 40 customers the opportunity to experience this incredible vehicle. Our team has now been developing a production model – the ultimate driving machine for the track,” he said. This will make the Bolide the most extreme configuration level of the W16 engine and a must-have for Bugatti collectors.
Development around the powertrain
With the very limited-edition production Bolide, Bugatti engineers and designers have created the most extreme vehicle concept ever to have been conceived around the powerful powertrain of the W16 engine with 4 turbochargers.
“For me, being able to turn the radical thought experiment of the Bolide into reality as a production vehicle is a dream come true as it is by far the most challenging project of my 17-year Bugatti career,” said Bugatti Design Director Achim Anscheidt. “The design of the Bolide follows the minimalist approach of the Bugatti style philosophy of ‘form follows performance’ and is additionally founded on an uncompromising lightweight construction approach. It pays homage to the brand’s glorious motorsport past of the in the 1920s.”
The numerous air ducts and delicate front end are more reminiscent of aerodynamically sophisticated Formula 1 cars than a hyper sportscar, and they dominate its look. The Bolide sits very low to the ground, with an air intake scoop on the roof and an ultra-sporty seat position. In combination with the striking rear diffuser, the dominant rear wing results in high downforce and therefore also optimum traction. As with other Bugatti models, the design team opted for a colour split, although the proportion of visible carbonfibre parts is greater than in other models.
Tuned for RON98 fuel
With the W16 engine as a symbol of the brand’s technology, Bugatti boasts one of the most extraordinary engines in automotive history. In the case of the Bolide experimental car, its power output of 1,850 ps is achieved by (among other things) the 110-octane racing fuel. However, for the production model, Bugatti engineers have tuned the engine to run on RON98 petrol, readily available worldwide. This will enable the car to be driven anywhere in the world.
The use of a lower octane brings the output down to 1,600 ps with 1,600 Nm of torque generated from 2,250 rpm. The engine has been tuned for higher revs per minute for use on the racetrack, alongside the intake and exhaust system to achieve even faster, more spontaneous, and extreme responsiveness. The cooling system for the turbochargers, engine, transmission, and differential are likewise modified for optimum power development.
Meeting FIA safety standards
While some extreme cars are not constrained by regulations, Bugatti’s designers and engineers who are currently refining the aerodynamics and handling, have developed the Bolide in line with international FIA safety standards. The safety features include HANS system compatibility, an automatic fire extinguishing system, pressure refueling with a fuel bladder, central wheel locking, and a 6-point safety belt system. All these guarantee maximum safety and sufficient comfort during the pure driving experience.
“The customers’ safety is always our top priority. We therefore decided to offer exclusive track days for this extreme vehicle in order to guarantee a safe environment at all times and gradually introduce the customers to the Bolide’s breathtaking performance,” said Mr. Winkelmann.
Optimizations in the areas of design, aerodynamics, quality, and safety give the production vehicle a curb weight of just 1,450 kgs, which translates to a weight-to-power ratio of 0kgs per ps when RON98 fuel is used.
Close to technical demonstrator
Thanks to maximum weight-saving, the drivers will be able to experience the full power and torque of the engine. Bugatti has kept the production car so close to its technical demonstrator, both visually and technically, while also enhancing the design, quality, and vehicle safety.
Delivery to the 40 customers who put their money down for this hyper sportscar is scheduled for 2024 at a net unit price of 4 million euros (almost RM20 million) each.
With its digital unveiling of the Chiron Super Sport recently, Bugatti continues its development of elegant, comfortable, and ultra high-performance hyper sportscars. The new member of the Chiron family is the essence of what the engineers have learned and developed in recent years to create the ultimate Grand Tourer.
The Chiron Super Sport embodies a part of Bugatti’s broad spectrum of performance – a counterpart to the Chiron Pur Sport, which was made for cornering and lateral agility. It has been designed for speed, adopting a new vehicle design with optimized aerodynamics for the streamlined bodywork. From the front splitter to the rear diffuser, every centimetre of its skin is designed for top speed.
Superlative aerodynamic performance
At speeds over 420 km/h, a vehicle must offer sufficient downforce alongside minimal drag. “Our aim was to give the vehicle a neutral set-up at its top speed while also giving it as streamlined a shape as possible.” explained Frank Heyl, Deputy Design Director at Bugatti. “The uplift forces exerted on the bodywork at 440 km/h are immense. The body of the Chiron Super Sport generates massive downforce to counter this uplift and perfectly balance the forces.”
“The design process was therefore in particular about achieving aerodynamic efficiency,” Heyl continued. “The Chiron Super Sport’s extended rear, which is known as a long tail, gives it new proportions and very distinctive aesthetics.”
For aerodynamic performance, the rear has grown by approximately 25 cm to hold the laminar flow to the bodywork for as long as possible. Bugatti designers also enlarged the diffuser cross-section, pushing the diffuser’s trailing edge higher and thereby reducing the rear’s trailing surface by 44%. As a result, the slipstream and wind resistance generated are significantly reduced – factors which otherwise decelerate the vehicle.
Even from afar, the Chiron Super Sport is unmistakable due to its repositioned tailpipe configuration. To boost the effect of the diffuser and give it more space, Bugatti has shifted the otherwise central exhaust system to the side, with the pipes aligned vertically.
The 9 exhaust air holes on each fender are more than just a nod to the EB 110 Super Sport – they also serve to release the air pressure from the front wheel wells, thereby generating streamlined downforce at the front axle. Additional outlets behind the front wheel arches likewise help to balance out the aerodynamic loads.
For even greater exclusivity, new aluminium wheels in a 5Y-spoke design are available only for the Chiron Super Sport. These new Super Sport wheels are also available in a diamond-cut option. The Chiron Pur Sport’s iconic magnesium wheels, which further reduce the weight of the unsprung mass, are also available as an option.
Greater performance, higher revs
Bugatti thoroughly overhauled the 8.0-litre W16 engine for the Chiron Super Sport, boosting its performance by 100 ps to 1,600 ps. Maximum torque of 1,500 Nm is accessible from between 2,000 and 7,000 rpm, rather than up to 6,000 rpm. The extra engine speed (300 rpm) allows for even greater longitudinal acceleration and an even more emotive driving experience. The overall weight is also lowered by 23 kgs.
With the improved performance created by larger turbochargers with more efficient compressor wheels, the 7-gear dual-clutch transmission at full load and full speed transitions from sixth to seventh gear at 403 km/h. The claimed 0 to 200 km/h is 5.8 seconds and to 300 km/h is 12.1 seconds.
Chassis set-up for top speed
The new chassis has been developed specifically for the Chiron Super Sport’s high speeds and new aerodynamics. The steering systems and dampers create a firmer and more rigid connection to the vehicle from the driving feel, resulting in tighter steering for smoother steering movements. Harder springs stabilize the entire vehicle at top speed, and the engineers additionally also retuned the electronically controlled chassis.
Tyres with 500 km/h speed capability
Newly developed Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres which have been optimized for top speed offer greater rigidity and smoothness than grip-optimized tyres fitted to the Chiron Pur Sport. What’s more, it is said that these are the only tyres that can consistently be used at up to 500 km/h. This is made possible by reinforced belts that can cope with immense forces – verified on the test bench originally built for the Space Shuttle.
Bugatti will soon begin with the manufacture of the Chiron Super Sport, with only 9 units planned for sale. Delivery of the hyper sportscars, each priced from 3.2 million euros (almost RM16 million) will start in early 2022.