Unlike its Veyron predecessor, the Bugatti Chiron was planned only as a coupe. But to mark the end of its quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 engine, Bugatti turned the Chiron into the Mistral, which was revealed for 2022 Monterey Car Week.
“The Chiron family was never intended to have a roadster model,” Emilio Scervo, CTO of Bugatti Rimac, said in a press release delving into the Mistral’s development. “A Chiron without a roof might be an amazing car for many others, but it wouldn’t meet the uncompromisingly high standards that Bugatti adheres to.”
![](https://journal.classiccars.com/media/2024/02/bugatti-mistral_10091416rea-1280x720.jpg)
Making sure the Mistral lived up to Bugatti’s standards meant reengineering the Chiron’s carbon-fiber monocoque structure to maintain rigidity without a roof, while keeping any weight increases to a minimum. The doors were also modified for increased side-impact protection.
A new air-intake system was also devised for the engine, with carbon-fiber ram-air scoops placed behind the headrests. The scoops can support the entire weight of the car in the event of a rollover, according to Bugatti, while also enhancing the engine note. The engine is tuned to produce 1,577 hp, matching the Chiron Super Sport 300+ and other special-edition models and propelling the Mistral to a claimed top speed of over 261 mph.
![](https://journal.classiccars.com/media/2024/02/bugatti-mistral_1009141rea-1280x720.jpg)
The interior features new door panels and a new audio system designed specifically for the Mistral. The shifter—made from a solid block of aluminum—incorporates a miniature version of the “dancing elephant” sculpture created by Rembrandt Bugatti, brother of company founder Ettore, and used as a hood ornament for the legendary Bugatti Type 41 Royale.
Mistral production is limited to 99 units (all of which have sold out) priced at approximately $5 million each. Scheduled to start deliveries later this year, the Mistral will be the last road car powered by Bugatti’s W-16 engine. The automaker will also build a limited number of Bolide track cars, however.
HIGH-RES GALLERY: Bugatti Mistral
This article was originally published by Motor Authority, an editorial partner of ClassicCars.com