Bugatti has once again made headlines by setting a stunning open-top speed record that surpasses the closed-top speed set by the iconic Bugatti Veyron back in 2010. This extraordinary feat was achieved with the Bugatti W16 Mistral, a car equipped with the legendary 8-liter, quad-turbocharged W16 engine. Although the W16 engine has been officially discontinued, its legacy continues to dominate the world of high-performance cars, having powered legendary models like the Veyron, Chiron, and the track-focused Bugatti Bolide.
The car used for this record-breaking attempt was a one-off “World Record Car” version of the W16 Mistral. While the exact modifications remain undisclosed, speculation suggests the engine may have been upgraded to approach the 1,825-horsepower output of the Bolide, far surpassing the standard Mistral’s 1,600 horsepower. The speed limiter, typically capped at 420 km/h, was clearly removed for this attempt, enabling the car to hit an astonishing 453.91 km/h (282.05 mph) in a one-way run.
Despite the impressive feat, this record won’t qualify as an official world production car speed record, as the run was performed in one direction only. Official records require two-way runs to account for wind advantages. Currently, the official production car speed record stands at 447.19 km/h (277.87 mph), set by the Koenigsegg Agera RS in 2017. While Bugatti and SSC have previously posted higher speeds, those attempts also lacked the required two-way verification or involved pre-production vehicles.
What makes this attempt particularly remarkable is that it was achieved with an open-top car, which faces greater aerodynamic challenges than its closed-roof counterparts. The feat showcases Bugatti’s relentless pursuit of engineering excellence, even as other automakers focus on aerodynamics for records in fully enclosed models. This extraordinary performance has unofficially earned the W16 Mistral the title of the fastest open-top car in the world.
Bugatti’s test driver, Andy Wallace, a 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, piloted the car during this high-speed attempt. While Wallace’s helmet nullifies the playful “world’s fastest hairdryer” joke, the achievement is no less awe-inspiring.
Looking ahead, Bugatti seems poised to re-enter the race for the outright top-speed crown, now under the leadership of Mate Rimac. In a recent interview with Top Gear, Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac hinted at discussions with tire supplier Michelin about the possibility of pushing the speedometer to 500 km/h (311 mph)—an extraordinary milestone in automotive history.
The pursuit of the world’s fastest car title remains as compelling as ever. While some may argue such efforts are extravagant, the prestige attached to these records appeals to elite car collectors and inspires automotive enthusiasts worldwide. Beyond the spectacle, the engineering innovation required for these achievements paves the way for advancements in automotive technology.
Whether Bugatti reaches the elusive 500 km/h mark remains to be seen, but the W16 Mistral’s open-top record is a testament to the company’s unwavering dedication to pushing boundaries. With its quad-turbocharged W16 engine, aerodynamic design, and history of groundbreaking performance, Bugatti continues to reign as a leader in the hypercar world. For more watch below video.
