To design a car like the BUGATTI W16 MISTRAL requires careful practice of BUGATTI’s ‘Form Follows Performance’ design mantra.
The W16 MISTRAL captures the essence of the BUGATTI Type 57 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 W16 MISTRAL offers.
To keep the body side section slim, but also allow for optimum airflow to the power unit, the oil cooler intakes on the side have been 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 are a nod to the ‘Grand Raid’, as well as the first open top Bugatti of the modern era: the VEYRON 16.4 Grand Sport.
Achim Anscheidt, Head of Design at BUGATTI Rimac was well aware of the burden on his team when creating the W16 MISTRAL: “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 road-going car. Our design team wanted to deliver a styling that immediately conveyed this landmark moment through its overall appearance as well as the details on the exterior and interior, drawing inspiration from one of the most beautiful roadsters in the BUGATTI history.”