Bugatti W16 Mistral Is The Open-Top End Of The W16 Era

Sadly, acceleration and top speed claims are not yet being made, but Bugatti has an outstanding track record. Of course, the engine is not the sole concern in achieving a ridiculous top speed in a convertible.

The car's design and engineering are said to be completely bespoke, the existing monocoque having been re-engineered and reshaped. But rather than simply trying to create the most efficient shape possible, Bugatti used this landmark opportunity to get creative. Using the 1934 Bugatti Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid as its muse, the W16 Mistral boasts aerodynamic nacelles behind the headrests and launches in "a warm black with hints of truffle brown and subtle yellow accents throughout." This is an homage to the coachbuilt classic car but also Ettore Bugatti's favorite color scheme.

Bugatti has also reinterpreted the V-shaped windscreen of the Grand Raid by fitting the W16 Mistral with a curved, wraparound windshield that creates a 'visor' effect. It's curved "just enough to create the rounded visor design, without destroying the driver's vision."

The side windows lead your eye to the side intakes, with the character line that underscores these ducts picked up in front and its horseshoe grille. Oil cooler intakes on the side were intentionally separated from the engine intakes for optimum airflow and a cleaner look. The engine is fed by those scoops above and behind occupants' heads, which calls to mind the Grand Raid again, but also the magical Veyron.

As we touched on at the outset, the front end is clearly influenced by the Divo, and the bespoke headlights are similar in execution to those of La Voiture Noire, while the rear shows a "more elegant iteration of Bolide's X-theme taillight motif."

Even design flourishes have a purpose, as the headlights have a four-light signature as a nod to four driven wheels and four turbochargers. Moreover, the three-dimensional surface of these fixtures is an aerodynamic aid that funnels air through the light and out via the wheel arch. The taillights help to vent hot air from the side oil coolers, too, creating a low-pressure zone in the center of the rear.

Finally, the cabin. This displays an intricate woven leather on newly designed door panels, the gear shifter is machined from a solid block of aluminum with a touch of wood and an insert made of amber. This insert has Rembrandt Bugatti's famous 'dancing elephant' sculpture within, something seen on the hood of the Type 41 Royale.

Essentially, this is Bugatti's last chance to chase a drop-top world record, but it has also taken the opportunity to reference a large portion of its illustrious back catalog and show off its mesmerizing levels of quality and unique design capabilities.

Just 99 examples will be produced at a price of €5 million before taxes (around $5.04 million). But don't bother ringing your accountant - the car was sold out long before we first saw it.