Bugatti Mistral! 282mph… With No Roof

Summary

In a thrilling behind-the-scenes look, Bugatti’s Mistral convertible, driven by Andy Wallace, shatters the top speed record for roadsters, reaching an astonishing 453.91 km/h (282 mph) at the Papenburg test track in Northern Germany. Despite challenging weather conditions, Wallace navigates the Mistral’s aerodynamic complexities, while Bugatti’s engineers showcase innovative tracking technology, including drones and tracking cars. CEO Mate Rimac discusses how the record came to be through a customer’s request and hints at future goals, including reaching 500 km/h. The Mistral’s performance marks a fitting farewell to Bugatti's legendary W16 engine, signaling a new era of high-speed engineering.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bugatti's Mistral sets a new world record for the fastest convertible, reaching 282 mph (453 km/h).
• 😀 The record attempt took place at the Papenburg Test Track in northern Germany, a venue with challenging conditions.
• 😀 The Mistral was driven by Andy Wallace, who showcased his driving skills despite the unfavorable weather conditions.
• 😀 The cooler, humid weather made the air denser, reducing turbo efficiency and complicating the speed run.
• 😀 Bugatti used a combination of advanced tracking vehicles, including a 1,600-horsepower Chiron Super Sport with a drone rig.
• 😀 The record-breaking attempt was filmed by a large crew, with multiple cameras mounted on both the car and a helicopter.
• 😀 Wallace described the surprising lack of buffeting in the Mistral’s interior, even at high speeds, thanks to its aerodynamics.
• 😀 Bugatti’s CEO, Mate Rimac, emphasized that the record was about more than speed—it's a testament to pushing the limits of automotive engineering.
• 😀 The event involved a collaboration with Michelin to ensure the Mistral’s tires could handle the extreme demands of high-speed driving.
• 😀 The Mistral’s record marks the end of an era for the Bugatti W16 engine, which has now set multiple world records, with Rimac teasing future innovations.
• 😀 Despite reaching an impressive top speed, the Mistral still had more potential, suggesting further room for improvement in future records.

Q & A

What was the main goal of the Bugatti Mistral test at the Papenburg test track?

The main goal was to set a new world record for the fastest convertible top speed with the Bugatti Mistral, driven by Andy Wallace.

Why was the Papenburg test track chosen for this record attempt?

The Papenburg test track in Northern Germany was chosen because Bugatti no longer had permission to use their old test track, and it provided a suitable environment for the speed test despite challenging weather conditions.

What weather challenges did the Bugatti team face during the speed run?

The team faced cold temperatures (6°C), high humidity, and dense air, all of which made it harder for the Mistral to achieve maximum speed due to reduced turbo efficiency.

How did Andy Wallace feel about driving at such high speeds in the Mistral?

Andy Wallace was impressed by the Mistral’s stability and comfort at high speeds. Despite the lack of a roof, he reported minimal buffeting and wind noise, and even claimed there was no noticeable vibration at high speeds.

What makes the Bugatti Mistral different from other high-performance cars when it comes to handling at top speeds?

The Mistral’s design minimizes wind turbulence and buffeting even without a roof. It has been engineered for aerodynamic efficiency, which allowed Wallace to maintain control and comfort at speeds exceeding 280 mph.

How did the shorter track length at Papenburg impact the speed attempt?

The shorter straightaways of the Papenburg test track posed a challenge compared to longer tracks. Wallace had to adjust his driving to ensure the car reached top speeds without running out of track. Despite this, the car still reached speeds over 300 km/h (186 mph).

What was the final verified top speed reached by the Bugatti Mistral?

The final verified top speed reached by the Bugatti Mistral was 453.91 km/h (282.04 mph).

How did the Mistral's performance compare to previous Bugatti speed records?

While the Mistral’s 282 mph was a remarkable achievement, Bugatti's previous records with the Veyron and Chiron were achieved under different conditions. The Mistral’s record was particularly significant as it was set by a convertible model.

What role did Michelin engineers play in the speed attempt?

Michelin engineers were crucial in approving the tires for the Mistral, ensuring that they could handle the extreme conditions of the speed run and maintain performance at high speeds.

What are Bugatti's future aspirations after breaking the Mistral's speed record?

Bugatti is exploring the possibility of pushing the boundaries even further, with discussions about developing tires for even higher speeds and potentially targeting the 500 km/h mark. CEO Mate Rimac emphasized that innovation and pushing limits remain at the core of Bugatti's ambitions.