With the final Mistral roadster leaving the Molsheim factory, production of W16-powered Bugattis has come to a close. With a maximum output of 1,578bhp and 1,180lb-ft (1,600Nm), the Mistral matches the performance of the Chiron Super Sport’s 8.0-litre quad-turbocharged engine.

The car is capable of accelerating from a standstill to 62mph in 2.4 seconds, 124mph in 5.6 seconds, and 186mph in 12.1 seconds. The top speed is limited to 273mph, but an unrestricted model claimed the record of fastest open-top car in the world by reaching 282.04mph at the Ehra-Leissen test track. 

Final 2026 Bugatti W16 Mistral - top view

The performance is distributed to all four wheels via a seven-speed twin-clutch transmission, and reigned in by carbon ceramic brakes on both axles. Eight-piston calipers clasp 420mm diameter discs at the front, while six-piston units grip 400mm discs at the rear.

Only 99 examples of the Mistral have been built, each with high levels of customisation. Bugatti says no two models are alike, with the final car being painted in a two-tone Pearl and Sparkle colour scheme. Bright silver five-Y-spoke wheels punctuate the 2,711mm wheelbase, with a staggered set-up seeing 20 and 21-inch rims fitted.

Final 2026 Bugatti W16 Mistral - door card detail

Inside, Magnolia leather is paired with exposed matte carbon fibre trim and grey contrast stitching. Ettore Bugatti’s signature is embroidered into the headrests and presented on the side sills, while the door cards feature stitched sketches of the Veyron, Chiron and Mistral. While multiple Bugattis have seen a prancing elephant within the gear selector, the Saudi Arabia-bound Mistral features a falcon’s head in a nod to the region’s love of falconry.

Elsewhere, a special crystal sculpture by Lalique is presented on the armrest, titled the ‘Spirit of the Wind’. An aluminium panel with the words “the last of its kind” appears on the transmission tunnel, mirroring the script found on the underside of the active rear wing.

Final 2026 Bugatti W16 Mistral - rear wing detail

That phrase has been used by Bugatti since the Mistral’s reveal in 2022, when it was confirmed to be the final model to use the W16 engine. The powertrain has been synonymous with the brand since its revival under Ferdinand Piëch’s direction, when he set his engineers the challenge of creating a car capable of reaching 248mph and being comfortable enough to drive to watch an opera.

Having made its debut in the original Veyron 16.4, the engine has powered every Volkswagen-era Bugatti for the last 21 years. However, it will give way to a brand new naturally aspirated V16-hybrid, as the new Tourbillon becomes the first model made as part of the Bugatti-Rimac joint venture.

Final 2026 Bugatti W16 Mistral - side view