The Bugatti brand has created a number of stunning cars, including several roadsters, during its more than century-long history. In the 1920s and 1930s, Jean Bugatti was behind a series of open-top cars that were produced in small series and refined to perfection.
We can recall models such as Type 40 A, Type 41 Roadster Esders, Type 55 Roadster or the iconic Type 57 Roadster Grand Raid Gangloff. The Bugatti Veyron also got its open model in 2012, while the legendary W16 engine worked under the hood of the Grand Sport Vitesse.
Photo: Bugatti
When the automaker introduced the Chiron in 2016, everyone expected an open version to follow within a few years. In the end, however, we did not wait until 2023, when the automaker presented the Bugatti Mistral roadster as the very last road model with a W16 engine. Originally, the roadster was not considered at all.
“The Chiron model line was never supposed to have a roadster model. That’s why we had to start over when we decided to build the W16 Mistral, which is the perfect tribute to our rich roadster history and our legendary W16 engine,” said Emilio Scervo, Technical Director of Bugatti Rimac.
The Mistral is the last Bugatti with the iconic six-cylinder engine
This is because open sports cars often don’t work as well compared to closed models. The bodywork often lacks rigidity, which automakers compensate for with stiffeners that are associated with higher weights. However, the brand follows the motto “Form Follows Performance”, so the capabilities of the machine are primary.
For that reason, it was necessary to essentially start from scratch when developing the machine. The existing monocoque was significantly redesigned and received new rounder shapes. Engineers used new materials that offered higher stiffness at lower weight. The car thus provides excellent handling and high safety. All this while maintaining elegant shapes.
The car’s shapes are also functional, which also applies to the air intake in the form of two arches behind the cabin. In addition to the air supply to the engine, the arches function as a safety element, where each supports the weight of the car. In addition, the intake underlines the specific sound of the eight-liter W16 engine. The doors were also specially designed and must be able to absorb the energy of a side impact.
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2024-01-27 11:10:00
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