The Bugatti Mistral is the Chiron roadster the automaker did not plan to make. As defined by Bugatti, eradicating the roof required a rethink of the usual Chiron’s aerodynamic options.

The aim was to a design a roadster that might obtain a high velocity of over 261 mph with out compromising inside consolation or cooling for the acquainted quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W-16 engine, which carries over from the Chiron coupe. The Mistral closes the chapter the mega engine which debuted in 2005 within the Veyron and has powered each Bugatti since.

One of many new options engineers got here up with is a spoiler mounted on the high of the windshield. It channels airflow away from the motive force and passenger within the two-seat cockpit, whereas aiming it on the rear wing to maximise downforce. A rear diffuser with a ramp-like design additionally helps generate downforce, in addition to within the elimination of scorching air from radiators.

The Bugatti horseshoe grille was additionally widened to feed extra air into the radiator behind it. The Mistral additionally options air ducts with 3D-printed mesh to assist direct cooling airflow, together with aspect inlets that feed cooling air to further radiators for the engine oil, transmission, and rear axle parts. The recent air exiting these radiators is drawn out by means of vents within the taillights by unfavorable strain “simply as smoke is sucked up by means of a chimney,” in line with Bugatti.

The roof-less design allowed for air scoops positioned proper behind the seats, giving the motive force and entrance passenger a extra intense soundtrack than within the closed-roof Chiron. The scoops additionally type a part of the automotive’s crash construction.

Scheduled to begin deliveries later this yr, the Mistral is priced at roughly $5 million. All the 99-unit manufacturing run is already offered out. Whereas the Mistral would be the final Bugatti highway automotive powered by the W-16 engine, its manufacturing run will overlap with the Bolide observe automotive.

Bugatti additionally plans to point out the Chiron’s successor this yr. The automotive will introduce a brand new hybrid powertrain, and is because of enter manufacturing solely in 2026.