Bugatti says goodbye to the W16: the engine that changed the history of hypercars

After nearly two decades defining the concept of extreme speed, Bugatti has unveiled the latest car equipped with its iconic W16 engine. This is the Bugatti W16 Mistral , an edition that not only marks the end of a historic chapter for the French brand, but also the beginning of a new generation of hypercars.

The 8.0-liter W16 engine with four turbochargers debuted in 2005 with the Veyron and revolutionized the automotive industry. For years it was considered an engineering masterpiece thanks to its enormous power, refinement, and ability to break speed records.

The Mistral, an exclusive, limited-production roadster, will be the last vehicle to feature this legendary engine. Each unit symbolizes the end of an era that made Bugatti synonymous with innovation, luxury, and uncompromising performance.

From now on, the brand begins a new chapter with a completely different platform. Its next hypercar will leave the W16 behind in favor of a new naturally aspirated V16 engine paired with hybrid technology, aiming to maintain its high-performance DNA while responding to technological advancements and the evolving demands of the industry.

Beyond its impressive power figures, the W16 leaves a legacy that will be hard to match. It was an engine that pushed the boundaries of engineering and raised the bar for what a production car could achieve.

With the last Mistral delivered to its owner, Bugatti isn't just saying goodbye to an engine; it's saying goodbye to one of the most important symbols in modern automotive history. The child becomes the protagonist of the next chapter.