The 99th Bugatti Mistral wraps up the W16 narrative that started with the Veyron back in 2005.
The Mistral stands as the fastest open-top production car worldwide.
Output of the upcoming V16-driven Tourbillon is still pending.

2026 stands out as a landmark period for Bugatti. The brand is exiting the Volkswagen Group while also concluding the extended W16 chapter. The 99th and final Mistral signals the close of production for the quad-turbo 8.0-liter powerplant that first appeared in the 2005 Veyron. This roadster represents the last Molsheim model to employ the engine, which also drove the Bolide track machine capped at 40 examples all completed by November 2025.

The ultimate Mistral carries the name The Last of Its Kind and features a two-tone Pearl and Sparkle exterior. Similar to the prior 98 units this convertible functions as a unique creation since Bugatti allows clients to customize every element. The buyer of this final W16 example selected Magnolia and Grey Carbon Matt highlights inside where Ettore Bugatti's signature shows up on headrests aluminum door sills and the engine cover trim.

Like all Mistrals the last unit completed 248.5 miles of 400 kilometers of evaluation prior to handover. Each roadster reached 186 mph at 300 km/h on a runway at Colmar Airport in northeastern France before transfer to the owner. Bugatti picked three expert test drivers to verify every car against strict brand criteria.

Bugatti previously indicated an end to record pursuits yet in November 2024 the five-million-euro Mistral secured the fastest open-top production car distinction. With Andy Wallace at the controls the unique W16 Mistral World Record Car hit 282 mph at 453.91 km/h during runs at ATP Automotive Testing Papenburg in Germany.

Looking forward the path is partly clear. Earlier this month Bugatti opened La Manufacture a fresh site able to produce as many as 200 vehicles yearly. Models after the Tourbillon will likely use the space given the new V16 hybrid hypercar is capped at 250 units. Assembly of the naturally aspirated Cosworth-assisted machine has not begun as the firm prepares the updated facility.

While Bugatti has halted new W16 production cars the wealthiest clients may still order one via Programme Solitaire. This program supports limited editions and single units drawn from current models much like Pagani's approach with the Zonda. Just two vehicles will emerge each year and examples include Chiron-based efforts such as Brouillard and the Veyron-inspired FKP Hommage.

Motor1's Take: The W16 has now truly retired marking the close of an era. Still the outlook remains compelling even if the Tourbillon stays exclusive to top buyers just as the Chiron and Veyron were before. It feels unusual that Bugatti has separated from the Volkswagen Group after 28 years yet with an enthusiast like Mate Rimac leading the prospects appear strong.