Farewell to Bugatti's W16
One of the most iconic engines in automotive history has officially reached the end of its production run. Bugatti has completed the 99th and final Mistral, marking the retirement of the legendary quad-turbocharged W16 that has powered the brand's flagship hypercars since the debut of the Veyron in 2005. The last Mistral delivers an incredible 1,578 horsepower (1,600 PS) and leaves the stage with an impressive achievement, remaining the world's fastest production convertible after reaching 282 mph (454 km/h). To commemorate the occasion, the car features exclusive plaques engraved with the words "The last of its kind." The final example was commissioned by a customer from the Middle East, who selected an understated Pearl and Sparkle two-tone exterior finish. Inside, the luxurious Magnolia leather cabin replaces Bugatti's traditional elephant gear selector with a solid falcon sculpture, reflecting the region's long-standing falconry heritage. Although the W16 era has come to an end, Bugatti is already preparing for its next chapter. Production is shifting to the brand's expanded La Manufacture facility, where future models will be powered by a new naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 hybrid powertrain. The new engine signals a major evolution for Bugatti while preserving the company's focus on extraordinary performance. The retirement of the W16 closes one of the most remarkable chapters in modern automotive engineering. For more than two decades, it represented unmatched power, engineering ambition, and record-breaking speed, becoming one of the defining engines of the hypercar era. Will the new V16 hybrid live up to the legendary reputation of the W16? Does electrification enhance Bugatti's future, or does it take away part of its identity? Will the final W16-powered Mistral become one of the most valuable Bugattis ever built?
