Jay Leno takes the wheel of Bugatti's 1,578-hp Mistral, marking the end of the road for the brand's legendary W16 engine.
Automotive legend Jay Leno recently got behind the wheel of the $5 million Bugatti Mistral, offering a rare, high-octane farewell to the brand’s iconic W16 engine. The open-top hypercar—Bugatti’s first roadster in over a decade—is the French marque’s last stand for its ferocious 8.0-liter, quad-turbocharged W16 before transitioning to a new V16 platform.
Filmed in collaboration with the Audrain Museum Network, Leno’s drive showcased the 1,578-horsepower powerhouse as it snarled to life, thrusting forward with brutal acceleration and surgical handling. With a top speed of 282 mph, the Mistral now claims the title of the fastest production roadster in the world.
“It feels lighter than a Miata,” Leno quipped, despite the Mistral’s 4,359-pound curb weight. The comparison may seem exaggerated, but the Mistral’s agility and responsiveness are no joke. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive, the W16 generates an immense 1,180 pound-feet of torque, putting its power down with ferocity.
Inside, the cockpit favors control over comfort. Paddle shifters and a minimalist cabin design ensure the driver remains at the helm of a machine that demands attention, not indulgence. “If you want pampering, buy a Rolls-Royce,” said Audrain Group CEO Donald Osborne, who joined Leno during the drive. “This is for drivers.”
The Mistral is more than just another hypercar—it's Bugatti’s homage to the past. Styled after the 1930s-era Type 57 Grand Raid Usine, it blends Art Deco cues with futuristic engineering. Only 99 examples will be built, and all are already sold.
With Bugatti shifting gears toward a naturally aspirated V16 for its future lineup, the Mistral marks the emotional conclusion of an era. As Leno thundered down the pavement, it wasn’t just a test drive—it was a curtain call for one of the greatest engines in automotive history.
