URGENT UPDATE: Bugatti has just confirmed the end of its iconic W-16 era with the delivery of the 40th and final Bolide track car. This remarkable vehicle, priced at €4 million, was personally collected from the Bugatti factory in Molsheim, France, marking the conclusion of a significant chapter in automotive history.
The Bolide, which is not street-legal, has found a home with a notable Bugatti collector who also possesses a classic Type 35—a legendary racing car from nearly a century ago. This collector’s garage also boasts a Veyron Grand Sport, another exclusive model that shares a stunning color scheme of Black Blue and Special Blue Lyonnais with the Bolide.
As Bugatti wraps up Bolide production, the company is simultaneously delivering the Mistral, the last model to feature the iconic W-16 engine. Limited to just 99 units, the Mistral is a roadster that began deliveries in February 2023. Once the final Mistral is delivered, the W-16 engine, which debuted on the Veyron two decades ago, will officially retire.
In a surprising twist, British engineering company Lanzante has announced plans to help convert a Bolide for road use, raising questions about the future of these exclusive track machines. Will other owners follow suit and attempt to make their Bolides street-legal?
Looking ahead, Bugatti is not left without a plan. The company is developing an all-new V-16 engine for its upcoming Tourbillon, set to replace the Chiron. This new engine will utilize a naturally aspirated design, moving away from the previous quad-turbocharged setup, with a larger displacement of 8.4 liters compared to the W-16’s 8.0 liters. This shift also aligns with tighter emissions regulations in the automotive industry.
Despite the retirement of the W-16, Bugatti will continue to make headlines. The newly announced Programme Solitaire will focus on creating bespoke commissions based on existing powertrains and chassis, allowing for one-off models like the Brouillard. This initiative reflects Bugatti’s commitment to innovation while honoring its storied past, similar to the approach taken by Pagani with its Zonda models.
As Bugatti bids farewell to the W-16, enthusiasts and collectors alike are left to ponder the legacy of these extraordinary machines and the new possibilities that lie ahead. With the Bolide and Mistral marking the end of an era, the automotive world watches closely for what comes next from this legendary manufacturer.
Stay tuned for more updates as Bugatti continues to redefine luxury and performance in the automotive landscape.
