The Bugatti Mistral: A Symphony of Engine Sounds
When it comes to engine noises, most cars have one or two distinct sounds that can be either pleasant or annoying. However, the Bugatti Mistral takes it to a whole new level with at least six different sounds that can be heard while driving.
One of the most interesting aspects of the Mistral’s engine is the ability to pick and choose the sounds you want to hear. From a turbo whistle during light acceleration to a satisfying offbeat induction gurgle at around 2000rpm, the engine offers a range of auditory experiences. And let’s not forget the amusing whooshes that accompany lift-off from heavy acceleration, reminiscent of a bouncy castle deflating.
But the real magic happens when all these sounds come together in a crescendo as you accelerate from 3000rpm. The symphony of sounds produced by the W16 engine, with its 1578bhp power output, is truly spectacular.
As you push the engine to its limits, you can feel the pressure change in your ears as the massive 8.0-litre engine ingests copious amounts of air through the air intakes located above and behind the driver and passenger heads. The sheer power and voracious appetite of the engine for air is palpable, making you keenly aware of the forces at play behind you.
With no roof to contain its fury, the Mistral’s engine could easily suck in anything in its vicinity, from receipts to jelly babies, as it gulps down air at full throttle.
While the Mistral may not reach the 300mph+ speeds of its Super Sport counterpart, it still holds its own with a top speed of 282mph, achieved by Bugatti’s seasoned test driver Andy Wallace at the Papenburg test track.
