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Jay Leno Takes the Bugatti Mistral for a Spin: A Glorious Farewell to the W16 Engine

Jay Leno Takes the Bugatti Mistral for a Spin: Imagine sitting behind a sleek, flat-bottomed steering wheel, staring at a speedometer that climbs to a jaw-dropping 300 mph. That’s exactly what Jay Leno experienced when he got behind the wheel of the Bugatti Mistral, the world’s fastest roadster. Buckle up, because this hypercar is a beast, and Leno’s first drive is nothing short of epic.

The Bugatti Mistral: A Roadster Like No Other

The Bugatti Mistral is a masterpiece of engineering and design, marking the French automaker’s triumphant return to open-top motoring. It’s the first Bugatti roadster since the 2012 Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse, and it pays homage to the iconic 1930s Type 57 Grand Raid Usine—a stunning Art Deco classic with only 10 units ever made. With just 99 Mistrals planned, each priced at a cool $5 million, this hypercar is as exclusive as it gets.

What makes the Mistral truly unforgettable? It’s that monstrous 8.0-liter W16 engine under the hood. With four turbochargers pumping out 1,578 horsepower and a staggering 1,180 pound-feet of torque, this beast sends power to all four wheels through a slick seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Bugatti claims a top speed of 282 mph, officially crowning the Mistral as the fastest roadster on the planet.

Jay Leno’s Verdict: Light as a Miata, Fierce as a Hypercar

Here’s where it gets wild. Jay Leno, who’s driven just about every performance car under the sun, says the Mistral feels as nimble as a Mazda MX-5 Miata. Yes, you read that right—a $5 million hypercar that handles like a $38,000 sports car! Despite its hefty 4,359-pound curb weight, the Mistral’s precision engineering delivers balance and agility that left Leno grinning ear to ear.

“There should be a sign on the dashboard that says: Please inhale before accelerating,” quipped Donald Osborne, CEO of the Audrain Group, who joined Leno for the ride. That’s how intense the Mistral’s power is. With the W16 roaring just behind your head, this car isn’t here to coddle—it’s built to dominate the road.

A Cockpit Built for Thrills, Not Chills

Don’t expect a cushy, pampered ride in the Mistral. If you’re looking for luxury cruising, a Rolls-Royce or Maybach might be more your speed. The Mistral’s cockpit is all about performance. Paddle shifters give you full control, but this car demands respect and discipline. The W16’s raw, unfiltered growl is a constant reminder: this is a tarmac-eating machine, not a boulevard cruiser.

The End of an Era for Bugatti’s W16

The Mistral isn’t just a car; it’s the grand finale for Bugatti’s legendary quad-turbo W16 engine. In an era where automakers are racing toward hybrids and electric vehicles, Bugatti’s sticking to its guns—for now. The company’s next chapter? A naturally aspirated 8.3-liter V16 engine that promises to keep pushing boundaries. But for W16 fans, the Mistral is a bittersweet farewell to one of the most iconic powerplants in automotive history.

Why the Bugatti Mistral Matters

With only 99 units up for grabs (and all already sold), the Mistral is a rare gem. It’s a tribute to Bugatti’s heritage, a celebration of raw power, and a bold statement in a world obsessed with downsizing. Jay Leno’s drive is a fitting send-off for the W16, showcasing its untamed spirit on the open road.

Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just love a good story about speed and style, the Bugatti Mistral is a reminder of what happens when engineering meets passion. So, here’s to the W16—one last roar before it rides off into the sunset.

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