Bugatti News

McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 10, 2023

Bugatti Takes The New W16 Mistral To Where The Mistral Wi...

The winds of change are sweeping through the Bugatti brand. It’s quite appropriate that Bugatti named its final W16-powered hypercar the W16 Mistral, as the origin of the name is in a wind that has its presence in southern France. As the Mistral is not only named after the wind, but is a roadster itself, the wind is incredibly relevant, and as the amazing hypercar embarks on a world tour, one of its stops was to the south of France to feel that very wind. Its characteristics are guiding principles for its eponymous hypercar, as the wind is powerful and blows year-round, and the movement of air was a paramount consideration in engineering the car. MUST READ: Bugatti’s First Eyewear Collection Features A Pair Of $15K Sunglasses Being a roadster, airflow is both a benefit and an important challenge in automotive design, as the Bugatti W16 Mistral is able to deliver a thrilling driving experience with the wind blowing past, but also has to balance the effects of drag, and ensure proper cooling and aerodynamics as the car moves. Being Bugatti, the designers and engineers of course achieved this, with a more advanced version of Bugatti’s signature horseshoe grille, a series of intakes, and the avant-garde x-shaped taillight assembly that allows air to exit. When it comes to the brand, the car itself, and the time in which it arrives, the Mistral wind is a thematically important part of what makes the new Bugatti W16 Mistral so special. View All Bugattis For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 06, 2023

Bugatti's First Eyewear Collection Features A Pair Of $15...

Venturing outside of hypercar manufacturing, Bugatti develops luxury sunglasses for those sunny days in your Chiron Super Sport. Surrounding itself with other industry-leading companies and designers, Bugatti continues to evolve into the ultimate luxury lifestyle brand through creative collaborations. Showcasing its talents in the high-end fashion sector, Bugatti is proud to work with legendary optical designer Larry Sands on the launch of its first-ever eyewear collection. The all-new Bugatti Eyewear Collection made its debut at a prestigious event at the hotel Principe di Savoia in Milan. The lineup embodies the trendsetting styles of Larry’s 60-year career in shaping and creating coveted examples, which now includes inspiration from Bugatti hypercars. MUST-READ: Valentines Day Gift Guide For The Car Enthusiast In Your Life Along with nine show-stopping frame styles, 37 pieces are available in unique material combinations that include palladium, 925 sterling silver, carbon fiber, and Macassar ebony. Each piece is meticulously crafted in Japan using cutting-edge processes that intertwine with Bugatti’s vehicle production. The use of carbon fiber is another impeccable design iteration that pays homage to Bugatti’s automobiles. Every premium sunglass example sports the iconic Bugatti logo and emblem to take its look to a whole new level. The Bugatti Eyewear Collection will soon be available online with retail prices ranging from $1,295 to $15,000. View all current Bugatti models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Bugatti For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 01, 2023

The $10.8M Bugatti Chiron Profilée Becomes The Most Valua...

RM Sotheby's closes out the eight-figure Bugatti sale in Paris today, making history by doubling its original pre-sale estimate. Today, RM Sotheby’s made automotive history with the auction of Bugatti’s final W16-powered production hypercar. The Bugatti Profilée took the stage in Paris in front of a crowd of collectors in the room, on the telephones, and via the internet. The remarkable example solidifies itself as a piece of hypercar history as it marks the end of an era and the opportunity for a lucky collector to acquire a piece of automotive excellence. While RM Sotheby’s originally pre-estimated the one-of-a-kind Bugatti between $4.6 million and $6 million, no one could expect the outcome that took place. MUST-READ: CURATED Presents Its World Speed Record Bugatti EB110SS Prototype And Ferrari 550 Maranello WSR After an extended period of intense bidding between many eager collectors, RM Sotheby’s sold the bespoke-engineered version of the Bugatti Chiron for a whopping $10,756,914. The incredible eight-figure sale makes the Bugatti Profilée the most valuable new car ever sold at auction. Along with securing a milestone within the auction world, the sale places the car among the most valuable Bugatti Chirons of any era ever sold. A percentage of the proceeds will go to benefit charitable causes. With the final production W16 Bugatti off to its new home, we are excited to see what collection the $10.8M Bugatti Profilée ends up in. View all current Bugatti examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Bugatti For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by RM Sotheby's (@rmsothebys) Source: RM Sotheby's

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 01, 2023

CURATED Presents Its World Speed Record Bugatti EB110SS P...

Along with two impeccable record-breaking examples, John Temerian also showcases an extremely special Lamborghini Murciélago. There are supercars and hypercars throughout history that are most well-known as milestone examples, establishing success for manufacturers in the form of design, technology, and performance. The passionate team at CURATED of Miami specializes in sourcing, buying, and pairing the world's greatest automobiles with the world's greatest collections. As its extensive inventory is constantly in rotation, owner John Temerian is excited to present some incredible vintage supercars on the newest release to the CuratedTV YouTube channel. From two world speed record specs to a one-of-one Lamborghini, this week’s inventory highlight is sure to leave collectors running to the showroom. MUST-READ: CURATED Sources And Smuggles A Rare Lamborghini Countach Out Of Venezuela The first immaculate example is a Bugatti EB110 Super Sport Prototype, of which only a handful was made to test before releasing it to the public. Developed and engineered for the U.S. market, this configuration would be the predecessor of those advertised in duPont REGISTRY as eager first-time Bugatti clientele first laid their eyes on the early 90s hypercar. What makes this EB110 Super Sport Prototype even more special is the Bugatti world speed record engine in it. Sharing the space for speed record examples is a Ferrari 550 Maranello WSR (World Speed Record Edition), which is 1 of 33 made to commemorate Ferrari achieving several speed records in Ohio in 1998. Last, but certainly, not least is a 2002 Lamborghini Murciélago that John refers to as “one of the coolest Murciélago manual transmission cars I’ve ever seen”. With a one-of-one Monterey Blue finish that features a 6-speed manual transmission and only 793 miles, this serves as an example of what a perfect, early-generation Murcielago looks like. Check out all of CURATED’s current inventory on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All CURATED Inventory Source: CuratedTV

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 30, 2023

Bugatti's Last W16-Powered Hypercar Set To Sell At RM Sot...

As we say goodbye to the legendary 8.0L Quad-Turbocharged W16, a very lucky collector is looking to secure Bugatti's most famous example. With new guidelines and regulations throughout the automotive industry, brands are faced with the sad future of discontinuing the production of traditional high-horsepower mechanical engines. While the EV market has proved its worth with state-of-the-art technology that shatters current performance figures, collectors and enthusiasts can agree that there’s nothing quite like the sound of a roaring quad-turbocharged W16. In collaboration with the auction specialists at RM Sotheby’s, the hypercar pioneers at Bugatti are prepping to auction off the last available Chiron powered by its legendary W16 engine this week. The Bugatti Chiron Profilée stands aside other recent milestones such as the W16 Mistral, Bolide, and all variations of the iconic Chiron. MUST-READ: Bugatti Delivered A Record-Breaking 80 Hypercars To Customers In 2022 The Profilée showcases itself as the only one to exist without plans to ever recreate another, making it one of the most desirable examples in Bugatti’s modern history. The inspiration behind the exclusive build comes as a response to customer demand, requesting something more radical than the Chiron Sport yet less extreme than the Chiron Pur Sport. The car recently arrived at Paris’s famous Carrousel du Louvre, where it will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s – Lot 177/200. Capturing the attention of eager collectors looking to secure a piece of automotive history, bidding for the one-of-a-kind Bugatti Profilée is set to begin at 10 AM EST on February 1st. View all current Bugatti models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Bugatti For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 20, 2023

How Bugatti Expanded Its Lifestyle Product Range In The A...

As the Bugatti brand prepares to be transformed, it also expands beyond hypercars. Bugatti is going through a major transition as a brand, as with the reveal of the W16 Mistral, Bugatti announced that it would be officially retiring the incredible 8-liter, quad-turbocharged W16 engine that made its hypercars so incredible for the past two decades and Bugatti’s entire modern era. In the meantime, while we wait for Bugatti to unveil the hypercar that heralds its new era, it has brought its brand to a new level by expanding it with an incredible range of lifestyle products introduced over the last year. MUST READ: Bugatti Celebrates Jean Bugatti’s Impact On His 114th Birthday All showing off the history of Bugatti, which spans over a century, as well as the brand’s incredible design, engineering, and exquisite luxury, these new lifestyle products showed a diverse range of places where the Bugatti name could shine, like watches, beverages, art, and more. By partnering with brands of similar stature in their spaces as Bugatti is in the automotive world, like Asprey, Jacob & Co., and Champagne Carbon, Bugatti’s lifestyle products were able to successfully translate the automotive Business’s level of luxury and exclusivity to new areas. With these expansions, Bugatti fans can enjoy the Bugatti experience without needing to be behind the wheel of one of its groundbreaking hypercars. View All Bugattis For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 13, 2023

Bugatti Celebrates Jean Bugatti’s Impact On His 114th Bir...

On his 114th birthday, Jean Bugatti’s influence is still present in the brand. One of the most historic, legendary, and respected brands in the automotive industry, Bugatti has made some of the world’s most desired cars for over a century. However, one of the greatest eras in its early history is the one in which Jean Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti’s first son, designed the vehicles. Born on January 15, 1909, his 114th birthday will be very soon. Throughout his life, he was imbued in automotive excellence, and quickly showed his skill in creating incredible cars. It was in 1926 when he designed the Type 41 Royale Roadster Edsers, and in 1936 at the age of 27 when he was given full responsibility of Bugatti by Ettore. MUST READ: Bugatti Delivered A Record-Breaking 80 Hypercars To Customers In 2022 It wasn’t long after when the Type 57 SC Atlantic was created, the legendary car that inspired the La Voiture Noire, and possibly the most important, valuable, and talked-about historic Bugatti of all time. The car was an important landmark of the Art Deco design era, and other signatures Jean Bugatti came up with, like the C-line, became sources of inspiration that would remain in Bugatti’s lexicon even a century later into its modern era, showing up on cars of today like the Veyron and Chiron, and being a core part of Bugatti’s identity. The same goes for the use of two-tone paintwork, and both of these design features can be seen on the newly-unveiled Bugatti Chiron Profilée, the one-off Chiron variant that never made it to full production, which will be auctioned in Paris on February 1. Jean Bugatti’s influence is very present in this incredible car, and as the brand celebrates his 114th birthday, it will be just as present in the brand’s future. View All Bugattis For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 09, 2023

Bugatti Delivered A Record-Breaking 80 Hypercars To Custo...

2022 has been a record-breaking year for the French luxury marque. Proving to be a record year for most, the automotive industry saw an incredibly output of high-dollar supercars and hypercars. Continuing its record-breaking legacy, the passionate professionals at Bugatti are excited to report that they delivered its greatest number of automobiles in a 12-month period. The Molsheim Atelier built and delivered 80 new Bugatti hypercars to both new and exciting customers around the world. Of those 80 examples, some of the most significant models include the 400th Chiron, the final nine Chiron Super Sport 300+, all ten Centodieci, and the last Chiron and Chiron Sports for Europe. The milestone marks its most successful year since Molsheim’s opening 17 years ago. MUST-READ: The 10-Year Cost Of Owning A Bugatti Chiron Will Set You Back $210K As part of its achievements, Bugatti is also recognizing special projects such as the world premiere of the W16 Mistral in August 2022, the launch of the Bugatti ‘Certified Pre-Owned’ program, and design-led showrooms that incorporate Bugatti’s new visual identity. The future for Bugatti shines bright as the brand embarks on its new journey as Bugatti Rimac, leading its position as the leading manufacturer for hypercars. View all current Bugatti examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Bugatti For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 03, 2023

The 10-Year Cost Of Owning A Bugatti Chiron Will Set You ...

Although the price is mind-blowing, most passionate car enthusiasts will agree that its worth the money. Considering that the Bugatti stands out as one of the most exclusive and expensive automotive brands in the world, it’s no surprise that the cost of ownership will be slightly higher than your average sports car. It's a topic that we all remember having about the Bugatti Veyron and the jaw-dropping prices that come along with servicing, including the infamous $25,000 annual fluid changes and $50,000 wheel replacement. Since the release of the current generation Chiron, Bugatti has improved the hypercar itself and the cost to maintain the multi-million dollar masterpiece. In The Hamilton Collection’s newest YouTube upload, Steve Hamilton and Tommy break down the cost to service the Bugatti Chiron outside its factory 4-year warranty. MUST-READ: Bugatti Chiron Price, Horsepower, 1/4 Mile Specs While Bugatti includes a bumper-to-bumper warranty that also takes care of its annual services, the final fourth-year service stands out as a whopping $34,000 job. Outside the regular factory coverage, Bugatti advertises a matching 4-year plan for $204,000 or a service-alone agreement for $11,500 per year. Diving into some of the insane replacement costs, Tommy reveals some staggering figures, such as an $856,406.98 engine, $185,000 transmission, $13,547.75 key, and so much more. After compiling their findings, The Hamilton Collection totals the 10-year ownership cost at $209,118.92. View all current Bugatti Chiron examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link. View All Bugatti Chiron For Sale Source: The Hamilton Collection YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 03, 2023

Shop The New LEGO Technic Bugatti Bolide Build Set, Avail...

While the goal of owning a multi-million dollar hypercar proves to be a dream for most car enthusiasts, the creative professionals at LEGO offer small-scale buildable models to hold you over until delivery day. The partnership between Bugatti and LEGO began in 2018 with the release of its Chiron in 2018. LEGO Technic is proud to showcase the incredible track-only Bugatti Bolide as the newest addition to its fleet of automotive build sets. The LEGO Technic Bugatti Bolide features a 905-piece construction that measures 12 inches in length, packed with meticulous details and touches that mimic the $5 million hypercar. MUST-READ: The Top Automotive-Inspired LEGO Sets Available Now The Bolide pays homage to the Bugatti brand by presenting a black and yellow finish, which was the desired color combination of founder Ettore Bugatti. Other impressive details of the LEGO x Bugatti Bolide are scissor-opening doors, aerodynamic rims with low-profile tires, a detailed cockpit with a turnable steering wheel, and a detailed W16 engine with moving pistons. The Bolide is unique in every sense, with exceptional Bugatti performance, power, design, and track-focused drivability. The all-new LEGO Technic Bugatti Bolide is currently available for $49.99 by clicking on the link below. Shop Now Source: Bugatti

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