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 Edward Jones – March 31, 2020

The Holy Trinity of Bugatti Hypercars

Bugatti may be over a century old, but there are three cars of the modern area that have set the stage for the hypercar world we see today: the EB110, Veyron and Chiron. Throughout the past three decades, these three cars have been monementous achievements in the automotive industry. From their luxury to their insane power, they each are special in their own right. Bugatti recently gathered an example of each of these hypercars together in Dubai for an photoshoot of epic proportions. For the photoshoot, the cars all have a matching paint finish which was an awesome choice. Because of the matching paint scheme, there's a sense of familiarity between the cars but it makes it easier to witness Bugatti's evolution over the years. Check out all of the images in the gallery below. See All Bugattis for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 27, 2020

Bugatti Unveils 3D Printed Titanium Exhaust

When it comes to building a work of art, no expense is spared. That's why engineers in Alsace have developed a new process to build the lightest, strongest, and gorgeous parts for their cars. Using a quartet of 400-watt lasers, Bugatti has unveiled 3D printed titanium exhaust. To meet their own lofty goals, the exhaust and tailpipe trim for the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport and the Chiron Super Sport 300. With a wall thickness of 0.015" at the thinnest point, they are made of 4,200 layers of titanium powder capable of handling the heat of the 8-liter beast. Rated to run at 1,200 degrees for hours would amaze the builders of the SR-71 Blackbird, so that's why a new Chiron needs to be in your garage. This is just one detail of how Bugatti stays at the top of their game, so click the link below to find yours. Browse All Bugatti For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2020

All 6 Bugatti Models Make A Stunning Display

Your garage can't handle this level of perfection. For the first time in the brand's history, all 6 Bugatti production models made a stunning display. With the recent unveiling of the Chiron Pur Sport, many assumed the Divo was on the chopping block. We are glad it didn't get the axe, because Bugatti builds something for everyone Pur Sport Light and nimble with the latest aerodynamic innovations, only 60 will be produced Learn More Centodieci A modern reincarnation of the EB110 offering 1,600 horsepower, only 10 will be built. Learn More Chiron Super Sport 300+ The first production car to break the 300 mph barrier, 30 examples were built Learn More La Voiture Noire "The Black Car" is a luxurious Grand Touring Coupe. Priced at 11 Million Euros, it is the most expensive car in production Learn More Divo A street-legal track machine, it has more grip and dowforce than any of the others. Learn More Chiron Sport Learn More After replacing the base model Chiron in 2018, it is their most popular model Browse All Bugatti For Sale Tell us which one you prefer in the comments below and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Sell Your Bugatti: Get a Cash Offer Today

By Edward Jones – March 03, 2020

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Revealed: Built For Agility

Engine: Quad-Turbocharged 8.0-liter W16Horsepower: 1,500 hpTorque: 1,180 lb-ftTop Speed: 217 mphPrice: 3 million euros (around $3,356,000 USD) With a focus on agility and cornering ability, the new Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport is ready for winding roads and track days. While the Chiron Super Sport 300+ was created for a max speed of over 300 mph, the Chiron Pur Sport wants to fly through corners as quickly as possible. When it comes to creating an agile car, downforce has to be a priority. Bugatti recognized this and went to great lengths to ensure the new Chiron model is grounded through a vast amount of downforce. Most notably, the new rear wing and front splitter work together to hold the car down. Dropping the weight of the car was also necessary if Bugatti wanted to make the Chiron Pur Sport nimble. Inside, the cabin is "sporty and raw," according to Bugatti. This just means they saved as much weight as possible by making the interior as minimal as possible. Bugatti went so far as to upholster all surfaces in Alcantara in the name of saving weight. All trim and controls are also made of either aluminum or titanium. But the weight savings don't stop there. Bugatti has a new optional split paintwork for the Chiron Pur Sport that leaves the lower portion with exposed carbon fiber. Less paint means less weight. See All Bugattis For Sale Bugatti is introducing newly designed magnesium wheels for the Chiron Pur Sport that save weight and work to increase aerodynamic efficiency. When these wheels are fitted with the option aero blades, they move air out from the wheels, pushing it towards the rear of the car. This improves the airflow along the side of the hypercar. A stiffer suspension as also needed if this new model was going to take on tight corners. Bugatti tightened up the suspension, making the springs 65% firmed upfront and 33% firmer in the back. Bugatti says that all of the changes they have made make the "connection between chassis, suspension and body 130% firmer at the front and 77% firmer at the rear." Of course, this is a Chiron we're talking about and that means there's plenty of power available via the quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine. In total, it generates 1,500 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. However, Bugatti revised the transmission for the Chiron Pur Sport's agility goal. A total of 80% of the transmission has been revised, making the overall gear ratio 15% closer together. Bugatti has also dropped the Chiron Pur Sport's top speed to 217 mph because of the increased downforce. "We reconfigured each gear and calibrated new ratios despite this iconic engine boasting an abundance of power," says chin Schwalbe, Head of Bugatti Chassis Development. "The gears are closer together now to enable shorter gear jumps and also benefit performance. Most of all when coming out of corners the Chiron Pur Sport1accelerates even more aggressively in conjunction with the added grip as well as the more direct chassis and suspension." As a result of these changes, the Chiron Pur Sport can accelerate from 37 mph to 74.5 mph two seconds faster than the Chiron. Production on the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport will begin in the second half of 2020. There will be 60 units created, each with a price of 3 million euros (around $3,356,000 USD) excluding VAT.

By Andrew Nabors – February 19, 2020

Bugatti Unveils First Chiron Noire

Inspired by the dark La Voiture Noir, Bugatti has unveiled the first Chiron Noire. It is the 250th Chiron to be produced, and it is being prepped for the Geneva Auto Show. There will be two versions of the car: the Chiron Noire Elegance in a black exposed carbon fiber exterior, while the Chiron Noire Sportive has an exposed carbon fiber body with a matte black finish. Click the button below to find your Bugatti, and stay with us for all your Chiron news. “Every Chiron that has left our Atelier in the past three years is a technological masterpiece. This also applies to the 250th specimen. Reaching this mark in such a short amount of time is an amazing accomplishment that fills me with pride. I am looking forward to the second half of the production cycle”, says Stephan Winkelmann. Browse All Bugatti CHiron For Sale Related: Bugatti Chiron Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – February 11, 2020

New Bugatti Showroom Has Opened in Paris

Bugatti has opened up a brand-new home for themselves in Paris, France, their home country. The new showroom can be found in Neuilly-sur-Seine, at 181 Avenue Achille Peretti. This is the first showroom to show off the brand's new corporate design of the brand. In total, there are now 36 Bugatti dealers in 17 different countries. If you head there now, you'll be able to see the new Chiron Sport in blue carbon on the showroom floor. It's here that Bugatti's clients came come and receive a "tailored service," according to Bugatti. They even have a deck in the back, which looks like a perfect place for a relaxing Bugatti BBQ. “The exclusivity of our partner network and the high standards that we set for everyone at Bugatti, require us to be very strategic in our approach. We need to select only the key markets, and only the right partners”, explained Stephan Winkelmann. “Not only for us as a French manufacturer, Paris is a key market. It is the main hub for all national happenings and decisions in France. And we are absolutely confident that Groupe Schumacher is the right partner.” SEE ALL BUGATTIS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – January 22, 2020

Bugatti Chiron Production to End Next Year and Big Surpri...

Bugatti is expecting 2020 to be a huge year for their brand. For starters, the first Divo models will finally roll out of Molsheim this year and be delivered to their owners. Bugatti also announced that the production of the Chiron will continue until the end of 2021. If you're interested, act fast because fewer than 100 are still available. Will we see any new Bugatti models in 2020? That remains to be seen, but Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti, is hinting towards some big things: "“All I can say is this: we’ll be presenting a few interesting surprises in 2020. We have several ideas and are continuing to work on the future of our traditional marque." SEE ALL BUGATTIS FOR SALE Source: Bugatti

By Edward Jones – January 20, 2020

Wild Bugatti Veyron Plows Snow and Tows Skier

When it snows, most supercar and hypercar owners keep their prized possessions in the garage. For TheStradman and Houston of Royalty Exotic Cars, however, they took their Bugatti Veyron and Lamborghini Aventador out in the snow just for fun. The two cars were taken to the parking lot of a ski resort in Utah where the cars put on a "spin class." After doing some powdery donuts, the Veyron went on a snowplow run, covering the hypercar in snow. But it doesn't end there. They then tied a rope to the Veyron and towed TheStradman on skis behind it. Insanity. ALL BUGATTI VEYRONS FOR SALE " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 07, 2020

Bugatti Teases Something New

While other manufacturers are posting their 2019 numbers, Bugatti is looking to the future. It is hard to believe that every Bugatti Chiron for sale is based on a design from 2015. That's why Bugatti has teased something new on their Instagram page What emerged as a successor to the Veyron, it spawned the Chiron Sport in 2018, and a hardcore track model named "Divo". It was followed by the La Voiture Noir last year, and a world-record speed attempt. So what might we be looking at? One theory is another flavor of Chiron. How to do the $21k Bugatti Veyron Oil Change Considering the Veyron had over a dozen bespoke versions, it is very plausible. Since we've never seen a Bugatti in the rain, our guess is a Chiron Speedster. Who needs a roof at 250 mph anyway? Tell us what you think it is in the comments below and stay with us for all your Bugatti updates. " width="680"> Related: Bugatti Chiron "Hermes Edition" Revealed by Manny Khosbin

By Edward Jones – January 02, 2020

Bugatti Chiron "Hermès Edition" Revealed by Manny Khoshbin

Manny Khoshbin has just received the latest collection to his car collection and it's as beautiful as vehicles come. Introducing his new Bugatti Chiron "Hermès Edition" hypercar. Khoshbin has been waiting for this car since he designed it four years ago. For the color scheme, he went with all-cream for the interior and exterior. The Hermès Courbettes Graphic with horses can be found on the exterior and interior of the hypercar, marking the first time this pattern has been used in a sports car. Both wool and cashmere were used for the pattern in the cabin. Bugatti Chiron Specs: 1/4 Mile, 0-60 & Prices This isn't the first time that Bugatti and Hermès have teamed up. In fact, the first worked together in the 1920s and in 2008 for the Veyron. Now, Manny Khoshbin has the Hermès Chiron and it's just as beautiful as we expected. SEE ALL BUGATTI CHIRONS FOR SALE Image Source: Instagram

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