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 – May 07, 2019

Bugatti Chiron Trio Takes on Circuit Paul Ricard

Bugatti recently traveled to the Circuit Paul Ricard to let loose three Chiron hypercars. The circuit in the South of France is a perfect place to test the capabilities of the French hypercars. Among the trio was a Chiron Sport, Bugatti's new variant that's dedicated to agility and performance on the track. To accomplish that, Bugatti had to make a few tweaks to the Chiron. Power coming from the quad-turbocharged W16 engine remains at 1,479 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. However, Bugatti did add in a stiffer suspension setup, as well as a new Dynamic Torque Vectoring System. Weight was also dropped by around 39 pounds. Bugatti says the Chiron Sport can lap the Nardo handling circuit five seconds faster than the base Chiron. see all bugattis for sale Source

By Andrew Nabors – May 06, 2019

The Unbeatable Bugatti Type 35

In order to build the world's best race car, Ettore Bugatti made incredible advancements in engine technology. But instead of being content with a fast & nimble car, he made sure it had styling to match. If you have ever wondered what it takes to conquer the world, this is the unbeatable Bugatti Type 35. A press release this morning digs into their archives to show how the Type 35 series won over 2,000 races. Between 1924 and 1930, their 2.0L straight eight grew in size and power. The crankshaft was mounted on roller bearings to eliminate the main source of friction. This allowed the 3-valve overhead cam to reach 6,000 rpm. Even today that speed is impressive for an inline engine. Ettore Bugatti & Wife in 1924 Hollow tubular axles and aluminum wheels kept un-sprung weight very low. This trick made for a better handling and more grip. The engine grew to 2.3L and Ettore crafted a supercharger that looks like artwork. It made 138 horsepower for a top speed of 133 mph. President of Bugatti Stephan Winkelmann said: This makes the Type 35 one of the forefathers of our current hyper sports cars, the Chiron1, Chiron Sport and Divo. Steeped in the Type 35’s DNA, they are translating this tradition for the modern age.” Browse Bugatti For Sale Related: Bugatti Reveals Chiron Sport Specs, Prices & Photos Bugatti Dove Endures Desert Endurance Testing

By Andrew Nabors – April 25, 2019

Bugatti Chiron Interior Inspirations

Many supercars and almost all hypercars are designed for all-out performance. The exteriors make no compromises, as each manufacturer tries to outdo the others. But on the inside, the Bugatti Chiron interior inspirations are the opposite of everyone else. We're not going to name names, but you have probably noticed the trend of street cars with race-ready interiors. Fixed carbon fiber seats, no carper or insulation, and pull straps instead of door handles. While this appeals to many motorsports enthusiasts, Bugatti has not lost their luxurious heritage. Etienne Salomé is the Director of Interior design, and he said: "When I began to develop the design of the Chiron interior, it was clear that the DNA of the new hyper sports car would be characterized by the technology with its iconic 16-cylinder eight-litre engine." "So I started to adapt the idea of the exterior design to the interior and make it as technical as possible – without sacrificing the high demands of Bugatti. Bugatti's primary concern is to create and preserve an icon. But the Chiron is much more than an automobile; it is a timeless work of art, a breath-taking masterpiece on four wheels." After driving a handful of Veyrons, I can attest to how peaceful the cockpit is. The Chiron takes it a step further by consolidating controls and contouring the leather into elegant shapes. Because the 16-cylinder engine is perfectly balanced, no vibration or engine noise is noticeable. People seem to think such a car is impractical, but Bugatti built them to be driven. It has a small turning radius and good ground clearance. Visibility is great and their are no quirks to speak of. If you don't believe me, click the link below and tell us your thoughts. Find Your Bugatti Chiron Here

57176814_1931529493642592_1594530776420974592_o

By Andrew Nabors – April 17, 2019

Bugatti Divo Endures Desert Endurance Testing

Somewhere deep in the Kalahari, the Bugatti Divo endures desert endurance testing. In their latest Facebook post, engineer Julia Lemke is holding the Divo at 155 mph for hours. This heat soaks the turbos to make sure the intercoolers do their job, and it is a perfect way to calibrate the air/fuel tuning. With a daytime high of 104 degrees, it is one of the most unforgiving tracks in the world. Stay with us for all your Bugatti updates, and click the link below to find one near you Browse Bugatti hypercars For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 01, 2019

Bugatti La Voiture Noire Receives Dazzling Dubai Debut

The new Bugatti La Voiture Noire is apparently making the rounds around the world as it recently made its Dubai debut. Bugatti held an exclusive debut for clientele during their local partner, Al Habtoor Motors, revealed their own happenings for the automaker's 110th anniversary. Stephan Winkelmann was on hand to present the car to the clientele and presumably brought up the notion of just how welcoming Bugatti is to customer requests. Check out the images down below. For those unaware of the new Bugatti La Voiture Noire, here's a quick breakdown. It's currently the most expensive new car ever released with a price tag of around $12.46 million. The La Voiture Noire is also a one-off car, with no further examples planned for production. Powering the car is Bugatti's quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine that produces 1480 horsepower and 1180 lb-ft of torque. view all bugatti's for sale Source

By Edward Jones – March 20, 2019

Bugatti Announces Partnership With Jacob & Co. for New Ti...

At Baselworld 2019, Bugatti announced their new partnership with Jacob & Co, known for their timepieces and fine jewelry. The result of the partnership will be a series of co-branded products that fit perfectly with the lifestyle that comes along with owning a Bugatti. For their first piece in this partnership, Jacob & Co. introduced the limited edition Twin Turbo Furious Bugatti Edition (seen above). This complicated timepiece has turquoise surrounding the dial, paying homage to the Chiron celebrating Bugatti's 110th anniversary. There is, of course, a Bugatti logo that sits in the center of the dial. Another noteworthy touch is that the power reserve indicator was renamed "fuel," and there's a French flag on the gauge. Only 39 examples of this timepiece will be created, each individually numbered. There will be 18 made in carbon fiber, 18 in rose gold and three with diamonds. There is also the Bugatti Chrono Edition Limitée 110 Ans, which will have 110 examples created. That amount is a nod to the company's 110th anniversary. Jacob & Co. chose their Epic X Chrono timepiece for this, featuring their JCAA05 skeletonized self-winding chronograph movement. In the center of the face is a prominent French flag. 2018 Bugatti Chiron Price, Specs, Photos & Review “For this project we found the right partner in Jacob & Co., because we are both absolutely dedicated to innovation with superb technology, absolute beauty, craftsmanship and the highest quality of the materials”, explained Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti, at the stand of Jacob & Co. at Baselworld. view all bugattis for sale

By Edward Jones – March 11, 2019

Bugatti is Creating a 'Baby' Car For Kids, Costs More Tha...

Back in 1926 Ettore and Jean Bugatti created a half-scale Type 35 for Ettore's youngest son, Roland. The two built the car for Roland's fourth birthday and now Bugatti is reviving the Bugatti 'Baby' on the company's 110th birthday. The new Baby II was shown off at Bugatti's stand at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show. Underneath the body of the tiny Bugatti is a rear-wheel-drive battery-powered electric powertrain and removable lithium-ion battery packs. There's even a limited slip differential and regenerative braking system. This Baby II is sounding like something I wouldn't mind driving around a city! How fast can the Bugatti Baby II go? In the 1kW 'child mode,' it can hit a top speed of 12.4 mph. When the 4kW 'adult mode' is activated, it can hit 28 mph. Bugatti even has a 'Speed Key' upgrade, like the speed key for the Chiron, which allows power to reach 10 kW. Inside, the cockpit of the Baby II is fitted with a turned aluminum dashboard, leather seat and a four-spoke steering wheel. On the side are eight-spoke aluminum allow wheels, modern brakes, headlights, and a 'Macaron' badge made of 50g of silver. The Bugatti Baby II is limited to just 500 examples and comes with a price tag of 30,000 euros (plus taxes and delivery), converting to roughly $33,700 USD. That's more than the MSRP of a 2019 Ford Mustang with the EcoBoost (MSRP $26,395). view all bugattis for sale

By Edward Jones – March 05, 2019

Bugatti “La Voiture Noire” Revealed: The Most Expensive N...

A modern interpretation of the Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic has been teased for a while and now the new one-off model is here, the Bugatti “La Voiture Noire.” Bugatti President Stephan Winkelman says that the La Voiture Noire "is a coupé with the comfort of a luxury limousine and the power of a hyper sports car." Bugatti says that every single component found on the La Voiture Noire has been made by hand. Its exterior is made of carbon fiber, with a deep black gloss covering the entirety of it until it is interrupted by the ultrafine fiber structure. The Bugatti La Voiture Noire's engine is the well-known 8.0-liter W16 engine. Pumping out of this engine is 1480 horsepower and 1180 lb-ft of torque. There may be plenty of power to be found in the La Voiture Noire, but this one-off car is all about it's beautiful styling. “We worked long and hard on this design until was nothing that we could improve," says Bugatti designer Etienne Salomé. "For us, the coupé represents the perfect form with a perfect finish. Top 25 Most Expensive Cars in the World Bugatti says the La Voiture Noire's price is €11 million, which equates to roughly $12.46 million. For those who were thinking they may be able to purchase it, I've got bad news for you as it's already been sold to a Bugatti enthusiast. What's more, that price tag makes it the most expensive new car of all time. see all bugatti chirons for sale

By Edward Jones – March 04, 2019

New One-Off Bugatti's Body Teased in Videos

Yes, a new Bugatti based on the 57 SC Atlantic will be coming to Geneva. If you don't believe me, you can hear it from Bugatti's President, Stephan Winkelmann, in a video from the French automaker. That being said, new teasers of the car's exterior have been revealed on Bugatti's Instagram. It's not a whole lot to go off of, but at least we know now that we will be seeing a one-off Bugatti at the Geneva Motor Show and it will embody the spirit of one of the most iconic automobiles. Check back tomorrow for the car's unveiling! view all bugattis for sale https://www.instagram.com/p/BujSsf3IIwZ/ https://www.instagram.com/p/BugmgxSIt8Q/

By Edward Jones – February 28, 2019

Modern Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic Teased in New Video and Image

A new modern Bugatti 57 SC Atlantic has been teased over the past week or so and now we finally get a glimpse of what could possibly be it. I say it could "possibly be it" because Bugatti has been quite cheeky as to the confirmation of the car. For instance, this is the description for the video found below: "Any modern interpretation of the 57 SC Atlantic should keep Bugatti’s unique tail light….." See, no firm confirmation. And they even doubled down on the cheekiness by following that video with the image found above that has this as its description: "…and any modern interpretation of the 57 SC Atlantic should keep Bugatti’s unique rear lights." Bugatti is essentially saying IF there was a modern 57 SC Atlantic, THIS may be what it looks like... We get it, Bugatti. Now unveil the car so we can all drool over it. In the meantime, drool over the Bugatti Veyrons and Chirons we have for sale by clicking the button below. view all bugattis for sale https://www.facebook.com/bugatti/videos/262665088006744/ Source: Facebook

Bugatti News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe