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 – November 30, 2015

New Bugatti Model Officially Named the "Chiron"

Since it was announced that Bugatti would be making a new model, the consensus has been that it would be called the Chiron. For those of you who have hopped onto this bandwagon, I have great news for you: you were right.In a press release issued today, Bugatti officially announced that the new model will be called the Chiron, after Louis Chiron. As far as looks go, spyshots show us that it will look similar to the Vision GT pictured above. In the press release, they note that he "was the most successful Bugatti works driver and the best racing driver n the world in his time."“In Louis Chiron, we found a worthy patron for a new model in the history of our brand,” said Wolfgang Dürheimer, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S, in the press release. “The name of the best racing driver and the most successful Bugatti driver of his time for the best super sports car of the present day – that is the ideal combination.”As for the car itself, Bugatti is touting that it will be "the world's most powerful, fastest, most luxurious and most exclusive production sports car." Right now, the car is being shown to a select number of customers and is going through final testing. The customers' response? Pretty good, considering over 100 customers have already ordered the Chiron without even driving it. Louis ChironRegarding the new car, Dürheimer put it simply: "We want to make the best significantly better. The Chiron will set new standards in every respect."Excited? So am I. Bugatti also announced in the press release that the car will be unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, which runs from March 3-13.Bugattis For Sale (Source: Bugatti)

By Caitlin Duffy – November 09, 2015

Bugatti Showrooms Open in Manhattan & Miami

The introduction of Bugatti's newest model is drawing closer each day, and now customers in Miami and Manhattan will be able to enjoy an entirely redesigned experience when they place their orders. As a Nov. 6 press release from the marque shares, their new showroom design will make its way into each of the 27 Bugatti showrooms world wide, but the locations in New York City and Miami are the first to feature it. A sleek combination of Bugatti blue and bright white, these showrooms aim to bring the same experience of visiting the Molsheim, France headquarters to every corner of the world.“North America is a very important market for Bugatti," explained Dr. Stefan Brungs, Member of the Board of Management of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S., in the release. "About a quarter of our Veyron series, which is sold out, is located in North America and customers here are showing phenomenal interest in the next Bugatti super sports car. Its development is running at full speed." Veyrons For Sale The New York location didn't just receive a redesign, however, it also moved to an entirely new location. 711 11th Avenue, just a few blocks from Central Park, is now where you'll be able to learn about Bugatti firsthand. Those hoping to see the new showroom in Miami can still find it at the same 2060 Bicayne Boulevard location.Check out the photos of these new showroom designs and start planning your trip to place an order for their next car, rumored to be called the Chiron. Then, find your own Veyron from our exclusive listings. (via Bugatti) See More Bugatti News

By Caitlin Duffy – November 05, 2015

Bugatti Chiron's Front End Spotted

Slowly but surely, details about the newest supercar from Bugatti are making their way to the public light, the latest of which is what its front end looks like.In a cell phone video shared by AUTO BILD TV to YouTube today, we get a look at the front end of an camouflage-free Chiron as it tries to get around a truck hauling lumber on a narrow road. The iconic horseshoe grille is very visible, as are the same headlights found on the behemoth Bugatti Vision GranTurismo concept car.From an inset on the lower left corner, we can tell that the original video was filmed vertically, showing off a landscape of snow capped mountains and tall pine trees, with buildings indicating an Alpine region. We caught a look at the rear ends of two Chirons testing in Lavis, Italy on Oct. 30. Lavis is a northern region that looks similar to what's seen in this second video, indicating that they were likely captured around the same time, if not on the same day.What do you think of this newest design from Bugatti? Do you think they'll stick with the Chiron name, or that they'll announce something different when it's finally officially unveiled? Let us know in the comments below, and find your own Bugatti from our exclusive listings.Bugattis For Sale (via YouTube) See More Bugatti News

By Caitlin Duffy – October 30, 2015

Best Look Yet at the Bugatti Chiron

On Oct. 15, a Bugatti rep confirmed to us that development of the Veyron's successor would continue, and in a series of photos reportedly taken in Lavis, Italy, we've got some visual confirmation of that fact. Chiron For Sale Bugatti Head of Communications Manuela Höehne told us in an email that “work on the next Bugatti continues as planned.” However, she couldn’t confirm the name of this next Bugatti, or any other details, saying “this will follow in due time.” However, multiple reports from sources including Car Magazine have stated that this new Bugatti beast will be capable of reaching 288 mph and have a price of around $2.5 million USD.When you take that price into consideration, it becomes all the more impressive to learn that Magazín ProDriver CZ, an automotive magazine from the Czech Republic, reports that 110 orders have already been placed.A gallery of four photos shared to their Facebook page today shows what appears to be two undisguised Chiron test mules driving around Lavis, a province of Trento, Italy, near the Austrian and Swiss borders. They credit Stefania Piffer with snapping these images, which show each car's license plates ending in "BG 101" and "BG 102."(See Also: Floyd Mayweather Buys $3.5 Million Bugatti Veyron)There are dozens of instantly recognizable design cues on these cars, though we aren't able to see the front of either in these shots. The rear does appear similar to the rear of the Vision GranTurismo concept, save for the massive rear wing and straight line taillights.Let us know what you think about the development of the Chiron so far in the comments below, and find a Bugatti for your collection from our exclusive listings.Bugattis For SaleGallery (via Magazín ProDriver CZ's Facebook) See More Bugatti News

By Caitlin Duffy – October 15, 2015

Bugatti to Continue Development of Veyron Successor

Since news first broke of turmoil within the Volkswagen Group, there's been speculation about what this could mean for the future of Bugatti, one of the luxury marques owned by the German group. La Finale, the last Veyron produced by BugattiDevelopment of a successor was in the works long before the March 2015 end to the Veyron's decade of production, but as of now, no solid details have been revealed by the manufacturer, other than that this project exists. But in the wake of what the media has dubbed "dieselgate," Volkswagen Group will be cutting any and all non-essential projects."That is why we have initiated a further critical review of all planned investments," stated Matthias Müller, newly appointed CEO of Volkswagen, in an Oct. 8 release and address to the company. "Anything that is not absolutely necessary will be cancelled or postponed."(See Also: Breathtaking Bugatti Grand Tour 2015)So is a car rumored to be priced at $2.8 million and capable of reaching 288 mph "necessary"?Yes, yes it is.In an emailed statement today, Bugatti Head of Communications Manuela Höehne confirmed that "work on the next Bugatti continues as planned." However, she couldn't confirm the name of this next Bugatti, or any other details, saying "this will follow in due time."I, for one, cannot wait for due time to pass. In the meantime, I'll enjoy perusing our inventory of Veyrons listed for sale - you may enjoy doing the same.Veyrons For Sale (Source: Volkswagen, Bugatti) See More Bugatti News

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2015

Breathtaking Bugatti Grand Tour 2015 Photos

High-end automobile manufacturers love to give back to their customers in various ways, ranging from VIP parties, to luxurious welcome packages. Bugatti likes to thanks their customers and bring them together at the same time by putting together driving tours across the globe.The Bugatti Grand Tour takes participants through some of the world's most exquisite destinations, like the coasts of Southern France or the Yas Marina Circuit in the United Arab Emirates.(Also Read: Bugatti Chiron Test Car Leaked)This year, Bugatti ventured through Croatia and Montenegro, along the Adriatic Sea. This drive offered picturesque views of the coastal mountains and the sparkling waters, all from the comfort of participants' Bugatti Veyrons.Bugatti uploaded an album of the Bugatti Grand Tour 2015 to their Facebook Oct. 7, giving everyone a chance to see just how grand their tour was. Check out the images below for yourself.Veyrons For SaleGallery (Source: Facebook) Bugatti News, Photos and Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – October 07, 2015

Creating the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo: Behind the Scenes

In creating a car for one of the world's most popular racing games, Bugatti strove to do two things: stay as close to reality as possible, and stretch existing abilities as far as possible.With the Vision Gran Turismo, they've achieved both. The French automaker shared a video to YouTube Oct. 5 looking into the process behind developing this beast of a car, which resulted in an aurally arresting and visually addictive concept at the IAA. Its creation is based on the marque's "engineering excellence, aerodynamics research and existing racing technologies.""Our previous chapter, the Bugatti Veyron, is over, and Vision Gran Turismo is the first step into the new direction," Wolfgang Dürheimer, President of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S, said in the video.There's quite a bit of speculation around just where Bugatti is headed with the development of a new model, with many thinking it will bear the name "Chiron" and appear similar to the Vision GT. From leaked photos to spotted test mules, the small details that can be seen do look quite similar to the eight-light headlights and classic Bugatti horseshoe found on the GT's front.In the video, they show a shot of the Vision GT racing around a digital Le Mans track, with a brief view at the car's speedometer. It's hitting a speed of 437.63 kph, or about 272 mph - just a little slower than the reported top speed of the Chiron. In August, Car Magazine reported that the Chiron will cost approximately $2.5 million, with an 8.0-liter W16 engine creating 1,480 bhp and 1,106 lb-ft - with a top speed of 288 mph possible.(See Also: Bugatti Chiron Test Car Leaked)Since the Vision GT was designed to be a purebred race car, could the Chiron be its road-legal variant? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and find a Veyron for your collection from our exclusive listings.Veyrons For Sale(Source: YouTube) See More Bugatti News

By Edward Jones – October 01, 2015

Bugatti Chiron Test Car Leaked

While the Bugatti Chiron has not yet been released to the masses, we were still introduced to one of their new models: the Vision GT concept. This model introduces sharper corners and a more extreme overall design when compared to the Veyron.It's these new design cues on the Bugatti Vision GT that make three Instagram posts by GTBoard interesting. Each of these posts was shared yesterday, Sept. 30, and they feature what looks like a test mule for a car that resembles the Vision GT. The description of each post states that this is, in fact, the new Bugatti Chiron in mule form.https://instagram.com/p/8O4869sxVn/Take a close look at this mule's headlights and you'll notice that they're quite similar to the Vision GT's, having separate and staggered lights. However, it appears to have two lights behind the glass, instead of the Vision GT's four. This is a sign that maybe the concept car isn't far off from the production Chiron in terms of design.https://instagram.com/p/8O4wggMxVS/However, we'll have to wait until we can finally see the Chiron in its entirety. In the meantime, check back with us for more Bugatti news as it's released.https://instagram.com/p/8O42ndMxVc/Bugattis For Sale(Source: Instagram) See More Bugatti News, Pics and Videos

By Edward Jones – September 24, 2015

These Are Our Top 5 Bugatti Concepts

Bugatti have only recently pulled back the sheets on their Vision GT concept car, but we have already seen this car re-rendered by Alex Imnadze. His creation is called the Type 57GT Concept, which was influenced by classic Bugattis, such as the Type 35 and Type 57SC Atlantic. This concept can be seen directly below.After seeing this concept, we decided to round up five of our favorite concepts based on Bugatti's automobiles. You can check them all out below. Which one's your favorite? Got a better one? Let us know in the comments section.Bugattis For SaleBugatti Type 57GT Concept By Alex Imnadze Bugatti Renaissance GT - 6 By jmvdesign Bugatti 12.4 Atlantique Grand Sport Concept By Alan Guerzoni SourceBugatti 16 C Galibier Concept By Bugatti Darth Vader Bugatti Concept By Khyzyl Saleem

By Edward Jones – September 22, 2015

Real-Life Bugatti Vision GT Engine Sounds Monstrous

There is no questioning that the Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo is the most extreme car crafted by the French automaker. It was originally developed as a concept for the Gran Turismo video game series, but a real-life example of the car was unveiled at IAA 2015.And now, for all of those who thought that the vehicle at IAA was a shell, we present to you a video of the Bugatti Vision GT's engine. Autoforum.cz/Channel ProDriver CZ was on hand for when Bugatti started up the fully-functioning concept car and followed it until it was loaded up. To say this car sounds amazing is an understatement. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if people consider this the best sounding Bugatti, ever.Check out the video below for just about five minutes of pure engine sounds.Veyron Listings (Source: YouTube) See More Bugatti News, Pics and Videos

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