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

Bugatti News

Bugatti news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Chiron in its many forms, the Mistral roadster and the track-only Bolide. Our reporting also follows the V16 hybrid Tourbillon and the auction results that set values for the earlier cars. Bugatti builds in very small numbers, so a single sale can reset the market for a whole model. That is where our marketplace helps readers most. Bugattis covered here are often listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts the reporting and a real asking price side by side. For Bugatti news today, and the hypercar news and exotic car market news around it, start below.

By Edward Jones – September 20, 2021

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport Proves To Be Very Popular in N...

For good reason: it's amazing. Bugatti has just announced some pretty incredible sales stats regarding the new Chiron Super Sport. While it was just recently unveiled at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, it has already attracted the attention of many new customers in North America. According to Bugatti, 45 percent of the new orders for the Chiron Super Sport have come from new customers. Being an unbelievably gorgeous hypercar with 1,600 horsepower that delivers an unmatched drive, it's no wonder that many are jumping into the world of Bugatti with the Chiron Super Sport. “At the pinnacle of automotive technology and design, Bugatti sells cars to a very small and specific group of customers, most of which are collectors that have more than one Bugatti or ultra-high-end vehicle in their garage,” said Cedric Davy, Chief Operating Officer of Bugatti of the Americas. “As we reach the end of the limited Chiron production, we are seeing more and more new customers approach Bugatti for the opportunity to own the greatest representation of the W16 engine.” The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport has an MSRP of $3,825,000. Expect deliveries to begin in 2022. Discover the Chiron Super Sport " width="680"> Source: Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 17, 2021

Bugatti Preps To Celebrate The 30th Anniversary Of The EB110

An icon to the hypercar world is being celebrated at Bugatti's factory in Campogalliano this weekend. The Bugatti EB110 continues to be a celebrated example for the brand as one of the first hypercars to launch onto the automotive market. The EB110’s debut on September 15th, 1991 shocked the world with its one-of-a-kind design paired with the famous quad-turbocharged 3.5L 12-cylinder engine. The timeless styling and technology will forever inspire the professionals at Bugatti when configuring new models to help continue to push the boundaries of performance. Bugatti is proud to announce that the brand will be celebrating the 30th anniversary of the EB110 at the Fabbrica Blu in Campogalliano. Alongside the 90s hypercar, Bugatti will have examples like the Veyron on-site to help highlight the rich timeline of the brand and its dedication to unlocking more power with each new idea. Help celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Bugatti EB110 this weekend by tuning into Bugatti’s social media accounts for more information. View all Bugatti hypercar examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugatti For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CT7OEqnqB_m/ Media/Information Source: Bugatti

By Edward Jones – September 02, 2021

Exceptional 1994 Bugatti EB110 GT Prototype For Sale

Presented by Copley Motorcars - Before the Veyron and Chiron, the EB110 was introduced as the brand's first modern supercar. After a hiatus that lasted decades, Bugatti introduced this model to shock the world and they succeeded. Powered by a quad-turbocharged V12 engine, the EB110's power output is rated at 553 horsepower. While that power may be below what you find in supercars today, it was an equal footing with other supercars made during that era like the Lamborghini Diablo and Ferrari F50. For sale right now is a 1994 Bugatti EB110 GT prototype that is in exceptional condition. It's finished in the striking Blu Bugatti paint with a light grey leather interior, both of which are spotless. Its pristine condition makes sense when you learn that it has been driven a mere 680 miles since new. It's not often that you find an EB110 GT for sale, let alone one in as good of condition as this one. This EB110, engine number 0041, was completely refurbished before it was delivered to its first private Swiss owner back in 2000. A few years later, it landed in the United States as it was brought into an imposing collection. Since it has been in private ownership, it has been kept in incredible ciondition, as you can see from the photos. This factory prototype Bugatti EB110 GT would make an incredible star in any collection, especially one featuring Bugatti's latest creations. For more information, be sure to click the button below to view its online listing. View Listing

By Edward Jones – August 31, 2021

See the Bugatti Centodieci Complete Wind Tunnel Testing

Even a Bugatti model limited to just 10 examples still undergoes serious testing. Bugatti takes their aerodynamics very seriously. With models capable of reaching speeds well over 200 mph, they have to ensure that each of their hypercars performs flawlessly at extreme rates of speed. Recently, the Bugatti Centodieci hypercar finished its wind tunnel testing where engineers fine-tuned it to perfection. With wind speeds up to 186 mph, this wind tunnel is capable of pushing air under, over, and to the side of the Centodieci. The different wind positions replicate certain situations and test the aerodynamics of specific components. For example, the wind tunnel will send wind at various angles to simulate how the Centodieci would handle during quick corners. “No matter what speed and what driving situation, the Centodieci is sportily neutral and can be managed at all times in spite of its immense power,” says André Kullig, Technical Project Manager for one and few-off projects at Bugatti. You can check out the video of the Centodieci undergoing wind tunnel tests in the video up above. See all Bugattis For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Edward Jones – August 26, 2021

$9.4 Million Bugatti Centodieci Hits 186 MPH During Testing

Bugatti is putting in work to ensure the Centodieci is automotive perfection. No matter how exclusive the car is, everything Bugatti rolls out of their factory in Molsheim is tirelessly tested so it meets the company's incredibly high standards. Take the Bugatti Centodieci for example. While it may have a planned production run of just 10 examples, Bugatti is still putting it through extensive testing. Motor1 recently joined Bugatti engineers at the Nardo handling track to experience the Centodieci's testing for themselves. Behind the wheel during the testing was Loris Bicocchi, a man that has been involved with the creation and testing of hypercars and supercars for decades. It's truly incredible to see how nonchalantly Bicocchi puts a vehicle worth $9.4 million through its paces on a demanding test track. Check it out for yourself in the video up above and see how well the Centodieci handles reaching speeds up to 186 mph. It also needs to be noted that the Bugatti Centodieci sounds absolutely wonderful. See All Bugattis For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 24, 2021

Check Out This New Bugatti Chiron Sport Finished In 'Petr...

This one-of-a-kind Bugatti Chiron Sport is sure to turn heads on the road. The Bugatti Chiron continues to lead the way as one of the most powerful and desirable hypercars on the market, especially with its Sport model boasting 1,577-horsepower. Bugatti is proud to debut a custom specification that was recently created for a lucky new owner. The 2021 Bugatti Chiron Sport is finished in an exclusive Petrol Blue exterior paint to help begin what seems to be a sea of blue theme. Stepping into the cabin of the Chiron Sport, the interior layout designed in Lake Blue flows from the diamond-stitched sport seats to the steering wheel itself. When Bugatti creates a one-of-one example, the brand stops at no effort to incorporate the client’s vision into every aspect of the vehicle. The best example of this method is the finish on the stagger set Petrol Blue wheels, which is contrasted with a set of Maritime Blue brake calipers. This Bugatti Chiron Sport is perfectly designed to complement its final destination of Dubai. View all Bugatti Chiron examples for sale through duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugatti Chiron For Sale Media/Information Source: Bugatti/shahafshai Instagram

By Edward Jones – August 13, 2021

Bugatti Will Actually Produce the Insane Bolide Concept H...

The concept will become a "few-off" production car. Bugatti has announced that the Bolide hypercar that was unveiled as a concept car in 2020 will be produced as a "few-off" model. Yes, that's right, There will be multiple Bugatti Bolides being produced. For the production example, the Bolide will run on 98 RON gas, as opposed to 110-octane racing fuel. This will drop the power output from 1,825 horsepower to 1,578 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. While that is a dip in power, let's be honest, over 1,500 hp is more than enough. There will also be optimizations made to the exhaust system, intake, turbochargers, transmission, differential, design, aerodynamics, quality and safety. Bugatti notes that when all is said and done, the production version of the BOlide has a curb weight of 3,197 lbs. Here's a breakdown as to why Bugatti came to the decision to produce the Bolide: “The Bolide generated a great deal of enthusiasm and intrigue last year. Following its presentation, a significant number of enthusiasts and collectors asked us to develop the experimental Bolide as a production vehicle. I was absolutely amazed by the reactions and feedback from customers from all over the world. We therefore decided to make the Bolide a few-off in order to give 40 customers the opportunity to experience this incredible vehicle. Our team has now been developing a production model - the ultimate driving machine for the track.” Bugatti is scheduling delivery of the Bolide for 2024, with a production run of 40 examples. The starting price is set at four million euros or about $4.7 million USD. See All Bugattis For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Edward Jones – July 30, 2021

Bugatti Invite-Only Test Drives Through Saint-Tropez Look...

A picturesque hypercar romp on the Côte d’Azur. Bugatti recently sent out invitations to guests for them to experience the Chiron Pur Sport and Chiron Sport through Saint-Tropez on the Côte d’Azur. From mid-July to mid-August, those invited guests will be given a wonderful time with the groundbreaking hypercars. The event starts with a briefing from official Bugatti test drivers and then taken on an hour-long test drive that journeys through Saint-Tropez, Ramatuelle and Pampelonne Beach. On top of these test drives, a special Bugatti Road Show Truck will be on hand. This special truck offers customers an area where they can design their own Bugatti with a designer and sales consultant. It also includes a roof terrace where guests can relax. To learn more, be sure to contact your local Bugatti dealership for more information. See Bugattis For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Edward Jones – July 22, 2021

See the Final Bugatti Divo Hypercar

Bugatti has reached yet another milestone. It's sad to say, but the final Bugatti Divo has been delivered. Yes, all 40 examples of the Divo are now with their owners. That means the production run of the incredible hypercar is over. While it may be sad for many, it most certainly is exciting for Bugatti as they have reached yet another milestone in their 110-year history. The specific Divo that was delivered belonged to a customer in Europe and they personalized this example in a beautiful manner. It features an EB 110 LM Blue paint with contrasting Dark Blue carbon. My favorite part of this spec? Those beautiful matte gold metallic wheels. Inside is a bright and dark blue interior that matches the exterior perfectly. The production run for the Bugatti Divo certainly ended on a high note as this example is phenomenal. See Bugattis For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 19, 2021

Check Out This Bugatti Chiron Finished In Blue Royale Carbon

While the exterior features a stealth-like look, the interior pops with a vibrant orange leather design. While the Bugatti Chiron continues to be considered to be one of the most popular hypercars on the market, they are few and far to come by for owners looking to acquire a chassis. For the lucky few that have the opportunity to configure a dream spec, it's made sure to personalize it as close to a one-of-one as possible. Bugatti makes this possible with one of the most versatile design operations in the industry, allowing for an owner's wildest dreams to become a reality. Bugatti recently took to its Instagram page to highlight a custom Chiron that looks like no other. The Bugatti Chiron is presented in a stunning Blue Royale Carbon finish, which displays the lightweight body design of the multi-million dollar hypercar. The Chiron’s interior is where the colors really pop, with a fully customized Tangerine and Lake Blue leather cabin to pull together the owner’s design. This Bugatti Chiron will not only reach 273-miles per hour from its Quad-Turbocharged W16 but also turn heads whenever it drives through the streets. View all of the Bugatti Chirons currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Bugatti Chiron Horsepower, Specs, MSRP View All Bugatti Chirons For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CReQcrfrXpw/ For more Bugatti news, Check out Bugatti Celebrates French National Day With Epic Hypercar Trio

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