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 Jordan Aquistapace – May 27, 2021

Jacob & Co. x Bugatti Release The Chiron Tourbillon In Re...

The perfect tourbillon to compliment the multi-million dollar hypercar. The Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Collect by Jacob & Co. mimics the production process of the hypercar manufacturer, as magnificent specs release from the factory, a commemorative watch comes shortly after. The all-new Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Red and Black takes on a vibrant color-coordinated design, featuring a 44mm tonneau-shaped black titanium case. The skeleton dial allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the in-house JCAM37 movement, which is finished in red to resemble the Chiron’s interior. Throughout the dial, Jacob & Co. incorporates small-scale auto parts to operate as traditional watch components, continuing to highlight the correlation between the two industries. Pulling together the styling of the Bugatti Chiron is a comfortable white rubber strap and matching titanium clasp, added to represent the paint code selected for the hypercar. The new Jacob & Co. Bugatti Chiron Red and Black is currently available in-store only at the Watches of Switzerland Boutique in Las Vegas, NV. Shop all of the watches currently available through Watches of Switzerland by clicking the link below. Shop Watches of Switzerland https://www.instagram.com/p/CPYJPxTgJWw/ For more Watch news, Check out Bugatti Smartwatch Revealed; A Hypercar for Your Wrist

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 27, 2021

Bugatti Smartwatch Revealed: A Hypercar for Your Wrist

Wear your Bugatti wherever you go. Bugatti is best known for incorporating premium design and performance into its lineup of hypercars, but now the brand is expanding its resources into new areas. The luxury brand is proud to announce the release of the first Bugatti Smartwatch by VIITA. The release includes a collection of three watches, each presented in an all-black design with unique highlights to differentiate the others. The three new Bugatti smartwatch models are named in tribute to some of the luxury French marque’s most iconic hyper sports cars of the 21st Century; the Bugatti Ceramique Edition One Pur Sport, Bugatti Ceramique Edition One Le Noire, and Bugatti Ceramique Edition One Divo. The technology that powers each watch offers almost as many features as the vehicles they commemorate. The Bugatti Smartwatch by VIITA is currently available by clicking the link below. Shop Now Media/Information Source: Bugatti For more Watch news, Check out Corum Celebrates 21st Anniversary With The New Bubble X-Ray Watch

By Edward Jones – May 26, 2021

New Bugatti La Voiture Noire Teaser Images Released

A new look at the much-anticipated hypercar. It seems as though Bugatti is gearing up to fully launch the La Voiture Noire on June 3rd and we couldn't be more excited. This new Bugatti is as much of a work of art as it is a hypercar, with every single component found on it being made by hand. The exterior is made up of carbon fiber with a deep black gloss that covers the entirety of the body. Bugatti President Stephan Winkelman described La Voiture Noire as a "coupé with the comfort of a luxury limousine and the power of a hyper sports car.” Unfortunately, the vehicle has been under wraps for quite some time but that's for good reason. Bugatti has been busy putting in 65,000 engineering hours testing it on roads and tracks, as well as ensuring it will be their most unique creation yet. The French automaker's Facebook page recently posted teaser images of the Bugatti La Voiture Noire, which can be found in this article. Check out the images and get excited for the $12.4+ million Bugatti La Voiture Noire. See All Bugattis For Sale Source: Bugatti/Facebook

By Edward Jones – May 20, 2021

See the Bugatti Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ Race ...

If the Bugatti had wings, it would've taken off. Bugatti recently made the awesome decision to pit their Chiron Sport ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ hypercar against the Dassault Rafale Marine fighter jet. Yes, a hypercar racing a fighter jet qualifies for being awesome. The two speed demons met up at a naval base in Landivisiau, north-west France. To put this battle into comparison, the Chiron Sport boasts 1479 horsepower, while the Navy jet is packing 5646 hp. That's quite the difference, but that didn't stop the race from happening. What's more, the race makes sense when you learn that the Bugatti Chiron Sport Edition ‘Les Légendes du Ciel’ was made to honor French aviation. Check out the video up above to see the race for yourself and click the button below to see all Bugattis currently for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com. See All Bugattis For Sale

By Edward Jones – May 19, 2021

Bugatti Centodieci, Divo and More Caught Testing on the N...

The Centodieci is almost too good looking to be true. Industry Pool at the Nürburgring is always wonderful to watch as it brings all automakers out so they can test their creations on one of the greatest circuits on the planet. This means that even the hypercar manufacturers like Bugatti will take their models out to "Green Hell" for testing. After all, it's fast cars like the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport that were meant for fast circuits like the Nürburgring. Automotive Mike was recently enjoying his time filming the cars of the recent Industry Pool when he managed to film the following from Bugatti: a Chiron Pur Sport, Chiron Super Sport 300+, Divo, and Centodieci. For me, the most exciting car to see in the video he published on YouTube was the Centodieci. Not only is it an extraordinarily powerful car with 1,577 horsepower on tap, but it's also just drop-dead gorgeous. See the Bugattis for yourself in the video up above. All Bugattis For Sale Source: Automotive Mike/YouTube

By Andrew Nabors – May 11, 2021

Bugatti Unveils The Chiron habillé par Hermès For Manny K...

1 of 1 never looked so amazing! overcoming adversity is a great motivator for success, and Manny Khoshbin is a true American dream. His savvy Real Estate skills allow him to enjoy a collection of amazing cars, including several bespoke Bugattis. For his latest build, the masters in Molsheim partnered with Hermès to incorporate high fashion with high horsepower. The press release is nearly 20 pages, so allow us to relate the most amazing aspects. Starting inside, Parisian leather covers the seats, console, roof, and doors. Contrasting shades of ‘Ecru’ & ‘Craie’ look amazing against the beige carpet. Keeping it in show condition requires booties to to cover your loafers. Moving outside, Hermès logos are hidden in plain sight, and they created a ‘Courbettes’ motif of rearing horses on the bottom of the rear spoiler. Other options include red calipers, the Sky View roof, and unique exterior aluminum grilles. Tell us your ideal Chiron spec in the comments below and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Browse Bugatti For Sale Images (C) Bugatti

By Edward Jones – May 07, 2021

Jacob & Co. Reveals the New Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Bag...

A new look for the beloved Jacob & Co. timepiece. Jacob & Co. has just unveiled a new variant of their hypercar-inspired timepiece called the Bugatti Chiron Tourbillon Baguette Black and Orange. As the name suggests, it features 109 baguette black sapphires, 42 baguette orange sapphires and 190 baguette white diamonds. These diamonds are placed within an 18K White Gold Case. Within the case is a groundbreaking movement that powers a 16-piston engine animation. To engage the animation, all it takes is a press of the right-hand crown. If you haven't seen just how incredible this engine animation, you should do yourself a favor and check it out. This movement consists of 578 components and is suspended in four different places. What's more, it includes a 30º inclined flying tourbillon and a 60-hour power reserve. The collaborations between Jacob & Co. and Bugatti continue to be outstanding and we can't wait to see what comes next. Source: Jacob & Co.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 04, 2021

Bugatti Reveals Carbon Fiber Pool Table Engineered to Mol...

The Bugatti for your game room The Bugatti brand has made itself known as a household name for being one of the most luxurious hypercar manufacturers in the world. Where we commonly see Bugatti logos on Chiron and Veyron models behind closed garage doors, the brand is now making its way into other areas of the home. Bugatti is proud to present its new carbon fiber Pool Table as part of the Lifestyle Collection. Just like the hyper sports cars made in Molsheim, the Bugatti Pool Table is made of the highest quality materials and even wears the famous Bugatti badge. The carbon fiber finish of the Pool Table represents the sporting nature of the French luxury marque, while the strong frame of the table is underpinned by machined aluminum and titanium. The product meets the standards of a professional tournament pool table. The first official Bugatti Pool Table will be delivered to customers in June and is available to purchase for $300,460 including the accessories. Check out the all-new carbon fiber Bugatti Pool Table by clicking the link below. Discover The Bugatti Pool Table Image Source: Bugatti For more Lifestyle news, Check out The GearBox: Ferrari 812 Superfast Style

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2021

Bugatti Chiron Sport ‘Les Legendes du Ciel’ Arrives in Je...

Andy Wallace showed everyone what it is capable of Situated at the crossroads of East and West, Saudi Arabia has a clientele that can easily afford a new daily driver. That's why brand ambassadors and prospective owners gathered this week at the Royal Greens Golf & Country Club. They were treated to automotive overload as Bugatti Chief Test Pilot Andy Wallace took the helm. A closed course was laid out across the open plains, where Mr. Wallace opened the throttles before the VIPs. “At the same time, we were able to give our very select group of customers the unique and exclusive experience of driving the Chiron Pur Sport with our legendary world-record breaker pilot Andy Wallace for the first time on Saudi roads. Our customers loved it and we look forward to offering more opportunities like this again in the future.” This will undoubtedly lead to new customers, as who wouldn't like to have 1,479 horsepower at 261 mph. Click the button to learn more. Shop Bugatti Images (C) Bugatti SAS

By Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2021

Bugatti Design Director Interviewed by Frank Stephenson

Great minds think alike Aside from Ettore Bugatti, only a few lucky designers have had the opportunity to sculpt a hypercar. Achim Anscheidt has blazed a trail for everyone to follow, so we're glad to see him on the latest upload by Frank Stephenson. This is Episode 2 of 'The Fate Creators', his series on all things automotive. In it, we learn the details of what drives Achim to such bold lines since joining the brand in 2004. Frank's career started with the Ford Escort RS Cosworth before penning the Maserati GranSport, MC12, Ferrari FXX, and F430 while at Pininfarina. After this, he left to join McLaren, where he was responsible for the Super Series. So we can also enjoy the 12C, P1, 675LT, 570S, and 720S lineup. Tell us which Bugatti is your favorite in the comments below and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Browse Bugatti For Sale Image (C) Bugatti

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