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 Tyler Rampersaud – May 30, 2024

The New Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 'L'Ultime' Is The Last...

Bugatti has finally reached the end of the Chiron era. This is it. For a few years, automotive enthusiasts have known that Bugatti’s 500-car production run of the incredible Chiron hypercar would soon come to an end, and that end has arrived. With the next upcoming Bugatti hypercar boasting a hybrid V16 powertrain, the future is exciting. Still, the end of the Chiron is an undoubtedly bittersweet moment in automotive history. However, the century-old manufacturer ensured that the Chiron went out with a bang, with the final build being ceremoniously named ‘L’Ultime.’ With nearly 1,600 horsepower and the achievement of being the first production car to surpass a 300-mph top speed, the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport L’Ultime is the 500th and last Chiron build. Its design reflects that of the first Chiron shown at the Geneva Auto Show in 2016, reinterpreting its Atlantic Blue and French Racing Blue scheme with beautiful fading colors and Sur Mesure details throughout, including a special blue Bugatti logo on the grille and handwritten places and events important to the Chiron’s legacy. Most importantly, the number 500, designating the L’Ultime as the final build, adorns the exterior and is engraved on the engine cover. Inside, blue carbon fiber sits alongside Deep Blue leather, with accents in French Racing Blue. With stunning bespoke details, fastidious artisan craftsmanship from Bugatti Sur Mesure, and the pinnacle performance engineering that made the Chiron one of the world’s greatest hypercars to date, the new Bugatti Chiron Super Sport ‘L’Ultime’ is a fitting finale for one of the biggest milestones in recent automotive history, and while it’s sad to see the Chiron go, this spectacular farewell only builds more excitement for what’s to come next. View All Bugatti Chirons For Sale Image Source: Bugatti

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 28, 2024

Bugatti International Meeting In Sicily Celebrates Histor...

Bugatti’s century of automotive excellence is celebrated in Sicily. Much of Bugatti’s history, which dates back over a hundred years, includes incredible motorsport triumphs and an unshakeable legacy of racing success. Specifically, it was on the island of Sicily where Bugatti delivered record-setting performance at the revered Targa Florio race, winning it with its groundbreaking Type 35 five years in a row between 1925 and 1929. When the last Targa Florio race was run in 1977, Bugatti’s record of five consecutive Targa Florio wins remained undefeated. To honor that incredible legacy and Sicily's importance to Bugatti’s history, Bugatti brought its International Bugatti Meeting to the Mediterranean island. The multi-day tour brought historic Bugatti cars on a trip covering over 600 miles, with beautiful backdrops including historical towns, stunning coastal landscapes, and the volcanic scenes of Mount Etna. The experience also included activities that celebrated Sicily's rich culture and history, including wine, architecture, and Ancient Greek theater. Celebrating Bugatti’s rich history and heritage, its relation to the beautiful island of Sicily, and the incredible history of the island itself, the International Bugatti Meeting this year was an event to remember. View All Bugattis For Sale Image Source: Bugatti

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 23, 2024

Bugatti Reveals New Chiron Super Sport '55 1 of 1'

Bugatti combines historic and modern excellence yet again. The Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport is one of the greatest achievements in Bugatti’s history. The brainchild of Jean Bugatti, the Type 55 Super Sport featured a 2.3-liter straight-8 engine with a beautiful roadster body and a top speed of 112 mph. The stunning two-tone color scheme featured on the Type 55 Super Sport would go on to inform and inspire Bugatti for the rest of its history and even today. Only 38 examples of the Type 55 Super Sport were ever made, and the model inspired a newly commissioned Bugatti Sur Mesure Chiron Super Sport. Dubbed the ‘55 1 of 1,’ the car is inspired by the Type 55 Super Sport and Jean Bugatti’s incredible vision for it. The two-tone paintwork, which combines black and yellow, matches a stunning example of the original car, and the color combination was a favorite of Ettore Bugatti, as well. A hand-painted pattern featuring the number 55 painted in black fading into solid black portions shows off the attention to detail and craftsmanship that Bugatti’s Sur Mesure department is capable of. With an elegant black leather interior, the pattern continues inside with vibrant yellow hand stitching. With stunning historical inspiration, the new Bugatti Chiron Super Sport ‘55 1 of 1’ exemplifies bespoke artisan manufacturing and a rich heritage of automotive excellence. View All Bugattis For Sale Image Source: Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 21, 2024

The Ultimate F1 Superyacht Sets Sail To The Monaco GP Wit...

The bright blue Bugatti finds its way craned onto the deck of a luxury superyacht! Formula 1's legendary Monaco Grand Prix takes place in one of the most affluent destinations in the world, and the race week festivities include celebrity appearances and other luxurious spectacles. Ditching grandstand seating for the best view of the track, motorsport moguls have turned to waterside docking, where they lounge out and spectate from the comfort of superyachts and megayachts. Taking things even a step further at last year's 80th running of the Monaco GP, Film Director Tom Claeren, Car & Car Italy, and Altr teamed up to display an actual Ferrari F40 on the deck of a massive yacht. Back to one-up the Ferrari F40 with something more modern, Tom McLaeren has partnered with Libertex Europe Official and Boutsen Classic Cars to feature a Bugatti Chiron deck-side on a luxury superyacht named "Seven Sins." Using the same risky technique to get the multi-million dollar hypercar onto the vessel, the team hoisted the French Racing Blue Bugatti Chiron with a crane and perfectly placed it on the front bow. The intricate operation was a sight to see in itself, watching the Bugatti suspending from the air while guiding it into position. The entire process was documented and uploaded to Tom Claeren's Instagram, where he wrote in the caption, "See you in #Monaco." While the Monaco Grand Prix stands out as a bucket list opportunity for any motorsport fan, watching it oceanside on a yacht with a $3 million Bugatti Chiron next to you may be even rare. This weekend, tune into the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix and watch for the superyacht sporting a Bugatti Chiron as a deck decoration. View all Bugatti Chirons for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugatti Chirons For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tom Claeren - Monaco (@tomclaeren) Source: @tomclaeren Instagram

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 15, 2024

New Bugatti Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition Honors 100 ...

Bugatti celebrates a 100th birthday with something small. The Bugatti Type 35 is one of the most influential vehicles in the history of the century-old luxury performance car manufacturer. Its incredible innovation, racing pedigree, and unmistakable design make it one of the most recognizable and classic Bugatti creations ever, and this year, it’s celebrating its 100th birthday since the Grand Prix de Lyon of 1924. To celebrate, Bugatti looked to its close collaboration with The Little Car Company, and together, the wo have created an exclusive and special homage to the 100th anniversary of the Type 35: the Bugatti Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition. The collection of Centenary Edition vehicles is comprised of six ultra-exclusive examples, each of which are finished in Bleu de Lyon liveries, numbered and identified as 1-of-1 vehicles with brass identification plates. Six cars were created because five cars raced in 1924, while Ettore Bugatti kept the original prototype. After that initial race, the Type 35 would go on to secure over 2,500 victories in a 10-year period, making it the most successful race car ever. The Baby II Type 35 Centenary Edition is a 75% scale recreation of the car, complete with an electric powertrain, and faithful construction informed by a detailed 3D scan of the original vehicle. All six of the exclusive special edition cars have already been sold, and as they find their new homes in car collections across the globe, they not only celebrate the 100 years of the Bugatti Type 35’s incredible success and contribution to Bugatti’s history, but also the excellence, ambition, and dedication to pushing boundaries that Bugatti became known for then, and is known for now more than ever. View All Bugattis For Sale Image Source: Bugatti

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 06, 2024

Bugatti Redesigns Its Luxury Lifestyle E-Commerce Website

Bugatti opens new doors to its luxury lifestyle. Bugatti is known for representing the highest echelon of automotive excellence with its hypercar creations, and along with that, Bugatti has also created an entire brand around its opulent luxury lifestyle, allowing fans and owners to experience Bugatti’s excellence in craftsmanship outside of driving one of its cars. Now, Bugatti has made that luxury lifestyle experience even better, with a new, redesigned ecommerce website where visitors can explore everything Bugatti’s lifestyle projects have to offer. These range from art pieces and home decor to champagne and electronics, with a wide range of products and collaborations that are both ready to order in just a few clicks, or special creations that require some more time to craft and personalize. Site users will be able to browse the entire catalog, purchase ready-made products like Bugatti’s Carbon Champagne or smartwatches, or submit their interest in other items like Bugatti’s fine timepieces from Jacob & Co., for example, to be contacted within 24 hours to iron out the details. With its new e-commerce website, Bugatti is deepening its commitment to its luxury lifestyle brand and enriching the interactions that fans and owners of Bugatti’s hypercars can have with the historic, century-old manufacturer, and as Bugatti’s upcoming hypercar gets ready to be finally revealed, the anticipation continues to build for it while fans and collectors experience the wide range of lifestyle products Bugatti offers. View All Bugattis For Sale Image Source: Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 29, 2024

Check Out Spy Shots Of The 2025 Bugatti Chiron Hypercar S...

As the Chiron nears the end of its production cycle, Bugatti is ready to uncover its new hypercar! With an ongoing legacy built around the motto "quality over quantity", Bugatti has established a leading position in hypercar engineering through a handful of historic and exclusive models. Alongside early models like the original Type 35 and record-setting Veyron, Bugatti continues its push toward the future with the Chiron series and other limited-production examples like the Bolide and Mistral. After talks about debuting its next generation of hypercars, Bugatti's Chiron predecessor was recently leaked through spy shots taken outside the Bugatti Rimac headquarters in Molsheim, France. The teaser photos come courtesy of an @cardesignworld Instagram post that showcases a newly updated body that features key design characteristics from past and present Bugattis. A distinctive, multi-color camouflage wrap keeps all of Bugatti's secrets hidden until the hypercar's official debut, only giving enthusiasts a small glimpse at what's to come for the future of the brand. While specifics on exterior and interior enhancements have still yet to be revealed, we do know that the 2025 Chiron successor will be equipped with a state-of-the-art 8.3L quad-turbocharged V16 engine assisted by three additional electric motors. Revving up anticipation, Bugatti is set to debut its newest creation on June 20th at Molsheim. View all Bugatti hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugatti Hypercars For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Car Design World (@cardesignworld) Source: @cardesignworld Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 29, 2024

Bugatti Remembers The Iconic Legacy Of The Type 35

The Bugatti that started it all! While Bugatti now carries a name tied to record-breaking performance and multi-million dollar hypercars, founder Ettore Bugatti began his humble start with one four-wheel creation that sparked an evolution, the Type 35. Back in 1924, when Ettore Bugatti unleashed the Type 35 to the automotive world, little did he know it would become a racing legend with more than 2,500 victories. But even with the continuous success, Ettore constantly pushed the boundaries of the Type 35 to deliver unmatched performance. Equipped with an eight-cylinder engine, the Type 35 initially packed a whopping 88 horsepower. Ettore envisioned even greater speed and efficiency. Enter the innovative Roots-type supercharger, a game-changing collaboration with engineer Edmond Moglia. Bugatti designed an innovative three-rotor configuration, setting a new standard for forced induction systems. The evolution didn't stop there. Bugatti's relentless pursuit of perfection led to the birth of the Type 35B, boasting up to 128 horsepower and a blistering top speed of over 150 mph. With meticulous attention to detail, Bugatti fine-tuned every aspect, from suspension to combustion systems, leaving no stone unturned. Fast forward to today, and Bugatti's dedication remains persistent with each hypercar handcrafted at the Molsheim Atelier. From the Veyron to the Chiron, each model's DNA embodies the same passion that Ettore Bugatti instilled in the Type 35 a century ago. As Bugatti continues to push the boundaries of automotive innovation, the legacy of the Type 35 lives on, inspiring generations of enthusiasts and engineers. View all Bugattis for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugatti Hypercars For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 17, 2024

Bugatti Debuts Its New Hypercar-Inspired Home Collection ...

As Milan Design Week kicks off in the fashion capital of the world, industry giants join the festivities by showcasing their latest and greatest creations from exclusive, upcoming collections. With a luxurious lifestyle built around its multi-million dollar hypercars, Bugatti has collaborated with Luxury Living Group to debut the all-new Bugatti Home Collection in Palazzo Chiesa’s gardens located in Corso Venezia. From April 15th to 21st, guests are welcome to experience a scene straight out of the 19th century with pieces inspired by Ettore Bugatti’s own Orangerie in Molsheim and the all-new Mistral Roadster hypercar. The showcase takes place alongside a lush garden and a stunning setup that captures the spirit of Bugatti's artistry and use of premium materials. Elements like sandblasted aluminum and open-pore oak are a nod to the raw beauty found in Bugatti's most historic cars. The collection stars the Type_1 modular sofa, Type_4 dining table with sleek chrome legs, and the Type_5 chairs, combining natural textures with advanced materials to design one-of-a-kind styles for any home or office. Rich in luxurious fabrics like cashmere, wool, silk, and leather, the collection offers a tactile experience. The Type_3 sofa and its variations, with their plush folds and signature Bugatti metal tags, mix retro elegance with a contemporary twist. The 2024 Bugatti Home Collection pays homage to the brand’s iconic design cues while redefining what luxury furnishings can be, pushing the boundaries of design and craftsmanship. View all Bugatti hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugatti Hypercars For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 11, 2024

Bugatti Continues To Redefine Track-Only Hypercars With T...

The evolution of hypercars, and automotive engineering as a whole, has led us to a point where collectors have the opportunity to buy and own a track-ready, factory race car. Where you'd traditionally pay a premium for luxurious options and upgrades at a dealership, manufacturer race programs strip out all the amenities to provide a true motorsports experience. Bugatti's latest masterpiece, the Bolide, is flipping the script on what we expect from a track-only hypercar. The car is engineered to dominate circuits like no Bugatti has before, and the best part? You don't need to be a pro racer to get behind the wheel. The genius behind the Bolide’s brilliance partly comes from Andy Wallace, a legend in racing and Bugatti’s go-to test pilot. His wisdom from years of burning rubber on race tracks has been crucial in making the Bolide as phenomenal as it looks. Imagine a car that sticks to the track like glue, brakes on a dime, and yet is a breeze to handle at full tilt. That's the Bolide, thanks to its cutting-edge tech, including some high-tech ABS and ESP systems, and an ultra-lightweight chassis. But what really sets the Bolide apart is how effortless it's supposed to feel as you race around the track. Yet, when it's time to corner or come to a stop, it's as smooth as your morning coffee. This is all thanks to some clever design work, like its F1-worthy brakes and a seating position that makes you feel like you’re part of the car. With its development phase wrapped up, the Bolide is Bugatti’s nod to its racing roots and pushes the boundaries of hypercar engineering. As it gears up for production, the anticipation is sky-high. View all Bugatti hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugatti Hypercars For Sale Source: Bugatti

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