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 – November 01, 2022

Watch The Triple F Collection Take Delivery Of Their New ...

After a year of waiting through the build process, the absolute greatest car of all time has officially joined the collection and is parked in the garage! While the passionate car enthusiasts at The Triple F Collection continue to shuffle their garage with new supercars and hypercars, the group can all agree that one car plays a significant role over all other. In many videos uploaded to the Triple F YouTube channel, brothers Jason and Jordan agree wholeheartedly that the Bugatti Chiron will forever stand out aside from all of their cars because it was the very first hypercar in the collection. Since acquiring the Chiron and creating relationships with leading manufacturers, The Triple F Collection now features countless hypercars that cross well into the seven-figure price range. As part of the newest Triple F Collection video, the team is happy to welcome Tim Burton (Shmee150) to their garage in celebration of their newest Bugatti delivery. MUST-READ: Watch The Triple F Collection Walk Through Their Spectacular Supercar And Hypercar Garage After voyaging to the compound in a Pagani Huayra BC, Pagani Huayra BC Roadster, McLaren Saber, McLaren Speedtail, and a Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, all gathered in excitement to see the unveiling of the Triple F Collection’s new Bugatti. The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport features an insane gloss grey carbon finish with French racing blue heritage accents. Jason and Jordan joined their father in the same location where they took delivery of the first Bugatti Chiron, making the moment even more special for their family and community of passionate fans. With the 1,600 horsepower Bugatti Chiron Super Sport now in the hands of the Triple F Collection, be sure to stay tuned for more hypercar content from the car-crazy crew. View all Bugatti Chiron examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Bugatti Chiron For Sale Source: Triple F Collection YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 13, 2022

Bugatti Celebrates A Special Client With An 8-Car Deliver...

Taking delivery of not 1, but 8 new Bugatti models. The delivery of a dream car is a celebration between the owner and manufacturer, commemorating a point in time when excitement is at an all-time high. The monumental event is one that the Bugatti brand continues to celebrate since the first vehicle delivery by founder Ettore Bugatti. The grounds of the iconic Molsheim factory have welcomed many happy new owners, creating unforgettable memories throughout its centuries-long tradition. Bugatti is proud to showcase a truly astonishing customer delivery featuring a Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition certified by ‘La Maison Pur Sang, and six Bugatti Baby II models in vibrant spring colors. The once-of-a-lifetime delivery experience is a testament to this client’s loyalty to the Bugatti brand and its historic heritage as a leader in the hypercar industry. Bugatti The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ features a gloss black finish with vibrant orange racing stripes that accentuate the curvature of the hypercar’s body design. Being the first production series car to exceed the 300mph mark at the hands of Bugatti Pilote Officel Andy Wallace, the collector-grade Chiron Super Sport is only 1-of-30 exclusive units. The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ achieves its 304.773mph top speed from its 8.0L Quad-Turbocharged W16 engine, which produces over 1,577-horsepower and 1,180lb-ft of torque. Bugatti Adding to the record-breaking theme, the second Bugatti chassis part of the extraordinary delivery is the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition. The milestone chassis showcases a matching gloss black and orange finish that completes the fastest hypercar pairing from the manufacturer. With only 8 vehicles produced and delivered, this owner’s example comes with an official certification from La Maison Pur Sang. Although its record has been broken since its 254.04mph run in 2013, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition still generates over 1,200hp from its legendary 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine. Bugatti On-scene for the delivery day aside the Chiron Super Sport 300+ and Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Edition are six custom-made Bugatti Baby II models. The yellow, red, blue, green, white, and orange models are made especially for each of the owner’s children. The Little Car Company collaboration models are part of a limited 500-unit product series, with a 75% scale that features a 42mph top speed from its electric motor. The conclusion of the tour and delivery includes a special surprise, Andy Wallace himself firing up the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ as all eight car covers are removed in front of the historic grounds of Château Saint-Jean. View all of the current Bugatti examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more upcoming hypercar news and releases. View All Bugatti For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 22, 2022

Bugatti Creates A 24k Rose Gold La Voiture Noire Sculptur...

The exclusive Bugatti now has its own sculpture and NFT. Inside its fleet of historic hypercars, the La Voiture Noire stands out as the pinnacle example for the iconic Bugatti brand. The La Voiture Noire is a one-of-one automotive creation that pays homage to the characteristics of the legendary Type 57 SC Atlantic model. With a price tag of $13.4-million, it also secures its position as the most expensive new car in the world. Bugatti is proud to celebrate the La Voiture Noire with a commemorative sculpture created in collaboration with the designers at Asprey London. MUST-READ: 1994 Bugatti EB110 GT Prototype at RM Sotheby’s Amelia Island The one-of-one tribute sculpture scales the multi-million dollar Bugatti in 24k Rose Gold, which sits on top of a bespoke handcrafted base that features the iconic signature colors of Bugatti and Asprey. As part of the package, the Bugatti x Asprey sculpture will also include its own NFT that will be linked to the physical masterpiece visually and via a QR code and unique serial identifier. The creative collaboration between the two industry leaders will continue as a series of 261 sterling silver sculptures are set to release in March 2022. Discover the La Voiture Noire sculpture and the smaller scale collection release from Bugatti x Asprey by clicking the link below. Check back into DuPont REGISTRY Daily for more supercar news and luxury gear releases. Discover Bugatti x Asprey London Bugatti Source: Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2021

Discover The New Bugatti Centodieci Apparel Collection

Bugatti celebrates its commemorative hypercar with a luxury apparel line. Since its beginning, the Bugatti brand continues to strive for ultimate design and performance, whether it's manufacturing hypercars or designing the next fashion collection. Nonetheless, the automotive manufacturer finds ways to incorporate aspects of its historic past into modern-day designs. The Bugatti Centodieci celebrates the 110-years behind the red badge as one of the world’s most luxurious and expensive models to be released from the Atelier Molsheim factory. MUST-READ: Check Out This Bugatti Divo ‘Ying Yang’ Split Interior Design Bugatti is proud to announce the release of its new Centodieci apparel collection featuring three new graphic t-shirts. The collection includes styles straight from the beginnings of the Centodieci's design process, using every angle of the hypercar as an artistic vision. The all-new Bugatti Centodieci Apparel Collection is now available online and in select Bugatti dealerships around the world. View all current Bugatti examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury gear news and releases. View All Bugatti For Sale on duPont REGISTRY Source: Bugatti

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 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 – December 15, 2020

Bugatti Unveils Royale Home Audio

Interior decorators need not worry about your choice for sound. Your new speakers will be made to order now that Bugatti has unveiled Royale home audio. Announced in a press release this morning, Bugatti has joined forces with TIDAL Audio, a leader in German home theater equipment. Their goal is to allow the customer to order the pair to their liking. The two starting themes are "Monocoque" and "Duotone". Bugatti Carbon EB.02 Champagne Autographed By Andy Wallace From there, you are able to specify carbon fiber, stainless, or precious metals on your speakers. Each speaker has a massive amplifier along with four subwoofers, mids, and the same diamond tweeters found in every new Bugatti Chiron for sale. The first pairs will be part of "Edition Noir" and Edition Blanc", and only 15 sets of each will be offered. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Learn More

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 30, 2016

Giorgio Armani Teams Up with Bugatti on New Line

Italian fashion icon, Giorgio Armani, and French powerhouse, Bugatti, recently came together to create a unique and sophisticated line of small leather goods and clothing for the select public to enjoy. Bringing their skills together, the Armani/Bugatti collaboration represents two key elements both brands hold in highest esteem: quality materials and unprecedented skill.(Also Read: First POV of Bugatti Chiron's Goodwood FOS Lap)Made for the, "sophisticated man who constantly seeks out exclusive luxury," the new line includes leather accessories and garments suited for a fall/winter line. Details in a press release reveal,Accessories and garments in the capsule collection, launching for autumn/winter 2016-2017, feature details that reference the iconic motifs of the Bugatti brand. The horseshoe-shaped emblem on the front of the cars is seen on pendants for bags, while Bugatti’s brand colour blue appears on inner linings of bags, in interior pockets and on the treads and insoles of footwear. The palette, focused on the three stylish and timeless colours of cognac, army green and blue, is a recurring element of the collection.The collection includes a completely hand-made calfskin briefcase, weekend bag, iPad cases, belts, wallets, sneakers and more. Each item is tailored with an exclusive "Giorgio Armani for Bugatti" label. All items are all classified as limited editions and numbered accordingly.Bugattis For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 12, 2016

Bugatti Reveals Their Home Collection

Known for creating the ultimate sports cars--most recently the Chiron--the Bugatti brand is a staple in the high-end automotive world. Bugatti is known for bringing superior styling and unparalleled performance to the automotive world, and they're looking to take their skills into a new market.At the Salon Internazionale del Mobile in Milan, Italy (the Milan's Design Week) Bugatti unveiled it's new lifestyle line, the Bugatti Home Collection. Partnering with Luxury Living Group, Bugatti has designed a full line of luxury furniture for the home and office. Drawing on the furniture making experience of Carlo Bugatti, Ettore Bugatti's father, Luxury Living Group and Bugatti have created sleek and functional luxury furniture that embody elements of the Bugatti brand like two-tone coloring, continuous lines and aerodynamic styling. According to a Bugatti press release, the collection includes a table, chairs, a bed, and sofa. The line is currently on display at Salon Internazionale del Mobile.Check out photos from the Bugatti Home Collection below.Bugattis For Sale

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