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 – August 24, 2018

Bugatti Divo Price, Specs, Photos and Review

The new Bugatti Divo hypercar is the French company's most extreme production they've ever created. In fact, The Divo can accomplish a lap around the Nardò handling circuit eight seconds quicker than the Chiron. Stephan Winkelmann, Bugatti President, put it bluntly: “The Divo has significantly higher performance in terms of lateral acceleration, agility and cornering. The Divo is made for corners.”Bugatti unveiled the car at “The Quail: A Motorsports Gathering“ in Monterey, California. The name Divo comes from French racing driver Albert Divo. He was a two-time Targa Florio race winner in the late 1920's and drove for Bugatti. Bugatti Divo EngineEngineThe Bugatti Divo's engine is the company's eight-liter W16 that's capable of 1,479 horsepower. While that number is the same as the Chiron, the Divo sees its upgrades in the form of other modifications. Still, this is one of the most monstrous engines being produced and can rocket the car to a limited top speed of 236. Could it go faster? Most certainly, but then you have to worry about tire wear, fuel usage and so forth. Bugatti Divo Front Wheel and BrakesBrakesAs stated before, the Divo is was meant for corners and one thing you need for great cornering is good brakes that don't overheat. To ensure the brakes don't overheat, Bugatti implemented new cooling sources. Four air source on each side of the Divo cool the brakes, and there are even vanes that direct air right onto the brake discs. There's also a heat shield that pushes hot air out through the wheels.2018 Bugatti Chiron Specs, Price, Photos & Review Bugatti Divo InteriorSteering and SuspensionBrakes may be important for corners, but it means nothing without proper suspension and steering. Bugatti's engineers modified the steering and suspension to be more precise and direct in its response. Bugatti did not specify the changes made to the suspension and steering, but they did note that the suspension changes did help drop the overall weight of the car. Bugatti Divo SideDesign and AerodynamicsWhen taking corners, cars have to be completely grounded and that's made possible through downforce. Naturally, Bugatti introduced a slew of aerodynamic components in the Divo that results in 198 lbs more downforce than the Chiron. In the front are air intakes that Bugatti says reduces "the effective cross-sectional area of the vehicle at the same time as ensuring improved air flow at the front and increasing aerodynamic efficiency." There's also a new front spoiler that pushes air to the air inlets on the sides, as well as a new air curtain design for better airflow along the rear sides of the Divo. In the rear is a wing that's six feet wide and rests at a fixed height. This wing adjusts for braking and for the different driving modes. Bugatti Divo RearWeightBugatti went all out to drop the weight of the Divo. The new wheels, carbon fiber intercooler cover, reduced amount of insulation material, removal of the storage compartments in the center console and door trims, modified chassis and suspension, and fixed front diffuser flaps all work together to help drop the weight of the car. The total loss, when compared to the Chiron is 77 lbs. Bugatti Divo WingPrice and AvailabilityThe Bugatti Divo price is set at €5 million, which equates to roughly $5.8 million USD. Bugatti has limited the production of the Divo to just 40 examples, all of which are spoken for.Quotes “The Divo is a further project intended to thrill people and the world. Our fans are very important to us.” - Stephan Winkelmann, Bugatti President “When I took up my position at Bugatti at the beginning of the year, I soon learned that our customers and fans were waiting for a special vehicle which would tell a further story for the brand in addition to the Chiron. The Bugatti team was also very eager to implement a project like this.” - Stephan Winkelmann, Bugatti President Bugatti Divo Front“The modern interpretation of coachbuilding gave us engineers new freedom. The step that we have taken with the Divo in terms of agility and high-performance cornering dynamics can be compared with the overall development from the Veyron to the Chiron.“ - Stefan Ellrott, Head of Technical Development at Bugatti Bugatti Divo Taillight“The Divo is a further example of our design philosophy ‘Form follows Performance‘. In this case, the engineers and designers aimed to create a vehicle focusing on cornering speeds and lateral dynamics.” - Achim Anscheidt, Director of Design of Bugatti Bugatti Divo Front

By Edward Jones – July 25, 2018

Bugatti Reveals the Sky View Roof for Chiron

Bugatti is enhancing the new Chiron's cabin thanks to the newly announced Sky View. What is Sky View? Its a set of two fixed glass panels that sit in the roof above the driver and passenger seats in the Chiron. These panels are 25.5 inches long and 17.3 inches wide.Each of the panels is crafted out of what Bugatti is calling a "newly developed laminated structure with thin glass and four intermediate layers." If you're concerned about additional road noise because of glass being used instead of a standard roof, Bugatti said that wind noise is reduced. Bugatti also notes that infrared radiation is reflected away by the panels and ultraviolet radiation is filtered out thanks to the tinting of the glass. How to Do the $21k Bugatti Veyron Oil ChangeAnother little note that should be mentioned is that the Sky View roof adds an additional 1.06 inches of headroom. If you're a tall person looking for some more space, this may help.Bugatti will be presenting the Chiron Sky View at Monterey Car Week 2018.

By Edward Jones – July 09, 2018

Woah, Someone Actually Did This With a Bugatti Veyron

Most owners of rare hypercars like the Bugatti Veyron tend to keep their prized vehicles in the garage or on Concours lawns. But for the owner of this Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse World Record Car, he likes to take his hypercar out where others don't dare venture. During the recent Heveningham Concours event, supercars, classic cars and hypercars all ventured out to the Heveningham Hall for a wild event. Some cars were parked studiously or trotted about, while others went full speed through Horsepower Hill.Koenigsegg Naraya Spins Up Donuts, Cuts GrassNow, it should be mentioned that Horsepower Hill resembles a rally circuit. So, the fact that the aforementioned Veyron and cars like a LaFerrari and McLaren P1 GTR took it on is surprising. But flying through the Hill at about 150 mph wasn't enough for the Veyron owner. No, he also put on a show and did some dirty donuts. When you consider it costs around $30,000 to replace the tires on the car, doing donuts in dirt is better than on tarmac. Although, I'm sure the body doesn't appreciate any rocks being flung about.Now, enough chit chat. Click play below to see the Veyron do its best rally impression.

By Andrew Nabors – July 02, 2018

Bugatti Unveils Chiron Sport in Singapore

If you can afford to live in Singapore, you are probably wealthy. As one of the financial centers of the Far East, the cost of living is among the highest in the world. That's why Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann displayed their latest achievement. The 1,500 horsepower Bugatti Chiron Sport was the centerpiece in the lobby of the Fullerton Hotel.2018 Bugatti Chiron Sport Specs, Prices, & PhotosLast weekend, the Fullerton Concours d'Elegance attracted over 30,000 spectators from around Asia. Over 90 classic and exotic cars were on display from owners in Singapore and Malasia. The Chiron Sport has the same drivetrain as the "normal" Chiron, but the handling and suspension are more focused on performance instead of luxury. The upgraded parts also removed 40 lbs of weight, allowing it to lap Nardo five seconds faster than a stock Chiron. Without options, the US price starts at $3.26 Million, so if you are interested click the link below to contact our Bugatti dealers.Browse Bugatti For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 23, 2018

The 100th Bugatti Chiron Has Been Created

It looks like the Bugatti factory in Molsheim, France is running around the clock. Building these masterpieces is a time-consuming effort, as the master coachbuilders fit each part by hand. While other automakers celebrate thousands of cars, the 100th Chiron is a significant milestone. In a press release, we've learned that a customer on the Arabian Peninsula ordered very unique features for his daily driver.Just How Good Is A Bugatti Veyron?It is the first Bugatti to be constructed of navy blue carbon fiber in a matte finish. The Bugatti sideline is in Italian red, and the wheels are mink black. The grand total amounted to 2.85 Million Euros, or $3.33 Million dollars. Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann had this to say: “I find the 100th Chiron especially pleasing. It is dynamic and elegant in equal measure. This car shows that Bugatti produces highly individualized masterpieces of automobile craftsmanship that are simply unparalleled.” By the time you read this, Chiron #101 should be close to done, so #102 is right for you. Click the link below to find your Chiron and stay with us for all your Bugatti news.Browse Bugatti For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2018

Bugatti Chiron Can Be Diagnosed Anytime, Anywhere

Have you ever had doubts about your service advisor? When your car is sick, you should always get a second opinion before it goes under the knife. However, if you own a Bugatti Chiron it has the ability to phone home. In a press release earlier this morning, Bugatti says owners can opt-in to have their cars in constant communication with the factory.The telemetry system in the Bugatti Chiron is capable of sending real-time data on everything from transmission temps to air conditioning pressure to the "Bugatti Flying Doctors". Not your ordinary grease monkey, these gentlemen are on 24 notice to fly anywhere outside of Antarctica to get your car back in working order. Unlike many social media services, Bugatti doesn't share your information or target ads to your assumed political affiliations. They do offer the best service in the automotive world, which is just another reason why you need one in your collection.Just How Good Is A Bugatti Veyron?“Our customers have the most demanding requirements for individual support in all areas of their lives. That also applies to their vehicle fleets and automobile collections,” says Malinowski. “In this area too, Bugatti goes one step further than other manufacturers. With our telemetry system, we can provide our customers with assistance in all technical matters related to their Bugatti. At any hour of the day and, if necessary, also of the night.”This service is also retroactive to the Veyron.

By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2018

Just How Good Is A Bugatti Veyron?

We exist to connect buyers and sellers of the world's most exotic cars, so naturally, we get a million questions about Bugatti and their products. A majority of motoring enthusiasts will never see one in person, let alone have a chance to get behind the wheel. To put that into perspective, champion Floyd "Money" Mayweather has owned at least 6 examples of the Bugatti Veyron.Ed Bolian's automotive career has also allowed him to experience the Veyron in person, and I have been lucky enough to drive them to our various duPont REGISTRY Live events. So in a recent upload to his VinWiki page, Ed gives us his thoughts on the 16-Cylinder supercar. Bugatti is wholly-owned by VW, so many people will tell you it shares parts from Audi, Porsche, Bentley, and Lamborghini. If this is true, please enlighten us, because the Veyron is unlike anything else.Like he mentions in the video, a Bugatti isn't stressed about anything. It makes massive horsepower and torque in every situation, and the fit & finish is worthy of the price. I've driven the Mansory Vincero d'Oro, which was an all-carbon masterpiece.Transformers 2014 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse For SaleThe Transformers Edition Veyron was the star of last year's Orange County Auto Show, and it had a temperament of the aristocracy. It would be nice to hear more exhaust while cruising, but 16 cylinders cancel each other out. This makes the dozen cooling fans the loudest noise at idle. Everything component and action of a Bugatti is solid and well thought out. Is it worth the price? Yes and probably more in my book. Tell us your thoughts on meeting your heroes in the comments below and stay with us for more VinWiki videos.Browse Bugatti Veyron For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 26, 2018

Bugatti Chiron Sport to Make USA Debut

Bugatti's new Chiron Sport is making its way to North America for a debut in the upcoming future. At the 2018 New York International Auto Show, guests will be able to see the new French hypercar for the very first time.This new upgraded version of the Chiron comes with changes that make it a more track-worthy vehicle when compared to the base model. While the power has remained at around 1,479 horsepower, it’s the new mechanical aspects that make it hold more presence than before. To aid in its newfound agility is a stiffer suspension setup, as well as a new Dynamic Torque Vectoring System.Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 390 Watch Review Bugatti has not stated whether or not the Chiron Sport we'll be seeing at the NYIAS will be the same red/black one we've before. Maybe we'll get a chance to see a Chiron Sport in a new color scheme! The NYIAS is being held March 30 - April 8, 2018, so be sure to check back with us for the Bugatti Chiron Sport's first trip to the USA.

By Edward Jones – February 05, 2018

Bugatti is Showing Love to Veyron Owners

Bugatti is continuing their support for their Veyron hypercar with a new program, Loyalty Maintenance Program (LMP). Just announced, this new program will help "Veyron owners reduce the operating expenses of their super sports car," according to Bugatti.Franco Utzeri, Head of Bugatti Certified & Financial Services, worked with their Customer Service department to create the LMP. “The combination of a confirmed vehicle history, the Bugatti Certified warranty and individual support by Bugatti Customer Service makes the difference for Veyron owners and is more than just a seal of approval,” says Utzeri. “We are committed to providing our customers with a 360° ownership experience that is unique in the automotive world.”LMP will offer Veyron owners a selection of service packages that are designed to fit their needs and keep their car at the highest level of quality possible. Consider LMP to be the ultimate service program available for the French hypercar. Since Bugatti recognizes the fact that owners of the car use it in many ways, like placing it in a collection or daily driving it, the programs are made to fit the owners' needs.Lisy Your Exotic Car for Sale “Many owners enjoy driving their car every day while others see it as an automotive work of art in their private collection," says Chris Kelly, Head of Bugatti Customer Service. "This means that individual customers have very different expectations of service. We can now meet these expectations much more effectively, in line with our customers’ wishes.”Bugatti's introduction of the LMP is the latest sign of the French automaker's willingness to support the Chiron's predecessor. LMP is a part of the Bugatti Certified program, which was made to keep all Veyrons up to the company's standards. When a car is entered into the program, everything is tested and if any problems arrive, they're resolved if necessary. That includes paint, power output, equipment and more. Once the Veyron is done with its checkup, Bugatti gives it a "Bugatti Certified" seal and an extended warranty is granted.Sports Cars for Sale

By Edward Jones – January 22, 2018

Bugatti Now 3D-Prints Brake Caliper Out of Titanium Dust

Since 3D printing became more consumer friendly, it's also given companies an easy way to innovate their production processes. Bugatti, for example, has just announced that they have created the world's first 3D-printed brake caliper. This achievement was made possible thanks to the new material they're using (a titanium alloy) and a cooperation with Laser Zentrum Nord of Hamburg, who helped Bugatti run simulation, design the support structures and print the component itself-- Bugatti was responsible for the development and finishing of the brake caliper.Bugatti Chiron: 10 Facts You Need To KnowThe titanium alloy (Ti6AI4V) is typically used in the aerospace industry, but Bugatti saw that this material offers higher performance when compared to aluminum. To turn the titanium into a brake caliper, a 45-hour process has to take place. During this process titanium dust is deposited layer by layer, amounting to a total of 2,213 layers. As each layer is placed, four lasers melt the powder into the form of the brake caliper. After being melted into the desired shape, the material cools right away and hardens. Once the 3D printer is done, the brake caliper is given a heat treatment and then removed from the tray. From here, all that's left are the finishing touches. Head of New Technologies in the Technical Development Department of Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

Bugatti News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe