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 – February 25, 2025

Miller Motorcars Delivers Its First 1-of-40 Bugatti Bolid...

Bugatti’s track-only masterpiece reaches its customer. Bugatti’s W16 era is coming to an end, with the grand finale of hypercars powered by a quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine showcasing the incredible racing potential of the near 1,600-hp powertrain, as well as an open-top rendition in the case of the new W16 Mistral. The Bugatti Bolide is a track-only rendition of Bugatti’s pinnacle W16, with ruthless weight savings, aggressive aerodynamics, and impressive agility bringing the W16’s might to the racing world. Only 40 examples of the Bolide will be made, and they are starting to be delivered to their customers, with renowned dealer Miller Motorcars and its Bugatti Greenwich location, home of award-winning Bugatti Brand Manager Evan Cygler showing off its first Bugatti Bolide example to be delivered to its customer. Airlifted from Bugatti’s legendary Molsheim Atelier, the car was brought to Greenwich, Connecticut, where it was unwrapped and fitted with its proper BBS racing wheels, wrapped in Michelin racing slick tires. With radically aggressive design, a Spartan, racing-focused aesthetic, and all the makings of a tour de force on the track, the new Bugatti Bolide brings together motorsport excellence and an immense quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine to create a formidable racing masterpiece in only 40 examples, and Miller Motorcars proudly delivered its first to its lucky customer. View All Vehicles For Sale From Miller Motorcars View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miller Motorcars (@millermotorcars)

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 07, 2025

Watch Manny Khoshbin Take Delivery Of His New $4.7M Bugat...

Manny adds another Bugatti to his collection. First announced as Bugatti's next track-only hypercar back in October 2020, the Bolide has finally entered production, and some of the brand's most coveted clients are now taking delivery of their $4 million track car. Car collector Manny Khoshbin sits high on Bugatti's clientele list with multiple Veyrons and Chirons, including one-off collaborations with brands like Hermés. Manny recently took to Instagram to document the crate delivery of his brand-new Bugatti Bolide at Bugatti Newport Beach. The Bolide made its long journey from Molsheim to the coast of California safely secured in a wooden crate with a series of doors and latches that offered a sneak peek before unloading it. Manny kicked off the celebration with a video of the Bolide being rolled off the ramps onto U.S. soil for the first time, welcoming yet another Bugatti to his ever-growing collection of cars. His spec features an all-black livery with small touches of Bugatti's historic French Racing Blue that highlight sponsors and aero-focused areas of the car. The underside of its massive rear wing reverses the color palette with a French racing blue base and black 'BUGATTI' logo. Inside, the cabin reflects the Bolide's track-inspired DNA with a carbon fiber and black Alcantara interior, allowing for better focus on the track ahead. Producing 1,578 horsepower and 1,180 pound-feet of torque from an 8.0-liter quad-turbo W-16 engine, Manny Khoshbin is counting down the days until the exclusive 2025 track sessions that Bugatti is carefully curating for owners. View all Bugatti hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugattis For Sale " width="680"> @mannykhoshbin Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 07, 2025

Watch This Bugatti Bolide Owner Race His $4.7M Track Hype...

What a way to break in your new Bugatti! The Bugatti Bolide was engineered to become a hypercar like no other, built purely for the track and to deliver the ultimate racing experience. One lucky U.S. owner couldn't wait for Bugatti's official 2025 track sessions and decided to hit the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) to experience his brand-new Bolide firsthand. Finished in French Racing Blue with Nocturne Black Carbon accents, the Bolide's livery pays homage to Bugatti's motorsport roots. Before unleashing the Bolide, Bugatti's on-site team ensured everything was set up perfectly. After a detailed briefing and technical check, the Bolide was ready to take on COTA's 20 corners. Two warm-up laps were enough to showcase the car's exceptional handling, but the real fun began when the driver hopped back on the track for 12 full-speed laps. Rain added a bit of extra drama, but it only made the experience more exciting. Reaching a top speed of 206mph, the Bolide surely makes every lap feel unforgettable. Inside, the Bolide is as purposeful as it is stylish, combining French Racing Blue with Alcantara and polished accents for a race-inspired vibe. As a personal touch, the custom 'Équipe Curtis' was added to honor Ettore Bugatti's historic racing team. More than just a car, the Bolide delivers an immersive experience, connecting the driver to the essence of motorsport. View all Bugatti hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugattis For Sale " width="680"> Source: Bugatti

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 16, 2024

Bugatti Debuts New One-Off Bolide 100th Anniversary Editi...

Bugatti celebrates its century-old racing legend with its latest racing icon. 100 years ago, the Bugatti Type 35 made its debut as one of the most groundbreaking, pioneering race cars of its time. It would go on to be an incredibly successful machine, winning countless races and forging an important piece of Bugatti’s legacy. A hundred years later, Bugatti is still at the forefront of performance innovation, with hypercars that pushed the boundaries of performance and pushed the entire automotive industry forward when it comes to speed and engineering. One of the latest is the Bolide, Bugatti’s most extreme iteration of its legendary 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine, with lightweight construction and aggressive aerodynamics, making for one of the most incredible track-only hypercars ever. A century apart but linked by their ambitious racing-focused innovation, the Type 35 is coming together with a special, one-off example of the new Bugatti Bolide at Monterey Car Week. The new Bugatti Bolide 100th Anniversary Edition, one of just 40 examples of the Bolide that will be made and its one-of-a-kind statement, is finished in Grand Prix Blue, honoring the original Bleu de Lyon that the Type 35 made famous when it debuted at the Grand Prix de Lyon in August 1924. Other colors seen in the Bolide 100th Anniversary Edition pay homage to the world of Grand Prix racing in that time, the green of British Racing, the white of German cars, and the red of Italian racers. Red-tinted carbon fiber adds another bespoke touch. Bugatti brought the incredible new Bolide to Laguna Seca, coinciding with Monterey Car Week, to instruct and demonstrate its capabilities to Bugatti’s VIP clients, who will own examples of the unparalleled race car. Together, Bugatti racing legends from 100 years ago and today showed off Bugatti’s long-standing commitment to achieving the best performance engineering. View All Bugattis For Sale Image Source: Bugatti

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 22, 2024

Bugatti Announces Track Testing For Upcoming Bolide Hyper...

Bugatti is on the cusp of brandishing W16 power on the track. This year, Bugatti bittersweetly announced the end of the W16 era, responsible for over 20 years of groundbreaking hypercars. Arriving in its place is a new hybrid powertrain, combining 1,000 horsepower from a naturally aspirated V16 engine from Cosworth with 800 horsepower from electric motors for a staggering 1,800 horsepower. However, the W16 isn’t ready to bow out before it shows off its full potential, and Bugatti's penultimate W16-powered hypercar shows one aspect of what the W16 is truly capable of. That is the Bolide, Bugatti’s most extreme, racing-focused creation yet. The Bolide is a track-only iteration of Bugatti’s W16 hypercar with ultra-lightweight construction and aggressive aerodynamics. Recently, it showed off its ability at Le Mans and Goodwood, and now, the first customer examples of the Bugatti Bolide are close to being delivered. Bugatti has shown off some of the first Bolide customer cars tested on the track before their delivery, which will occur soon. Onec deliveries begin for the new Bugatti Bolide hypercar, its owners are sure to experience an unparalleled racing character, with no other car combining the legendary W16 powertrain and racing focus. With incredible power, speed, agility, and lightweight aerodynamic engineering, the Bugatti Bolide is a track-only hypercar that is virtually peerless. View All Bugattis For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by BUGATTI (@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

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 27, 2024

Discover The Limited-Edition Champagne Carbon ƎB.03 For T...

The latest collaboration between Bugatti and Champagne Carbon, the ƎB.03 Edition, is tied to Bolide, the most extreme Bugatti creation ever. Luxury defines itself in an all forms, whether it be a multi-million dollar hypercar or a bottle of the finest champagne that money can buy. It's a lifestyle that prestigious brands like Bugatti cater to with its fleet of exclusive hypercars and collaboration products. Bugatti is proud to introduce its next luxury lifestyle release with Champagne Carbon, continuing its long-time partnership of creating high-end champagne. Commemorating the Bugatti Bolide as the ultimate driving machine, the all-new Bugatti x Carbon ƎB.03 Champagne also arrives as a celebration of Bugatti’s 110th Anniversary. In line with two other exclusive releases, Champagne ƎB.03 incorporates a blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. Kept in an exquisite bottle, the exterior features a dual-tone finish that uses blue-tinted carbon fiber as the main material. The Bolide’s striking ‘X’ design motif, which dominates both the front and rear of the car, is hallmarked on both the right and left sides of the ƎB.03 bottle. Making the perfect addition to any wine and champagne collection, the all-new Champagne Carbon ƎB.03 for Bugatti is currently available through Champagne Carbon’s website. View all current Bugatti hypercars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Bugatti Hypercars For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 21, 2024

Why The Bugatti Bolide Is 'Very Special' To Pilote Offici...

A racing legend and a hypercar titan have made a great team. Andy Wallace has racing accolades to his name that few other racing drivers in the world can claim. Most prominently, he’s one of the very few drivers with motorsport’s legendary Triple Crown, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona, and 12 Hours of Sebring. To honor his incredible career and journey, he was inducted into the Sebring Hall of Fame in 2022, joining legends like Stirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio, and Dan Gurney. However, his career gained a new facet when he joined Bugatti in 2011 as the legendary manufacturer’s Pilote Officiel, and that role has brought him back to the track, experiencing thrilling moments behind the wheel of some of the world’s most incredible hypercars. In 2019, Wallace brought the Chiron Super Sport 300+ to more than 300 mph, breaking that barrier for the first time behind the wheel of a production car. He’s been instrumental in the development of models like the Bugatti Chiron, Divo, and Centodieci, but the one closest to his illustrious career in endurance racing is the Bolide. The pinnacle of extreme performance in W16 Bugatti hypercars, the Bolide is an ultra-lightweight, track-only masterpiece, and it not only evokes but evolves the race cars from throughout Wallace’s racing career. From developing the car at the Paul Ricard Circuit in 2019, to driving it at Le Mans last year for its dynamic debut, Wallace says that among the incredible hypercars he’s driven and contributed to for Bugatti, the Bolide is very special to him. With Bugatti’s hypercar prowess now translated to a track-only racing creation, the Bugatti Bolide speaks to the power of the joined forces of a racing legend like Andy Wallace, and a luxurious purveyor of game-changing hypercars like Bugatti. View All Bugattis For Sale Image Source: Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 22, 2023

How Bugatti Designed The Race-Inspired Interior Of The Tr...

Bugatti's track-only hypercar, the ultra-exclusive Bolide, aims to offer an immersive driving experience that embodies both luxury and performance. At its core lies the Bolide's driver-centric interior, a masterpiece inspired by the competitive world of motorsport and refined with exceptional craftsmanship. The Bolide's cabin is designed around a lightweight, high-strength carbon monocoque, essential for its outstanding track capabilities. This structure is even more robust than the Chiron's setup, allowing for a new, racecar-like seating position. The driver and passenger sit reclined, mirroring arrangements in the world's most extreme racecars, enhancing the intense, on-track experience. Bugatti's commitment to exclusivity and innovation is apparent in the Bolide's interior. Every component, including racing seats and a high-tech steering wheel, is tailor-made for the Bolide, with no shared parts with the Chiron. This bespoke approach extends to the distinctive 'X-theme' design, connecting the interior to the Bolide's stunning exterior, particularly its iconic X-shaped taillights and central exhaust design. The yoke-style race steering wheel showcases Bugatti's design philosophy, combining functionality with art. The wheel can be removed and displayed as a piece of art, symbolizing the owner's connection to the exhilarating Bugatti experience. Feedback from Bugatti's test drivers was key in the steering wheel's ergonomic design, featuring eight strategically placed buttons for ease of use during high-speed, on-track performance. The Bolide's cockpit is trimmed with the 'X-theme' aesthetic, evident in the multi-pad-design of the carbon bucket seats, which open with the door for easy access. Bugatti offers a range of customization options for the Bolide, including four seating sizes and various material choices like leather, suede, napa, and Alcantara. As Bugatti nears the final stages of personalizing each Bolide, its team of experts is dedicated to ensuring that every aspect of this track-only masterpiece is remarkable in design, performance, and luxury. View all Bugatti hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugatti For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 14, 2023

Bugatti Brings The Track-Only Bolide To Goodwood

Bugatti’s track-only Bolide astounds at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2023, taking the hillclimb with its unmatched 16-cylinder power.

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