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 Khris Bharath – April 03, 2026

1-of-1 Bugatti La Voiture Noire Returns to Market With Its Original Owner Finally Revealed

For years, the single-unit Bugatti La Voiture Noire stood out as the ultimate automotive mystery. Unveiled at the 2019 Geneva Motor Show by then Bugatti CEO Stephan Winkelmann, the one-off hypercar was already sold for approximately €16.7 million, about $18.7 million including taxes, even before it was revealed to the public. The La Voiture Noire featured on the cover of our May 2019 issue was recognized as the world’s most expensive new car. Bugatti described it as a one-of-a-kind “haute couture” creation. Only the Rolls-Royce La Rose Noire Droptail, priced between $30 million and $32 million, and the Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, at around $28 million, have since surpassed them when looking at the most expensive cars in the world. The secrecy around its ownership fueled intense speculation. Names ranged from elite athletes to high-net-worth collectors. It turns out the hypercar was purchased by former Volkswagen chairman Ferdinand Piëch. The deal actually took place back in 2019, but it was never officially confirmed, fueling endless speculation. Piëch’s influence on Bugatti runs deep, and the French marque recently paid tribute to him in January this year with the F.K.P. Homage, which was a Solitaire one-off. He pushed the development of the legendary 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine that powered the Veyron to its record-setting 253 mph top speed back in the mid-2000s. He famously sketched the W16 concept by hand while traveling at 199 mph on a Japanese bullet train. That same architecture sits at the core of La Voiture Noire. Designed by Etienne Salomé, the car itself draws directly from the lost Type 57 SC Atlantic, one of four built in the 1930s. One chassis, known as “La Voiture Noire,” vanished before World War II and remains missing. Bugatti’s modern interpretation carries six exhaust outlets, a sculpted black carbon-fiber body with a prominent dorsal fin that runs along the length of the vehicle, and proportions that echo the original Atlantic’s long hood and fastback profile. Piëch sadly passed away in 2019, the same year the car debuted. Delivery followed in 2021, transferring ownership to his son, Anton Piëch. This one-off hypercar is currently being offered through a discreet broker. According to German newspaper Handelsblatt, which says it has access to exclusive sales documents, La Voiture Noire is offered through a discreet process of submission of offers for 23 million Swiss francs, or about $28.8 million. The move ties directly to funding needs for Piëch Automotive, the electric vehicle startup co-founded in 2017 by Anton Pïech. The company continues to face delays and has yet to bring a production model to market. This sale closes a rare loop in automotive history. View All Bugattis For Sale <- Gallery -> Images: Bugatti

By Khris Bharath – March 12, 2026

Here's How Bugatti Restored A Historic Pre-Series Veyron Super Sport World Record Edition

Bugatti has completed the restoration of a historically significant Veyron 16.4 Super Sport World Record Edition through its heritage and certification program, La Maison Pur Sang. The initiative brings together engineers, technicians, and craftspeople who restore Bugatti hyper sports cars to the exact standards they carried when they first left the Atelier. 15 years ago, the Veyron Super Sport represented a major step forward for the French marque when it debuted in June 2010. Bugatti pushed the limits of automotive engineering with an output of 1,200 horsepower and 1,106 pound-feet of torque. The hypercar is capable of 0 to 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and a top speed of 258 mph in production specification. That same year, Bugatti pursued something more ambitious. Under the strict protocols of Guinness World Records, the Veyron Super Sport recorded a verified top speed of 267.856 mph, or 431.072 km/h, establishing a new world speed record, making it the fastest production car in the world at the time, a record that stood for seven years until the Koenigsegg Agara RS’ 277.9 mph set in November, 2017. TopGear fans among you will remember James May’s run in a Veyron Super Sport, which finished in the same carbon over orange specification at Volkswagen Ehra‑Lessien Test Track, where the car demonstrated the extraordinary performance that made Bugatti a dominant force in the hypercar world. Beyond the public spotlight, this specific car also played a technical role. Engineers used it during development to refine systems and technologies that ultimately defined the production version of the Veyron Super Sport. After more than 70,800 kilometers, or roughly 44,000 miles, of use since the summer of 2010, the car returned to Molsheim for a detailed six-month restoration. Specialists addressed every element with the same approach used when building a new Bugatti. The exterior required equally meticulous work. Experts refinished the exposed carbon fiber bodywork and applied a fresh clear coat. The signature Bugatti orange accents were carefully repainted, restoring the dramatic contrast that defines the World Record Edition’s appearance. Inside the cabin, craftsmen restored the leather surfaces and reshaped the seats to their original structure and comfort. Technicians fully serviced the steering wheel, the primary point of contact between driver and machine, ensuring the tactile experience remained faithful to the original design. During the process, several pre-series components were upgraded to match final production specifications, including electronics and radiator systems. Crucially, the now-discontinued and legendary Pïech-era quad-turbo W16 engine and the complex gearbox remain original, preserving the car’s authenticity. <- Gallery -> "Bugatti hyper sports cars are engineered to be driven, experienced, and enjoyed. Through La Maison Pur Sang, we ensure that even vehicles with a rich and active history can be restored to the same standard they possessed when they first left Molsheim. This allows our customers to embrace the heritage of these remarkable vehicles with complete confidence – knowing they can experience them exactly as they were when new. We pride ourselves on close collaboration with our valued dealers in acquiring, refurbishing, and certifying legendary Bugatti vehicles such as this, and in turn with our esteemed customers – securing that their experience in becoming the custodian of a Bugatti is second to none.” - Luigi Galli, Heritage & Certification Expert, Bugatti. With the work complete, this restored Veyron Super Sport World Record Edition joins just five examples of Veyron 30 Super Sport models produced and now enters a new chapter within a private collection, accompanied by a Bugatti certification book documenting its history and refurbishment. View All Bugatti Veyrons For Sale Images: Bugatti

By Khris Bharath – February 26, 2026

Bugatti Unveils ‘La Perle Rare,’ A One Off Sur Mesure Commission Based on the W16 Mistral

Bugatti has unveiled ‘La Perle Rare,’ a bespoke commission based on the W16 Mistral limited to 99 units that closes the book on the 8.0-liter quad turbocharged W16, the engine that defined the glorious Ferdinand Piëch era with record-breaking performance that reshaped the modern hypercar landscape over the past two decades. Commissioned through Bugatti’s Sur Mesure program, ‘La Perle Rare’ began its journey in August 2023 at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, where Bugatti’s Manager of Sur Mesure and Individualization, Jascha Straub, met the client who would shape this one-of-one creation. The exterior theme draws inspiration from Bugatti’s hand-painted ‘Vagues de Lumière’ finish that pays homage to the way the brand’s hyper sports cars reflect light and embraces the power of nature. After extensive exploration that moved from silver concepts to layered white tones, the team developed two entirely new bespoke colors. A warm, gold infused hue features on the upper surfaces, while a refined warm white envelops the lower body. The dividing white and gold lines required hundreds of hours of hand applied taping, masking, and painting to achieve exact symmetry across the bodywork. Diamond-cut alloy wheels complete the composition with a curated paint mixture that mirrors the gold and white. Inside, all visible carbon components are finished in white, resulting in an elegant cockpit environment that extends the exterior’s pearlescent theme. Door panels feature alternating white and warm gold linework along concave sculpted surfaces, while warm ambient lighting subtly illuminates the cabin. Machined and polished aluminum elements across the steering wheel, center console, and door handles capture light. The ‘La Perle Rare’ signature appears in Straub’s own handwriting, stitched along the central tunnel, engraved on the bespoke white and gold engine cover, and painted beneath the rear wing. Rembrandt Bugatti’s Dancing Elephant motif prominently features within the gear selector casing and on exterior body panels, linking modern-day individualization with over a century of design heritage. “This W16 Mistral ‘La Perle Rare’ is an extraordinary example of what becomes possible when a client’s imagination meets the full creative and technical capabilities of our Sur Mesure offering. From our very first meeting, this project was defined by a shared passion for elegance and precision. Working so closely with our valued customer allowed us to refine every line, every surface, and every reflection, until the car became a truly unique expression of their vision.” - Jascha Straub, Manager of Sur Mesure and Individualization at Bugatti. Jascha plays a central role in turning ambitious ideas into fully realized Bugatti commissions. Starting out in Bugatti’s design department, he contributed to the exterior of the Divo and Centodieci. He now leads Sur Mesure initiatives, applying that experience to one-of-one creations like ‘La Perle Rare. Bugatti’s Sur Mesure program differs from Programme Solitaire, the French marque’s ultra-exclusive initiative that creates unique coachbuilt one-offs like the Bugatti Brouillard unveiled at Monterey in August last year and, more recently, the Bugatti F.K.P, a tribute to Ferdinand Karl Piëch. View All Bugattis For Sale <- Gallery -> Images: Bugatti

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 20, 2026

2008 Bugatti Veyron Listed For Auction On dR Live

Few cars can match the level of impact and influence that the Bugatti Veyron had on the industry, especially considering how rare and exclusive the Veyron is. Only 450 examples of the Veyron were manufactured, but each was a potent reminder of the undeniable shockwaves its performance, engineering, and design sent through the entire industry. Making use of a quad-turbocharged W16 engine, the Veyron used immense amounts of power that were virtually unprecedented in their time to achieve record-breaking top speed. That level of performance would set new standards for supercars across the globe, and usher in a wave of hypercars that have continued to up the ante for automotive excellence to this day, 20 years after the Veyron’s debut. Now, the Veyron sits proudly as a collector-grade masterpiece among automotive enthusiasts, and it remains one of the most thrilling, exciting, powerful, and desirable hypercars even decades after it was first introduced. As the Veyron continues to rise to prominence as a modern classic, the opportunity to own one has arrived on duPont REGISTRY Live, the new online auction platform that is changing the luxury automotive online auction landscape with a 14-day return policy and a 100% sell-through rate. This particular example is a 2008 Bugatti Veyron finished in Italian Red, and it features various customizations that set it apart from other examples of the hypercar. <- Gallery -> Under 13,000 miles are currently on its odometer, and it’s been enhanced with a custom titanium exhaust system that transforms the sound experience of the W16 engine, as well as with custom lightweight forged wheels. In addition to its customizations, this Veyron is believed to be one of just a handful of examples that were finished in a solid red configuration. With the exclusivity, historical significance, and panache that the Veyron has, this online auction is an incredible opportunity for any enthusiast, and you can bid on this Italian Red 2008 Bugatti Veyron now by clicking below. View Listing And Bid Now

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 03, 2026

Bugatti Brings Hypercars To I.C.E. St. Moritz

When winter sets in, the gorgeous and idyllic St. Moritz comes alive for the season, as it’s one of the world’s premier ski destinations, and it’s also home to a lake that freezes over to become the venue for one of the most anticipated automotive events each year. That is the I.C.E. St. Moritz, or International Concours of Elegance, and it sees classic cars take to the frozen surface for a unique spectacle of automotive excellence with passionate enthusiasts, collectors, and manufacturers throughout. Bugatti was present at this year’s I.C.E. St. Moritz, and over 20,000 visitors across two days got the chance to witness some of Bugatti’s oldest and newest masterpieces. Bugatti vehicles from throughout the manufacturer’s history were present at the event, like the Veyron, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Bolide, the EB110, the Type 13, Type 35, and Type 37A. Special examples of the Veyron, like the Grand Sport Vitesse ‘Soleil de Nuit,’ the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse ‘Rembrandt Bugatti,’ and the Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse ‘Meo Costantini’ were at the show, along with figure skaters weaving in between them. Ushering in the rebirth of the brand 20 years ago, the Veyron changed Bugatti and the automotive world as a whole. ‘Meo Costantini’ was complemented by a matching Bugatti Baby II from Hedley Studios. With a gorgeous frozen lake as its setting, the I.C.E. St. Moritz hosted a unique display of Bugatti excellence. View All Bugatti For Sale <- Gallery -> Image Source: Bugatti

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 30, 2026

Bugatti Debuts The F.K.P. Hommage At Ultimate Supercar Garage

Bugatti has over a century of rich history behind its name, but one of the most significant turning points in that history came 20 years ago in the form of the Veyron, a hypercar powereed by a now-legendary 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged W16 engine that shook the performance world to its core. With nearly 1,000 horsepower, it set new standards for automotive performance engineering in the early 2000s that defined the upper echelon of supercars and hypercars, and even today, the Veyron is one of the world’s greatest hypercars.The man behind it and its legendary powertrain is one of the greatest legends in the automotive industry: Ferdinand Karl Piëch. His vision is what eventually gave way to the Veyron, and 20 years later, Bugatti has paid a beautiful homage to the hypercar with the second creation from its Programme Solitaire. Created to bring forth one-off masterpieces with the highest level of artisan craftsmanship, luxury, and exclusivity, Programme Solitaire has already brought Bugatti’s automotive excellence to new heights, but the new Bugatti F.K.P. Hommage is a unique celebration.Designed as something of an updated Veyron, the Hommage looks back on one of the most important moments not only for Bugatti’s history, but for the automotive industry as a whole in the modern era, and its physical world premiere, coming after a digital unveiling, took place at the Ultimate Supercar Garage a partnership between Supercar Owners Circle and Rétromobile 2026. Bringing contemporary hypercars to the iconic and anticipated Parisian classic car event, the debut of the F.K.P. Hommage at Ultimate Supercar Garage drew attention from across the globe.Bugatti Rimac CEO Mate Rimac opened the presentation, showcasing the car, which features the 1,600-horsepower variant of the W16 engine that made the Veyron one of the most talked-about cars on the planet. The F.K.P. Hommage is an example of Bugatti’s Programme Solitaire excellence, which is limited to just two cars per year, and brings Bugatti’s historic reputation for coachbuilding in the early 20th century alive in the modern era. Combining a design distinctly reminiscent of the Veyron with several bespoke details inside and out, the F.K.P. Hommage, which was displayed at the show alongside the Veyron that inspired it, is nothing short of a one-off hypercar masterpiece.

By Basem Wasef – January 22, 2026

Bugatti’s Latest Solitaire One-off is an 8-Figure Ode to Ferdinand Piëch

By Basem Wasef This is the Bugatti F.K.P. Hommage, the second car to be commissioned through the French marque's new Programme Solitaire, a new, ultra-exclusive division dedicated to creating bespoke, coachbuilt hypercars. This one-off that was last week, pays tribute to one of the most influential automotive personalities of the 20th century, Ferdinand Karl Piëch. Decades into his seemingly limitless career, the Austrian impresario acted on the urge to build a vehicle of inconceivable capability. The man responsible for Porsche 917 Longtails roaring down the Mulsanne straight at 240 mph, innovative “VR” powerplants for Volkswagen, and the groundbreaking all-wheel drive system powering the monstrous Audi S1 Quattro Group B rally car would ultimately acquire the Bugatti brand in 1998. Piëch’s pièce de resistance started life as a napkin sketch on the Japanese bullet train and became the Veyron, a moonshot whose never-before-achieved goals were to produce 1,000 horsepower and hit 250 mph, yet be civilized enough to pull up at the opera in style. It’s been two decades since the Veyron wowed the cognoscenti. Among those who is one particularly passionate collector who commissioned a one-off that poses an intriguing idea: What if Bugatti built a facelift of the O.G. hypercar before moving on to the Chiron? Unlike Bugatti’s other Solitaire project, dubbed Brouillard, the F.K.P. is inspired by the Veyron. Every carbon fiber body panel has been resculpted for a sleeker, more smoothed-out reinterpretation of the first modern Bugatti’s lines. Bugatti Director of Design Frank Heyl tells duPont Registry that the Veyron was already a novel design when it was first unveiled as a concept in 1999. “Before the Veyron supercars were perceived as this forward-angled wedge shape still inspired by the works of Marcello Gandini,” he says. “We recall the Lancia Stratos Zero, Ferrari Modulo, or even some of the first Countaches. We did the opposite; it was a novel lean back, a body posture we wanted to capture here.” The reimagined one-off is finished in the same paint scheme as one of the collector’s beloved Veyrons, though this time around, a novel production technique was employed. Starting with bare carbon fiber panels, the finish leverages advanced layering techniques using a silver aluminum-based coat underneath a clearcoat that’s tinted red. The black portions are actually black-tinted exposed carbon fiber that incorporates a 10% black pigment into the clearcoat. Heyl notes that the traditional horseshoe grille found up front, hewn from a block of solid aluminum, has also been reworked into a more three-dimensional shape. The Veyron redux now sits on updated wheel sizes (20-inch front and 21-inch rear), wrapped in the latest Michelin tire technology, which requires less expensive replacement than the original model. The resculpted bodywork hides the 1,600 metric horsepower, quad-turbocharged powerplant from the Chiron Super Sport, the engine that broke new ground by shattering the 300 mph barrier. Inside, the F.K.P Hommage is upholstered in a woven fabric sourced from Paris, which flies in the face of conventional leather materials. While the metal-turned dashboard and knurled knobs recall the Chiron, the round steering wheel recalls and is a throwback to the original Veyron design. However, the real mic drop comes in the form of a custom 41mm Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon sitting atop the center panel. Though it has no electrical connection to the car, its enclosure rotates on a diagonal axis several times per hour to keep the timepiece perennially wound. <- Gallery -> The owner, who will keep this very special one-off in Europe, remains unnamed but is described by Heyl as a consummate collector and Bugatti enthusiast whose collaboration required over two years of back-and-forth with the design and engineering teams. “As you can imagine, with these Solitaire programs, there needs to be discipline in terms of how many loops we can go through; there must be a similar understanding of the project. With this particular customer, who is a huge Veyron fan and connoisseur, there was an immediate understanding of the values we want to bring into these cars,” He reveals. “We wanted to honor Ferdinand Piëch and the ways he worked. Even if something didn’t seem possible, he would never give up.” View All Bugattis For Sale Images: duPont REGISTRY

By Khris Bharath – January 12, 2026

Bugatti Adds the Chiron Pur Sport and Vision Gran Turismo to Its LEGO Portfolio

Bugatti announced two new LEGO sets available from January 1: the LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport and the LEGO Speed Champions Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo. The Technic Chiron Pur Sport is built around how the real car behaves. The Pur Sport sits at the sharp end of the Chiron family, defined by shorter gear ratios, reduced weight, and a focus on precision driving rather than outright top speed. A 1-of-60 Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Jaune Molsheim recently became the first hypercar listed on duPont REGISTRY Live, marking a milestone for our auctions platform. LEGO translates that philosophy into function as captured and highlighted by the Pur Sport's fixed wing and the distinctive C-Shaped design element of the Chiron. You assemble a working steering, opening doors and hood, and a detailed W16 engine that is meant to be examined. At 771 pieces and more than 11 inches long, the model demands patience in bridging this build together. If you enjoy understanding mechanical layout and movement, this is the set should keep you engaged. The Bugatti Vision Gran Turismo, meanwhile, was originally conceived as a concept for the Gran Turismo video game, later realized as a show car that referenced Bugatti’s racing heritage from the 1920s and 1930s. LEGO’s Speed Champions version keeps that spirit intact. With 284 pieces, it captures the horseshoe grille, eight eye headlights, roof fin, wide Michelin-branded tires, and dramatic rear wing. The included Bugatti-suited minifigure completes the single-seat cockpit and reinforces its competition-focused intent. Both sets support the LEGO Builder app, allowing you to rotate instructions in 3D and track progress, a practical touch that makes longer builds easier to return to and finish. “Our collaboration with the LEGO Group continues to grow in exciting ways. With four different Bugatti models – the Chiron Pur Sport, Vision Gran Turismo, Centodieci, and Bolide – available simultaneously for the first time, we are sharing the essence of what makes Bugatti special with collectors of all ages. Each model tells a different story about our brand.” - Wiebke Ståhl, Managing Director of Bugatti International. Ståhl further added that such sets expand their audience beyond a select group of hypercar owners to millions of fans, gamers, and performance aficionados, a point that we also highlighted when sales of Gordon Murray’s T33 exceeded one million units in Hot Wheels sales last year. These cars aren’t just mere toys, but stand to inspire and serve as aspirational pursuits for future generations. Shop All Automotive LEGO Sets Image Source: Bugatti

By Khris Bharath – September 28, 2025

Bugatti Launches Tourbillon-Inspired Eyewear at SILMO 2025

The Bugatti Tourbillon, the hybridized V16-powered model, has already dominated headlines over the past year as the French marque’s next great hypercar, but in Paris this weekend, attention has now turned to something you can actually wear. At the ongoing SILMO 2025 (September 26 to 29), the leading global trade fair for optics and eyewear, Bugatti revealed its boldest eyewear collection yet. This launch also comes in a year already significant for Bugatti, with the Veyron celebrating its 20th anniversary, a reminder of how Bugatti continues to shape the definition of modern luxury. Prior to the public unveiling, a private event at Luxury Living Paris introduced guests to the collection alongside pieces from the Bugatti Home Collection, a statement about the company’s broader expansion into lifestyle, a path it has pursued with furniture, design objects, and now a fully redefined optics portfolio. OBI, Bugatti’s trusted eyewear partner, led the redesign. Under CEO Sascha Koettig and creative director Kellie Hautala, the team developed a new design language meant to guide the brand’s eyewear through the next decade. “With the launch of the Tourbillon, Bugatti begins a new chapter in its illustrious story. We recognized this as the perfect moment to evolve the eyewear collection in parallel, combining innovation with deep respect for Ettore Bugatti’s enduring design philosophy.” - Sascha Koettig, CEO of OBI At the core of the collection is the Tourbillon Limited Edition, a 3D-printed titanium frame inspired by the hypercar’s aerodynamic rear. Only 100 examples will be made, with each delivered in a carbon fiber collector’s box with a patent-pending case modeled after the vehicle’s suspension design. The attention to engineering reflects the detail that Bugatti applies to its cars. Every frame is built in Japan using rare materials, and several pieces are set with VVS1 diamonds. “In every facet of its design, the Tourbillon embodies the essence of Bugatti: uncompromising precision; sculptural beauty, and daring creativity that defines our new era. Infused with that same spirit of ingenuity, the Tourbillon Limited Edition frame is a natural choice for discerning customers seeking effortless elegance, delivered in a way that only Bugatti can.” - Mate Rimac, CEO of Bugatti Rimac Two further highlights stand out: The Model 36 introduces Bugatti’s first rimless design, prioritizing lightness and sophistication. The Model 100 offers a bold navigator-style silhouette in carbon fiber and horn, refined with signature EB (Ettore Bugatti) spring hinges and mesh accents plated in exquisite silver, white gold, or 24-karat gold. For something even more exclusive, the Precious Collection elevates eyewear into collectible art, with Antwerp artisans setting VVS1 diamonds and precious gemstones into bespoke frames. Much like Bugatti’s most expensive hypercars, ownership here is about stewardship, ensuring each frame remains intact and relevant well beyond current fashion cycles and trends. They are limited pieces requiring care, storage, and deliberate use. Bugatti's partnership with OBI, extended through 2030, is a sign of a long-term commitment between both brands. View All Bugattis For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Khris Bharath – August 15, 2025

One-off Bugatti Brouillard W16 Makes Its First Public App...

At the Quail this morning, Bugatti took the wraps off its one-of-one Brouillard, a coachbuilt hypercar that combines modern W16 firepower with deeply personal heritage cues. It’s the first public appearance for the bespoke build, which broke cover about 10 days ago after a series of mysterious teasers that we reported on. CEO of Bugatti Rimac, Mate Rimac, was on site to personally present the car to an ecstatic crowd. The Brouillard marks the debut of Bugatti’s Programme Solitaire, a new tier of customization that sits above the brand’s already extreme Sur Mesure offerings. The primary goal is to channel the same spirit of models like the iconic Type 57’s most coveted coachbuilt variants: the Galibier, Stelvio, Ventoux, and Atalante, through the lens of 21st-century engineering. Bugatti says that it will only produce up to two Solitaire cars per year, each built around existing powertrains and chassis, but wrapped in entirely bespoke bodywork and interiors. This stunning green example is named after Ettore Bugatti’s prized white-and-gray thoroughbred. Renowned for its speed and a surprising ability to open its stable door using a mechanism Ettore designed, the equestrian connection runs deep in the Brouillard. Inside, you’ll find embroidered horse motifs, a miniature sculpture of the thoroughbred in the gear selector, and tartan fabrics that contrast with green-tinted carbon fiber, sourced from Paris. The glass roof floods the cabin with light, amplifying the already dramatic cabin. Outside, the Brouillard trades the Chiron’s rounded tail for a much sharper coupé silhouette with a fixed ducktail spoiler, sculpted air intakes, and a sweeping roofline. The overall form is both functional and beautiful, with aerodynamics designed to channel and feed air to the W16’s massive cooling needs. Yes, that legendary Piëch-era W16, which has been doing duty since the days of the Veyron. Despite Bugatti’s recent Rimac partnership and the debut of its hybrid V16-powered Tourbillon, the Brouillard features the marque’s celebrated 8.0-liter quad-turbocharged 16-cylinder uni, which puts out 1,600 horsepower. This hypercar is part of the last wave of W16-powered Bugattis, sitting alongside other ultra-limited farewell models. The timing is important because Bugatti has entered a new era, merging with Rimac and shifting toward hybrid power. The Tourbillon is already making headlines for its naturally aspirated V16 and electric assistance, but the Brouillard proves that the W16’s final chapter is being written with the same level of passion that has defined the French marque for more than a century. So here’s the question: if Solitaire lets clients dream up exquisite machines like the Brouillard, how far could Bugatti push this idea? No word on the price, but given that this is a one-off, something in the eight figures cannot be ruled out. Having said that, as a proof of concept, the Brouillard shows that in an extremely crowded hypercar market crowded there is still room for a truly personal, coachbuilt creation. View All Bugattis For Sale Images Source: Bugatti

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