Bugatti News

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

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 18, 2023

The 40th Anniversary Bugatti Festival In Molsheim Celebra...

The three-day event honored the life, legacy, and innovations of Ettore Bugatti with an array of classic and modern hyper sports cars. Every September, the quaint town of Molsheim transforms into a high-octane sanctuary celebrating one of the automotive world's most iconic figures—Ettore Bugatti. The Bugatti Festival, now in its 40th year, honors the man whose imaginative engineering, relentless pursuit of perfection, and artistic influences have propelled the brand to legendary status. This festival, hosted by Enthousiastes Bugatti Alsace, is more than a retrospective. It's a living embodiment of Bugatti's transcendent legacy, attracting fans, collectors, and automotive experts from around the globe. While the festival traditionally kicks off with a visit to Ettore’s final resting place, it doesn't merely memorialize him but celebrates his lifelong work. This year, Bugatti aficionados had the honor of starting their engines and rolling their classic and modern masterpieces through the historic gates of Château Saint Jean. The sprawling chateau grounds buzzed with excitement as it showcased not just Bugatti cars, but also a curated exhibition featuring the artistic works of Carlo Bugatti and Rembrandt Bugatti, Ettore's family members who profoundly influenced his design sensibilities. From the Bugatti Type 13, Ettore’s first masterpiece, to the modern marvels like the Chiron Super Sport, the festival serves as a testament to Bugatti's enduring relevance in the luxury sports car market. Even the Bugatti Autorail, a high-speed luxury train developed by Ettore, made a rare appearance, reminding us that his influence extends far beyond four-wheeled wonders. No Bugatti event would be complete without a nod to the brand’s motorsports heritage. The festival showcased Grand Prix cars like the Type 57G Tank and the Type 35, bringing the brand’s storied racing history to life. Making its grand debut was also the model of Bolide—the modern track-only Bugatti hyper sports car that made waves during its first public appearance at Le Mans this past June. Ettore's influence is not confined to static displays; it's in the roar of engines, the craftsmanship of every hand-assembled detail, and the thrill of performance. Festival goers had the chance to drive through Alsace’s picturesque Wine Route, exploring charming towns that seem to have leapt straight from the pages of a storybook. Finally, they converged for a public exhibition in Parc des Jésuites, a sight that left spectators in awe of Bugatti's time-tested allure. The festival culminated in an awards ceremony presided over by Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles. Awards like the Grand Prix Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. and the Trophée Lalique were handed out, highlighting the cars and individuals who best encapsulated the Bugatti ethos. Events like the Bugatti Festival prove that Bugatti has evolved from simply being a brand or a manufacturer, and has with its rich history become a symbol of automotive excellence and an aspiration for car enthusiasts the world over. And Molsheim continues to live out its historical purpose as the place where the soul of Bugatti continues to thrive. The Bugatti Festival is a pilgrimage, an annual homecoming for everyone united by their passion for this extraordinary brand. View All Bugattis For Sale Image Source: Bugatti

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 15, 2023

Asprey x Bugatti Display Hypercar-Inspired Art At An Exhi...

The Asprey x Bugatti Collection is now on display in London. When tradition meets innovation, something extraordinary happens. This is precisely the case with the Asprey Bugatti Collection, a collaboration exhibition that showcases contemporary digital and physical artworks with cutting-edge NFT technology. For years, Bugatti has surrounded itself with a community of brands that share the same values and focus on creating a luxury lifestyle built around multi-million dollar hypercars. Incorporating over 352 years of combined heritage, the luxury-driven partnership demonstrates the mastery of the two industry leaders from France and Great Britain. Nestled in the heart of London's Mayfair district, the upscale Asprey Studio Gallery highlights sculptures from the 261 La Voiture Noire Collection and the Asprey Bugatti Egg Collection. Art aficionados and Asprey Bugatti holders get the unique privilege of showing their coveted pieces in the gallery, an honor usually reserved for big names in the art world. Accessible only by private appointment at 36 Bruton St, Mayfair, the Asprey Bugatti Collection is an experiential playground for luxury enthusiasts, digital art pioneers, and automotive connoisseurs. View all Bugatti hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugatti For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by BUGATTI (@bugatti) Source: Bugatti Instagram

01 BUGATTI Partner of Excellence HR Owen

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 14, 2023

Bugatti London Unveils State Of The Art Service Facility

Located north of London, hypercar owners are treated to a white-glove experience. If you've ever found yourself behind the wheel of a Bugatti, you know the rush that comes with tapping into the car's unadulterated power. But an important aspect of owning any car is the experience of having it serviced, and when a Bugatti is the car in question, the car itself has a level of excellence that isn't easy for the service experience to match. Enter Bugatti London's newly unveiled aftersales facility, an exceptional space offering specialized care to a community of discerning Bugatti owners. Operated by the H.R. Owen Group, Bugatti London is aiming to redefine the auto maintenance experience. The London-based Bugatti Partner recently opened a 5,9634 square-foot facility located just north of London to serve as the heart of Bugatti's operations in the UK. This comes as a complement to their existing showroom in the luxurious locale of Mayfair. What sets this facility apart? Let’s talk numbers. The facility boasts seven advanced bays equipped with cutting-edge technology and diagnostic equipment. They are prepared to work on Chiron and Veyron 16.4 families, as well as classic models like the EB110 and EB110SS. The experts on hand are Bugatti-trained technicians wielding bespoke high-tech tools for surgical precision. But there’s more—much more. The term "customer service" is taken to new heights here. To minimize inconvenience, Bugatti London offers a chauffeur-driven collection service along with an array of prestige car loans. You can expect white-glove treatment as soon as your car rolls into the bay, and trust that it will leave in a condition befitting its lofty pedigree. All technicians at this facility have been trained directly at Bugatti’s headquarters in Molsheim, France. Their years of experience and intensive model-specific training ensure that every Bugatti receives the specialized attention it demands. Alexis Ploix, Bugatti’s Director of Aftersales and Customer Service, mentioned that the London facility aligns perfectly with Bugatti's commitment to deliver the ultimate service experience for its customers. And for those worried about warranty and service extensions, the ‘Passeport Tranquillité’ program has the answer. It provides up to four additional years of service and warranty. Moreover, the ‘Certified Pre-Owned’ program assures customers that any Veyron or Chiron purchased through an authorized Bugatti Partner meets the high standards the brand is renowned for. The possibility for customization is nearly endless, too. Interiors can be retrimmed, new accessories added, and updated finishes applied directly at the original assembly site. The facility stays in close contact with Bugatti Aftersales in Molsheim, meaning your vehicle customization options are vast and conducted by the very best in the business. In conclusion, Bugatti London’s aftersales facility is more than just a maintenance center. It's an ode to the brand’s philosophy that ‘Power is in the small details’. Every aspect of this facility aims to make the experience of owning a Bugatti as exquisite as driving one, reaffirming the brand's commitment to absolute customer satisfaction. So, whether you're a current Bugatti owner or aspiring to be one, the doors of this avant-garde facility are open, inviting you to partake in a superlative automotive journey. View All Bugattis For Sale Image Source: Bugatti