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 Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2019

Bugatti Grand Tour Day 1: Milano to Monte Carlo

Riding high on their 304 mph run, Bugatti's Grand Tour began yesterday in Milano. It was not an arbitrary starting point, as it is the birthplace of Ettore Bugatti. Spectators were amazed to see 23 Veyrons and Chirons driving in formation. President of Bugatti Stephan Winkelmann said: "It is very special to walk on Ettore’s steps, in his hometown. To see all those cars representing our craftsmanship, climbing up the Piemonte hills is an extraordinary sight.” After lunch, they aimed for Monaco, the home of Bugatti driver Louis Chiron. The ability to be comfortable cruisers on these ancient roads makes the modern Bugatti one of the greatest luxury cars for sale. This 110th Anniversary tour will continue tomorrow, so stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Browse all Bugatti For Sale P.S. If you didn't see this yesterday, hang on to your seat! " width="680"> Related Bugatti Chiron Breaks 300 MPH Barrier 2018 Bugatti Chiron Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – July 10, 2019

Bugatti Chiron #200 is a 110th Anniversary Edition

It is hard to comprehend that the Bugatti Chiron is over 2 years old. Time flies when you are building supercars, and the skilled employees have a great reason to celebrate. That's because the Bugatti Chiron #200 is also a 110th Anniversary Edition. Officially known as the "110 ans Bugatti", this car sports the French flag in several prominent locations. President Stephan Winkelmann said: "You can't feel anything but pride when you see this 200th Chiron emerge from the factory". He also reinforced the fact that each car requires several hours to build. How many employee hours are needed? Only 10 months from start to finish. Only 20 Anniversary Editions will be built, and each one will arrive with "Sky View" glass roof panels and a "Steel Blue" painted engine. All of them are based on the Chiron Sport. It is 40 lbs lighter and uses a pair of sequential turbos to offer 1,500 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. Production is not limited on the Chiron, and this shows that there is a market for the world's most powerful production car. Once you drive one you will understand. So click the link below to find one near you and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Find Your Bugatti Here

By Andrew Nabors – May 17, 2019

Bugatti Chiron Sport Attacks the Mille Miglia

Italy's most famous race is a true test of drivers and cars. A thousand miles of gorgeous scenery and ancient roads began in 1927. The modern version is more of a traveling car show, with each brand promoting their latest models along with historic racers. Nevertheless, it is a sporting event that is watched by the world. That is why the Bugatti Chiron Sport has attacked the Mile Miglia. Ettore Bugatti was born in Milan to a skilled artist, and you might have heard of his younger brother, Rembrandt. Because their cars were so dominant in the glory days of the great road races, the company chose to enter a Type 35B to race alongside the new Chiron Sport. This isn't just a "normal" Chiron, it is the 110 Ans edition. Matte finish paint has French flags displayed under the rear spoiler. It goes vertical when braking, to show everyone behind you who is in 1st place. The theme continues inside to the seats, central spine, steering wheel, and even the key. The Type 35B won more races than any other Bugatti, using a supercharged 2.3L straight-8 to make 138 horsepower and a ton of torque. Tell us which one you would drive in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Browse Bugatti For Sale

By Edward Jones – May 07, 2019

Bugatti Chiron Trio Takes on Circuit Paul Ricard

Bugatti recently traveled to the Circuit Paul Ricard to let loose three Chiron hypercars. The circuit in the South of France is a perfect place to test the capabilities of the French hypercars. Among the trio was a Chiron Sport, Bugatti's new variant that's dedicated to agility and performance on the track. To accomplish that, Bugatti had to make a few tweaks to the Chiron. Power coming from the quad-turbocharged W16 engine remains at 1,479 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. However, Bugatti did add in a stiffer suspension setup, as well as a new Dynamic Torque Vectoring System. Weight was also dropped by around 39 pounds. Bugatti says the Chiron Sport can lap the Nardo handling circuit five seconds faster than the base Chiron. see all bugattis for sale Source

By Edward Jones – February 07, 2019

Bugatti Chiron Sport "110 ans Bugatti" Celebrates 110th A...

It's hard to believe it, but Bugatti's 110th anniversary is here. That's right, the French automaker that's become a staple of luxurious lives has been around for 11 decades. To celebrate the occasion, the Bugatti Chiron Sport "110 ans Bugatti" (110 years Bugatti) has been created and unveiled. In that model name, you'll notice that this is no ordinary Chiron and it is actually the newer Chiron Sport. While the engine remains the same in the Sport version when compared standard Chiron, its new mechanical underpinnings make it more capable on the track. Making this specific Chiron Sport special is not only its name but its downright beautiful appearance. At first glance, it looks like the entire body of the special edition Bugatti is one color but it is in fact a two-tone design. In the rear is a matte Steel Blue paintwork, while the front is actually exposed carbon fiber in Steel Blue Carbon. Bugatti notes that this two-tone scheme is reminiscent of history models from the 1920's. It's not just the paintwork that Bugatti paid attention to, either. They were even specific enough to pay special attention to the aluminum gas cap that had been sandblasted, hand-polished and adorned with “110 ans Bugatti” emblem. Each alloy wheel is finished in "Nocturne" mate black with bright blue brake calipers resting behind them. The final and most exquisite touch of the exterior has to be the French flag that's been painted on the underside of the rear wing. A Bugatti wouldn't truly be a Bugatti without a lavish, yet sport cabin. For this special edition Chiron Sport, they went all out. Several areas of the interior sport the “110 ans Bugatti” markings to point out its special spot in Bugatti's history. Carbon fiber is abundant, being found across the cabin on the steering wheel, steering column and seat trims. For the upholstery, Bugatti chose soft Deep Blue leather to continue the exterior's color scheme. There's also plenty of Alcantara to be found as trim on the seats, door trims, and sides. Bugatti's 110th Anniversary couldn't have been celebrated in a more elegant and fitting manner.

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 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.

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