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 Jordan Aquistapace – July 19, 2021

Check Out This Bugatti Chiron Finished In Blue Royale Carbon

While the exterior features a stealth-like look, the interior pops with a vibrant orange leather design. While the Bugatti Chiron continues to be considered to be one of the most popular hypercars on the market, they are few and far to come by for owners looking to acquire a chassis. For the lucky few that have the opportunity to configure a dream spec, it's made sure to personalize it as close to a one-of-one as possible. Bugatti makes this possible with one of the most versatile design operations in the industry, allowing for an owner's wildest dreams to become a reality. Bugatti recently took to its Instagram page to highlight a custom Chiron that looks like no other. The Bugatti Chiron is presented in a stunning Blue Royale Carbon finish, which displays the lightweight body design of the multi-million dollar hypercar. The Chiron’s interior is where the colors really pop, with a fully customized Tangerine and Lake Blue leather cabin to pull together the owner’s design. This Bugatti Chiron will not only reach 273-miles per hour from its Quad-Turbocharged W16 but also turn heads whenever it drives through the streets. View all of the Bugatti Chirons currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Bugatti Chiron Horsepower, Specs, MSRP View All Bugatti Chirons For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CReQcrfrXpw/ For more Bugatti news, Check out Bugatti Celebrates French National Day With Epic Hypercar Trio

By Edward Jones – July 13, 2021

Bugatti Celebrates French National Day With Epic Hypercar...

A proper way to celebrate. On July 14th, France will be celebrating what we typically call "Bastille Day," which is the anniversary of the storming of Bastille. Being regarded as the French National Day, the day is filled with celebrations around the country. From parades to massive gatherings, it's a happy day all around France. This includes celebrations at Bugatti's headquarters in Molsheim. The automaker is celebrating France's most important national holiday with a very special tricolore that includes three Chiron Sports. The three Chiron Sports are finished in blue, white, and red, symbolizing the nation's flag. “As a French brand with a large proportion of French employees, we regard ourselves as part of the French identity,” says Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann. “Molsheim stands for technical perfection and an exceptional sense for quality but also for French savoir vivre – a lifestyle that attracted and shaped Ettore Bugatti and which is reflected in our vehicles up to this day. This is what our products stand for and this will remain in the future.” See All Bugattis For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Andrew Nabors – May 11, 2021

Bugatti Unveils The Chiron habillé par Hermès For Manny K...

1 of 1 never looked so amazing! overcoming adversity is a great motivator for success, and Manny Khoshbin is a true American dream. His savvy Real Estate skills allow him to enjoy a collection of amazing cars, including several bespoke Bugattis. For his latest build, the masters in Molsheim partnered with Hermès to incorporate high fashion with high horsepower. The press release is nearly 20 pages, so allow us to relate the most amazing aspects. Starting inside, Parisian leather covers the seats, console, roof, and doors. Contrasting shades of ‘Ecru’ & ‘Craie’ look amazing against the beige carpet. Keeping it in show condition requires booties to to cover your loafers. Moving outside, Hermès logos are hidden in plain sight, and they created a ‘Courbettes’ motif of rearing horses on the bottom of the rear spoiler. Other options include red calipers, the Sky View roof, and unique exterior aluminum grilles. Tell us your ideal Chiron spec in the comments below and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Browse Bugatti For Sale Images (C) Bugatti

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2021

Bugatti Tokyo Is Open For Business

East meets west in a gorgeous setting Perfection can't be rushed. Sure, there are Bugatti owners and fans in the land of the rising sun, even if Tokyo is on the other side of the Earth. This new dealership represents how Ettore's vision crosses all cultural barriers. Japan's hypercar scene is unlike any other, and their financial power players have longed to enjoy Bugattis in a proper setting. Getting a foreign car legalized in Japan is a tedious process. Because their import laws heavily protect their domestic brands, the Chiron was finally granted asylum last year. This Grand Opening yesterday allowed fans to enjoy a presentation on the values of the brand, and experience the composites found in each car. This occasion is just as significant as when Romano Artioili saved Bugatti. CEO of Bugatti and Lamborghini Stephan Winkelmann said: "This move into the Japanese market is perfectly timed for us, as customers can now enjoy the legendary Chiron hyper sports on Japanese public roads. This new showroom site in Tokyo is a home away from home, and we have complete faith that Sky Group embodies the passion and philosophy of Molsheim. We are delighted that Bugatti Tokyo will present our brand perfectly, not just to our Japanese customers, but also to a truly international clientele, thanks to the showroom’s unique location within Tokyo’s embassy quarter.” You now have a new stop on your Japanese vacation, so click the button to learn why a Bugatti is in your future. Browse Bugatti For Sale Images (C) Bugatti

By Andrew Nabors – March 30, 2021

Bugatti Celebrates 300 Chirons & Counting

A major milestone for the masters in Molsheim To everyone that said it couldn't be done, Bugatti is celebrating 300 Chirons and counting. This sparkling new machine is a Chiron Pur Sport finished in Nocturne. Accents of gray carbon and gunmetal make it unique among this limited run of 60 cars. Each Chiron Pur Sport carries a base price of 3 million euros or roughly 3.5 million dollars before any customization. For that, you will have 1,500 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque along with suspension tuned for the track. Trading off a bit of top speed for acceleration, the gear ratios are 15% closer to keep all four turbos happy. What this equates to is reaching 62 mph in 2.3 seconds, 135 mph in 5.5 seconds, and you will be at 186 mph in 12 seconds flat. It is hard to believe the Chiron is now middle-aged. The manufacturer has repeatedly affirmed that it will be their model without electrification, so perhaps that's one reason our dealers are staying busy. To see what separates the Chiron from lesser cars, click the button below. Browse Bugatti For Sale Images (C) Bugatti

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2021

The Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Is An Absolute Hit in the U.S.

Now that the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport is taking hold in the United States, everyone is falling in love with the hypercar. Even in the short amount of time that the Chiron Pur Sport has been here, those who drive it swoon over its abilities. “The Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport is the best car I've ever driven. Period. Full stop. End of story. It just is.” – Motor Trend “Less weight, more grip, and shorter gearing make the Pur Sport an even wilder Bugatti Chiron.” – Car and Driver “The Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Is Worth Every Penny. Your $4 million car better be good, and this Bugatti delivers.” – Autoweek “The seamless marriage of agility and brute force give the Pur Sport abilities that are unmatched, not only by any other car, but also by any other Bugatti.” - 24 Hour of Le Mans Class Winner and Bugatti Test Driver Butch Leitzinger The Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport is the perfect way for those in the U.S. to enjoy the power the Chiron model holds. Why? The U.S. is filled with low speed limits, so the Chiron Pur Sport offers an exciting drive that can be enjoyed at lower speeds thanks to its newfound agility. “The Pur Sport offers U.S. customers a new dimension of the Chiron2 that doesn’t require the Autobahn to fully experience,” said Cedric Davy, Chief Operating Officer of Bugatti of the Americas. “We now have the car for those customers who have been waiting for a Chiron geared more towards agility and dynamic cornering.” To experience the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport for yourself, be sure to click the button below. Experience the Chiron Pur Sport On our March 2021 issue, the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport was actually our cover car. Bugatti collaborated with us for the issue in an effort to help bring the new hypercar to the eyes of qualified buyers around the country. You can learn more about this issue by clicking here or buy the issue by clicking the button below. Buy This Issue

By Andrew Nabors – March 04, 2021

Bugatti Launches Passeport Tranquillité Service Program

Neglect can lead to serious problems for your hypercar, so Bugatti has launched their Passeport Tranquillité service program. Its hard to believe that the Veyron and Chiron are ageing out of their warranties. While a few owners insist on servicing their own cars, the volume of liquids alone is foreboding. Every Bugatti Chiron for sale has almost 10 gallons of coolant and nearly 17 quarts of oil. The transmission and three differentials also have their own cooling loops that must be flushed and filled in unique procedures. A complete Veyron service is akin to refitting a warship after a patrol, necessitating 32 hours of labor every other year. Fourteen hours are required annually, even if the car has not been driven. Therefore, the factory technicians have developed two plans: Active is for owners who routinely exercise their cars and Collector targets cars that don't reach 124 miles annually. The Chiron needs the same 14 hours each year, with 72 hours every four years. Our Bugatti dealers stand ready to check every moving part to keep your car in perfect condition, so click the button below to learn more. Bugatti For Sale Images (C) Bugatti S.A.S.

By Edward Jones – February 24, 2021

Experience the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport For Yourself

Bugatti's new Chiron Pur Sport is a true driver's car. The French automaker was inspired to create this new model by their customers who were looking for a more compelling driving experience. With the Chiron Pur Sport, the driver is able to enjoy challenging roads with tight turns, corners, and curves. Allowing the Chiron Pur Sport to excel during these types of drives is a slew of upgrades from Bugatti's engineering team. This includes the new and exclusive Michelin Sport Cup 2R tires, lightweight magnesium rims, titanium parts, shorter gearbox and more. Furthering the Chiron Pur Sport's abilities is its exterior. The dynamic flat front end, with its extra-wide air inlets, enlarged horseshoe, and striking splitter, combined with the massive fixed rear wing instantly demonstrate the Chiron Pur Sport’s hunger for curves and bends. And to top it all off, the interior is minimalistic yet as luxurious as you'd expect from Bugatti. Driver's searching for their next obsession need not look any more as the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport is truly a pure driver's car. The exhilaration experienced in the driver's seat of this driver's hypercar is unmatched as it provides not only extremes speeds but a driving experience that is addictive. Of course, these words and images cannot do the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport the justice it deserves. In order to truly experience the Chiron Pur Sport, you have to get behind the wheel. If you are in the market for such an outstanding hypercar, click the button below to start your journey towards owning a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport. Start Your Experience

By Andrew Nabors – February 16, 2021

Bugatti Bespoke Builds Begin With Jascha Straub

Ordering a car shouldn't be foreboding. Bridging the gap between the Atelier and the salespeople is one man, and that is why Bugatti bespoke builds begin with Jascha Straub. These are not mass-production cars. Since no two cars are alike, he is the focus of their latest press release. Ettore would be proud to know his legacy lives on. Built on the same historic grounds, Bugatti engineers and stylists are not confined. Because both groups focus on customer satisfaction, Mr. Straub is tasked by communicating each customer's vision to the artist and the craftspeople. Ordering a new Bugatti Chiron for sale is a process of deciding on a sub-model. The manufacturer only allocated enough materials to build 500 examples of the Chiron. The first special edition he was responsible for was the Chiron Sport, which consisted of the ‘110 ans Edition’ and Edition Noire. Those sold out quickly, making room for the Légendes du Ciel series. This pair is limited to 60 cars, split between the Super Sport 300+ and the Pur Sport. Experience Bugatti While not considered part of Chiron production, he was also pivotal in securing all 51 reservations shared between the Divo, Centodieci, and La Voiture Noire. The real question is how unique your Bugatti will be. Click the button above for inspiration and then give us a hint in the comments below. Images (C) Bugatti S.A.S.

By Andrew Nabors – January 25, 2021

Bugatti Appoints New Technical Director

Doing a great job should result in a promotion, so we're happy to announce that Bugatti has appointed a new Technical Director. Gregor Gries is the engineer responsible for transforming the Veyron's 1,200-horsepower W16. As the Chief of their powertrain development, he and his team deliver 1,500 horsepower to all wheels in the current lineup. His results are found in every late-model Bugatti for sale, so we look forward to his leadership. Experience a quad-turbo masterpiece for yourself by clicking the button. Bugatti Chiron Price & Specs Browse Bugatti For Sale P.S. Gregor was also responsible for their ability to 3D-print titanium to 0.1mm Images (C) Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

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