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 – May 28, 2019

Bugatti La Voiture Noir Wins Elegance Contest

Over the weekend, European elites gathered in Italy to celebrate their creations. Placed among the grounds of the Villa d'Este, awards were given to several categories of new & classic cars. Bugatti CEO Stephan Winkelmann said " The models that can be seen here every year are iconic and the setting in which they are displayed could not be better". It must be true, because the Bugatti La Voiture Noir won the Elegance Contest. This stunning machine was places in the Concept Cars category and the public was allowed to pick the winner. Of course it won, because it is a modern interpretation of the Type 57SC Atlantic. This one-off Bugatti Chiron was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, and it has already been sold. Although the body is finished, Bugatti has stated the drivetrain will take two years to finalize. We can't wait to see the production version, so stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Find Your Bugatti Here Related: Discover the Cover: May 2019 Bugatti La Voiture Noire Bugatti La Voiture Noire Receives Dazzling Dubai Debut

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 Andrew Nabors – May 06, 2019

The Unbeatable Bugatti Type 35

In order to build the world's best race car, Ettore Bugatti made incredible advancements in engine technology. But instead of being content with a fast & nimble car, he made sure it had styling to match. If you have ever wondered what it takes to conquer the world, this is the unbeatable Bugatti Type 35. A press release this morning digs into their archives to show how the Type 35 series won over 2,000 races. Between 1924 and 1930, their 2.0L straight eight grew in size and power. The crankshaft was mounted on roller bearings to eliminate the main source of friction. This allowed the 3-valve overhead cam to reach 6,000 rpm. Even today that speed is impressive for an inline engine. Ettore Bugatti & Wife in 1924 Hollow tubular axles and aluminum wheels kept un-sprung weight very low. This trick made for a better handling and more grip. The engine grew to 2.3L and Ettore crafted a supercharger that looks like artwork. It made 138 horsepower for a top speed of 133 mph. President of Bugatti Stephan Winkelmann said: This makes the Type 35 one of the forefathers of our current hyper sports cars, the Chiron1, Chiron Sport and Divo. Steeped in the Type 35’s DNA, they are translating this tradition for the modern age.” Browse Bugatti For Sale Related: Bugatti Reveals Chiron Sport Specs, Prices & Photos Bugatti Dove Endures Desert Endurance Testing

By Andrew Nabors – April 25, 2019

Bugatti Chiron Interior Inspirations

Many supercars and almost all hypercars are designed for all-out performance. The exteriors make no compromises, as each manufacturer tries to outdo the others. But on the inside, the Bugatti Chiron interior inspirations are the opposite of everyone else. We're not going to name names, but you have probably noticed the trend of street cars with race-ready interiors. Fixed carbon fiber seats, no carper or insulation, and pull straps instead of door handles. While this appeals to many motorsports enthusiasts, Bugatti has not lost their luxurious heritage. Etienne Salomé is the Director of Interior design, and he said: "When I began to develop the design of the Chiron interior, it was clear that the DNA of the new hyper sports car would be characterized by the technology with its iconic 16-cylinder eight-litre engine." "So I started to adapt the idea of the exterior design to the interior and make it as technical as possible – without sacrificing the high demands of Bugatti. Bugatti's primary concern is to create and preserve an icon. But the Chiron is much more than an automobile; it is a timeless work of art, a breath-taking masterpiece on four wheels." After driving a handful of Veyrons, I can attest to how peaceful the cockpit is. The Chiron takes it a step further by consolidating controls and contouring the leather into elegant shapes. Because the 16-cylinder engine is perfectly balanced, no vibration or engine noise is noticeable. People seem to think such a car is impractical, but Bugatti built them to be driven. It has a small turning radius and good ground clearance. Visibility is great and their are no quirks to speak of. If you don't believe me, click the link below and tell us your thoughts. Find Your Bugatti Chiron Here

By Andrew Nabors – February 20, 2019

Bugatti Chiron Snow Drifting is the Ultimate Winter Exper...

The hills are alive, with the sound of a 1,500 hp quad-turbo Alpine assault. To make sure their car can handle winter weather, Bugatti engineers handed the keys to a legendary Austrian skier. Herman Maier has several winter Olympic medals, and he proved the Bugatti Chiron Snow Drifting is the ultimate winter experience. Taking place at Altenmarkt im Pongau, his hot laps were not far from his hometown. The same track Porsche used to revive the ice races was used to show the car's handling abilities. Herman said "The exhilarating feeling of a controlled drift is only comparable to a perfect one performed on skis”, Hermann Maier exclaimed, fascinated by the Chiron’s performance in such slippery conditions. NASA Astronaut Tests Bugatti Chiron at Kennedy Space Center “Despite the raw power of this car I felt safe and in control from the beginning. So, I decided to take it up a notch and switched to the Handling Mode. Incredibly enough, this resulted in even more fun! The Chiron makes the most difficult seem so effortless and suave.” If you think you can handle such a precise machine, click the link below to find a Chiron near you and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Shop Bugatti Chiron For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – February 15, 2019

NASA Astronaut Tests Bugatti Chiron at Kennedy Space Center

On the East Coast of Florida is a very special place: the Kennedy Space Center. It's here that history has been made and man has connected itself to the outer reaches of space. But it's also where cars can go to test their limits. Yes, you read that correctly. You see, the Shuttle Landing Facility (SLF) is home to one of the longest runways in the world, measuring in at 15,000-feet long and 300-feet wide. Having visited this location, thanks to the Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds, I can say that the runway's size is truly immense and it's the perfect location for testing vehicles. Automakers know of this location's capabilities and that's why Bugatti tested the Chiron hypercar at the Kennedy Space Center. What's more, a NASA astronaut was on hand to witness the car's abilities. Jon McBride, a former NASA astronaut, actually launched from the Kennedy Space Center when he was the pilot of STS-41-G, making this almost like a homecoming for him. For this event, instead of a shuttle, he was inside a French rocket meant for the ground only. “I’ve been on as many craft as you can think of at sea. I’ve flown in space. But the ride in this Bugatti today was one of the highlights of my entire life,” said McBride. “It was a real pleasure.” 2018 Bugatti Chiron Price, Specs, Photos & Review After the testing of the car at the SLF, Bugatti says the results "met the engineering team's high expectations." The French automaker has noted before that the Chiron is capable of a 0 to 62 mph time of 2.4 seconds and a top speed of 261 mph. It seems the Chiron also beat out McBride's expectations as well: “I think compared to what I’ve flown the Chiron is probably as good or out-performs them. I mean I’ve felt some good acceleration in my life, but I don’t think anything better than what I experienced today.” see all bugatti chirons for sale Related Video: " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – January 29, 2019

Bugatti Chiron Attacks Austrian Ice Races

No matter where you stand on Climate Change, cars need to be capable of cold weather. For every scorching run across the desert, there is also a need to test in thin air. While Porsche has resurrected their winter sports, their corporate cousins showed up for some action. In an Instagram post, we can see a Bugatti Chiron attacking an Austrian Ice Race. The Chiron has 10 radiators to keep cool. Being that it has 3 for just engine cooling, what happens when the grille is clogged with snow? Does the expensive engine oil become too thick? From the Air Conditioning to the intercoolers, each of these systems has its own minimum temperature. In fact, your engine will rust internally if your daily commute isn't long enough. If your oil temperature stays below 212 degrees, moisture can cause major problems. Here's to Bugatti for bringing a machine gun to a knife fight. Click the link below for our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Browse All Bugatti FOr Sale Related: Porsche Ice Races Return To Austria Porsche Cayman GT4 Rallye Unveiled at Ice Races

By Edward Jones – January 11, 2019

Why You Should Buy a Bugatti Chiron

The Bugatti Chiron hypercar was unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show on March 1, 2016, and on that day a legend was born. Bugatti needed something big to follow up their wildly popular Veyron, and they exceeded expectations with the Chiron. The car was named after Louis Chiron, a Monégasque (Monaco) racing driver who raced Bugattis back in the 1930's. While the name may come from the company's history, it's performance, style and design are all modern and somewhat futuristic. Since its unveiling, the Chiron has been flaunted at automotive events across the world and it's always the star of any show it attends. Its presence draws crowds of people of both automotive enthusiasts and those who don't know what a Bugatti car looks like. Why? Because its design exudes its status of being one of the most outrageous cars in existence. If you've ever thought about having such a magnificent car in your collection, there really shouldn't be any questioning it. And here's why. Drop-dead Gorgeous Its design is one that follows function. When designing the car, Bugatti ensured that its design features all had a technical background. They not only created one of the most beautiful cars on the road today but were also able to blend design and function seamlessly. For example, the large side vents that create a "C" shape on the sides are not only function but also frame the cockpit of the car beautifully. What's more, that shape is mirrored in the cabin between the passengers, creating an aesthetic that ventures from the exterior to the interior. It's these kind of design cues that allow the Chiron to be both a piece of fine art and a car that can be respected by anyone. The Bugatti Chiron that broke the 0-400-0 km/h record. Fastest and Most Powerful Bugatti During its heyday, the Veyron was known as the world's fastest car by all. Because of that, Bugatti knew they had to one-up themselves. To do that, they tuned the quad-turbocharged 8-liter W16 engine up to 1,500 horsepower. That amount of power trumps the Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse's 1200 hp. Combine the Chiron's power with its extreme aerodynamics and you have the recipe for a true hypercar. There are a few production cars that could hold their own against the might of the Chiron. The Bugatti Chiron's Engine Unmatched Power The amount of production cars that have as much horsepower as the Chiron can be counted on just one hand. These include the Koenigsegg Regera (1,500 hp), Hennessey Venom F5 (1,600 bhp) and the Rimac C_Two (1,914 hp). It should be noted that as of writing this, both the Venom F5 and C_Two are not in production as of yet. This means the only car currently in production that can compare to the Chiron's horsepower is the Regera. That is unless I'm missing something and if I am, be sure to let us know in the comments below! In a Club of a Few If you want a car that only a few own, then the Chiron is for you. Bugatti has a planned total production run of just 500. That means just 500 of the 7.7 billion people in the world will own a Chiron. As far as percentages go, that's 0.000006494%. Talk about a select few. The Bugatti showroom in Düsseldorf. Resale Value When released, the Bugatti Chiron demanded a starting price of around $3 million. Now, we're starting to see them listed for sale well above that, around $4 million and some have even broken into the $4 million range. If you wanted to buy yourself a hypercar that could make you money while it shines in your garage, look on further Bugatti Chirons For Sale View This Chiron's Listing Page view this chiron's listing page view this chiron's listing page View This Chiron's Listing Here View THis Chiron's Listing Here Article Images via Bugatti

By Andrew Nabors – December 21, 2018

Watch Bugatti Test Their 3D Printed Brake Calipers

It seems like 2018 went by quickly. Almost as fast as a new Bugatti Chiron. Going fast is incredibly fun, but stopping fast is just as important. That's why they have developed the best brakes in the automotive industry. The world's first 3D printed looks almost organic. 2018 Bugatti Chiron Specs & Price It has several exposed areas to mitigate heat, so how can it be strong enough to clamp down on the 16.5" carbon ceramic rotors? Each pair of the 8 calipers are a unique size, but the real secret is in their material. The pistons and the monoblock calipers are 3D printed- from TITANIUM! The same element that was forged to build the SR-71 Blackbird is not cheap, and it's not easy to work with. Nevertheless, watch the best brakes ever made being tested to hellish temperatures. If you need to feel them in action click the link below to find a Bugatti near you. View All Bugatti For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 10, 2018

Graffiti Artist Paints Bugatti Chiron

Alec Monopoly is known to take his art to the bodies of cars, but this may be one of his wildest endeavors yet. He was recently tasked with painting a Bugatti Chiron for Art Basel week in Miami. That's right, he spray and hand painted a $4 million hypercar. After the paint was all applied, the car was given the fitting name of the MonopBugatti. The MonopBugatti also features a set of ANRKY Wheels, which complete the red/white/blank color scheme. Check it out in the Instagram photos below from @anrkywheels.

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