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 31, 2026

RARE $12 Million Bugatti Divo Finished in Exposed Blue Carbon For Sale

Most carmakers build their reputation by offering a wide range of models, but some brands take a different path, focusing on a handful of cars that define their legacy. Bugatti is a perfect example, proving that quality, innovation, and heritage can speak louder than quantity. And while a handful of production icons like the EB110, Veyron, Chiron, and now Mistral shape the brand's identity, there's a special production allotment for extra-exclusive examples like the Bugatti Divo. Today, the team at Carrio Motor Cars is pleased to present this ultra-rare 2020 Bugatti Divo as part of its extensive inventory of exotics for sale on duPont REGISTRY.Just one of only 40 examples hand-built in Bugatti's Molsheim production facility, this Divo dives into the brand's heritage by featuring an exposed tinted blue carbon body with painted French tricolore and French Racing Blue accents. The one-off Chiron-inspired series takes its road-worthy counterpart's already-lightweight and aero-focused design and turns it up a notch, adding louvres, intakes, and a massive rear wing for improved cooling and downforce. A set of forged 20 and 21-inch wheels lays down the traction with 285 and 355-tire combinations, while eight and 6-piston brakes provide the stopping power in the corners.Inside, Bugatti's coachbuilt craftsmanship shines with an interior cabin that's just as impressive as the Divo's exterior styling, with a vibrant two-tone configuration. Bright French Racing Blue and black Alcantra layer the dry carbon fiber tub, showcasing Bugatti's iconic split cabin design that flips the color palette between the driver and passenger positions. As another nod to the brand's historic legacy, each headrest comes optioned with an embroidered dancing elephant and Divo logo. Even while behind the wheel of what remains one of the most powerful hypercars ever made, the Bugatti Divo's interior remains luxurious and minimal.Underneath its sculpted carbon body, the Bugatti Divo packs the same monstrous 8.0L quad-turbo W16 engine found in the Chiron, cranking out 1,479 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. That launches the Divo from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.4 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 236 mph, which is slower than the Chiron but tuned for sharper handling and agility on winding roads and track corners. With its lighter build, improved aerodynamics, and tighter suspension setup, the Divo trades a bit of outright speed for dynamic performance, making it one of the most focused and exciting Bugattis ever built. View Price & Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 17, 2024

Bugatti Shows Off A Bespoke Matte Red 1,500HP Divo In The...

The Bugatti Divo commands attention within the automotive space with its jaw-dropping $5.8 million starting price, marking its territory as one of the most exclusive and exorbitantly priced hypercars in Bugatti's historic, high-performance fleet. Showcasing itself as the marque's first coach-built hypercar, Bugatti is proud to kick off 2024 by featuring a breathtaking Divo spec recently completed in Molsheim and destined for The Big Apple. The Manhattan skyline proved to be the perfect backdrop for r.ego's photoshoot, embodying the Bugatti Divo as an example of its coachbuilding heritage and pursuit of perfection. This specific Bugatti Divo, just 1 of 40 worldwide, features an incredible matte red finish that completely transforms the look of its full-carbon body design. Along with exposed gloss carbon fiber exterior accents, factory multi-spoke black wheels add an extra sense of aggressiveness to its already track-inspired DNA. Inside its driver-oriented cabin is where the owner and creative professionals at Bugatti had some real fun, deciding to configure its interior in a contrasting dual-tone design. While the driver's position continues the theme of dark red, the passenger side presents a pristine white leather and Alcantara look. The uniqueness behind its interior is just one example of Bugatti's attention to detail and willingness to go the extra mile for its clientele. Under the hood of the Bugatti Divo lies a beast: an 8.0-liter W16 engine with four turbochargers, delivering a mind-blowing 1500 horsepower. This setup rockets the Divo from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.4 seconds, with its top speed gracefully capped at 236 mph. It's not just about raw power, though. The Divo's refined aerodynamics and sharp handling make it a joyride, blending insane speed with a smooth, controlled driving experience that's pure Bugatti. View all Bugatti hypercars currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Bugatti Hypercars For Sale Source: Bugatti Instagram/@r.ego Instagram

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 08, 2023

This 1,479HP Ultra-Exclusive 1-of-40 2021 Bugatti Divo Is...

This a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own one of Bugatti's most exclusive creations!

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 06, 2021

Check Out This Bugatti Divo 'Ying Yang' Split Interior De...

A truly one-of-a-kind design by the performance professionals at Bugatti. The Bugatti Divo presents itself as a bespoke project from the hypercar manufacturer, with only 40 examples totaling the production of the highly-desirable hypercar. With the Divo being a bespoke example, the configuration process involves the creative vision of the clientele alongside the design professionals from Bugatti. The interior of the Divo begins as a blank canvas full of endless opportunities for colors and materials. This Bugatti Divo spec features a Ying Yang interior split design, incorporating light and dark combinations developed specifically for the $5.8 million hypercar. MUST-READ: Incredibly Rare 2020 Bugatti Divo For Sale – 1 of 40 Ever Created Using a blend of traditional and modern Bugatti color codes, the interior design includes an aggressive styling crafted from materials like genuine leather, Alcantara, and carbon fiber. The limited-production run of Bugatti Divo models has been coachbuilt at Bugatti’s Molsheim Atelier, with many one-off configurations set to hit the road for lucky owners very soon. Click the link below to view all of the current Bugatti Divo inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury hypercar news and releases. View Bugatti Divo For Sale Source: duPont REGISTRY

By Edward Jones – July 22, 2021

See the Final Bugatti Divo Hypercar

Bugatti has reached yet another milestone. It's sad to say, but the final Bugatti Divo has been delivered. Yes, all 40 examples of the Divo are now with their owners. That means the production run of the incredible hypercar is over. While it may be sad for many, it most certainly is exciting for Bugatti as they have reached yet another milestone in their 110-year history. The specific Divo that was delivered belonged to a customer in Europe and they personalized this example in a beautiful manner. It features an EB 110 LM Blue paint with contrasting Dark Blue carbon. My favorite part of this spec? Those beautiful matte gold metallic wheels. Inside is a bright and dark blue interior that matches the exterior perfectly. The production run for the Bugatti Divo certainly ended on a high note as this example is phenomenal. See Bugattis For Sale Source: Bugatti

By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2021

Bugatti Divo "Lady Bug" Unveiled With Stunning Details

After three years of design and many late nights, the Bugatti Divo "Lady Bug" was unveiled with stunning details. In their most complex build to-date, the artists in Molsheim spent countless hours learning how to adapt a 2D pattern to the complex curves of the Divo. The diamond pattern proved elusive, as hand paint could not match the customer's demand for precision. Therefore, a resin transfer system was used along with graphite dust and several layers of tinted clearcoat. This process took over a year and added a few zeros to the car's price. Only forty examples of the Divo were offered with prices starting at 5,000,000 Euros. This one represents the final customer delivery along with unprecedented talents in paint and trim. Your Bugatti Chiron price and specs could be just as wild, so click the button to begin the adventure. Shop Bugatti For Sale Images (C) Ted7 & Bugatti S.A.S.

By Andrew Nabors – February 03, 2021

Three Bugatti Divos Attack Thermal Club

The worst part of ordering a car is waiting. With clientele unaccustomed to delays, three Bugatti Divos attack Thermal Club. Hours after the trio were completed by the artists in Alsace, they were treated to a first-class flight to Los Angeles. Also on board was Stephan Winkelmann, the President of Bugatti and Lamborghini. Bugatti Beverly Hills is the flagship of O'Gara Group, and they have built an impressive driving experience at Thermal Club. After a white-glove delivery, the owners were taught how to make use of 1,500 horsepower. Capable of 1.6g in the corners, every Bugatti should be exercised in such a manner. The Bugatti Divo price and specs will blow your mind, so click the button below to find yours! Bugatti For Sale Image (C) Robert Grubbs

By Andrew Nabors – December 24, 2020

Three Bugatti Divos Delivered By Bugatti Beverly Hills

Almost three years ago, Bugatti owners were invited to a private dinner party in Beverly Park. While the official purpose was to celebrate the arrival of the Chiron Sport, a few guests were invited down into the wine cellar. There, Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann presented them with drawings and a few details of his upcoming project. Fast forward to Christmas 2020, and three Bugatti Divos have been delivered by Bugatti Beverly Hills. Bugatti Divo Hypercar Unboxing by Bugatti Beverly Hills – First on the West Coast In order for their customers to fully experience what the cars are capable of, O'Gara Motorsport is located at Thermal Club raceway. It was there that owners saw the cars in their natural habitat, on the track. These three cars (Blue, Grey & Silver) represent a focus on outperforming every competitor. Having 1,500 horsepower, speed and acceleration is not a problem. Therefore, the engineers turned their attention to handling and cornering. Albert Divo won the Targa Florio race racing for Ettore Bugatti, so these cars are an homage to his abilities. To compete on the world's toughest tracks, downforce was increased by 200 lbs. This lowered the top speed to ONLY 236 mph but whose counting? Being able to hold 1.6g in the corners is an attribute only shared with purpose-built race cars, and it took a clean-sheet redesign of the suspension to pull it off. Because the Divo doesn't share many components with Bugatti models past or present, only 40 cars will be offered. Having a trio of them in one location is an event that won't happen again. Because they have a finger on the pulse of the SoCal supercar scene, only O'Gara Group could pull this off. " width="680"> Working with Mr. Winkelmann, this event was over two and a half years in the making. Tim O'Hara is the General Manager of Bugatti Beverly Hills, and he had this to say: "The process of designing the liveries of these cars has been cathartic for both the clients and me. It showed us what's possible and reinvigorated our excitement for what's to come. To see these spectacular automobile works of art go from that piece of paper to sitting here in front of me is a phenomenal feeling. It was a very involved and lengthy process that demanded our best skills and expertise. To deliver 4 of only 40 to be built in the world and see the project through fruition is deeply gratifying.” Needless to say, only the O'Gara Group could procure four of the forty Bugatti Divos to be offered, each one being built to order. Your dreams can become a reality thanks to having a dedicated team at your disposal. Images (C) Robert Grubbs

By Andrew Nabors – October 05, 2020

First 2021 Bugatti Divo Delivered In Qatar

Stunning cars demand impressive surroundings, so one lucky customer chose a new sports arena. The Al Bayt Stadium was recently completed and it will be home to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. That is why it was the location for the first 2021 Bugatti Divo Delivery in Qatar. Located between Bahrain and Dubai, this peninsula on the Persian Gulf is home to ancient Islamic art along with striking modern architecture. Bugatti Divo Price, Specs, Photos and Review Now it is home one of only 40 examples of the Bugatti Divo. Focused on all-out track performance, it has stiffer suspension and less weight thanks to a stripped down interior and basic audio system. Deleting much of the cockpit insulation combined to cut 77 lbs compared to a fully-loaded Chiron. The transmission and final drive are also much shorter to maximize low end torque, even if it limits the top speed to only 236 mph. Aerodynamics front and rear of the brakes prevent the rotors from burning while also keeping the car glued to the track. Although all 40 cars have been sold, we will undoubtedly have a few once the owner wants something new. Click the button to find your Bugatti and stay with us for all your hypercar news. Browse Bugatti For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 31, 2020

Bugatti Divo and Type 35 Take on the Historic Targa Florio

The Targa Florio is a truly historic race that was created all the way back in 1906. This race was founded by the Sicialian business family Florio, hence the name. Racers would take off through the streets of Sicily and along the mountainside roads. Bugatti has a special connection to this race, as the Bugatti Type 35 took first place multiple times, inculding five consecutive wins. The Targa Florio continued up until 1977 when it ran for the last time. While the Bugatti Type 35 has ran the Targa Florio and won, newer models from the French automaker haven't had the chance. Because of this, Bugatti decided to take their new Divo hypercar out to the streets where Targa Florio ran, alongside the iconic Type 35 being driven by Andy Wallace, Bugatti's chief test driver. “It’s incredible what racing drivers like Albert Divo managed to achieve back then. And even though the Type 35 is easy to drive for its age, it is still a constant muscle workout. There are lots of corners, all of them tight, the route is unclear and the condition of the tarmac is very poor. It's impossible to overtake,” says Wallace. You can see the stunning images of this happening for yourself down below and even see it in action in the video up above. See All Bugattis for Sale

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