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 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 20, 2021

Bugatti Design Director Interviewed by Frank Stephenson

Great minds think alike Aside from Ettore Bugatti, only a few lucky designers have had the opportunity to sculpt a hypercar. Achim Anscheidt has blazed a trail for everyone to follow, so we're glad to see him on the latest upload by Frank Stephenson. This is Episode 2 of 'The Fate Creators', his series on all things automotive. In it, we learn the details of what drives Achim to such bold lines since joining the brand in 2004. Frank's career started with the Ford Escort RS Cosworth before penning the Maserati GranSport, MC12, Ferrari FXX, and F430 while at Pininfarina. After this, he left to join McLaren, where he was responsible for the Super Series. So we can also enjoy the 12C, P1, 675LT, 570S, and 720S lineup. Tell us which Bugatti is your favorite in the comments below and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Browse Bugatti For Sale Image (C) Bugatti

By Andrew Nabors – February 26, 2021

Where Would You Drive Your Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport?

Anywhere is an acceptable answer, because we want to know where you would drive your Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport. The Hajar Mountains of Oman sit at the crossroads of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Chief Test Driver and LeMans Champion Andy Wallace is able to push any car to its limits, so we're glad he was able to share his vacation with us. Engineers raised the redline to 6,900 rpm and fitted new turbos. Losing the hydraulics from the spoiler and 3D-printing the exhaust shaved 110 lbs, and the gear ratios are 15% closer. Sure it traded a few mph in top speed for the ability to dominate every corner, so tell us where you would stretch its legs! Browse Bugatti For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 21, 2021

Top 5 Bugatti Sales Of 2020

A rising tide raises all ships, and Bugatti is celebrating a year of records. Auction results from Gooding & Company along with Bonhams have surprised us, as the five most expensive cars have come from a single manufacturer. A press release from Bugatti gives extensive history on each car, so here are the highlights: 1934 Type 59 Sports: Sold at Gooding & Company London for $12,681,000 1937 Type 57S Atalante: Sold at Gooding & Company London for EUR 10,440,000 1932 Bugatti Type 55 Super Sport Roadster Sold at Bonhams Amelia Island for $7,100,000 1928 Bugatti Type 35C Grand Prix Sold at Gooding & Company London for $ 5,230,000 1931 Bugatti Type 55 SuperSport Sold in Paris for $5,070,000 Like all Bugatti for sale, each car has a story that could make an Oscar-winning screenplay. The story of yours starts with a blank page and a French supercar, so click the button to find your Bugatti. If you have been wondering what makes modern examples so coveted by collectors, check out the Bugatti Chiron price and specs. Bugatti For Sale Images (C) Bugatti Automobiles 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 – February 02, 2021

Bugatti Bolide Details Explained By Andy Wallace

Winning LeMans is no easy task, but neither is being a Chief Test Driver. With years of pushing supercars to their limit, the Bugatti Bolide details are explained by Andy Wallace. Our friend Stephan Winkelmann is the President of Bugatti, and thanks to the brand's incredible dominance he was also given command of Lamborghini. Because he demands the best from his team, he asked "What if?". What if they were able to cut all non-essential weight while also pushing their W16 engine to higher RPM? The name literally translates to "Racing Car" in French, but this project was led by Bugatti Engineering in Wolfsburg. Giving the team a blank check, this track monster offers 1,825 horsepower and 1,364 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. Since it only weighs 2,733 lbs it will shame anything that challenges it. Rumored to be the last W16-powered Bugatti, it demands to be the centerpiece of your collection. Did you notice it won the Hypercar Award at Festival Automobile International? Bugatti For Sale Image (C) Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

By Andrew Nabors – January 19, 2021

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Takes On The Hajar Mountains

Tight corners and steep grades make for great motoring, and that's why the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport took on the Hajar Mountains. This stunning landscape outside Dubai marks the border between the Emirates and Oman. " width="680"> After the festivities of unveiling the car in the stunning metropolis, Andy Wallace decided to stretch its legs to unlock 1,500 horsepower. The shorter transmission gearing can be heard in the exhaust of four turbos. Nothing else compares to this unchained Chiron, so click the button to experience it for yourself. Browse Bugatti For Sale Images (C) Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S.

Golden hour at Willow Springs Raceway. As per the original just 500 Bugatti Baby IIs are being built

By Andrew Nabors – November 23, 2020

Baby Bugatti II Debuts At Willow Springs

Size and capabilities are what define the hypercar marketplace. No matter what the manufacturer offers, journalists and fans will embrace it with loving arms, and that is what happened when when Baby Bugatti II was debuted at Willow Springs. We heard rumors of a new Type 35 earlier this year, and the details were unbelievable. " width="680"> A recreation of their classic, Bugatti engineers used the latest in EV technoology to offer a top speed of 42 mph with a range of 31 miles. Features like regenrative braking, adjustable suspension, and machined aluminum details justify an MSRP equivalent to a domestic luxury sedan. Perhaps the biggest attribute is that every component is scaled down to 3/4 size. In order to appeal to their youngest drivers, the Baby Bugatti II has a slow key and the speed key. Owners will receive memberships in the Bugatti Owner's Club and the Little Car Club, with exclusive events around the world. Prices start at $36,600 and production is limited to 500 cars. Click the button below to reserve yours and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Reserve Yours Here

By Andrew Nabors – September 08, 2020

Jay Leno Drives His 1932 Bugatti Type 39

Not every car is worth saving. Coming to this realization is an epiphany at the end of a long road. Before 3D printing and CNC tools, restoring a car had to be done by locating original parts. If that is a dead end you must either part ways, or commit to going all-in. That's why we're glad Jay Leno drives his 1932 Bugatti Type 39. It was discovered as a rust bucket with rotten wood, so it took years to restore. It was made new again by Hjeltness Restoration before winning its class at Pebble Beach. Jay Leno’s Car Collection Instead of their race cars, this grand touring Bugatti was meant for weekend cruising. Built during the depths of the depression, this car is as priceless then as it is now. That's why we're glad Mr. Leno is not afraid to cruise in SoCal traffic. Click the button below to find a Bugatti for yourself and stay with us for more updates from Jay Leno's Garage. Browse Bugatti For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 21, 2020

Bugatti Divo Delivery Team Prepares First Production Car

We know you are anxious to get behind the wheel of your new Bugatti Divo. However, the delivery process takes two days and dedication from a dozen employees. Because each Bugatti is handbuilt, it makes sense to allow a different team to shakedown the car to ensure objectivity in spotting potential issues. Starting with a six-hour body inspection, four automotive artists scour every surface inside a light tunnel. Fluorescent bulbs can magnify any paint defect, and the team members compare notes after each one inspects the car inside and out. Then a protective film covers the car for the shakedown runs. Bugatti Divo Price, Specs, Photos & Review They repeat the process outside in sunlight before giving the keys to test driver Steve Jenny. He has signed off on 95% of Bugatti production cars, and his process is very thorough. Starting with removing the wheels and belly pan, test parts are installed to protect the car. From there, a 4-wheel alignment is finalized and he embarks on a 5-hour test drive. From the Vosges mountains to city streets, an HD microphone records the interior for any unwanted noises. After several heat and cooling cycles, a runway at Colmar Airport is used to test launch control, aerodynamics, and the engine's ability to offer 1,500 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque at 211 mph. Back at the factory, the paint protection film is removed and the fluids are changed. The production belly pan and wheels are put back on before a final 30-mile test drive. Engineers scrutinize the audio recordings to confirm the car is ready to meet its new owner, and then all delivery team members discuss and address any issues. When you are spending $5.6 Million on the world's greatest hypercar, you will surely get your money's worth. Due to such an involved process, only 40 cars will be delivered in the coming months. Be sure to stay with us, because we will cover them arriving stateside. Click the button below to browse all Bugatti for sale. Browse Bugatti For Sale

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