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 Edward Jones – June 26, 2020

Bugatti Chiron Delivered by a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon

The Bugatti Chiron is anything but a common car. In fact, this French hypercar starts at around $3 million and the Chiron Super Sport 300+ is the fastest car in the world at the moment. So, you can imagine how stressful it would be to ship such a prestigious automobile. For one man in London, however, delivering a Chiron worth $3.5 million was just another day on the job. YouTuber 'TheTFJJ' caught him delivering a Chiron via a trailer being pulled by a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. With earpods in, he opened the back of the trailer, dropped the ramp, hopped in the hypercar and drove it out onto the road. Do you think you would handle a delivery this well? Let us know in the comments below. If you need a car shipped, check out our shipping partners by clicking the button below. View Shipping Solutions

By Edward Jones – June 25, 2020

Bugatti Divo Spotted Testing at the Nurburgring

After it was announced in April that the Bugatti Divo deliveries would start this year, we've been waiting to see more of this insane hypercar. That's why I'm happy to present this video of the Divo being tested at the Nurburgring. Filmed by YouTube channel Automotive Mike, the video was taken during the Industry Pool at the Nurburgring. This was a perfect place to capture the Divo in action because this hypercar has been designed to be an absolute beast on the track. And the fact that only 40 examples of the Divo will be made, instances like this where the Divo is being ripped on the track will be hard to find even when deliveries are completed. So, turn up your speakers and enjoy, because the Divo sounds like a dream. See All Bugattis for Sale " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – June 24, 2020

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Tour Delights Downtown Düsseldorf

Nothing at Bugatti is arbitrary. From the stitches of the interior to the insulated power window motors, nothing is overlooked. This adherence to perfection is also seen in the planning and execution of the Chiron Pur Sport's tour of Europe. Paris offered historic backdrops and the attention of the fashion world. Hamburg allowed the car to be seen by bankers and industrial magnates, and now it delights the residents of downtown Düsseldorf. Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Engineering Details Explained As the cultural capital of the Ruhr Valley, the city's center is home to young, well-educated professionals. The old harbor was riddled by rusting industrial eyesores, and now it features architecture by Steven Holl, David Chipperfield, and Frank O'Gehry. World-renowned buildings are a perfect setting for the Chrion Pur Sport, so stay with us for insights on its next destination. Browse Bugatti For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 20, 2020

Wild Bugatti Veyron Plows Snow and Tows Skier

When it snows, most supercar and hypercar owners keep their prized possessions in the garage. For TheStradman and Houston of Royalty Exotic Cars, however, they took their Bugatti Veyron and Lamborghini Aventador out in the snow just for fun. The two cars were taken to the parking lot of a ski resort in Utah where the cars put on a "spin class." After doing some powdery donuts, the Veyron went on a snowplow run, covering the hypercar in snow. But it doesn't end there. They then tied a rope to the Veyron and towed TheStradman on skis behind it. Insanity. ALL BUGATTI VEYRONS FOR SALE " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2019

2020 Bugatti Chiron Sport Zebra is a Masterpiece

We first spotted this special-order supercar back in October. Inspired by the 2-tone liveries of the later model Veyrons, the 2020 Bugatti Chiron Zebra is a masterpiece. In their latest Facebook Video, Bugatti takes us behind the scenes of this build. What we see is that it is a 1 of 1 example of a highly-customized Chiron. The rear bumper looks to be U.S.-Spec, and the unique motif is replicated throughout the interior. You can order your Bentley Chiron Sport for sale in any livery your heart desires, so click the button below to find our dealer near you. Browse All Bugatti For Sale https://www.facebook.com/bugatti/videos/2829154953802118/ Related: Bugatti La Voiture Noire Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2019

Jay Leno Drives Bugatti EB110 Super Sport

We have statistics on our fans, so if you clicked on this you probably like Bugattis. Of course, the Veyron and Chiron are among the best cars ever made, Bugatti owned the 90's with a quad-turbo V12 supercar. That's why we are happy to watch Jay Leno drive a Bugatti EB110 Super Sport. Everything You Need To Know About the Bugatti EB110 SS The EB110 was styled by Gandini and built in Italy between '90 and '95. But after buying Lotus, the company was bankrupt. A savior appeared in the form of Dauer, a German racing shop. They bought the unfinished chassis and built 5 Super Sport Light Weight race cars with carbon fiber bodies. Browse All Bugatti For Sale Instead of 553 horsepower, new turbos and tuning unlocked 645 horsepower. Using carbon fiber everywhere shed 507 lbs, making the ultimate Bugatti until the Veyron arrived. Our dealers have great holiday incentives on your Bugatti, so click the button above for the ultimate stocking stuffer! " width="680"> Related: The Story of 2 Wild EB110 Race Cars Jay Leno's Car Collection

By Edward Jones – October 14, 2019

How to Load a $9 Million Bugatti Centodieci Hypercar

Have you ever loaded up a car into a transporter? Have you ever driven a multi-million dollar car? What about loading up a multi-million dollar car into a transport? Well, one lucky person had the chance to do both as they drove the $9 million Bugatti Centodieci into its transport truck. Loading an expensive vehicle into a transport vehicle is not the easiest task. First, loading a car into a trailer is, as I said, not easy. On either side of the car, there's little room for error. Secondly, if the car is expensive, you have a lot of money on the line. So, as you watch the video above, just imagine how you would handle the situation. see all bugattis for sale

By Edward Jones – October 08, 2019

Bugatti Chiron Zebra Spied on the Move

Spotted in Molsnear Bugatti's manufacturing building in Molsheim, France was a very peculiar Bugatti Chiron that's being dubbed "Zebra." One look at this hypercar and you can see the resemblance between it and the Veyron Super Sport "Le Saphir Bleu." YouTube Channel "SO PROD / Vidéos de Rallyes /" caught the unique Chiron on film and uploaded a video of it in action to YouTube. You can see it for yourself up above. As for word from Bugatti regarding this Chiron, we've heard nothing yet from them but we'll let you all know the official news when/if it's released. see all bugatti chirons for sale Video by SO PROD / Vidéos de Rallyes / via Carbuzz

By Edward Jones – September 02, 2019

See the Bugatti Chiron Break 300 MPH Barrier

They did it. They actually did it. The new Bugatti Chiron has broken the almost mythical 300 mph barrier for a production car. The attempt was made by Bugatti test driver Andy Wallace, who was driving a pre-production version of the Chiron, at the test track at Ehra-Lessien in Lower Saxony. Wallace had to be very precise with his acceleration during the attempt. It started with acceleration up to 124 mph out of the north curve, then a push towards top speed across a 5.46-mile straight before decelerating back down to 124 mph before the south bend. The result was a TÜV-certified top speed of 304.773 mph. For the Chiron used in the attempt, Bugatti ensured Wallace's safety through a variety of modifications made with race specialist Dallara and tire manufacturer Michelin. The Michelin high-speed tires were reinforced so they could handle the world-record attempt. Wallace was kept safe with a six-point belt system and an additional safety cell. “Bugatti has once again shown what it’s capable of. With this new record of the Chiron we enter again uncharted territory. Never before has a series manufacturer reached this high speed,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President of Bugatti. see all bugatti chirons for sale now

By Andrew Nabors – August 16, 2019

Bugatti Centodieci Unveiled as a Modern EB110

A certain French hypercar company has been mentioning the EB110 lately, and now we know why. The Bugatti Centodieci was unveiled as a modern EB110. Taking inspiration from their 90's supercar, they took the wedge design and sharp angles and mated them to the chassis of a Chiron. Starting at the front, new LED headlights are very thin, to allow the EB110 influences to be integrated. Because the modern powertrain makes much more heat, engineers had their hands full mounting the radiators in a unique configuration. The B-Pillar slopes down at a sharp angle, with five circular inlets to feed the intakes. Not only is this aerodynamic, but it would also look right at home on a 90's car. Instead of the twin taillights of the EB110, the Centodieci needed a wider opening to keep things cool. Thankfully they were still able to revive the flying tail with a prominent rear overhang. Simply dropping in the Chiron's quad-turbo W16 would be too easy. So they added another oil cooler, played with the timing and upped the boost. You will have 1,600 horsepower at 7,000 rpm. This offers a 0-62 mph time of 2.4 seconds. If you aren't scared, it will reach 186 mph in 13.1 seconds. Due to the retro styling, the computer limits top speed to 236, and we can live with that! Extensive revisions to the suspension have shaved 44 lbs of unsprung weight. The Chiron was already comfortable, so this car must ride like a dream! Each car has a starting price of around $9,000,000, and only 10 will be built. I am not sure if my allocation will be granted, but maybe they will take a CTS-V in trade. Tell us what you think of the Centodieci in the comments below and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Browse Bugatti For Sale " width="680"> Related: Bugatti Chiron Price, Specs, Photos & Review Bugatti La Voiture Noire Price, Specs, Photos & Review

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