Celebrity Cars

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

By Edward Jones – May 01, 2019

Cristiano Ronaldo Reportedly Buys the Bugatti La Voiture ...

Cristiano Ronaldo, the soccer/fútbol superstar, has reportedly purchased the most expensive new car in the world, the Bugatti La Voiture Noire. This rumor comes from MARCA and Daily Mail, who propose that Ronaldo bought the $12.5 million hypercar. Bugatti has not confirmed that Ronaldo is the buyer, but the sources do say that Bugatti has confirmed the one-off hypercar does have a buyer. The Bugatti La Voiture Noire is a modern interpretation of the 57 SC Atlantic. Bugatti says that every single component found on the La Voiture Noire has been made by hand. Its exterior is made of carbon fiber, with a deep black gloss covering the entirety of it until it is interrupted by the ultrafine fiber structure. The Bugatti La Voiture Noire’s engine is the well-known 8.0-liter W16 engine, which produces 1480 horsepower and 1180 lb-ft of torque. It's truly an outstanding vehicle no matter how you look at it. As of right now, these rumors have not been confirmed by Bugatti. We'll keep you updated regarding these rumors and if they're proven to be true. view all bugattis for sale buy this issue now Source: MARCA, Daily Mail

By Edward Jones – August 13, 2018

Bugatti Chiron Races Ducati 1299 Superleggera on Top Gear

The Bugatti Chiron and Ducati 1299 Superleggera are two completely different vehicles, but both are extreme in their own right. Bugatti's new Chiron hypercar comes packing a 1,479 horsepower and 1,180 lb-ft of torque that come from a quad-turbocharged 8.-liter W16 engine. That's a lot of metal and power. On the other hand, you have a two-wheeled hyperbike with 215 hp and 108 lb-ft of torque on tap from its twin-cylinder engine.How to Do the $21k Bugatti Veyron Oil ChangeTo test these vehicles out, Top Gear put Chris Harris in the Chiron and Matt LeBlanc on the Ducati to see who would win in a race to the finish. Of course, one of the two hosts finishes the race first and is patiently waiting for the other. But which one of them is it? Check out the funny bit in the video below.

By Edward Jones – March 12, 2018

Odell Beckham Jr Checks Out Cristiano Ronaldo's Bugatti

Football/soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo first showed off his new Bugatti Chiron a few months ago. Now, he's been captured showing football superstar Odell Beckham JR his Chiron. In the video below, compiled by YouTube Channel knarty, the two meet up for good times and a drive in the French hypercar. OBJ had a good time starting up the car and seemed to enjoy it, but who wouldn't? I mean, it's a Chiron. He does note that it was "disrespectful" putting the "CR7" on the side of his car, which was more than likely just a joke.Bugatti Chiron Specs and PhotosRonaldo's Chiron is an impeccable machine. Topping out at 261 mph, the Bugatti speeds from 0-60 in a mere 2.5 seconds thanks to an 8-liter, 16-cylinder engine pumping out 1,479 horsepower. Even with its overwhelming speed and power, the Chiron offers a smooth and inviting road experience.

By Edward Jones – February 19, 2018

Tyga Shows Off his New Bugatti at Jamie Foxx's House

Looks like famous rapper Tyga has taken some time off from promoting his new album, Kyoto, to show off his Bugatti Veyron. According to The Hollywood Fix's YouTube channel, Tyga brought his new Bugatti over to Jamie Foxx's house and parked it next to another example of the French automaker's hypercar.It's pretty fitting that Tyga showed off his hypercar at this location, considering Foxx's impeccable taste in cars. Recently, Foxx has been all over the news for his vehicular purchases, including a Rezvani Tank and Vanderhall Venice. What's interesting about these purchases is that both Rezvani and Vanderhall are both younger companies that are based in the United States. Nothing like supporting your domestic automakers! Check back with us for more celebrity car news as it's released.

By Edward Jones – September 29, 2017

Christiano Ronaldo Shows Off New Bugatti Chiron

Is Christiano Ronaldo the owner of a new Bugatti Chiron? Sure looks like it.It all started back in February 2017 when Bugatti uploaded a video of Ronaldo taking the Chiron out for a spin. Now, seven months later, he's being seen driving the Chiron in a video and photo uploaded to his own Instagram page.https://www.instagram.com/p/BZmKiMCFtZ1/The example he's driving in the new video is definitely different from the one he was shown driving earlier this year. Who knows, maybe that test drive convinced him to buy one, but he probably ordered one a while ago considering he's not a stranger to the Bugatti.Check out the video below to see CR7 showing up in his new Bugatti.https://www.instagram.com/p/BZl9v6YFStc/

By Edward Jones – August 08, 2017

Lil Wayne's Unreleased CD Reportedly Shows Up in Bugatti

Martink Shkreli has been in the news lately after he was found guilty of fraud. However, that didn't stop him from making his own headlines. Shortly after being convicted, he played the first 10 minutes of the secret Wu-Tang Clan album Once Upon A Time In Shaolin. Then, he reportedly has managed to get his hands on Lil Wayne's The Carter V, an unreleased album from the famous rapper.How in the world did he manage that? Alex Pfeiffer says he has the inside scoop and posted it on Twitter.https://twitter.com/PfeifferDC/status/893549798669688832Yes, the new owner of the Bugatti Veyron sold Shkreli the album after finding it in his new hypercar. Will he release the album? Who knows, but he's said to have already leaked two songs from the album.Update 8/9/2017: Shkreli did not buy the Bugatti, but bought the album from the new owner of the hypercar. The article now reflects this.

By Edward Jones – June 02, 2017

Jamie Foxx Shows Off his Golden Bugatti

Jamie Foxx has been rolling around in golden Bugatti Veyron that has been catching everyone's eyes. He recently posted a picture of himself with the golden hypercar on his Instagram page with this caption: "I was feeling solid gold today when I drove in for work... #bugatti can't wait for u guys to see the show #beatshazam people won life changing fortunes. And the back stories of the contestants will melt yo heart #foxxonfoxmay 25th on fox as part owner and executive producer it's exciting to see it come together. Thanks to mark Burnett (survivor the voice etc) and Jeff Apploff the great!"In that caption he was referring to his new television show "Beat Shazam." In this show contestants are trying to guess songs by listening to just a small clip.https://www.instagram.com/p/BUaK-viDF4W/?taken-by=iamjamiefoxx&hl;=enFoxx's Bugatti hasn't always been this gold. In fact, he posted a picture of himself with his Veyron to his Instagram back in April 16. In this pic the hypercar is finished in black and blue, as opposed to gold.https://www.instagram.com/p/BS72vqCjg36/

By Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2017

Floyd Mayweather Is Selling His Bugatti Veyron Grand Sports

Our favorite Boxing Champion, Floyd Mayweather, is cleaning out his garage. If you've been looking for a new hypercar daily driver, two of his Bugatti Veyron Grand Sports are up for sale. Carscoops noticed the listings from the Luxury Auto Collection in Scottsdale, AZ and knew the pair by their unique features.The only person to ever appear on the cover of the duPont REGISTRY, Mr. Mayweather opened his doors for an interview featuring his car collection back in 2012. His first Bugatti was a Veyron coupe in Silver/White, which is not listed for sale.That first Veyron made such an impression that he bought a red and black coupe in 2014 Two Of A KindBut he knows when to play it safe, and when to strike. The market surrounding the first Veyron Grand Sports was as heated as the Chiron is now, so back in 2015, he made a few strategic moves to purchase a matte white 2011 Veyron Super Sport with a white/red interior. It's powered by the same 8.0-liter W16 engine as the coupes, making 1,000 horsepower and 922 lb-ft of torque.After the defeat of Manny Pacquiao, he rewarded himself with a Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita. A car collection valued at $30 million was planned to be capped by a Pagani Huayra and an Aston-Martin One-77 in late 2015. It was around then our dealers began to receive the higher output Grand Sport Vitesse models. Aimed at top speed domination, the Vitesse is French for "Speed" and it made use of larger turbos and intercoolers to deliver 1,200 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque. A few older members of the collection were sold to make room for a 2015 Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse. He purchased the menacing monster from Braman Bugatti for a cool $3.5 Million. Buy MagazinesBut now with the impending arrival of the Bugatti Chiron, a few of the older cars have to go. First up is the matte white 2011 example. It has red carbon fiber accents and a two-tone interior With 1,650 miles shown, it has recently received a full service and new tires to add to a complete service history.Only 150 Grand Sports were built, so these two represent a significant part of automotive history. The Vitesse is finished in satin black with exposed carbon fiber and an orange interior. With only 1,041 miles it is destined to become the centerpiece of a breathtaking automotive collection. Listed at $3.95 million, it's a bargain for being able to reach 254 mph on your daily commute. If you don't want the hassle of owning a celebrity car, our dealers have other Veyrons for sale that might tickle your fancy. Stay with us for all your Bugatti news and updates from Floyd's garage.

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2017

Chris Harris Goes Hard in the Bugatti Chiron

There's no denying that Chris Harris has one heck of an awesome life. His current stage in life finds him as a host on Top Gear, the most popular automotive show of the past decade.Thanks to where his career has led him, Harris has driven the world's greatest cars time and time again. One of his recent escapades took him to Dubai, where he managed to push the Bugatti Chiron as hard as he could.The Instagram account @onlychirons has a video of his time in Chiron, which was taken by @hamed.alhashmi. I can assume that we will see more footage of Harris in the Chiron in the current season of Top Gear, which is already underway. In the meantime, check out the video below to see Chris Harris slam the pedal down in the 1,500 hp Chiron and listen to the brutal exhaust note.Exotic Cars For Salehttps://www.instagram.com/p/BRoZv-CBNBM/?taken-by=onlychirons

By Edward Jones – February 24, 2017

Cristiano Ronaldo Tests the Bugatti Chiron...Is It His?

Cristiano Ronaldo was recently spotted driving in his Bugatti Veyron and it looks like the French automaker took notice. In a new video from Bugatti, Ronaldo is given the keys to a new Chiron by Andy Wallace, the automaker's test driver. Then, naturally, the soccer superstar takes the car out for some hard driving.Related - Bugatti Chiron Will Go 0-250-0 mph in Under a MinuteFrom Bugatti: "Just before deliveries of the Chiron start, Bugatti has requested a real champion to give the French luxury brand’s new ultimate super sports car a final test drive. Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, several times World Player of the Year, reigning European Champion, winner of many other awards and a great sports cars fan, got behind the wheel in Madrid to take a close look at the 1,500 PS supercar. His conclusion: approved after comprehensive testing!"Bugatti Chiron For Sale

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