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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 – March 29, 2021

Behind-the-Scenes at the Bugatti Houston & Post Oak Motor...

Go behind-the-scenes of a very privateer and special Bugatti event. Bugatti Houston and Post Oak Motor Cars recently put on an exciting Bugatti Driving experience at the Carlton Woods Country Club. This private event gave prospective buyers a chance to drive both the Chiron Pur Sport and Chiron Sport for the very first time. Each guest was given an overview of the Chiron and were then taken out for a 45-minute jaunt through The Woodlands courtesy of professional drivers. Guests were also given a chance to configure their own Chiron model which is an experience on its own. In the video up above, you'll be able to go behind-the-scenes of this very private event thanks to Bugatti Houston and Post Oak Motor Cars. Be sure to click the button below to see Post Oak Motor Cars' current inventory. View Post Oak's Inventory

By Edward Jones – January 04, 2021

First Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Delivered by Miller Motorcars

Miller Motorcars | Bugatti of Greenwich has just announced that they have just completed the world's first delivery of the Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport. This specific example is finished in an icy Quartz White paint with the options Pur Sport split exposed carbon fiber exterior. Inside is an Italian red leather and Alcantara interior with the optional Sky View that allows the driver and passenger to peer up to the skies. The cabin also includes black anodized metals for a finishing touch. We want to send a congratulations to Miller Motorcars and Bugatti of Greenwich on this stunning delivery. Bugatti's new Chiron Pur Sport is set to be a true track monster and now that deliveries have commenced, maybe we'll see one in action for ourselves. Honestly, I don't know if I can wait any longer! View Miller Motorcars' Inventory Image Source: @millermotorcars/Instagram

By Edward Jones – September 22, 2020

Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Lands in Los Angeles at O'Gara C...

The new Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport has officially landed in the United States. More specifically, it landed in California at the dealerships of Bugatti Beverly Hills where it made its North American debut. "We are delighted to finally be able to present the Chiron Pur Sport physically after months of delay due to Covid-19. The new driving dynamics offered by the Pur Sport are a game changer for North American buyers attracting both current Bugatti owners and new prospects", says Cedric Davy, Chief Operation Officer Bugatti of the Americas. “The team at both Bugatti Beverly Hills and Bugatti San Diego are proud to present the spectacular Chiron Pur Sport. The Pur Sport, born out of Bugatti’s continuing driving force to design and build the best cars, has created one that can not only conquer the street, but also the most challenging of race circuits. Being Partners of Excellence we are truly honored to be an integral part of one of the most iconic automobile brands”, says Tim O'Hara General Manager, Bugatti Beverly Hills. After it's stay in California, the Chiron Pur Sport will head towards the East Coast where it will visit the Hamptons, Greenwich, New York and Florida. If you happened to be in any of these areas, be sure to stop by and see it for yourself, because this is a must-see hypercar! Bugatti Chiron Horsepower, Specs & Price

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 03, 2020

Four Bugatti Chirons On Scene at Miller Motorcars

The amazing team over at Miller Motorcars in Greenwich, CT specialize in only the finest when it comes to luxury automobiles. Their incredible inventory includes Aston Martin, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Bugatti, Ferrari, McLaren, Pagani, Rolls-Royce, Maserati, De Tomaso, Apollo, and Pininfarina. The showroom is filled with unique and special edition specs that could leave anyone wandering for hours, as if it was a museum. Along with providing top notch inventory, Miller Motorcars pride themselves on the dedication to detail when it comes to client satisfaction. " width="680"> Miller Motorcars are one of the few select Bugatti dealers in the United States. In the video below, Director of Special Projects, Evan Cygler, presents four magnificent Bugatti Chirons, each example as unique as the previous. This includes their 110th anniversary edition Chiron, to which only two were brought into the U.S. Keep up to date with the ever-growing inventory over at Miller Motorcars by coming back for more news and clicking the button below! View Inventory Contact Miller Motorcars Phone: 866-282-6375Website: millermotorcars.comAddress: 342 West Putnam Ave, Greenwich, CT 06830

By Andrew Nabors – January 14, 2020

Bugatti of the Americas Receives a New Leader

Hard work pays off, and its great to see a friend finally get rewarded for years of leadership in the exotic car world. That's why we're proud to announce that Bugatti of the Americas has received a new boss. In a press release moments ago, Cedric Davy was named as the new Chief. The headline from Molsheim: " With effect immediately, Cedric Davy is the new Head of Bugatti of the Americas. He will report to the Bugatti headquarters in Molsheim. In this function, Davy succeeds Maurizio Parlato, who after six years with the French hypercar manufacturer resigned from the company for personal reasons." Christian Mastro, Bugatti Board Member for Sales, Marketing, Customer Service and Licensing: “In Cedric Davy we have the ideal replacement from within Bugatti of the Americas. With his experience in the industry in general and with Bugatti, in particular, he will be up to speed in no time.” All Bugatti fans should be as excited as we are because Cedric has the foresight and a skillset that is unique among the automotive top brass. Literally starting at the bottom, we have partnered with him on events and advertising for years so congratulations my friend, from all of us at duPont REGISTRY! Find Your Bugatti Here

By Edward Jones – January 15, 2018

Bugatti Chiron and Rare Supercars Added to FLCS Inventory

Fort Lauderdale Collection South has just expanded their already wild inventory with a trio of truly exotic cars. When I was pinged on what they uploaded to the site, I was pretty excited, to be honest. The trio includes a rare 2016 Ferrari F12tdf, 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder with the Martini livery and a, wait for it... 2018 Bugatti Chiron. Oh yes, they have the all-new hypercar from the French powerhouse in their showroom as I type this. Scroll below to see the cars a bit more in-depth.View Dealer Inventory 2016 Ferrari F12tdfThis 2016 Ferrari F12tdf features a 6.3-liter V12 Gasoline engine. It is equipped with a 7 Speed Automatic transmission. The vehicle is Rosso Dino with a Black Cloth interior. It is offered with the remaining factory warranty.View Listing 2015 Porsche 918 SpyderThis 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder 2dr Weissach Roadster, Factory Matte Black with Martini Pkg features a 4.6-liter V8 engine. It is equipped with a 7 Speed Automatic transmission. The vehicle is Matte Black with an Onyx Black/Silver Leather interior. It is offered As-Is, extended warranty is available.View Listing 2018 Bugatti ChironThis 2018 Bugatti Chiron Number One features an 8.0-liter quad-turbo 16cyl Gasoline engine. It is equipped with a 7 Speed Automatic transmission. The vehicle is Black with a Red Leather interior.View Listing

95072 Chiron Nocturne Spirit Blue Beluga Large (2)

By Edward Jones – November 01, 2017

Get a Bugatti Chiron Today

The Bugatti Chiron is talked about as a hypercar that's nearly impossible to obtain. St. Louis Motorcars, however, is here to make the impossible possible. The Chiron featured in this article is already sold, but yours is just a phone call to Graham Hill of St. Louis Motorcars away at 855-372-3761.Bugatti Chiron Shows Why it's a Multi-Million Dollar Hypercar

By Edward Jones – September 22, 2017

Bugatti Chiron Delivered by St. Louis Motorcars

“Every Bugatti must be a holistic masterpiece.” -Ettore Bugatti This pinnacle of super sports cars, a Bugatti Chiron delivered by Bugatti St. Louis-St. Louis Motorcars is no exception.In 2016 Bugatti promised a car lighter and more responsive than its predecessor, 1500 pounds of torque, one that would break through dimensions. Bugatti does more than promise; Bugatti delivers. At this year’s International Motorshow IAA in Frankfurt, Bugatti set a World Record. The 1500 hp super car accelerated from a standing start to 400 km/h (249 mph) and braked back to a standstill in just 42 seconds (41.96). This is the fastest time ever reached and officially measured for this driving maneuver by a production vehicle.In Bugatti’s case, significantly more “beast” also comes with a high level of “beauty.” This Bugatti Chiron is finished in Nocturne and Spirit Blue Effect complementing its aerodynamic and highly efficient chassis. The custom paint color is just one of many ways to accentuate the already exceptional vehicle. This motorcar, the first Chiron delivered from Bugatti St. Louis-St. Louis Motorcars, includes custom painted wheels and calipers, black anodized exhaust, the painted horseshoe emblem, and a two tone rear wing. Exquisite doesn’t begin to describe this configuration. Ready to spec your car exactly as you want it? Contact Graham Hill at Bugatti St. Louis-St. Louis Motorcars at 855-971-4092 or click the button below to view all of St. Louis Motorcar's inventory.View Inventoryhttps://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/10155752779698256/

By Edward Jones – August 21, 2017

United States' First Bugatti Chiron Delivered

It's been over a year since the Bugatti Chiron was revealed, but the United States is just now getting its first customer examples of the hypercar. This news comes to us from O'Gara Coach, who facilitated the delivery.The example comes in a two-tone color scheme: yellow and black. Both the exterior and interior feature this color scheme, which is unlike any other Chiron design we've seen thus far. Along with the delivery of the car came a crate of the essentials, packed with the manual, keys, and everything else the owner of one of the world's greatest hypercar would need.(All Photos by Grubbs Photography)Bugatti unveiled the car during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it was delivered to its new owner. The image of its showcase can be seen at the end of the images below.Powering the car is the 8.0-liter W16 engine with two-stage turbocharging, which pumps out an extraordinary 1,500 and 1,180 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 6,000 RPM. With this power and the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, Bugatti states that the Chiron is ready to set a new world speed record, especially with ta stated top speed of 260.9 mph. It should also be mentioned that the Chiron will be able to run 0-62 mph in less than 2.5 seconds.

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