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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 Jordan Aquistapace – December 03, 2020

Ralph Lauren Releases A $1,595 Bugatti Type 57SC Coupe Model

In the world of automotive collectibles, craftsmanship and attention to detail are key for capture all that a vehicle portrays in a significantly smaller version. Many model companies focus their efforts to stay true to this process as a sole operation. Ralph Lauren is also playing its part in this industry with its own variation of high-end collectible models. They have announced a new addition to the miniature garage line up in the form of a black Bugatti 57SC Atlantic Coupe. The vehicle is a staple to the hypercar brand, as it holds a special place as a mysterious chassis that disappeared somewhere throughout the world. The model by Ralph Lauren is an exquisitely detailed example featuring premium materials and designs to best portray all that Bugatti did back in the late 1930s. The packaging includes a commemorative styled box as well as a quality display case for any automotive enthusiast looking for the next best collectible. Shop the Ralph Lauren Bugatti Type 57SC Coupe model by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 02, 2020

Kids Supercars For Sale

In the past, children would hang posters of their favorite hyper or supercar, hoping to one day have one in the garage. Nowadays, technology in the toy industry allows children of all ages to have a chance at driving their own, under parental supervision of course. Companies of all kinds are stepping it up this holiday with accurate mini-scale creations featuring some of the world’s best hyper and supercars for kids. In this special, we have compiled a list of The Best Super Cars for Kids available through Amazon for the holidays. Click any of the links below to shop the products featured. Bugatti Bugatti Divo Kids Ride On Car $239.99 Shop Now Bugatti Chiron Kids Ride On Car $229.99 Shop Now Ferrari Ferrari 458 Ride On Push Car $49.99 Shop Now Ferrari LaFerrari Kids Electric Ride On Car $549 Shop Now Lamborghini Lamborghini Urus Kids Ride On Car Electric Vehicle $199.99 Shop Now Lamborghini Huracán Electric Ride On With Remote Control $169.99 Shop Now Lamborghini Aventador SV Ride On Sports Car $279.99 Shop Now McLaren McLaren 570S Push Sports Car $84.99 Shop Now McLaren Senna Ride On Sports Car $399.99 Shop Now Mercedes-Benz Mercedes-Benz AMG Electric Ride On Car $199.99 Shop Now Mercedes-Maybach G650S Electric Ride On $299.99 Shop Now Mercedes-Benz C63S Electric Ride On Sports Car $279.99 Shop Now Porsche Porsche 918 Battery-Powered Ride On Car $249 Shop Now

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 04, 2020

Bugatti x AUDES Release A New Lifestyle Collection

Since the celebration of the 110th anniversary of Bugatti, the hypercar manufacturer has been at work developing new projects. We recently saw the release of the incredibly unique Bugatti Bolide, a track-focused vehicle capable of 311+ miles per hour. The company just announced the release of its new lifestyle collection, a clothing line dedicated to expressing the identity and heritage of the Bugatti brand. The 50-piece collection was designed and manufactured as part of a partnership with AUDES Group, the official licensee for Bugatti’s apparel and accessories. Clothing options for the new release are made from high-tech fabrics to enhance performance while providing an ergonomic fit. Among the accessories, there are power banks, key chains, a backpack, small leather goods, mugs, notebook bags, credit card holders, a water bottle, and more. All the items included in the collection pull inspiration from some of Bugatti’s greatest creations, such as the Chiron, Divo, La Voiture Noir, Chiron Super Sport 300+, Centodieci, and Bolide. The new collection from Bugatti is currently available and found by clicking the link below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – September 16, 2020

This New Bugatti Champagne is the Most Epic Bottle to Pop

Popping a bottle of champagne may be frightening for some, but for more it's the start of something great. Typically, a bottle of champagne is popped to when there's a celebration to be had. For Bugatti, they're celebrating the moment they broke the 300 mph barrier with the Chiron Super Sport 300+ with new champagne. CARBON, the official Bugatti champagne, has released the limited edition EB.02 Chiron 300+ bottle. The bottle itself was designed to mimic the record-breaking Chiron Super Sport 300+, carbon fiber detailing included. Inside the bottle is a 2006 vintage blanc de blancs Grand Cru. This champagne is noted as having a nose that consists of "acacia, grilled bread, almonds, and hazelnut" aromas. You can order the Champagne CARBON EB.02 Chiron 300+ exclusively on CARBON's website, which you can visit by clicking the button below. Shop Now

By Edward Jones – June 01, 2018

LEGO Technic Bugatti Chiron is a Thing of Beauty

I've been building LEGO kits and model kits since I could barely walk. There's something so satisfying about being given a box of LEGO bricks and turning it into a piece of what I call art, piece by piece. As an automotive enthusiast, I've been more than please with LEGO's attention to my needs in the form of their "Speed Champions" line and a few other standout kits. Now, LEGO has outdone themselves with the revealing of a new Technic Bugatti Chiron kit. This may be the ultimate LEGO kit for the automotive enthusiast.LEGO developed this kit in partnership with Bugatti, ensuring that all of the details were could be represented perfectly by pieces from LEGO's endless inventory. The result is a 1:8 scale Bugatti Chiron replica model (22-inch long, 3,599 pieces) that features all of the bells and whistles found in the real hypercar. See the 100th Bugatti Chiron to be ProducedIt comes with logoed spoked rims, an 8-speed gearbox with moveable paddle gearshift, an active rear wing that can change position, and a W16 engine with moveable pistons. Though, the cherry on top has to be the Bugatti overnight bag that can be stored in the front storage compartment. Now THAT is attention to detail.If you're a fan of Bugatti and have been wanting to get your hands on the new Chiron, this may be one of the best and least expensive ways to do so. Sure, you won't be whipping around the Hollywood Hills in this kit, but it will most definitely act as a piece of art wherever you place it. And, if you happen to be the owner of a Chiron, here is the one LEGO kit you need in your life.LEGO will be offering the Technic Bugatti Chiron model at their LEGO stores and shop.LEGO.com starting June 1, 2018. The kit comes with a price tag of $349.99.

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