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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 Andrew Nabors – March 30, 2017

Chris Harris Explains the Abilities of the Bugatti Chiron

If you prefer your automotive programming to have thick British accents, Top Gear's Chris Harris has some juicy details of the Bugatti Chiron. As the successor to the Veyron, it has large shoes to fill. In a YouTube clip uploaded last night, he touches on the finer points of the car. The aerodynamic features do a great job of keeping the car planted at speed but don't try it on cold tires. The whole tire situation is a bit silly. Some publications have listed a set of replacement rubber for the Veyron at $30,000, which could be an insignificant invoice if you own such a car. Chris mentions that tire pressure is displayed to two decimal places, but why?Anyone who drives triple digits on street legal tires is putting themselves and others in danger. Race rubber would put an end to ridiculous tire costs and the annoyance of monitoring pressures while you should be focused on the road ahead. Sensational journalism has its place, and as such Chris mentions the possibility of a future model possibly breaking the 300 mph barrier. We're not saying it's impossible, but given the amount of boost required to push a Ford GT to 293 mph, it seems improbable. We appreciate the engineering and attention to detail that is clearly seen in the Chiron, but more than anything we applaud Bugatti for the encore performance. If you need a quad-turbo sixteen cylinder daily driver, be sure to check our Bugatti Veyrons for sale from our dealers and stay with us for all your Bugatti news.

By Edward Jones – February 09, 2017

Bugatti Chiron Revs and Sounds Off in Monaco, Sounds Down...

Some people have complained that the Bugatti Veyron didn't have that great of an exhaust sound when compared to other hypercars. Thankfully, those who have doubted Bugatti won't be able to make that same complaint against the Chiron, because it sounds like an automotive demon.(Lamborghini Centenario Roadster Sounds Like a Monster)While many cars sound like banshees and go for an F1-style exhaust note that's high-pitched, the Bugatti Chiron channels its sound from its inner depths. This results in an exhaust note that's full of bass and downright ferocious.YouTuber Fipeux recently caught the Chiron showing off its exhaust in Monaco. From the revs in the early beginning of the video to the tunnels sounds, I could listen to this car all-day-long.Bugatti Veyron For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 02, 2017

The Bugatti Chiron: A Lesson From The Grand Tour

Michelin and The Grand Tour have just uploaded a video that goes into what makes the Bugatti Chiron such an incredible car.So, what's the Chiron all about? It features an impressive spec sheet, which includes an 8-liter W 16 engine capable of 1500 horsepower and 1180 lb-ft of torque. This powerhouse propels from 0-60 in a mere 2.5 seconds with a top speed of 260 mph. This elegant, beast of a supercar comes in myriad color combinations perfectly suited for its owners.You can learn even more by watching the video below.

By Andrew Nabors – January 31, 2017

Bugatti Test Driver Flogs the Chiron

In order to build a better Bugatti, the Chiron has significant improvements over its predecessor. We didn't know the redesign was so intense, but Drivetribe was able to interview Bugatti's Chief Test Driver Loris Bicocchi, who touched on the finer details. A secret to making 1,479 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque is in the sequential pairing of the four turbos. Two operate at low speeds and larger ones are engaged at higher RPM. To cope with the increased performance, the carbon fiber body was reinforced. The AWD system was tuned with more emphasis on the rear axles. While it is constantly vectoring torque for great cornering, the front is limited to 30% of maximum power. Drift mode enabled!(Also Check Out - Bugatti Chiron and Vision GT Sold to this Guy for How Much?)The real treat of this interview was a chance to film the master behind the wheel. Loris has worked for Lamborghini and Pagani, so he knows a thing or two about scaring passengers. Production of the Chiron has been limited so far, probably due to the complexity of the design. But once our dealers begin to receive their allocations, maybe the Veyron will be in your price range. Stay with us for more Bugatti news.All Bugatti Chiron For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 10, 2016

Bugatti Chiron Undergoes Hot Weather Testing

Every car has to undergo a multitude of tests before it hits official production, even the Bugatti Chiron. These tests can include cold weather testing, crash testing and, of course, hot weather testing. To show how they do their hot weather tests, Bugatti put together a nice video of the Chiron undergoing its hot weather testing regiment.(Related - Bugatti Chiron and Vision GT Sold to this Guy for How Much?)In the video's description, Bugatti notes: "More than 30 test vehicles were or still are in use, including the four vehicles that the Bugatti engineers took to the US this summer to perform endurance tests in the scorching heat of Death Valley and other American deserts." They also say that they spent four and a half weeks testing the car, driving 21,747 miles in 124.7 F° weather.Check out the video below to see the Chiron being tested for yourself.All Bugatti For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 31, 2016

Bugatti Chiron Revving Sounds Savage

The Bugatti Chiron has taken the world by storm for many reasons. The first reason has to be that its the successor to the ever-popular Veyron and is a new Bugatti model in itself. The second reason is most certainly its massive powertrain that includes a massive 8-liter W16 engine. Altogether, the new Chiron is capable of 1,500 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque.(Related: Lamborghini Centenario Roadster Sounds Like a Monster)One thing many people noted about the Veyron was that even though it had a big ol' engine, it didn't sound ferocious enough. Well, Bugatti most definitely changed that with the Chiron, because this new hypercar sounds like an absolute monster.Below is a video from Speedracer38 who filmed the Chiron revving in person. If you need to wake up, just click play below and turn up your speakers/headphones. But don't blow out your eardrums, please. Skip to 1:45 if you want to skip the walkaround and just hear the noise.View All Bugattis For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 02, 2016

Bugatti Chiron's Startup and Rev: Best Sounding Productio...

Now that the Bugatti Chiron is a day old, if you consider its reveal date its birthday, it's about time we heard it rev to life. Thankfully, GTBOARD.com is at the Geneva Motor Show and uploaded a video of the Chiron starting up and revving its engine.What you're hearing in the video below is a massive turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine, capable of 1,500 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. All of this power flows through a brand new exhaust system. What's remarkable about this exhaust is that it contains catalytic converters that are about six times larger than the ones you'd find in your typical medium-sized cars.The combination of the exhaust and a massive engine, I think, is a sound that trumps the Veyron in every way possible. Click play below to decide for yourself.Bugattis For Sale

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