Aftermarket

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

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By Tyler Rampersaud – June 04, 2024

Novitec Customizes The Maserati MC20 Cielo's Appearance &...

Discover a custom Italian open-top supercar. Maserati pushed boundaries and boldly entered a new era in its long history with the introduction of its MC20 supercar, introducing the innovation and performance of its Nettuno V6 engine, lightweight carbon fiber construction, a futuristic evolution of the stunning looks Maserati’s cars are known for, and an eye-catching, luxurious new supercar. However, the MC20 Cielo raised the bar even further, adding an open-top variant of the Maserati MC20, combining powerful performance and open-air thrills. Novitec, known for its ability to customize the highest echelon of exotic cars, luxury cars, and supercars, gave the Maserati MC20 Cielo its signature makeover, turning the masterpiece of an Italian open-top supercar into a unique custom creation. Visually, Novitec added carbon fiber aerodynamic accents throughout the exterior, which not only add a motorsport-inspired look but also optimize performance. In addition, a new set of wheels from Novitec distinguishes the look of its custom Maserati MC20 Cielo from the standard car. However, Novitec’s customizations for the Maserati MC20 Cielo offer both sights and sounds. A revised exhaust system is installed to audibly showcase the prowess and performance of Maserati’s formidable and innovative Nettuno V6 engine, which is responsible for the MC20’s ability to deliver high speeds and blisteringly quick acceleration. With a suite of customizations to the appearance, performance, and sound of the incredible Maserati MC20 Cielo, Novitec continues to take supercar excellence to the next level. View All Maserati MC20s For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Novitec Group (@novitecgroup)

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 30, 2023

7Design Transforms The Maserati MC20 Cielo Primaserie Int...

7Design elevates the Maserati MC20 Cielo Primaserie to new luxury heights, rebranding it as MC20 ARIA and upping its value beyond $500,000 with cutting-edge aerodynamics and carbon fiber options. For fans of Maserati and high-performance supercars, the news doesn't get any better than this. Innovative design firm 7Design has put its transformative touch on Maserati's already exceptional MC20 Cielo Primaserie. The automotive upgrade specialists at 7Design are pleased to announce what's now recognized as the world's most luxurious MC20, the all-new MC20 ARIA. With a price tag exceeding $500,000, this revamped marvel is making heads turn throughout the automotive world. Founder of 7Design, Peter Eskander, noted that the customization process was driven by client expectations for "quality and personalization." To meet these demands, a collection of carbon fiber products has been offered to enhance the styling of any factory Maserati MC20. From the eye-catching blue-tinted 4x4 carbon weave carbon to the OEM-matched carbon for a more traditional look, the choices are as exquisite as they are varied. 7Design has engineered new aerodynamics upgrades, like a fixed rear wing and other freshly designed components, all available on client request. What stands out is the considerable 123% increase in aerodynamic efficiency. The meticulously designed aero strikes a captivating balance between elegance and aggression without deviating from the MC20's original design philosophy. The Maserati MC20 Cielo Primaserie is powered by a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, delivering an impressive 621 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. View all Maserati MC20 examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below View All Maserati MC20 For Sale Source: 7Design

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 09, 2022

7 Design House Adds 795 LBS Of Downforce To The Maserati ...

7 Design House tweaks Maserati’s flagship supercar. The Maserati MC20 represents a Maserati brand that is stronger than it’s ever been before, with incredible performance that pays homage to and builds on its legendary MC12 predecessor, and the innovative Nettuno V6 engine that shows off Maserati’s performance know-how. However, one of the supercar’s biggest highlights is its stunning looks, which are enhanced by 7 Design House’s new “ARIA Carbon” aero kit for the MC20. A limited edition of just 25 units, the kit doesn’t just give the MC20 a prettier face, but it also generates an additional 795 pounds of downforce for the Trident-badged supercar. MUST READ: Maserati Enters Formula E With The New Tipo Folgore Gen 3 Race Car The goal for the design was to combine race-ready aerodynamics with the signature elegant look that has helped the MC20 capture the hearts of car enthusiasts the world over. The kit also reduces the car’s weight by 12.5 pounds and comes with an optional exhaust upgrade adding 20 horsepower and saving 15 more pounds. With a further enhanced rendition of the famous, loved, and incomparably Maserati combination of performance, elegance, and style, the 7 Design House “ARIA Carbon” kit for the Maserati MC20 soups up the Trident’s supercar. View All Maserati MC20s For Sale Source: 7 Design House

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 29, 2022

DMC Announces The New "Sovrana" Visual And Performance Pa...

DMC gives the Maserati MC20 an extra dose of performance. DMC is a German aftermarket specialist known for its ability to take the world’s best performance cars, and add even sportier looks and more ferocious performance. These improved, bespoke machines are even more beautiful, desirable, and fast than their original counterparts, and DMC’s new “Sovrana” package for the Maserati MC20 is no exception. DMC’s first experience was with the GranTurismo in 2011, when the brand created its “Sorvrano” GranTurismo. It returns to the brand with its take on the Trident’s flagship supercar and successor to the legendary MC12 supercar, the Maserati MC20. MUST READ: Maserati Makes Its Mark On The Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance With The MC20 Cielo Starting with the obvious, DMC gave the Sovrana MC20 new bodywork, with exposed carbon fiber throughout, as well as a new carbon fiber spoiler, and a new suspension that lowers the center of gravity by over an inch. DMC is the first manufacturer in the world to market forged wheels made exclusively for the MC20, which are 20 inches in the front and 21 inches in the back, and are manufactured by Canadian company PUR Wheels. What’s more is that DMC managed to squeeze even more power out of Maserati’s Nettuno V6 engine, bringing the numbers up to 715 horsepower with the upgrade, as well as 476 lb/ft of torque. The interior features in-house upholstery in soft leather, as well as other beautiful bespoke touches. If like DMC, you see even more potential in the incredible Maserati MC20, the Sovrana upgrade package might be for you. View All Maserati MC20s For Sale

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