Articles

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 – February 20, 2020

Maserati Teases MC20 Electric Supercar

Shocking news just arrived from Italy. To herald their return to racing and to an electric future, Maserati teased the MC20 electric supercar. Their racing program "Maserati Corse" is about to take on the world when the car debuts in May. They don't take racing lightly, as their previous supercar won 22 races including 3 at Spa. The MC12 GT1 made use of the Ferrari Enzo engine with a race-tuned suspension to win 14 Championships from 2004 to 2010. Why You Should Buy A Ferrari Enzo The press release says the styling will be an evolution of that winning design, so it will undoubtedly be gorgeous. After taking a pit stop for a decade, the racing future looks bright for the brand. Until then click the link above to view the only MC12 for sale, and click the button below for its street-legal cousin below. Browse Ferrari Enzo For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 18, 2020

Brooklyn Beckham Meets BMW i8 Pace Car

Mexico City hosted its 2020 E-Prix last weekend, and a famous photographer was introduced to a wild new Safety Car. With over 12 Million followers, it was a perfect opportunity for Brooklyn Beckham to meet a new BMW i8 Roadster for sale. The press release was an interview between BMW and Beckham, and he recounted driving another i8 Roadster around Coachella. In my own experience with the i8, it is a perfect daily driver. The electric motor offers 131 horsepower and a range of 23 miles. BMW i8: Price, Specs, Review & Photos In sport mode, it awakens a 1.5L turbo to offer a combined 369 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. They aren't supercar numbers, but the car is mostly carbon fiber. Click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse All BMW i8 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 17, 2020

Porsche Exclusive Manufaktur Unveils 2 New 911 Packages

With the development of the 2020 Porsche 911 Turbo for sale, they have learned a few aerodynamic tricks in the process. In the past, Carrera fans who wanted the Turbo body were forced into a GTS, or other mid-level trim. Thankfully Stuttgart is listening to us as Porsche Exclusive Manufactur has unveiled 2 new 911 packages. First off, they are mutually exclusive and can be ordered together. The most obvious is the SportDesign package. It has a more aggressive front end and rear bumper. The license plates are raised to dissipate turbulence, and allow more air to the radiators. Optional are the SportDesign rocker panels, which make the car appear much lower to the ground. The most striking upgrade is the Aerokit. It combines a Gurney Flap along with a massive rear spoiler. 2020 Porsche 911 (992): Price, Specs, Photos & Review These parts are the result of 56,000 miles of real-world testing, and they are available wherever new Porsche 911 for sale. Click the link below to order yours, and stay with us for all your Porsche 911 news. Browse All Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 12, 2020

Aston Martin Unveils 2020 Vantage Roadster

When we first encountered the latest Vantage in 2018, it was unanimous that it would look amazing without a roof. The best cars are worth the wait, and that is why Aston Martin has unveiled the new 2020 Vantage Roadster. Normally their convertible models are distinguished with the "Volante" suffix, but this one is not like the others. A new Z-fold cloth top can drop in under 7 seconds, even up to 31 mph. Not only is it the fastest powered top of all time, it exposes the 70th anniversary of the Vantage. A new "vane grille" is a welcomed throwback from their black honeycomb motif. Several new wheel choices accompany new interior colors, and they saved the best for last. The AMG 4.0L twin-turbo V8 offers 505 lb-ft of torque and 510 horsepower to a 7-speed manual! Of course, the boring 8-speed automatic is optional, but shifting gears with this much power will be addictive.Click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates Browse All Aston Martin Vantage for Sale https://www.facebook.com/astonmartin/videos/536524763884189/

Jag_F-TYPE_21MY_Reveal_HotWheels_Image_Hero_01

By Andrew Nabors – February 07, 2020

Jaguar & Hot Wheels Unveil 2021 F-Type in Chicago

No matter what your age, watching Hot Wheels in a loop is mesmerizing. In order to set a new Guinness World Record, Jaguar & Hot Wheels have unveiled the new 2021 F-Type in Chicago. Jaguar commissioned Hot Wheels to make a perfect 1:64 scaled replica of the car, and it was used to set a new record for most loops on a Hot Wheels track. Why can't all automakers be this cool? Click the button below to find our Jaguar/Land Rover dealer near you and stay with us for complete coverage of the Chicago Auto Show! Browse All Jaguar F-Type For Sale " width="680"> Related: New 2021 Jaguar F-Type Revealed With Refreshed Style

The 2021 Escalade has the bold presence and exclusive technology

By Andrew Nabors – February 06, 2020

Super Cruise Spreading to 22 Cars by 2023

Don't be afraid of autonomous cars. That's what I told myself when GM's press fleet sent us a new Cadillac CT6 for sale. It was GM's first car to feature a new hands-free driving experience. We have the opportunity to review every make and model, and this system beats them all by an order of magnitude. That's why we're excited that Super Cruise is spreading to 22 cars by 2023. 2021 Cadillac Escalade Unveiled in L.A. In an interview with Automotive News, GM President Mark Reuss says the updated software and sensors will integrate automatic lane changes. Instead of relying solely on the car's interpretation of traffic around it, Cadillac has spent over a decade mapping every U.S. highway and Interstate with highly accurate LIDAR (Laser Radar). I wasn't a believer until I put it to the test, and it is the best autonomous system on the market. Tell us which car you want it on in the comments below. Browse All Cadillac For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc-ZoHbgHRw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

By Andrew Nabors – February 05, 2020

Chevrolet Teases "Revolution: The Mid-Engine Corvette Story"

Now that the new 2020 C8 Corvette Stingray is in production, GM wants the world to understand the significance of the car. A two-part documentary is being produced outlining the history of mid-engine Corvette concepts, along with how the new car came to be. As soon as they are released we will upload them for you, so until then Chevrolet has teased "Revolution: The Mid-Engine Corvette Story". Great Deals on C7 Corvette Stingray For Sale P.S. Our dealers have to sell the final C7 Stingray Corvettes for sale, so click the button above. Related: C8 Corvette Stingray Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – February 05, 2020

2021 Escalade Unveiled in LA

Industry-first Curved OLED Screen Technology AKG 36-Speaker Surround Sound Air Ride Suspension With Magnetic Shocks Independent Rear Axle With Electronic Diff This is the one you have been waiting for. Two decades ago, Cadillac took a gamble and created the luxury SUV market. Not a refresher or new features, this 'Sclade is all-new. Some of the notable features are the first curved OLED screens in the automotive industry. Four exterior cameras offer a 2 Megapixel "Surround Vision" display. Back seat passengers are treated to a pair of 12.6" touchscreens. Along with HDMI and USB ports, they have Android Auto capability. The navigation app on both screens allows passengers to send possible destinations to the driver, who can accept or deny. Parents are going to love that one! AKG developed the audio system with 36 speakers. It even includes microphones to enhance communication between passengers and the driver. The 6.2L V8 borrows technology from the new C8 Corvette Stingray to offer 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. If you are fuel-conscious, the new 3.0L straight-six turbo-diesel offers the same torque. The 10-speed automatic returns, this time coupled to an independent rear axle. An electronic locking differential is standard equipment. Riding on air suspension with magnetic shocks, this will be one of the most comfortable full-size vehicles ever made. GM invested $1.4 Billion in the Arlington Assembly Plant, and they hope to begin production this fall. Click the button below to find our Caddy dealer near you, and stay with us for all your Escalade updates. Browse All Cadillac Escalade For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 05, 2020

BMW Unveils Aerodynamic Wheels for the iX3

Engineers in South Carolina are working hard to make sure their first electric SUV is flawless. Planned to launch later this year, BMW has unveiled aerodynamic wheels for the iX3. By combining cast aluminum with composite inserts, drag has been reduced by 5%, and the lighter weight will offer a comfortable ride. It has lowered power usage by 2% or 0.4 kWh per 62 miles. It might not seem like much, but this small innovation has added 6.2 miles (100km). We will have complete details of the new iX3 as soon as they are published, so stay with us for all your BMW news. Exotic Sports Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 05, 2020

Bugatti Unveils "La Maison Pur Sang” at Rétromobile

Daily driving my classic Bugatti is such a risk because replacement parts aren't exactly easy to find. That's why we're thankful that Bugatti has unveiled "La Maison Pur Sang” at Rétromobile. It is their new restoration program that translates to the House of Thoroughbreds, and it is the central part of their display at the show. Rétromobile is an annual classic car show in Paris, and opens today and runs through Sunday afternoon. If your Bugatti is beyond repair, click the button below to browse our selection of new & used exotic cars for sale. Browse all Bugatti For Sale

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe