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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 – September 02, 2020

Brabus x Alexander Laible Wine Collaboration

Brabus is best known for modifying Mercedes-Benz, Maybach, and Smart vehicles to look more aggressive while at the same time increasing output horsepower using specialty parts and tuning. They have recently piled into the Mercedes-Maybach Brabus 900 and headed towards the wine country in quest of a new project. The Brabus team has partnered with renowned wine creator Alexander Laible to produce and bottle their own modified version. Brabus understands from their business model if you want to be the best you have to work with the best. Alexander Laible is the Mercedes-Benz to the equation. The German winery received five world championships at The Vienna Wine Challenge and was labeled “ Best Riesling in Germany ” for the past two consecutive years. The 2019 Dry Riesling is titled “Atmosphere” and will be limited to 999 bottles, each repeatedly numbered on the label. The purchase of a Brabus high-performance vehicle would be the perfect occasion to open a bottle of Brabus x Alexander Laible Atmosphere to celebrate. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – September 02, 2020

Mecum Kissimmee Summer Special is Another Successful Live...

With so many events being canceled, we're glad Dana Mecum and Company choose to keep going. Instead of online-only, their preventive measures and distancing rules allowed 800 cars to cross the block. With a 65% sell-through rate, the weekend saw total sales of $18.6 Million. Since the virus appeared, Mecum has held four successful auctions, with bidders and spectators respecting each other's safety. If you weren't able to tune in, here are the top 10 sales: 10. 2015 Bentley Continental GT3-R Sold for $137,500 9. 2017 Dodge Viper GT Coupe Sold for $148,500 8. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Resto Mod Convertible Sold for $154,000 7. 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Sold for $176,000 6. 1934 Packard Coupe Roadster Sold for $176,000 5. 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback Sold for $187,000 4. 1969 Dodge Daytona Sold for $198,000 3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Sold for $203,500 2. 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition Sold for $412,500 1. 2018 Ford GT Sold for $935,000 There you have it, another great event that we were thankful to take part in. If you ever get an opportunity to attend a Mecum Auction, don't hesitate. This fast-paced action is fun for the family, so stay with us for all your Mecum news.

By Andrew Nabors – September 02, 2020

2020 Ferrari Pista vs. Modded McLaren 675LT

Welcome back to another wild race by our friend Brooks at DragTimes. Representing Italy is a 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista. Officially rated at 711 horsepower and 567 lb-ft of torque, the times they have been putting down suggest it makes more. Fighting for Queen and Country is an English opponent with extra boost. This modded McLaren 675LT is making over 760hp to the ground. I have been drag racing since 2001 so normally I can predict who will win, but this one will surprise you as it did me. Tell us which car you prefer in the comments below and stay with us for all your DragTimes updates. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 02, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Combines Emotional Health With...

This was inevitable, and we're happy that Mercedes-Benz did it first. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz S-Class combines emotional health with practicality. This car is all-new, and it is the first to integrate several sensors to monitor your stress level and adjust every system accordingly. While technology like heart-rate monitors and thermometers are not new, this is the first time a car learns what makes you happy and relaxed. Get in after a workout and the Energizing Comfort system has the interior awash in bright red with heavy metal playing. Or relax to instrumental jazz after a stressful day thanks to Energizing Coach. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience operates on a network of computers and sensors that communicate at 41,790 Mbps! From the seat massaging patterns to the A/C vents aim and pressure, this car predicts what it takes to make you smile. Here are the main points that set this car ahead of every other full-size sedan. The front seats have 19 motors (8 for adjustments, 4 for massage and 5 for ventilation, one for the lumbar support and one to move the monitor when in reverse). They offer 10 distinct massage patterns from mild to wild, and the rolling hot stones will still be my favorite. On the practical side, the HUD viewing area is now 77" (diagonal). Now with rear-steering, the turning circle has been reduced by 6.2 feet. Trunk space is up to 19 cubic feet, wider and deeper than before. Even though the car is wider, drag has been reduced to 0.22, placing it among the wold's most aerodynamic cars, and cutting wind noise by an order of magnitude. " width="680"> When the radar senses a side impact is inevitable, the 3-chamber air suspension instantly raises the car 3" in a tenth of a second. This hop allows the car to take a hit at a better angle, spreading the impact force around the passengers instead of through them. Even with more airbags, you will have 1.5" more elbow room and more headroom all around. Browse Mercedes-Benz S-Class For Sale Audio comes from 30 Burmester speakers. Also onboard are 8 bass resonators (subwoofers) built into the chassis to transmit low range sound at the perfect angles to your ears. Ambient LEDs are hidden in every trim panel, and the A/C system has 17 servos to put air where its needed. Both engines offer a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The new 3-liter straight-six engine offers 450 combined horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque while the revised 4-liter V8 makes 517 horsepower and 700 lb-ft of torque thanks to the EQ Boost. Wait till BRABUS gets ahold of it! The amount of innovation found in this car would require hundreds of pages to describe, so our dealers are happy to tell you more. Click the button above to find one near you and stay with us for all your Mercedes-Benz news.

By Andrew Nabors – September 01, 2020

2021 Ram TRX Mammoth 6x6 Hellephant 1200 Unveiled by Henn...

When the engineers at Fiat-Chrysler first considered dropping the Hellcat Hemi into a truck, they never could have foreseen this. Earlier today the 2021 Ram TRX Mammoth 6x6 Hellephant was unveiled by Hennessey Performance. Using the same recipe that underpins their other 6x6 trucks, this beast will arrive with 1,200 horsepower sent to six wheels. Since the stock block and heads are not up to the pressure, MOPAR will provide 3 Hellephant 426 Hemi crate engines to Hennessey headquarters in Sealy, Texas. RAM TRX FOR SALE Not only will it be the most exclusive build in their history, but it will also be their most expensive truck. Due to the time and skilled labor needed to build such a beast, it will set you back $500,000. That includes a new donor truck, 7-liters, three Dana axles, all-new suspension, Hennessey forged wheels, fabricated bumpers, LEDs, their all-stainless exhaust, and Brembo brakes. Click the button above to learn more and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance news.

By Andrew Nabors – September 01, 2020

2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Offers Room to Relax

Earlier today we watched the live stream unveiling of the latest Rolls-Royce. Their latest model only shares 2 parts with its predecessor, and it is being offered in 2 sizes. While the short is fine for chauffeurs, the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended offers room to relax. Underneath it borrows the aluminum spaceframe from the Cullinan, so adding 8" doesn't incur a major weight penalty. 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Revealed This "Architecture of Luxury" is stronger and lighter than the uni-body models or the old body-on-frame examples. Therefore you will have crisp steering response and increased comfort over broken pavement. Their new mantra of "Post Opulence" has scaled back the outlandish details, save for the fiber optic headliner. Illumination can also be found across the dash and behind the grille, making the new Ghost unique in this segment. The 6.75-liter V12 has been pumped up to 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, allowing you and your driver to reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Click the button below to learn more from our dealers, or else this ghost will haunt you. Browse Rolls-Royce Ghost For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 01, 2020

Volkswagen ID.R Encore Performance at Goodwood

As the identity for an automotive empire, VW is serious about electric cars. Sunday we saw a crashed Tesla struggle up Pike's Peak, the same course scorched by their rival in 2018. That is why the Volkswagen ID.R is making an encore performance at Goodwood. This year's race is not taking place on the hill, but at the adjacent Goodwood Motor Circuit. Volkswagen ID.R Begins Testing at the Nürburgring To emphasize the launch of their ID.3, their electric hypercar will be chasing a lap record. Sir Jackie Stewart and Jim Clark ran identical laps of 1:20.4 in an informal F1 race. Given the ID.R's record-setting times at Pike's Peak, Tianmen Mountain, and the Nurburgring, we foresee a new record at Goodwood. With 680 horsepower at all wheels pushing 2,400 lbs, the ID.R represents the future of racing. Click the button for great incentives and stay with us for all your VW news. Browse Volkswagen For Sale

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By Andrew Nabors – September 01, 2020

2021 Nissan Z-Proto Reveal Teased for September 15th

Remember, remember 15th of September. No, not a sly reference to the Gunpowder Treason, it will be the unveiling of something unprecedented. Aside from the anniversary of the Battle of Britain and my mom's birthday, the 2021 Nissan Z-Proto reveal has been teased for September 15th. Five decades of the Z-Car have seen Datsun evolve into Nissan without losing focus on what American enthusiasts want to drive. The first 240Z arrived in late 1969, and it was cause for alarm for domestic automakers. Having the Latin suffix "Proto", we can deduce it is the start of something all new. This is just what Nissan and Americans need, so stay with us for complete coverage of their new supercar. Browse Nissan GT-R For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – August 31, 2020

2021 Maserati MC20 Teased to Debut September 9th

Today we were hit with back-to-back teasers for something wild. The Maserati MC20 was teased to debut on September 9th, thanks to their Facebook and Instagram pages. The Maserati Corse (Racing) 20 is the successor to the wild MC12. https://www.facebook.com/Maserati/videos/789583078483670 Rumors abound that a new twin-turbo V6 will be mid-mounted, and it could evolve to integrate hybrid technology. The unveiling has been pushed back due to the virus, but this has only served to ensure the car will launch without a hitch. Tell us what you are looking for in a Maserati flagship and stay with us for all your Maserati news. Browse Maserati For Sale https://www.facebook.com/Maserati/videos/311524200299608

By Andrew Nabors – August 31, 2020

Pershing to Unveil All-Aluminum 140 in Monaco

Reaching 140 feet is a milestone for any Naval Architect and a skilled shipyard. While their first 140 was an exercise in several metals, Pershing is set to unveil their first all-aluminum 140 in Monaco this weekend. This gorgeous yacht has an ingenious cathodic protection for years of oceangoing pleasure. While the prototype had a movie theater, the owner commissioned this ship to have a full-width bedroom accessed by a private lounge. Piero Ferrari, head of the Ferretti Group worked with architect Fulvio De Simoni for over a year to finalize the details. Here is what it takes to build an aluminum yacht: " width="680"> Three fold-out sides make a nice beach for tanning and an easy way to moor tenders and PWC's. It is the first-all aluminum ship by Ferretti's Super Yacht Yard at Ancona. The Ferretti Group Private Preview is by invitation only from Sunday to Tuesday in Monaco. Literally making waves around the world, their third keel is already laid, with the shipyard planning to launch next spring. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your luxury yachting news. Learn More

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