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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 – November 19, 2024

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A sleek black BMW M5 is parked in a dimly lit parking garage, its interior beautifully illuminated like the cockpit of a hypercar.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 14, 2024

Did You Know Hypercar CEO Mate Rimac Daily Drives An E39 ...

Mate shows off his great taste in cars. Being curious car enthusiasts who geek out over all things automotive, we often wonder what some of the biggest names in the industry are daily driving when commuting to work. While it's exciting to know that Christian Von Koenigsegg may pull up on a Monday morning behind the wheel of a Jesko Absolute, it's even more interesting to hear about his love for NA Mazda Miatas and other platforms outside of the hypercar realm. It's realizing that although multi-million dollar hypercars are the ultimate dream, they're are plenty of timeless classics that deliver the same driving excitement to today's standards. The same thought pertains to the founder and CEO of the Rimac Group, Mate Rimac, who has already proven to the world that he is a true car collector with an impressive garage fleet. Mate is making waves in the automotive world after he recently posted an Instagram video of him leaving the Rimac Automobili facility in his personal E39 BMW M5. Captioned " POV: Hypercar company CEO goes home after a long day," the gloss black M5 stands out in a sea of employee cars sporting a euro plate that pays homage to BMW's iconic S62 engine platform. And although we've witnessed Mate taking delivery of his very own Rimac Nevera, his immaculate taste for cars expands into other classic German legends like the BMW E30 M3. His particular E39 M5 remains in pristine, factory condition, with an untouched tan leather interior and an odometer that displays less than 70,000 kilometers. The E39 BMW M5 represents a historic era for the brand, beautifully combining the practicality of a four-door sedan with the performance of a manual-driven, high-revving V8. As they continue to skyrocket in value among passionate purists, it's safe to say that Mate Rimac will keep his as a daily Croatian commuter. View all BMW M5s for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All BMW M5s For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mate Rimac (@materimac) Source: @materimac Instagram

A silver Cadillac SUV is elegantly parked on a grassy field, framed by palm trees and a clear sky, showcasing the perfect blend of style and luxury.

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 13, 2024

Cadillac Reveals The New 2026 Vistiq Luxury EV

Cadillac expands its electric luxury SUV offering. As one of America’s most prestigious and long-standing names in the world of automotive luxury, Cadillac is responsible for some of the greatest luxury icons of the past and present. However, Cadillac has been revolutionizing its future with a rapidly expanding lineup of electric vehicles, including a suite of luxury SUVs that continues to evolve. The latest to be fully revealed is the new 2026 Cadillac Vistiq, a new luxury three-row SUV that promises practicality, luxury, style, and EV tech. Production of the new Cadillac Vistiq is set to begin in early 2025, with the SUV boasting Cadillac’s state-of-the-art luxury and high-tech features, as well as a powerful EV drivetrain with impressive range. With its 102 kWh battery pack, the Vistiq has 615 horsepower, 650 lb/ft of torque, and an estimated driving range of 300 miles. With the Velocity Max feature, the Cadillac Vistiq's 0-60 time is as little as 3.7 seconds. Also adding to the car’s driving character are standard 21-inch wheels, with available 22 or 23-inch wheels, and available rear-axle steering. Its design takes cues from the Escalade IQ, Cadillac’s all-electric rendition of its iconic full-size luxury SUV, and boasts high-tech luxury features like a 33-inch LED screen, available carbon fiber or open-pore wood trims, five-zone climate control, and a 23-speaker AKG Studio audio system with Dolby Atmos. Starting at an MSRP of $78,790, the new 2026 Cadillac Vistiq will feature Luxury, Sport and Premium Luxury trim levels, with a Platinum trim launching in summer 2025, offering greater personalization options including more interior and exterior colors. View All Cadillacs For Sale Image Source: Cadillac

The red, 1-of-49 vintage convertible car from AC Cars sits elegantly in a modern, empty parking lot near a building with trees nearby.

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 08, 2024

AC Cars Unveils New 1-of-49 Ace Classic Electric

A historic sports car icon goes electric. SEMA is an iconic hub for all things in the world of automotive customization and modification, and the event also serves as a place for manufacturers to show off their latest innovations through custom projects. One of those this year is AC Cars, the British manufacturer responsible for some of the world’s most iconic classic sports cars like the Ace and the Cobra. At this year’s SEMA, AC Cars revealed the new AC Ace Classic Electric, an all-electric reimagination of the legendary historic AC Ace sports car. However, rather than just being a zany concept, AC has launched the vehicle as a model enthusiasts can own, with 49 examples of the new AC Ace Classic Electric available from the launch. The vehicle was created in collaboration with TREMEC Electric GT, who engineered and manufactured the powertrain for the new vehicle. The battery gives the vehicle a 50/50 weight distribution, tipping the scales at 2,500 pounds. 300 horsepower is sent to the rear wheels. As a result, the new AC Ace Classic Electric can get from 0-60 in just 4.9 seconds, with a driving range of approximately 200 miles, evolving the cherished classic car into a modern engineering masterpiece. The 49-example launch of the car is available for customers for $275,000, and being a futuristic electric creation that also combines the design, legacy, and fun-to-drive charm of a true sports car classic, the new AC Ace Classic Electric is a collector-worthy beauty with high-tech and old-school charm in equal measure. View All AC Ace For Sale Image Source: AC Cars

A sleek, green sports car parked on a forest road between tall trees.

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Introducing Gear Digital: A New Leader in Digital Marketi...

October 31, 2024 – Miami, FL – duPont REGISTRY Group (DRG), the trailblazer in the luxury and exotic automotive ecosystem, is proud to announce the launch of Gear Digital, a cutting-edge digital marketing agency tailored to the specific needs of the luxury automotive and lifestyle industries. With a unique blend of expertise in high-end marketing strategies and deep technical knowledge, Gear Digital is poised to help luxury brands drive impactful online growth. Leveraging years of experience in the luxury market, Gear Digital offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement. The agency specializes in digital marketing campaigns, creating tailored solutions that ensure brands connect with their target audience in a meaningful and impactful way. From social media strategies to sophisticated content marketing, Gear Digital crafts compelling narratives that will elevate brands. In addition to its creative campaigns, Gear Digital offers specialized services in website development and technical SEO assessments. Understanding the importance of a strong online presence, the agency ensures that luxury brands have beautifully designed, high-performing websites optimized for both user experience and search engine visibility. “duPont REGISTRY has been at the forefront of SEO and digital marketing strategy for the past 20 years, creating an audience of millions of car enthusiasts and building the top domain authority in the luxury and exotic car industry,” said Antoine Tessier, CEO of duPont REGISTRY Group. “It was a natural development for us to bring our expertise to our community of dealers and luxury lifestyle partners.” Technical SEO assessments help clients identify and resolve performance bottlenecks, ensuring their online platforms remain fast, responsive, and easily discoverable by potential customers. “We're thrilled to launch Gear Digital, bringing our expertise in luxury digital marketing to this new venture,” said Mehdi Naourass, CEO of Gear Digital. “Our goal is to redefine how high-end brands connect with their audiences online, driving measurable results through innovation and strategy.” With Gear Digital, luxury brands can expect innovative marketing solutions that combine creativity, technical precision, and a deep understanding of the high-end consumer market. About duPont REGISTRY Group The heart of the Driven Lifestyle division, the duPont REGISTRY Group is the world’s leading luxury ecosystem, encapsulating the culture, community and commerce of the high-end automotive lifestyle. Built by some of the biggest names in the luxury automotive space, duPont REGISTRY Group represents a vibrant community of members worldwide nurtured over nearly four decades. Its portfolio includes duPont Registry, Canossa Events, Cavallino, Petrolicious, FerrariChat and Sotheby’s Motorsport.