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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 Caitlin Duffy – June 04, 2015

Zenvo ST1 Sounds Off Tunnel Accelerations in Monaco

When we shared news of the Zenvo ST1, it was in our 2015 Exotic Car Buyers Guide, with notes from Justin Bell's experience behind the wheel to expand on its impressive performance numbers."My favorite part of the car's performance was the acceleration," he described, "it was absolutely phenomenal, but a reminder of the respect it takes to handle that much power."The 6.8-liter V8 engine in this Danish hypercar creates around 1,104 hp and 1,055 lb-ft. Channeled through a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission, it can sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in 3.0 seconds while maxing out at a speed of around 233 mph."The driving position is great, and as you hit the track, the first thing that grabs you is the invigorating sound of the exhaust," Bell went on to describe. To read his full review of the ST1, you can pick up a copy of our 2015 Exotic Car Buyers Guide, but in the mean time, take a second to listen to this powerhouse's perfectly tuned note.(See Also: The BHP Project's Top Speed Run in their Koenigsegg One:1)A May 31 YouTube video from MDKSuperCars, which you can see above, shares nearly four minutes of footage following a stunning example of the ST1 as it meanders through the streets of Monaco, taking turns in a tunnel and turning more than a few heads as it passes by.Zenvo shared a few photos on their Facebook page April 27 of the ST1 from the trip to Monaco for Top Marques Monaco, which was the same event MDKSuperCars caught the ST1 driving around during. Check them out below, and hit the button underneath to order your copy of the 2015 Exotic Car Buyers Guide.Order 2015 ECBGGallery (Source: YouTube, Facebook) See More Automotive Videos

By Andrew Nabors – June 03, 2015

The GP700 from Quantum Performance Vehicles: An Australia...

If you have ever dreamed of owning a nimble hypercar, it might be time to look to Australia in your search. Based in Gisborne, Victoria, Quantum Performance Vehicles has formally announced their new GP700.A blog post on their website May 28 shares many of the most important and attractive details of this new vehicle, listing performance figures that liken it to some of the world's most powerful vehicles with a design reminiscent of the Ariel Atom. Each example is specially developed for its owner, taking both driving style and experience into consideration, which means the GP700 really will deliver a drive unlike any other.A 2.7-liter four cylinder of their own design sits in what looks like a scaled down F1 car. Two superchargers are used to create 700 hp at 7,800 rpm. Torque is rated at 654 newton-meters, or 482.3 lb-ft. That translates to a 0-62 mph time of only 2.6 seconds. At 174 mph, their website claims it generates enough downforce to drive upside down. We’re not sure where this could be proved, but it sounds like fun.We don’t mind the metric conversions, but the most impressive performance figures on their website are the G-force ratings of the GP. Assuming you don’t spin the tires, a peak acceleration of 1.2G would make anyone smile. If you can hang on to the steering wheel during 2.5G corners, this is your next car. Curb weight is a svelte 700 kg, or approximately 1,543 lbs, which makes for a 1:1 horsepower to kg ratio. In theory it should perform similarly to the Koenigsegg One:1, at a somewhat more affordable price point.Though it will likely require some adjustments before making it to the United States, we can’t wait to get behind the wheel. Check out the video of their test drive above, added to YouTube April 29, and be sure to stay with us for more updates from Quantum Performance Vehicles.Gallery (Source: Quantum Performance Vehicles) See More Automotive News

By Edward Jones – June 02, 2015

Did The Abu Dhabi Police Force Just Get a Lykan HyperSport?

The Abu Dhabi Police Force, famous for their incredible collection of cars, seem to have added a Lykan HyperSport to their collection. Instagram user, @ahmd_m_ published photos of a red and white HyperSport with an Abu Dhabi Police Force livery.(Related: Dubai: The World’s Fastest Police Cars)Though it has yet to be confirmed that this is a true addition to the police force, if this holds true, it's undoubtedly the most expensive police cruiser ever, with a price tag of around $3.4 million.Of course, with such a price tag, you'd expect it to deliver on all grounds, and it most certainly does.Powering the car is a twin-turbo flat-six mid-rear engine that delivers 780 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque. Handling this power is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that rockets the car from 0-62 mph in just 2.8 seconds. To make this car even more desirable is its futuristic interior with a holographic display, and diamond and sapphire encrusted LED lights.In the ongoing battle for the best police cars with the Dubai Police Force, we think Abu Dhabi might have just edged themselves into the lead.(Source: Instagram via WorldCarFans)

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By Caitlin Duffy – May 29, 2015

Top 5 Articles & Cars of the Week: May 29

From world-class events, to world-class match ups, this week was full of the finest from the automotive world. Below are the top five most read articles from Autofluence this week, and just a little further down are the top 5 most visited listings from the duPont REGISTRY online marketplace. There are Bugattis and Bugnaughtys, Lamborghinis and Mustangs all ready for you to review. Just scroll down and catch up on the stories you may have missed before next week's new round of news.See More Top ArticlesTop 5 Articles on Autofluence Bugatti Veyron Races an Aventador, 900 hp 911 Turbo S and Gallardo Superleggera There aren’t many things that we love more than videos of high powered exotic cars going head-to-head, flat out. And today, we have... Read More The "Bugnaughty" From Delahaye USA For Sale Terry Cook of Delahaye USA has a long history of involvement with the automotive world. His career in automotive journalism began in 1962 at Drag News, and as Delahaye USA’s website tells us, he moved to... Read More Lamborghini Asterion at Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este Lamborghini made a full appearance over the weekend at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, one of the summer’s first and most notable... Read More BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage Unveiled at Villa d'Este We’ve been waiting weeks for the official unveiling of the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage concept, but today... Read More 2016 Ford Mustang GT350 and GT350R Price Leaked The prices for the upcoming 2016 Ford Mustang GT350 and GT350R models have reportedly been leaked and they look... Read More Top 5 Cars on duPontREGISTRY.com 1989 Lamborghini Countach Philadelphia, Pennsylvania View Price & Listing The Bughnaughty Long Valley, New Jersey View Price & Listing 2009 BMW Z4 GT3 Grand Central, New York View Price & Listing 2015 McLaren 650S Spider Lake Bluff, Illinois View Price & Listing 2012 Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport View Price & Listing See More Top Articles

By Caitlin Duffy – May 26, 2015

Self-Driving Audi R8 e-Tron at CES Asia

Audi has big plans for the future of its hybrid vehicles, with a planned launch of a completely electric car in just three years time, and the attendees of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Asia had a first-hand look at these new blueprints.From May 25-27, Shanghai is hosting the inaugural CES Asia, bringing together the strongest innovators and competitors from across the technological world to showcase the technology of the future, and Audi was the guest of honor, delivering they keynote speech on the first night of the event, May 24.They keynote address was delivered in part by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ulrich Hackenberg, Member of the Board of Management of Audi AG, Technical Development, and as a release including the full text of the address tells us, he focused quite heavily on the present and future of the R8 e-tron and its new piloted driving ability. FahraufnahmeTheir piloted driving program was truly unveiled last year and earlier this year through multiple events, including the January CES in Las Vegas. But for Shanghai, members of the media will be free to enjoy test rides, while Hackenberg also announced the marque's intentions to pursue the full introduction of a battery powered Sports Activity Vehicle with a range of up to 310 miles per charge.(See Also: Jon Olsson Goes to Uber With His Audi RS6 DTM)Check out the images of the newest R8 e-tron and its introduction to CES Asia below, and browse our exclusive listings of Audis for sale to find an R8 with a little more old-school technology.R8s For SaleGallery (Source: Audi) See More Audi News

By Edward Jones – May 26, 2015

Felino cB7 Testing in New Footage

The Felino cB7 recently underwent some testing at the PMG Technologies Test and Research Center, and the automaker has delivered an incredible video of the event to us.In the video posted below, we can hear the ferocious 6.2-liter V8 that pumps out 525 hp and 489 lb-ft of torque. Mated to this engine is either a 6-speed manual transmission or the option sequential box, allowing the driver to properly control the car's power on the track. What's more, this car only weighs 2,403 lbs.When Felino designed the cB7, they wanted to create a vehicle that was satisfying on the track, with an equally satisfying price tag. With the entry-level model only costing $100,000, it looks as though they have done exactly what they set out to do.(Also Read: Lamborghini Asterion at Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este)Only pre-production units of the car have been created so far, but a limited production series of the car is expected soon. Stay with us for more information on the Felino cB7, visit FelinoCars.com or follow their official Felino cB7 Facebook Page.Gallery (Source: FelinoCars.com)

By Andrew Nabors – May 15, 2015

BMW M6 GT3 Introduced at Nürburgring

This weekend marks the 43rd running of the toughest endurance race of all time: the 24 hours of Nürburgring. Earlier today at the “M Night,” BMW took the wraps off of the 2016 M6 GT3. It will hit the track next year, so for the race this weekend we will see the final run of the BMW Z4 GT3.In a press release dated May 15, BMW Motorsport announced that they have massaged the M6 to 500 hp and weight is down to 2,866 lbs. The 4.4-liter V8 features Twin Power turbos and dry sump oiling to extract big power from a relatively small displacement. An FIA approved fuel cell and roof escape hatch are also some of the more notable features.(See Also: BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept Coming Soon)Still dressed in psychedelic camouflage, it’s hard to discern the car’s design features. We do know that it will be a safe and fast competitor, ready to do battle with Corvette and Porsche on the 15.5 mile course. Stay tuned to Autofluence for BMW news and race results.View All BMW ListingsGallery (Source: BMW Group) See More BMW News

By Edward Jones – May 14, 2015

David Brown Speedback GT Coming to America

Quail Lodge is the perfect setting for classic British GT cars, and this year it will be host to a blast from the past. In a press release dated May 13th, David Brown Automotive announced the US debut of their new Speedback GT.Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Many styling cues from the Aston Martin DB5 have been resurrected and built upon a solid foundation. Underneath the Speedback GT's classic styling is a modern XKR with a 5.0L V8 making 510 hp and 461 lb-ft of torque. Top speed is limited to 155 mph, and 60 mph arrives from a standstill in only 4.6 seconds.(Related: Aston Martin Crossover, Supercar Refresh and More Inbound)CEO David Brown commented in the press release that the Speedback GT is the “realisation of a dream” and that the handbuilt body hark back to traditional British coachbuilding. For Quail attendees, the car will be participating in the rally on August 11th and 12th, and it will be featured prominently at the main event on the 14th.Pricing for the US model starts at $753,000 and they have received multiple inquiries as to when production will begin. The price is a relative bargain compared to its inspiration, and we can’t wait to see it in person. Also participating in the rally will be our Publisher Tom duPont with his 1929 duPont Dual Cowl Speedster. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more Monterey coverage.(Source: David Brown Automotive)

By Caitlin Duffy – May 12, 2015

918 Spyder vs. LaFerrari: Supercar Drag Race Showdown

They're two of the most powerful cars to ever exist, each a show of force from their manufacturer's best technological developments for both speed and efficiency, and once again they're getting a chance to show their mettle on a runway.Both Porsche's 918 Spyder and Ferrari's LaFerrari are incredibly powerful hybrid vehicles, bringing the utilization of battery power to an entirely new level. Ferrari was able to pair a V12 with an electric motor to create a total of 949 hp and 664 lb-ft, while the 918 Spyder's V8 and dual-electric motor combo creates 887 hp and 940 lb-ft. But which set of specs can prove their power on asphalt?The video was captured and posted to YouTube May 10 by Stuart Theobald, who sat in the passenger seat of the 918 Spyder during this race. The two are well paired against each other, but it's not the first time we've seen them take each other on. Just under a year ago, on June 9, 2014, they even added a McLaren P1 and Koenigsegg Agera R into the mix. But it is one of the first opportunities to get an inside view of the experience. (See Also: The BHP Project's Top Speed Run in Their Koenigsegg One:1)Read through the spec comparison of these two powerhouses below, and let us know in the comments which you think will come out the victor. Then check out the video below, confirm your guess and take a moment to find the perfect supercar for yourself from our exclusive listings. Engine: 6.3-liter V12, Electric MotorTransmission: 7-speed dual-clutchHorsepower: 949Torque: 664+ lb-ftDry Weight: 2,767 lbs0-62 mph: < 3.0 secondsTop Speed: 217+ mphView Ferrari Listings Engine: 4.6-liter V8, Two Electric MotorsTransmission: 7-speed PDK dual-clutchHorsepower: 887Torque: 944 lb-ftDry Weight: 3,650 lbs0-60 mph: 2.6 secondsTop Speed: 211+ mphView 918 Listings(Source: YouTube) See More Automotive Videos

By Andrew Nabors – May 11, 2015

2015.5 Volvo V60 T6 R-Design Review

Though Crossovers may be growing in popularity, nothing beats a good wagon for style and practicality. Since Cadillac axed their CTS wagon, American drivers are left with few choices for this niche. Luckily, not only does Volvo still build them, but their latest offering is among the best we have encountered. Their latest V60 T6 R-Design was our guest for two weeks, and we were sad to see it leave.Exterior & InteriorSubtle styling cues in the grille and taillights remind us of the classic Cross-Country wagons of yesteryear. The doors are tall, but the beltline has a gradual drop aimed at the front fenders. This subliminal cue fends off claustrophobia and helps with visibility.Rolling stock consists of stylish 19” Ixion wheels with high performance summer tires. But why, exactly, would this Wagon need Z-rated rubber? Volvo builds the V60 on Ford’s EUCD platform, which is shared with the Land Rover Evoque. A rugged global AWD chassis, it’s solid and well insulated with a curb weight of only 3,790 pounds.One of the best interior features was the cargo shade. It covers the entire cargo area and meets the tailgate to block prying eyes from seeing your valuables. The quality of the interior materials is among the best in the world. Everything feels solid and well made.DrivetrainThe V60 is offered in three trim levels with either a 2.0, 2.5 or 3.0-liter engine. This twin turbo 3.0-liter in our example packed dual cams, both of which had variable timing. Dual exhaust allowed the turbos to awaken instantly and provide an aggressive tone from the tailpipes. In sport mode, the traditional six speed automatic is among the quickest shifting on the market. The instant change in exhaust tone corroborates the change in RPM. PowerPolestar, Volvo’s in house performance division takes their inspiration from Thor’s hammer. Power is advertised as 325 hp and 354 ft-lbs of torque, but it feels much more powerful. The twin-scroll turbos spool instantly and most of that torque arrives just off idle. Webster defines a “Sleeper” as an unassuming car with insane acceleration, and this Volvo is most certainly the most surprising example we have encountered.ConclusionPlenty of room can be found for cargo and kids, and Volvo covers all maintenance for the first three years. Highway gas mileage is advertised at 28 mpg, which is very competitive considering the level of power and AWD drivetrain. City driving is rated at 19 mpg, but this is only possible if you let the turbos sleep and stay out of boost. At $48,0225 you can have a solid and safe inconspicuous cruiser with all the power you will ever need.Volvos For Sale

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