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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 Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2016

2016 Tampa Bay International Auto Show Recap

Of all the auto shows we attend each year, we save the most exclusive cars for our home base. The Tampa International Auto Show is produced by Motor Trend and it is a grand finale for their 2016 season. Just across the bay from our headquarter in St. Petersburg, it allows us to pull out all the stops for our local fans.Realizing the potential of our social media presence, we were given a prominent position directly behind the main entrance. To make sure we made an impression on the public, our matte gray metallic Audi R8 Spyder was placed at the base of the escalators. Next in was a two-tone matte and glossy Rolls-Royce Wraith, which was a challenge to maneuver between the food court and automobilia vendors.Lamborghini Sarasota gave us their flagship Aventador Roadster. The navy blue Italian has an interior of beige, which made a nice contrast against the convention center carpet. A new G63 AMG was provided by Mercedes-Benz of Tampa. As one of the biggest AMG dealers in the US, it was ordered with designo interior and all optional content. Saving the best for last, we delivered an Aston-Martin One-77 from HQ in our transport trailer. We move all types of classic and collectible cars, so we figured it would be close in size to other Astons, but the One-77 is wider than almost any of its competitors. Not taking any chances we used every strap and tie-down in the inventory to ensure the safety of this priceless supercar. With aggressive cam timing and throaty exhaust, this masterpiece grabs everyone's attention.The Tampa Show is a great way for us to reach out to locals. We made new friends who will become regulars at Cars & Coffee. A big thanks to our local dealers and our fans who support us at these events. As we get ready for the 2017 season, we wish you all Happy Holidays from us at the duPont REGISTRY.Sports Car For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 14, 2016

Ferrari Launches 488 Passione Rossa for Ultimate Experience

Ferrari has channeled the "passion, adrenaline and pure joy associated with the 488 range" to create a new experience for their customers, according to a press release from the Italian automaker. Being called the 488 Passione Rossa, this experience gives Ferrari enthusiasts a chance to witness the true potential of the 488 GTB and 488 Spider.(Related - Report: All Ferraris to Have Hybrid Tech by 2019)The event took place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where Formula 1 Ferrari driver Giancarlo Fisichella took a group of participants onto the track. On the track was where he demonstrated the "unrivaled power, speed and exhilaration that the Ferrari 488 is capable of.There was no work in the press release as to future plans for this event, or if it will continue in other countries. But, if Ferrari announces more events like this, you'll hear about them here.You can check out the happenings of 488 Passione Rossa for yourself by clicking the play button below.All Ferrari 488 GTB For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – September 09, 2016

RM Sotheby's London Auction Finishes with Record Numbers

RM Sotheby has had quite the auction season, starting with massive success at Monterey and continuing with record breaking numbers in London. The London auction, which concluded on September 7, featured popular, low-mileage Porsche collection with many of the models selling for high dollar values. One of the most notable Porsche sales was a 1995 Porsche 911 GT2. One of 52, this pristine, brilliant blue model sold for an incredible £1,848,000 ($2,452,656).Top 5 SalesLot 169 – 1960 Aston Martin DB4GT (CHASSIS NO. DB4GT/0126/R) £2,408,000 ($3,195,416)Lot 132 – 1995 Porsche 911 GT2 (CHASSIS NO. WP0ZZZ99ZTS392064) £1,848,000 ($2,452,656)Lot 134 – 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II by Pinin Farina (CHASSIS NO. 1881 GT) £1,288,000 ($1,709,227)Lot 125 – 2003 Ferrari Enzo (CHASSIS NO. ZFFCW56AX30132648) £1,200,000 - £1,400,000 ($1,592,400 - $1,857,800)Lot 129 – 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo S Lightweight (CHASSIS NO. WP0ZZZ96ZPS479031) £974,400 ($1,293,077)With their success, RM Sotheby looks forward to their October event at the Hershey Lodge in Pennsylvania and their Northern Italy event soon afterward.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 07, 2016

United Boys & Girls Clubs 3rd Annual Rally 4 Kids Recap

What do a secret envelope, a checkered flag and matching wits with a fifth-grader have in common? The Third Annual United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County Rally 4 Kids.More than 150 enthusiastic men and women participated in a weekend car rally that took 75 drivers and their navigators from QAD’s Summerland campus to the Santa Ynez Valley and back. This year’s Rally was the most successful yet, selling out with a wait list and far exceeding last year's numbers with nearly $350,000 net raised in support of the United Boys & Girls Clubs and its programs.The Rally 4 Kids was co-chaired for the third year in a row by event co-founders Diana Starr Langley & Monte Wilson and was supported by a fantastic event steering committee including all-stars Karla Blackwell, Scott Campbell, Jeff Clark, Louise Cruz, Caroline Harrah, Gretchen Lieff, Grace Neumann, Carla Tomson, Maria Wilson, Leanne Wood and Christina Zolotova. Major event sponsors included the duPont Registry, Sheila Herman, Michael Hammer and the Armand Hammer Foundation, Deckers Brands, SeaDream Yacht Club, Sunstone Vineyards and Winery, Exclusive Resorts, Ferrari Los Angeles, Montecito Bank & Trust, Pat & Ursula Nesbitt, Eric & Nina Phillips and Lieff Wines.The two-day car lover’s extravaganza kicked off on Friday evening with a sunset cocktail party for drivers and their navigators at an exclusive Montecito estate. The rally began Saturday morning as drivers began their 100-mile adventure, which included a scavenger hunt, a contest of local trivia and a road rally. © All Rights ReservedOnce back in Summerland, weary teams converged at Bella Vista Ranch & Polo Club for a celebration dinner, entertainment by The Tearaways, a live auction masterfully emceed by Andrew Firestone, dancing and the chance to show off their cars, admire others, and share stories from the day’s adventures.In all, about 350 guests enjoyed the finale event. The 2015 winner, Chris Ebertz, was slated to present the award to this year’s winner. But after it was announced that Ebertz and navigator Lark Cobb had won this year’s contest, the duo took the stage and joked about getting to keep the trophy for another year. © All Rights ReservedSecond-place winners were Karen Kahn and Roy Hildestad, who drove a 2013 Porsche 911. Third place went to Peter Sperling and Sean McCue in a 2014 Lamborghini Murciélago 640 LP Roaster.The rally was not about speed, but rather required teams to locate places, answer trivia questions and demonstrate physical skill. After leaving QAD, participants drove to the Santa Barbara Bowl, where they got to experience the stage in a way that only performers and their roadies usually do.Once on stage, a member of the team was required to hula hoop for 20 seconds to earn the clue about the next secret location. That happened to be Roblar Winery in Santa Ynez. From there the adventure continued driving along winding country roads to The Solvang Motorcycle Museum and then to The Farmstead where more challenges and trivia awaited.From the Valley, teams traveled back to Santa Barbara, where they stopped at the Goleta Boys & Girls Club and matched wits and knowledge with some of the club’s kids, engaging in a version of Are You Smarter Than a 5th-Grader? Although all teams were able to earn their next clue, we hear the kids “schooled” most of the participants, giving them a real run for their money.The evening was buzzing with energy from start to finish and all 350 guests were kept warm long after the sun went down thanks to Tina Datta of Sun Electric who provided gorgeous pashminas for all who attended. Next year’s rally is once again bound to sell out, so if you want to participate, mark your calendar and buy your ticket early.Click here for more information about the United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County, or call 805.681.1315. Click here to make an online donation.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 06, 2016

Starwood Motors is Taking One Lucky Combat-Injured Vetera...

The infamous goldRush Rally is scheduled for May 13-21 of this year, and the trip looks like it will be as epic as the previous eight years. Starting in Boston, the rally will travel through Washington, D.C. Charlotte, Nashville, and then hop over to the U.S. west coast to hit Colorado Springs, Salt Lake City, Las Vegas and end in Los Angeles. goldRush has been touted as a "premiere automotive lifestyle Rally."Starwood is teaming up with the goldRush Rally and offering the Warrior Rally, which will take place May 12-18 and follow the goldRush Rally down the eastern coast. To celebrate the bravery of combat-wounded veterans, Starwood Customs will fly the winning veteran from their hometown to Boston, Mass to join the goldRush Rally, and then escort the veteran on the rest of the eastern leg of the Rally.The veteran will ride in the Bandit, which is Starwood Custom's, "427 cubic inch supercharged pickup truck conversion Jeep Wrangler” and will be accompanied by the one and only, Camp Crocker, famed Jeep Builder and the newest addition to Starwood Motors Staff.For more information on the Warrior Rally and how to enter, make sure to visit the Starwood Motors website.

By Edward Jones – April 04, 2016

Barrett-Jackson Aucitoning Off Hennessey Velociraptor Fea...

The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company is known for their charitable lots, most recently the first 2017 Acura NSX. Now, for the 2016 Palm Beach auction they will be offering the Hennessey VelociRaptor that Jeremy Clarkson drove on "Top Gear".This truck started off as a Ford Raptor with a six-speed automatic transmission and ended up as a truck worthy of the Cretaceous name. Its supercharged 5.0-liter V8 was pumped up to 650 hp and makes a 0-60 mph run possible in just 5.3 seconds. It was wrapped in Pennzoil Yellow, modified further with new bumpers, wheels and a light bar that Clarkson said was so bright it resembles a "collapsed sun."Barrett-Jackson will be offering the car at their Palm Beach event, at approximately 2:00 pm on Friday, April 8, 2016. One hundred percent of this truck's hammer price will benefit The Paralyzed Veterans of America charity.(Click image to play video)

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