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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 – May 22, 2019

2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport Unveiled

For the past 30 years, Land Rover enthusiasts who didn't want or need the full size Range Rover often settled for its little brother. Commonly known as the "Disco", they are no less rugged or agile than their other models. Now that SUV sales are hot again, the 2020 Land Rover Discovery Sport was unveiled earlier today. It might look similar to its predecessor, but it is all-new. Starting with a new chassis, the Land Rover Premium Transverse Architecture is 13% stronger than the unibody it replaces. Both front and rear subframes have solid mounts, which kills most of the vibration that enters the cabin. Under the hood is their new 2.0L mild hybrid four-cylinder. It uses a 48V starter/generator along with a battery under the floor. It offers more efficiency in daily driving by creating a load under braking, and assistance when accelerating. Rated at 286 horsepower, this allows it to tow 4,409 lbs. Jaguar Land Rover is investing big bucks even on their smallest models, so you should check this one out at your local dealer. Click the link below to find one and stay with us for all your Land Rover news. Find Your Land Rover Discovery Here Related: duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee: May 2019 Jay Leno's Car Collection

By Edward Jones – May 21, 2019

Niki Lauda Has Passed Away at Age 70

The racing legend Niki Lauda has passed away at the age of 70. He passed away Monday evening with his closest family members by his side. “The motorsports world has lost its greatest fighter. The Mercedes family has lost an amazing mentor. And I have lost a true friend. Thanks Niki!” said Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars in a press release from Daimler. Image via Ferrari “This is a very sad day for me, having been fortunate to have actually seen him race and also for all fans of Ferrari and Formula 1,” commented Ferrari Vice President, Piero Ferrari, in a press release from Ferrari. “Niki leaves us having suffered so much and that is painful for me. He won so much with Ferrari and with other teams too and he always remained a friend. He was a fantastic driver, an accomplished businessman and an amazing person. I will miss him.” Niki was a three-time Formula 1 World Drivers' Champion, winning championships for both Ferrari (1975, 1977) and McLaren (1984). Between his '75 and '77 wins, a horrifying accident involving Lauda occurred during the 1976 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. In the aftermath of the crash, he only missed two races even though he suffered severe burns and lapsed into a coma. Niki still managed to place second in the 1976 World Driver's Championship, one point behind James Hunt. He then went on to easily take the championship in 1977. Niki Lauda was not only one of the greatest, if not the greatest, racing driver to have ever lived, but he was also courage personified. He survived a petrifying accident only to overcome his fears and push forward. Nothing could stop him. Even after retiring from racing, he was appointed Non-Executive Chairman of Mercedes-Benz Grand Prix Ltd. in 2012. The Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport team went on to win both the drivers’ and constructors’ Formula One World Championships five times between 2014 and 2018. “Niki will always remain one of the greatest legends of our sport - he combined heroism, humanity and honesty inside and outside the cockpit,“ said Toto Wolff, Team Principal of Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport. “Niki, you are quite simply irreplaceable, there will never be another like you. It was our honor to call you our Chairman - and my privilege to call you my friend.” Rest in Peace, Niki Lauda (1949-2019). Image via Daimler AG Featured Image via Daimler AG

By Andrew Nabors – May 20, 2019

2019 GMC Syclone Unveiled at duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee

Saturday was perfect weather for a car show. Our monthly event has become popular around the world thanks to Social Media, so our friends at Specialty Vehicle Engineering decided to bring their latest build. It has been 28 years since GMC added boost to their midsize truck. The original Syclone and Typhoon are still fast by modern standards, so a new version is long overdue. So we're glad the 2019 GMC Syclone for sale was unveiled at duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee. SVE was founded as Street Legal Performance in 1987 by Ed Hamburger. A drag racing legend with a history of developing performance parts, he decided to offer upgrades that would be legal in all 50 states. This takes time and patience, especially to pass California's Air Resources Board. Along with his son David, their first car was the 1992 Pontiac Firehawk. Their modifications were so popular that GM allowed them to take over Firebird WS6 production in 1994. After reviving the Camaro SS in 1996, they were turning out thousands of cars annually. Ed decided to retire and sold the company to Jack Roush, but sitting idle is not his style. After doing some research, he found out who owned the Yenko name. After intense negotiations, they resurrected the Yenko Camaro. Their SVE 1000 Yenko Camaro was unveiled here in 2017, and orders are still flowing in. This allowed them to purchase the rights to Syclone and Typhoon from GM, and work began. After digging deep into the 3.6L V6, they developed a supercharger unlike any other. The new Syclone is force-fed by a centrifugal blower, but you can't hear it. Behind the pulley is a set of patents that will blow your mind, that's all we can tell you. It allows for maximum boost at an instant, and almost no drag on the crank when its not needed. Because of this, you will have 455 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. Transforming the GMC Canyon into the Syclone took more than power. To make sure it hooks, traction bars run the entire length of the driveshaft. New leaf springs and new coils drop the truck 2" front and 6" rear.The front swaybar is massive, and the rear has two eyelets for adjustment. Alex Borla and his team developed the first exhaust for this V6 that eliminates drone. SVE wheels measure 20"x10" and are wrapped in 275 mm tires at all corners. Brakes are 6-piston calipers on 13.6" rotors, with aluminum hats to reduce weight. Because of all the details involved, only 100 trucks will be built each year. It is available from all GMC dealers for $39,995 (in addition to your 2WD or 4WD GMC Canyon). If you already have a V6 Canyon or GMC Colorado, the supercharger retails for $6,000, and most of the other pieces will be available a-la carte. Each Syclone is covered by the factory warrany, and it can be serviced at any GM dealer. Click the link below for all the details and stay with us for all your SVE updates. Click Here For More Info https://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/322696711738741/

By Andrew Nabors – May 17, 2019

How to Configure Your McLaren GT

This one is truly a game-changer. We've seen every configurator since Al Gore invented the internet, and nothing compares to what you are about to see. So, without further adieu, here is how to configure your McLaren GT. Their latest car is offered in three flavors: Standard, Pioneer, and Luxe. It is hard to believe, but standard comes with manual seats and steering column. Needless to say, NOPE. Pioneer trim considers Alcantara an upgrade, and it comes with power heated seats along with ambient lighting. I like hides and I can not lie, so the Luxe package has Softgrain Aniline leather everywhere, and adds machined aluminum accents in all the right places. Next up are two styles of wheels, a classic silver 5-spoke, or the stunning 15 spoke. We chose the latter with a diamond-cut/gloss black finish. After that was the carbon fiber exterior pack (how should that be optional). Now its on to the glass. the twin roof panels and the rear pillars can be clear, tinted or electrochromatic. The third is an MSO option, and it gives you the choice of clear or dark at an instant. If you are wondering about the paint, Burton Blue is an MSO color that really highlights the curves in the body. McLaren offers no less than 30 paint choices, or MSO can match any sample you send them. On the inside, the Luxe Interior offers several solid colors and combinations. We chose Porcelain & Ink Blue. Sandstone carpet was a tough decision, but it will look great with the sun coming through the roof. Also, don't buy a McLaren without the carbon fiber interior, they really know how to do it right. Finally, you need the optional fitted luggage. It is designed to compliment your lifestyle and fully utilize the front and rear cargo areas. Only so much can be anticipated over the internet, so that's why our dealers are the best resource to spec your car. Click the link below to find a dealer near you, and stay with us for all your McLaren news. Find Your McLaren Here " width="680"> Related: New McLaren GT in Detail by Carfection Meet the new McLaren GT

By Andrew Nabors – May 15, 2019

Would You Drive a Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster?

Welcome back to the battle for 300 mph. We have three countries fighting to build the world's first 300 mph production car. France is represented by Bugatti, Sweden has Koenigsegg, and the U.S. has Hennessey Special Vehicles. Today signals the start of production on their Venom F5 Coupe. Two dozen cars have been ordered, with each carrying a price tag of $1.6 Million dollars. What John Hennessey wants to know, is would you drive a Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster? The carbon fiber monocoque was engineered and designed by Delta Motorsport in Silverstone. All of their calculations were based around a solid roof, so it would take time and a few dollars to build a targa version. Behind the cockpit is a 463 ci Chevrolet V8. It uses twin turbos to make 1,600 horsepower and 1,300 lb-ft of torque. This level of power will destroy almost any dyno or strain gauge, so it will be possible to reach 300 mph without the resources of the big guys. Even if there is not enough room to bring the top with you, it would certainly be nice to have an open-air experience. Currently, only Lamborghini and Pagani offer carbon fiber coupes with targa tops, so it would be nice to have an American option. Tell us what you think of these renderings in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Hennessey Special Vehicles updates. Hennessey Special Vehicles Related: How Does the Hennessey Venom F5 Make 1,600 Horsepower? Hennessey Venom F5: 300 mph Rival to the Bugatti Chiron

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2019

Aston Martin DB5 James Bond Continuation Update

Last year, we told you about their wild plan. Aston Martin and EON Productions are teaming up to build 25 movie stars. Taking inspiration from Agent 007, they will allow you to reenact your favorite automotive scenes. This limited run is getting closer to production, so here is an Aston Martin DB5 James Bond continuation update. Using original blueprints, each car will be a new 1964 DB5. That is quite an effort itself, but they didn't stop there. Oscar-winning special effects wizard Chris Corbould OBE is developing new versions of the gadgets used in Goldfinger. It was also the star of Thunderball, along with the recent Daniel Craig trilogy. If you are looking for your own classic Aston Martin, click the link below Aston Martin For Sale Related: Aston Martin to Recreate James Bond's DB5 Lego James Bond Aston Martin DB5 Announced

By Andrew Nabors – May 10, 2019

Prince Harry & Land Rover Prepare for Invictus Games

Prince Harry became a father this week, but that doesn't mean he has forgotten about his comrades. He founded the Invictus games in 2014 to allow wounded warriors to compete on the world stage. The Duke of Sussex served 10 years in the Royal Army, with two tours in Afghanistan. Next year his games will be held in The Hague, and the countdown has begun. To build anticipation for the event, Prince Harry and Land Rover are preparing for the Invictus Games. Jaguar Land Rover Limited holds a Royal Warrant from his father and grandparents, so he could probably ask for anything in their lineup. But nothing has generated more press than the return of the Defender. That's why a Defender prototype was wrapped in wild camouflage in their latest press release. Technically, he doesn't have to give it back, so perhaps it will be the perfect ride for baby Archie. The new Defender will arrive soon, so our dealers need to make room. Click the link below for great deals on classic Defenders near you. Browse Defenders For Sale " width="680"> Related: Land Rover Announces Limited Run of V8 Defenders

By Andrew Nabors – May 08, 2019

Five Ferrari 458 Challenge Cars For Sale

Do you have four friends that enjoy racing? If so, Ferrari Maserati of Fort Lauderdale has five examples of the Ferrari 458 Challenge for sale. The Ferrari Challenge began in 1993 as a way for customers & dealers to participate in events around the world. Full factory support has led to advancements on the track and the street, and owning a Race-Ready Ferrari is not as imposing as you think. As with each new generation, the 488 Challenge cars are arriving with 670 horsepower from their twin-turbo 3.9L V8. Their isn't anything wrong with wanting the newest car. But the 458 Challenge was the end of an era. A naturally aspirated V8 with 570 horsepower forces you to shift gears at the exact right time. The race-tuned engine shoots flames with each shift, and can easily spend all day above 8,000 rpm.You could spend top-dollar on a new race car, but a 458 Challenge car has become the standard to which others are judged. A Large Oil Cooler & Carbon Fiber Intake Are Standard Equipment Ferrari Maserati of Fort Lauderdale has a sister store up north, Ferrari of Long Island. They are authorized sales & service facilities for all Challenge Cars, and the home base for many customer teams. That means you wont have to worry about buying an abused machine. Every detail is recorded. Engine hours, oxygen sensor readings, spark plug life, and even tire wear. 458 Challenge & 458 Speciale Leaving Our Headquarters Aside from the cars that have not seen a track, each car also has its own racing pedigree. A story of competition, trials and tribulations, and living to race another day. It is your turn to write the next chapter, so take a look at these listings below: 2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge View Listing 2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge View Listing 2013 Ferrari 458 Challenge View Listing 2013 Ferrari 458 Challenge View Listing 2011 Ferrari 458 Challenge View Listing And if you are curious as to the car's abilities, here is the car being introduced in Valencia. Dust off your helmet and make sure your fire suit still fits, because you are in for the ride of a lifetime! Sell My Ferrari 458: Get a Cash Offer " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 08, 2019

Ferrari Q1 Sales & New Models Coming Our Way

We have some big news from Maranello! In their latest press release, Ferrari posts Q1 sales with new models coming our way. Led by the introduction of the Portofino, every figure in their sales report is very positive. It all boils down to a 23% increase in shipments compared to last year. In terms of models, they are winding down production on the 488 GTB Coupe & 488 Spider. The final examples will be the 488 Pista Spyder, a fitting end to this era. Several examples of the FXX K Evo were delivered, along with many personalized 812 Superfasts. The most important information is that the new F8 Tributo is one of 5 new cars for 2019. This is also unprecedented, so stay with us for all your Ferrari updates. Find your Ferrari Portofino Here " width="680"> Related: Ferrari Premium: Official Maintenance for Your Classic The ONLY Six-Speed Ferrari F430 Scuderia is For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 07, 2019

Lamborghini Polo Storico Finds the Miura from "The Italia...

It has been 50 years since the the premiere of "The Italian Job", and many considered the wrecked Lamborghini Miura to be long gone. But there is another side to the story. In the latest news from Sant'Agata Bolognese, Lamborghini Polo Storico has found the Miura from "The Italian Job". Paramount didn't have the budget for destroying a new Miura, so they chose a heavily damaged one for the action scene. They needed a pristine example for the driving scenes, and one was coming down the assembly line. Retired employee Enzo Moruzzi remembers delivering the car to the set, so he was asked to help authenticate the car. It had changed hands several times, winding up in the Kaiser Collection of Vaduz. It was shipped from Liechtenstein to Polo Storico, where it was examined top to bottom. All the numbers matched, and Chassis #3586 proved to be the "Hero Car" of the film's opening scenes. Being authenticated by the factory, it is now among the most valued Lamborghinis in existence. If you want to experience the thrill of a transverse V12, click the link below and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Find Your Lamborghini Miura Here " width="680">

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