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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 Edward Jones – May 11, 2021

Motorsport Network to Acquire duPont Registry

Market leading luxury automotive platform to join Motorsport Network’s Driven Lifestyle division. Miami – May 11, 2021 - Motorsport Network, the integrated digital platform with a global monthly reach of 56 million automotive and racing fans, has agreed to acquire the prestigious duPont Registry, a market leader in the luxury automotive marketplace for over 36 years, dedicated to connecting affluent buyers with high-end exotic cars and luxury brands. For over three decades, duPont Registry has held the stakeholder position as the premier platform for the wealthy elite to buy and sell classic, luxury and exotic cars. duPont Registry’s brand authority, publication and digital properties lead the luxury automotive marketplace, and with an impressive reach of nearly10 million followers in social media, the business has captivated a highly exclusive and influential audience. Motorsport Network will strategically seat duPont Registry as the nexus of its newly created Driven Lifestyle division, harnessing the culture, community and commerce of the world’s luxury and classic automotive lifestyle in one ecosystem. The Driven Lifestyle portfolio features Canossa Events, synonymous with excellence in road touring, that organizes nearly 270+ marquee experiences per year for driving enthusiasts. Part of Canossa Events, Cavallino is a preeminent media and concours events company, hosting landmark events for high-end automotive collectors and admirers such as the 30th Annual Palm Beach Cavallino Classic.In community, FerrariChat is a leading global social platform and foremost voice on Ferrari, with 20+ years of experience connecting 200K engaged registered members. Dedicated to the artform of luxury vehicles, Amalgam Collection, founded in 1985, occupies a unique place in the history of fine car models, fashioning unrivalled examples of the world’s most iconic and luxurious cars at scale. With fast-growing global classic, luxury and exotic car markets and the acceleration of automotive digital retailing, the Driven Lifestyle portfolio will continue to expand Motorsport Network’s existing infrastructure internationally. As the center of this powerful network, duPont Registry is poised for a digital transformation, further extending its leadership position as the most influential, innovative and sophisticated ultra-luxury and exotic automotive marketplace, providing an exceptional experience for the affluent consumer dedicated to a driven lifestyle. Established in 1985, duPont Registry is the pioneer of the luxury and exotic automotive marketplace. Founders Thomas L. duPont and Steven B. Chapman had a shared vision of publishing a four-color glossy magazine for the luxury automotive market connecting affluent buyers with high-end brands. Once the acquisition of the duPont Registry is completed, Steven B. Chapman will be retiring as CEO / President of duPont Publishing. Steve’s sons will remain shareholders and hold the following titles of: William Chapman as CEO and Steven Chapman Jr. as President. Leveraging Motorsport Network’s advanced technology capabilities, the Chapman brothers will oversee duPont Registry’s digital transformation, elevating the platform as an ambassador of integrated business solutions for clients. Steven B. Chapman, CEO / President duPont Publishing said: “When we started the duPont Registry 37 years ago, I couldn't fathom the impact our brand would have on the luxury and exotic car marketplace as well as the affluent lifestyle segment. As amazing as it has been building this company with so many incredible people, it has been an experience of a lifetime being able to involve my sons from such an early age. It has been my dream that one day they would run the business and continue the duPont Registry legacy. The duPont Registry has been my life since I was 23 years old. Although I have received many unsolicited offers over the years, we never imagined selling this great company. Knowing that my sons would remain shareholders and be heavily involved in running the business with the resources and support of the Motorsport Network, I cannot wait to see what the future holds.” Ben Block, CEO Motorsport Network said: “We are incredibly honoured to be adding this prestigious property to our new Driven Lifestyle division. duPont Registry was first to market in its segment and with its authority built a bond of trust with its discerning audience. Utilizing Motorsport Network’s technology acumen and international reach, our goal is to elevate the user experience, offer clients more innovative solutions and grow the business globally.” About Motorsport Network Every month over 56 million dedicated users visit a Motorsport Network digital property, to buy, to learn, to be entertained, or simply to feed their passion for cars and racing. We sit at the heart of the Racing and Automotive industries and provide authoritative thought leadership as well as unique experiences to our customers. We take them on a customer journey that encompasses news and insights, events, tickets, games and esports, so we leverage the network effect to add value to their experience. We use our in-house technology and modern data tools to continuously test, learn and improve. Our processes, content creation and products are constantly evolving to better serve our audience. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 11, 2021

Hans Zimmer Scores The Soundtrack For Electrified BMW M M...

Life is too short for silent cars One of the most prolific composers, musicians, and philanthropists of the modern era is Hans Zimmer. From The Lion King, to Crimson Tide, The Rock, Inception, and Interstellar, his tunes evoke our best cinematic memories. As such, the fine folks at BMW M tapped him to make their upcoming electric cars sound better than anything else. Starting with the i4, they then moved on to the M version, and then to the iX. It is a collaboration with Renzo Vitale, Creative Director Sound at the BMW Group. Hans chose to set the M cars apart from the lesser models, saying: "Every BMW has its own character, which is reflected in the sound it makes. So for the electrically driven BMW M models we have developed a driving sound which accentuates their emotional driving experience particularly vividly and ensures their performance can be felt with even greater intensity.” So if you are in the market for the Ultimate (Electric) Driving Machine, click the button below and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW For Sale Images (C) BMW

By Andrew Nabors – May 10, 2021

Behind The Scenes At Chevrolet Performance

Why look somewhere else? If your classic GM product needs a breath of fresh air, the aftermarket is based around the Chevrolet V8. The most-dedicated among us will rebuild their engines at home, but your local dealer can make the process much easier. Chevrolet Performance builds new engines, by hand, at the Corvette Assembly Plant in Bowling Green, Lentucky. From there, each one is tested at the Milford Proving Grounds under the hood of new and classic Chevys. With options ranging from stock to Super Stock and NASCAR, most engine packages are backed by a full warranty if the install is done at a GM dealer. Click the button to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Chevy news. Shop Corvette Image (C) GM

MercedesAMGCustomerRacing Overallwin500 2021 03 source

By Andrew Nabors – May 07, 2021

Mercedes-AMG Celebrates 500th Win

They can't be stopped! Last weekend in England, a privateer AMG team earned Mercedes their 500th trophy. not just a Podium Finish, this is Victory Lane for the Mercedes-AMG GT3. Having had ample seat time in the AMG GT R Black Series, its easy to understand this achievement. On the dash is a dial. It offers 13 modes of ABS and stability control. This allows the GT3 to adapt to every corner, at every track. The feeling of hitting 1.1G in Mr. duPont's SLS AMG Roadster was unlike any other, and I sold my Corvette the week after. If you want to experience one for yourself, click the button and stay with us for all your AMG news! Browse Mercedes-AMG GT R For Sale Images (C) Daimler

By Andrew Nabors – May 04, 2021

Ducati Reports Unprecedented Q1 Sales & Growth

Desmo A' Go Go Since January 1st, Ducati has delivered no less than 12,803 motorcycles. This represents a 33% increase YTD. A 2% sales jump and loyal customers have flocked to ride the latest Italian Superbikes. As the 2-wheel division of Lamborghini, CEO Claudio Domenicali says: The performance in the first months of 2021 is certainly very positive. Motorcycles delivered to customers in the first quarter of the year grew not only compared to 2020, already impacted by Covid, but also compared to 2019. Even more remarkable is the size of the order portfolio (motorcycles to be delivered) at the end of the quarter, which is the best-ever, with an extraordinary 93% growth compared to 2020 and +135% compared to 2019. Enthusiasts are appreciating the 2021 range and the family of Ducatisti is expanding. The global market situation is positive in the world of two wheels, while the supply and transport sectors are much more complex, with delivery delays and a shortage of various raw materials. This makes it difficult to satisfy all the demand from our passionate customers, but at Ducati, we are strongly motivated to do everything we can to reduce the inconvenience caused by this situation. I want to thank all the women and men who, in Borgo Panigale and in our subsidiaries around the world, are working with great commitment in this period of high seasonality". What makes Ducati so unstoppable? Instead of valve springs, both the intake and exhaust valves are closed by a separate rocker arm. This means every Ducati revs faster and higher than any other production bike, so click the button below to experience one for yourself! Shop Ducati Images (C) Simon Palfrader©/Red & Ducati SPA

By Andrew Nabors – April 30, 2021

BMW E63 V10 M6 Screams Across The Autobahn

Turn up your volume Before almost every car went with giant turbos on small V8s, BMW offered a race-bred V10 in their M5 and M6. Competitors like the RS6 and the Gallardo also fought for ten-cylinder dominance, but BMW pulled out all the stops. The feeling of solid-tappet cams and individual intakes can be punctuated by a single-clutch SMG transmission, but a few made it here with six-speed sticks. This masterpiece could also be found in the M6 convertible and the M5 Sedan, and they are a bargain compared to late models. Toss in a fresh set of rod bearings and listen to this naturally aspirated masterpiece doing what it was designed for. Tell us your favorite M5/M6 story in the comments below and stay with us for all your BMW M Town updates. Shop M5 For Sale Shop M6 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 30, 2021

Audi Sport Unveils Six Bright Shades of the R8 LMS GT2

Taste the rainbow! Monza was fun for almost everybody this year, and Audi dominated the event. To celebrate the prowess of the latest R8 LMS, six new colors have been added to the program. This celebrates 13 years of the R8 racing around the world, and their latest GT2 car is tough to beat. It arrives with 640 horsepower to all wheels, unencumbered by street-legal civilities. Two weeks ago we saw a double-victory at Monza. It prompted Chris Reinke, Head of Audi Sport Customer Racing to say: “With one model per color, our Color Edition guarantees pure individuality and will not be issued a second time like this. It is unique compared to our competitors and attracts attention – whether as a collector’s item or as a race car at track days and competitions.” In case you missed it, Audi Sport has revamped all the RS models along with a bit more power for the 2022 R8 lineup We invite you to see what makes the R8 so consistent and comfortable by clicking the button below, and stay with us for all your Audi news. Browse Audi R8 For Sale Images (C) Audi Sport GMBH

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 29, 2021

Discovered On dR: 1957 Custom Hot Rod

A true 1-of-1 with story behind it Recently, We created Discovered on dR as a new Instagram page dedicated to posting the rare and unique finds listed on duPont REGISTRY. This 1957 Custom Hot Rod is being sold through Mecum Auctions at the Indy 2021 event as Lot No. S155. The professional build was completed by Dave Shuten to honor Ed 'Big Daddy' Roth and 1960s vintage Show Rods. Featured in the June 2007 issue of Rod the Custom, the hand-crafted and gel-coated fiberglass body houses a 1957 Chrysler 354 CI V-8 engine and Weiand blower. Click the link below for more information on this 1957 Custom Hot Rod through Mecum Auction. Check back in for more Discovered on dR, and don't forget to follow our page on Instagram For more Discovered On dR, Check out the 1958 F.M.R. Tg 500 View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 29, 2021

Richard Mille Unveils The New 'Racing Red' RM 07-01 At Th...

The perfect Richard Mille for the track and home In the past, we covered the release of the female-focused Richard Mille RM07-01 Collection, which featured two black and gold carbon tot models. Richard Mille is proud to announce the next addition to the collection is the Racing Red motorsport-focused version. Created from a combination of Carbon TPT and Quartz TPT, the lightweight case protects Richard Mille’s highly skeletonized in-house designed CRMA2 caliber automatic movement. With a power reserve of 50+ hours, the Racing Red RM 07-01 serves as the perfect tool for Richard Mille Racing Team drivers. Completing the lightweight design is a comfortable color-matched nylon/leather strap and titanium folding clasp. The newest Richard Mille received some testing by Beitske Visser, Sophia Floersch, and Tatiana Calderon during their FIA World Endurance Championship debut in the LMP2 category. The new motorsport-inspired Richard Mille Racing Red RM 07-01 is currently available through an authorized dealer. Richard Mille Instagram For more Watch news, Check out Discover The New Limited-Edition Ressence x SPYSCAPE Type 1 Slim

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