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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 – February 08, 2021

2022 Porsche 911 GT3 Debuts February 16th

Something wicked is about to be unchained in Stuttgart. The 2022 Porsche 911 GT3 will debut on February 16th in a live stream from the factory. Tune in to their YouTube page at 9am Eastern for an introduction by the Vice President and Brand Ambassadors. This will be the first 992-series 911 to be offered without forced induction so we hope it spawns a resurrection of the GT3 Touring. Will it spawn a manual transmission GT3 RS for sale? As with all GT cars, they are the centerpiece of our dealer's showrooms. Last week we showed you how the latest GT cars have evolved during testing, and the most anticipated details will be how much power they can squeeze from the naturally-aspirated flat-six. If you need a 9,000 rpm beast click the button below. Porsche 911 GT3 For Sale Image (C) Porsche A.G.

By Jordan Aquistapace – February 05, 2021

Watch The Airspeeder MK3, The Worlds First Flying Electri...

Fitting traditional cars with the capability of flying has been on the minds of millions with popular series like The Jetsons and Back to The Future. Matthew Pearson, Founder, Airspeeder, and Alauda Aeronautics, is making that dream a reality, with an added twist. Alauda Aeronautics is proud to unveil the world’s first flying electric racecar, which will race in remotely piloted Airspeeder competitions in 2021. The Airspeeder MK3 features a 96-kW electric powertrain operating with a thrust to weight ratio above two on a craft that weighs just 220-lbs unmanned. The Mk3 speeders will fly at speeds over 75mph and are laid out in an ‘octocopter X formation’. This provides significant advantages to pilots in terms of maneuverability and stability. When racing, the pilot will make the same sharp hairpin style turns as a Formula 1 car but with the added third dimension of being able to move vertically. The safety systems set in place include a LiDAR and Radar collision avoidance, creating a ‘virtual forcefield’ around the stiff carbon fiber from the Airspeeder MK3. After a year of development and testing, we are excited to see car racing take to the sky. For more Motorsport news, Check out Nothing Will Beat The 2022 Audi RS3 LMS Alauda Aeronautics

By Andrew Nabors – February 02, 2021

Mercedes-AMG GT3 Takes Top Honors At Daytona

Over the weekend we watched the 59th running of the Rolex 24. Considered to be one of the most brutal endurance races on the IMSA schedule, the Mercedes-AMG GT3 took top honors at Daytona. This year was a bit strange, with 5 classes running in the same event. The GTLM (GT LeMans) is home to incredible power and aerodynamics, but the cars are very far from production models. The Mercedes-AMG GT3 is sold to the public, and it is their last car to offer the legendary 6.3-liter V8. This indestructible juggernaut was also under the hood of Mr. duPont's SLS AMG Roadster, and it never failed to take my breath away. Needless to say, cars 57 and 75 finished 1-2 on Sunday afternoon. You can experience the same engineering and aerodynamics in the new Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, so click the button for all the details. Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale Images (C) Daimler A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2021

2022 Cadillac CT4-V & CT5-V Unveiled At Daytona

As part of the pre-race activities at this weekend's Rolex 24, the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing were unveiled at Daytona. Their latest V-Series cars will offer twin-turbo V6 and supercharged V8 power with a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmissions. The first 250 examples of each car can be reserved, and the details of both will be revealed in a live stream tonight at 7pm Eastern. Image and film (C) General Motors

By Andrew Nabors – January 28, 2021

Vagabund Moto Unleashes BMW M850i Project Car

A talented group of 2-wheel artists lives in Graz, Austria. Because their classic Russian Lada is getting too old to repair, Vagabund Moto has unleashed a BMW M850i project car. Needed a helping hand, the team from Autohaus Reiterer addressed their needs with an all-wheel-drive Bavarian beast. Remus supplied the throaty exhaust and HRE wheels are timeless. Check out the M850i First Edition then click the button to find your BMW M8 for sale. BMW M8 For Sale https://www.facebook.com/129307374090337/videos/199261238597414 Image (C) Vagabund Moto

The 2022 GMC HUMMER EV is designed to be an off-road beast, with

By Andrew Nabors – January 28, 2021

First GMC Hummer EV Heading To Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale

March will be a big month for GM and for charity because the first GMC Hummer EV is heading to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. What we will see is the concept car on the block, representing the opportunity to spec and own the first production Hummer EV. Right behind it will be the first retail-production 2020 Corvette Convertible, and proceeds from both will be donated to the United Way along with the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. We are begging Mr. duPont to bring them home, so cheer him on in the comments below. Meanwhile, a Hummer EV Supertruck will be the star of a new off-road series! Images (C) GM & Barrett-Jackson

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 27, 2021

Zenith's Defy 21 Urban Jungle Chronograph Makes An Impres...

The Defy Collection by Zenith is noted as the fastest Chronographs. Using a movement that tracks to 1/100th of a second, the line up comes in an array of color and material options. During LVMH Watch Week, Zenith unveiled a new rendition deemed the Defy 21 Urban Jungle. The 44mm timepiece features a Khaki Green ceramic case and open-worked dial, which allows for a closer look at the inner workings of the color-matched El Primero movement. A power reserve of 50-hours and 100-meter water resistance makes it the perfect watch to have on your wrist, even if caught in an actual jungle. The matching Khaki Green nylon-lined rubber strap further proves the functionality behind the luxury timepiece. As Zenith releases its fastest watch in one of the most unique versions seen, we are sure this will be a collector’s example for any watch enthusiast. The Zenith Defy 21 Urban Jungle is currently available through an authorized dealer for $14,500. For more Watch news, Check out Hublot x Takashi Murakami Release An All Black Limited Edition Classic Fusion

By Andrew Nabors – January 27, 2021

Mecum January Tops $141 Million In Sales & Setting New Re...

Although social distancing has forced the World's Largest Collector Car Auction to take precautions, Mecum January has topped $141 million in sales along with setting new records. Kissimmee is by far their largest event of the year, spanning 10 days with 2,030 cars finding new homes. Then the action moved 2 hours south, as the Muscle Car City Museum liquidated a collection of 200 timeless classics. Sell-through rates of 90% resulted in $141.2 million. Carroll Shelby's personal Cobra set a new benchmark for the world, with a hammer price of $5.4 million, so stay with us for all your Mecum news. Browse Upcoming Auction Docket Images (C) Mecum Auctions Video (C) NBC

By Andrew Nabors – January 27, 2021

Fast Financials 2020: BMW's Free Cash Flow Beats Market E...

While many brands took a hit during the lockdown, BMW's Free Cash Flow beats market estimates. In their latest Ad-Hoc announcement, we learn how they turned lemons into lemonade. For starters, the outbreak caused many owners to stay at home, so less warranty work means money saved. Chinese buyers made strong down payments, injecting even more cash. Parts inventories were also streamlined to keep fewer valuable items on the shelf. This allowed their Free Cash Flow for Q4 to be € 2.8 billion, or 1.3 billion Euro more than Q4 2019. Our main Fast Financials will show you how BMW bounced back! Browse BMW For Sale BMW Chart by TradingView Ticker (C) TradingView.com, Image (C) BMW USA

By Edward Jones – January 26, 2021

2020 – Record Year for Ultra-Luxury Private Jet Company

Presented by ONEflight - Finishing with the company’s strongest December on record is an accomplishment the executive team at ONEflight International Private Jets couldn’t be more proud of. Even with massive aviation setbacks in February, April and May they set company records in June and every month consecutively after, exceeding their lofty 2020 goals in every category. ONEflight, recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest-growing US companies, grew their private jet club membership by 48.6% with the number of fights booked also up 33% over last year, a great feat in spite of the pandemic. What lies ahead in 2021? ONEflight is laser-focused on continuing to improve on their already industry-leading luxury services. Several new technology upgrades to their booking engine, BAJIt.com, are the works with some deploying in Q1. Watch for a new app that expands on the entire private jet experience. Additionally, new partnership announcements with highly recognized luxury brands are forthcoming, providing even further VIP access for its members. These partners bring 100’s more exclusive destinations from private villas to secluded islands, new bucket-list experiences and more benefits across the board in new areas. ONEflight’s 2021 goal is to ensure that every trip exceeds your expectation and surpasses any luxury experience you’ve had. Follow ONEflight International Private Jets online @oneflightinternational, visit BAJit.com, ONEflight.net, or contact Mark Dismuke directly at +1.720.684.5650 or markdismuke@ONEflight.net for details. Visit BAJit.com

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