Articles

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 – July 09, 2018

Rolls-Royce To Show Entire Lineup @ Goodwood

If you want to display anything at an auto show, it costs money. Your price per square foot goes up exponentially once it reaches a critical mass, but sometimes its just worth it to go all-in and make everyone else look tiny by comparison. That is the strategy Rolls-Royce has announced this morning in a press release.For the first time, they will be displaying every model at this year's Goodwood Festivals of Speed. Until now, they have used the prestigious event to unveil one or two bespoke models or the launch of a new trim level (like the Black Badge). On a "highly curated" spot next to Goodwood House, you will be greeted by the Rolls-Royce of SUVs. The Cullinan will be surrounded by highly optioned examples of the Dawn, Wraith, Ghost, and the brand's flagship Phantom.Next to the main display will be a gallery of photography exhibition along with two Cullinan prototypes. Both have been given temporary stays of execution to show the world just how brutal the test process was. From the deserts of Arabia to the Bonneville Salt Flats, both wear their scars with honor. Visitors and fans can use the hashtag #RollsRoyceFoS to share their experience. And as always, if you are looking for the best automotive content on Instagram, be sure to #dupontREGISTY anything that is fast and exotic. Stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce updates.Browse Rolls-Royce For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 09, 2018

Nissan GT-R50 Will Be $1 Million

Thanks to an unprecedented response to the first announcement, Nissan says the GT-R50 Might see production. We told you about this 50th Anniversary of the GT-R last week, with a concept set to be unveiled July 12th at Goodwood. But Nissan is not known to build anything without the possibility of production.Nissan 50th Anniversary GT-R50 by ItaldesignNissan and Italdesign have shed more light on this gorgeous car. Alfonso Albaisa, Nissan's Senior VP of design said: "The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the ideal setting to showcase the Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign, which combines power and artistry to celebrate 50 years of inspiring the dreams of our customers. Just like the prototype itself, Goodwood is a celebration of design, performance, a little indulgence and a lot of love of historic and future automotive creativity. It's the perfect setting to showcase a unique vehicle that will stir the imagination of people to dream even bigger."The real news in this press release is that NISMO has boosted their 3.8L V6 to 720 metric horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque. A handbuilt engine in an Italian body is not an inexpensive combination so 50 examples could be priced at $1 Million each. Of course, we hope they give this car the green light, so stay with us for all your Goodwood and Nissan news.Browse Nissan GT-R For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=qXYuyulh00Y

By Andrew Nabors – July 07, 2018

Tesla Model 3 Performance: Skidpad Drifting

Somehow we always find new ways to leave work on Friday. Either this is an instrumented test of the Tesla Model 3 Performance edition, or it is Elon Musk celebrating. He set a goal for his employees to build 5,000 examples of the new Model 3 by July 1st, and working 24/7 they did it. A few of those cars were the Model 3 Performance, which has AWD thanks to motors on both axles.Tesla Model X Tows Boeing 787 For Guinness World RecordFeatured on electrek.co, the motors for the performance edition are picked by hand, after going through twice the burn-in procedure used on the normal Model 3. The manufacturer rates the 0-60 time at 3.5 seconds with a top speed limited at 155 mph. The car is around 1,000 lbs lighter than a Model S P100D, so it should make for a nimble & fun family sedan. If you don't want to wait, our dealers have great offers on pre-owned Model S and Model X examples. Stay with us for all your Tesla updates.Browse Tesla For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 06, 2018

BMW Unveils M5 Mission: Impossible Edition

Ethan Hunt needs a powerful car, so the latest BMW M5 is the star of Mission: Impossible Fallout. Played by Tom Cruise, the film received a deal of support from BMW in providing the Hero and stunt cars. If you have always wanted to be an IMF agent, BMW of Japan announced a special edition of the M5.BMW M5 Co-Stars in “Mission: Impossible – Fallout”More than just an appearance package, horsepower was raised to 616 hp, which allows it to reach 62 mph in 3.3 seconds. Finished in the same Singapore Gray as the movie cars, each one arrives with Mission Impossible badges on the B-pillar.The suggested price is ¥ 19,640,000, or only $177,766 at time of press. It's already tomorrow in Japan, so perhaps BMW USA will have a press release for us soon. If you want a more reasonably priced M5, click the link below and stay with us for all your BMW news.BMW M5 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 06, 2018

Toyota Supra Is Heading To Goodwood

Supra fans, your wait is nearly over. In a tweet by Toyota Europe, we've learned the 5th generation Supra will be unveiled at the Goodwood Festival of speed. It has been co-developed with BMW as the basis for their new Z4. We know it will have a straight six and impressive performance, but we hope it is not a carbon copy of the BMW. #ToyotaSupra is back.A90.At Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018 @fosgoodwood pic.twitter.com/qFe2aSP46k — Toyota Europe (@toyota_europe) July 5, 2018 What will this do to the value of the previous generation Supras? We will find out next weekend, so stay with us for complete coverage of the 25th Anniversary of the Goodwood Festivals of Speed. Check out this footage from Automotive Mike & tell us what you think of the new Supra in the comments below.Browse Toyotas For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 05, 2018

Murdered Out GTA Spano Shines in Madrid

If you are looking for something very rare, only 99 examples of the GTA Spano are built each year. It was one of the highlights of Autobello Madrid. For the 11th Anniversary of Spain's most significant supercar show, Spania GTA CEO Domingo Ochoa showed off their latest creation. Joining him along with the other VIP guests were Oscar and Ruben Fangio, the sons of 5-time F1 winner Juan Manuel Fangio.2016 GTA Spano Unveiled at GenevaThe latest iteration of the GTA Spano is powered by an all-new twin turbo 7.9 liter V10. Previously they used the Viper's V10 supplied by Dodge, but the end of production forced them to build something new. It arrives with 925 horsepower and 900 lb-ft of torque. A 7-speed sequential transmission has carbon fiber synchros, and it will have you at 62 mph in 2.9 seconds. The body is a carbon-fiber monocoque reinforced with titanium and graphene, making one of the most advanced on the market. With a top speed over 230 mph, this monster from Valencia is ready to take on the world. Click the link below for more info and stay with us for all your Spano updatesLearn More

By Andrew Nabors – July 05, 2018

Netflix "Fastest Car" Features Lamborghini Aventador S

One of the hottest automotive shows on Netflix is "Fastest Car". Hosted by Pepper Yandell, it caught the eye of Lamborghini when he reviewed the Huracan. For a command performance, they allowed him to drive a stunning Aventador S as part of the "Passione Italia" event. In a press release last night, we see a stunning Giallo Orion Aventador S.Justin Bieber Has Lamborghini Aventador S DeliveredThey allowed him to drive from the factory in Sant'Agata to the Adriatic coast. Through Tuscany and ending in Florence, it will be featured on an upcoming episode of his series. The Aventador S is not just a fresh face on the same car we love, it is packed with upgraded electronics, magnetic suspension and rear wheel steering. That last feature alone is worth every penny because it allows this supercar to turn in tight circles and navigate narrow roads with ease. Click the link below to experience it for yourself and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news.Browse Lamborghini Aventador S For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 05, 2018

Audi e-tron Prototype On Stage

While we were celebrating Independence day, Audi put the production-ready e-tron on stage. The Royal Danish Playhouse in Copenhagen was the setting and the press release shows us the interior for the first time. While the exterior is still wrapped in e-tron specific camouflage, their first electric car is loaded with luxury.Audi e-tron Has 400 Volt Charging!Two 7" OLED screens are the centerpiece of the Audi Virtual Cockpit. It uses HD cameras instead of side mirrors, and they work with front and rear ones to create a 360-degree view to help with parking and safe maneuvering. Three views are available: highway, turning, and parking. Entertainment is handled by 16 Bang & Olufsen speaker that are sound-staged for a proper 3D audio effect. The center console also incorporates mood lighting, and it has open sidewalls between the driver and passenger seats.Speaking of the seats, they are weather refined Valcona hides with contrast stitching and piping. The entire body shell arrives loaded with insulation that is tuned to eliminate any sounds of the electric driveline. With a wheelbase of 9.6 feet, it will be a smooth & capable family hauler. Hopefully, it will incorporate the 800v fast-charge feature that Porsche is placing at all their dealers, so as soon as we have more info you will see it here first.Browse Audi For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 29, 2018

Nissan 50th Anniversary GT-R50 by Italdesign

Many young enthusiasts only know about the Nissan GT-R from the introduction of the R35 series in 2007. But Nissan and its Datsun predecessors have been building the GT-R for 50 years. Also turning 50 this year is the Italian Coachbuilder Italdesign. Their designs have influenced many production cars, so Nissan gave them a blank canvas to create the GT-R50. In a press release last night, we have learned this gorgeous car is based on a 2018 Nismo Edition. Nissan Vice President Alfonso Albasia said: "How often do you get to ask, 'What if we created a GT-R without limits,' and then actually get to build it? This is a rare window in time when two big moments intersect: 50 years of Italdesign shaping the automotive world and 50 years of Nissan generating excitement through our iconic GT-R."Racers Beware: Japan Just Got a Nissan GT-R Police Car"So to celebrate this convergence, Nissan and Italdesign created this custom GT-R to mark 50 years of engineering leadership." Under the hood, they took inspiration from the aftermarket. The 3.8 liter V6 received forged internals to handle more boost. It offers 710 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque between 3,600 and 5,600 rpm. The press release made no mentions of how many will be built, so stay with us for all your Nissan news.Browse Nissan GT-R For Salehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=QmGawXG8mYo

By Andrew Nabors – June 29, 2018

Are You Ready for the Ford Ranger Raptor?

Unless you believe in a flat Earth, it is already tomorrow in New Zealand. Most of us (Especially Ford Engineers) know our planet is not only round, it has rough terrain once you leave the pavement behind. That is why the F150 Raptor has been such a slam dunk. Turning to Fox Racing, the suspension offers comfort on the road along with the nice ability to go airborne over broken ground. Ford of NZ is already advertising the new Ranger Raptor, so it should be here soon!Ford Announces Ranger Raptor and We Want It…NowNow the same approach has been used on the Ranger Raptor. It is already heading to dealers in Australia and New Zealand, and they will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbo diesel. Oil burners are a hard sell here in the US, so most of us are betting our baby Raptor will use the EcoBoost 2.7 V6 found in the F150. It is essentially a de-stroked version of the 3.5 EcoBoost found in F150 Raptor and the Ford GT Supercar. We have an F150 with that engine as shop truck, and it has a potent kick once the turbos spool. The boss also has a 2018 F150 Raptor, and it is nothing short of amazing. Not that we would, but a few basic mods will allow for more boost and no turbo lag. So until the Ranger Raptor arrives, stay with us for updates on this mean machine.Browse Ford F150 Raptor For Sale

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe