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 17, 2019

2020 Corvette Stingray Possibilities

Tomorrow night, Chevrolet will unveil the 8th generation Corvette to the world. Because it is such a radical departure from the last C7 Corvette, we figured on highlighting some of the speculations. So here are the Top 5 2020 Corvette Stingray Possibilities. Dual Overhead Cams 1991 Corvette ZR1 (C) Daniel Schmitt & Co. Instead of one camshaft operating all the valves, the new engine could be the return of 4 cams above the cylinder heads. It is not a new idea, as Corvette's Chief Engineer always wanted them. Zora Arkus-Duntov fled Nazi Germany and emigrated to NYC. There he developed overhead cam conversion kits for the Ford Flathead V8. The "Ardun" heads doubled the engine's power and they are worth a fortune today. Also, the 1990 to 95 Corvette ZR1 sported dual overhead cams in a 5.7L V8 designed by Lotus and built by Mercury Marine. Mercury Racing's latest SB4 is a 7.0L DOHC Chevrolet V8, and they sell it as a crate engine for custom car builds. Perhaps history will repeat itself. The base model C8 will probably stick to a single cam with pushrods, with the Z06 eventually resurrecting this technology. All Wheel Drive CERV II- Sold for 1.1 Million by RM Sotheby's (c) RM Sotheby's Not only did Zora beg his bosses for a mid-engine Corvette, but his prototype has a 7.0L aluminum V8 and All Wheel Drive. The system used fluid couplings to divide torque front to rear, but the car was so fast it scared everyone except Zora himself. Corvette Experimental Research Vehicle 2 (CERV II) is the most famous prototype in Chevrolet history. There is no reason to not offer AWD, or at least make room for an electric motor to power the front wheels. Dual Clutch Transmission Only 2020 Mustang GT500 Shifter (c) Ford Ford and Chevrolet have been collaborating on transmissions for a few years. That is how the Raptor and the Camaro have the same indestructible 10-speed automatic. The 2020 Mustang Shelby GT500 has an all-new 7-speed dual-clutch, and the manufacturer mentioned the same internals could be fitted to a rear-mounted transaxle. One major issue with mid-mounted engines is the cost involved with a manual transmission. We hope Chevrolet will find a way to offer a manual transmission, if not, the backlash could lead to bad press. Carbon Fiber Chassis Mecum Sold This Gorgeous Pagani Huayra (c) Mecum Auctions GM has invested nearly half a billion dollars in the Corvette assembly plant. This allowed the C7 frame to be several times stronger than the C6. Aluminum is affordable, but the notion of a carbon fiber chassis and body has been tossed around online. The latest Silverado truck bed is all carbon fiber, so we know they are learning how to build complex shapes that are strong and light. High-Speed Electronics Tesla Pioneered In-Car LAN Systems (c) Tesla Chevrolet will use the Corvette to debut an all-new electrical system. Each computer and module will be connected by a network capable of 10 Gigabits per second. Building this network has been a challenge, and it has been blamed for why the C8 missed the New York Auto Show. Could the system be solid-state? Every Koenigsegg has solid-state electronics, meaning that every light is an LED, and you won't find an analog relay anywhere. Everything is done with transistors for years of reliability. Koenigsegg One:1 (C) Koenigsegg This might be asking too much from Chevrolet, but it would make for a reliable & efficient Corvette. The countdown clock is ticking, and all will be revealed tomorrow night at 10:30 pm Eastern/7:30 pm Pacific. A massive airship hangar in Tustin, California will be host to Corvettes new & old, so be sure to watch the Livestream at media.chevrolet.com/nextgenCorvette Stay with us for complete coverage following the festivities. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 16, 2019

Roush "Old Crow" Ford Mustang is Heading to AirVenture 2019

Back in June, we gave you a teaser of the latest collaboration between Roush & Ford. As a way to support the Experimental Aircraft Association, the Roush "Old Crow" Ford Mustang is heading to AirVenture 2019. This annual fly-in is a week-long celebration of American aviation. Ford has been supporting the show for 21 years, building special vehicles for the auction. All the proceeds will be donated to the EAA, a non-profit group of 200,000 pilots, veterans, and the skilled crews that keep us in the air. Inspired by a legendary P-51 Mustang, Jack Roush and his team supercharged and customized the car. It offers 710 horsepower and 610 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed manual transmission. The exterior markings are almost identical to a plane flown by Colonel Bud Anderson. He spent six hours in the air on D-day and ended WWII as a Triple Ace. He is planning to attend the auction in Oshkosh on July 25th. Kudos to Ford and Roush for empowering the next generation of American pilots, and honoring a living legend. If you have been considering a Roush Mustang, click the link below and stay with us for all your Ford news. Browse Roush Mustangs For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 15, 2019

Saleen S1 Makes Track Debut in Portland

A test drive is a great way to sell a car, but a test race will seal the deal. Our friend Steve Saleen has a new approach to marketing his latest supercar. The 2019 Saleen Cup kicked off this weekend, and it saw the Saleen S1 make its track debut in Portland. The Saleen Cup consists of 20 new cars with identical setups. Each wears a different livery and they will do battle for 50 minutes as part of the Blancpain GT World Challenge America. The big news is that it is a very affordable way to get into racing. Each car needs a 2-person team, which pays $42,000 per weekend for both races. So each member only has to pay $21,000 for the event, and this covers the car, safety gear, and everything else. The racers fall into 2 categories: Young Drivers are up to 28 years old, and Pro-AM drivers are 29 years or older. The top driver from each category will earn a paid seat in Saleen's GT4 car for the 2020 season. The car they will be driving is the long-awaited Saleen S1. Portland International Raceway (Ore.) – July 12-14, 2019 Watkins Glen (NY) – August 30 – Sept.1, 2019 Road America (Wis.)– Sept. 20-22, 2019 Las Vegas Motor Speedway (NV) – Oct 18-20, 2019 The cup cars have a carbon fiber body over a 4130 tube frame chassis. A Saleen 2.2L engine sends 450 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque to a paddle-shift 6-speed automatic. Brakes measure 15" front and 14" rear, and race tires are supplied by Continental. The street-legal version also offers a six-speed manual and all modern conveniences. Considering the cost of fielding your own team, the Saleen Cup is a bargain price to get behind the wheel. If you need V8 power, we have a few Saleen S7 for sale. Click the link below and stay with us for all your Saleen news. Browse Saleen S7 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 05, 2019

Radical Rapture Unveiled at Goodwood

Take one look at their lineup, and you will understand why this brand is named Radical. Their approach to building incredible cars is aerodynamics combined with a lightweight body. It allowed the SR8 to win Pike's Peak in 2015. They also set the world's fastest 'Ring time in 2009, lapping the Green Hell in 6:48.28. That time was unbeaten until the Porsche 911 GT2 RS in 2017. Now it looks like they might have a new contender, as the Radical Rapture was unveiled at Goodwood. Already street-legal in the U.K., their press release mentions the eventual homologation to markets around the world. The chassis is FIA compliant, and it utilizes the latest version of their Nik-link suspension. Easy adjustable between track and street, it allows the Ford EcoBoost 4-cylinder to put 350 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque to the ground. Unfortunately, a six-speed paddle-shift automatic is the only transmission option. Nevertheless, it is a proper English sports car combined with the latest in technology. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale Related: 2020 DeTomaso P72 Unveiled at Goodwood 2020 Ford GT MK II Will Arrive Ready to Race

By Andrew Nabors – July 03, 2019

2020 Lotus Evija Hypercar Teased Before Goodwood Sneak Peek

Sports cars can be light, fast, or electric. At least that's what we have encountered so far. But the latest news from England gives us hope that a featherweight electric car is possible. In their latest press release, the 2020 Lotus Evija has been teased before its sneak peek at Goodwood. Spectators to this weekend's Festival of Speed will have an opportunity at a sneak peek. The name is pronounced ev-eye-a, and it means the first in existence. Indeed, it is the first electric Lotus, and their first model developed under the ownership of Geely Automotive. Internally known as Type 130, Lotus confirmed that only 130 examples will be produced. While the production version won't be shown until later this year, Lotus fans can experience a laser light show in their display. It will offer several design cues to build interest. Also on display will be the Evora GT4, and it will be making a run up the hill on Sunday. Tell us what you think about an electric Lotus in the comments below and stay with us for all your Evija updates. Browse Lotus For Sale " width="680"> Related: What to See at Goodwood 2019 Jay Leno Drives the Lotus Evora 400

By Edward Jones – July 02, 2019

Wheels and Wardrobe: The American Edition

On Thursday, July 4th will be upon us. That means that the United States will be celebrating our independence in various ways. Even though we'll all be celebrating and having a good time, you still have to look good while doing it. For that reason, we have a nice outfit with a couple of cars that are perfect for the occasion. Check it all out below! Muscle Car Fastback Mustang "Eleanor" Shop Now USA SUV Gateway Bronco shop now Two-Wheeled Freedom Confederate Motorcycles shop now See the Time Vortic "The Springfield 161" shop now Block The Sun Randolph Intruder Sunglasses shop now Seriously Block The Sun Stetson Mountain Sky Hat Show Now Put On Your Pants Polo Ralph Lauren Sullivan Denim Jeans shop now And Camo Jacket Polo Ralph Lauren Camo Twill Jacket shop now Stars and Stripes Polo Ralph Lauren Embroidered Shirt shop now American-Made Footwear Red Wing Heritage 6" Moc Toe shop now

By Andrew Nabors – July 02, 2019

Top 7 American Cars for Independence Day 2019

Thirteen rebellious British colonies had to endure 7 years of war to secure their freedom. Delegates met in Philadelphia during the first week of July 1776 to formally announce our cause to the world, and this Thursday will mark 243 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed. In a letter to his wife, Founding Father John Adams said our "day of deliverance should be celebrated with games, sports, guns, bells, and bonfires from one end of the continent to the other." We think he would have included fancy carriages also, but peacetime was still 7 years away. So here are our Top 7 American Cars for Independence Day 2019. Corvette (c) General Motors This will be the most significant year in the history of the Chevrolet Corvette. The 8th generation model will be unveiled in two weeks, and it will be a mid-engine monster. If you prefer to have your engine in front of you, click the link below for great deals on the final examples of the C7. View Listings Challenger Hellcat (c) Fiat-Chrysler If you missed out on the limited run of the Dodge Demon, the latest Challenger Hellcat Redeye has 797 horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque. Light the fuse on the rocket and you will have consistent 10-second quarter-mile times. It is loaded with features no other car offers. Torque Reserve, Power Chiller, After-Run Chiller, and a Line Lock from the factory...You won't find them anywhere else. View Listings Cadillac CTS-V (c) General Motors Like many legendary superheroes, the CTS-V is going out on top. What began as a wild project on 2004 will come to an end later this year. Being a low-volume model has already made them immortalized as the car that saved a brand. Nothing beats a comfortable sedan with a supercharged Corvette Z06 V8 under the hood. View Listings Viper (c) Fiat-Chrysler Ok, this one might draw some criticism as it has been discontinued, again. Nevertheless, the Dodge/SRT Viper was and is an American assertion of power. It was the last collaboration between Lee Iaccoca and Carroll Shelby, and the V10 engine traces its legacy back to the legendary 440 Magnum. If you need an automatic transmission, look somewhere else! View Listings Mustang (c) Ford Motor Company If you have never seen the iconic chase scene from the movie Bullitt, it proved the potency of Ford's Big Block engine in the lightweight Mustang. With all the history of SVT, SVO, Cobras and the Mustang GT, the 2019 Mustang Bullitt offers 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque from the 5.0L V8. Not only is it more powerful than the Big Block cars, it offers 24 mpg and a six-speed stick. View Listings Camaro (c) General Motors Big news for Camaro Comrades comes in the form of a new trim level. The 2020 Camaro LT1 is named after its 6.2L V8, and it offers V6 looks with 455 lb-ft and horsepower. Rear Brembo brakes, Bose audio, and the premium touchscreen are not available. It is also the first V8 Camaro to offer a non-staggered tire setup (20"x8.5" at all corners) since 2002. The best feature is the price of $34,995. That makes it cheaper than what I paid for my new 2002 Camaro SS, eighteen years of inflation stings a little! View Listings Ford GT (c) Ford Motor Company The goal of the Ford GT was to build a world-class supercar and win LeMans. A secret program developed a carbon fiber masterpiece with two suspension systems at each corner. Powered by a 3.5L twin turbo V6, it uses less weight and more grip to dominate on the world stage. View Listings Regardless of what you drive, do it without drinking and remember that firework debris will destroy your clear coat. Have a happy & safe 4th of July from all of us at the duPont REGISTRY!

By Andrew Nabors – July 02, 2019

Lamborghini Urus Leads to Record-Breaking Sales

Do you want to be a leader or a follower? That was the question Lamborghini faced when they were considering a new SUV. If you haven't experienced the Urus, it has redefined the market and left everyone else trying to catch up. This is clearly evident in a press release this morning, as the Lamborghini Urus leads to record-breaking sales. The home of the Raging Bull delivered 4,553 cars for the first half of 2019. Not only does this represent 96% growth YTD, they sold more cars since January 1st than the entire 2017 model year! With the U.S. remaining their primary market, 2,693 Urus were delivered since the new year. The Huracan accounted for 1,211 cars, with the Huracan Evo arriving at dealers last month. Spurred on by the SVJ, the Aventador accounted for 649 deliveries. View Complete Lamborghini Urus Specs, Prices & Options Big gains in China and South Korea prove they are a worldwide brand, and Lamborghini is on-target to have their best year ever. Congrats to all the fine folks in Sant’Agata Bolognese, keep up the good work! If you haven't experienced why the Urus is so addictive, click the link below and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Browse Lamborghini Urus For Sale Related: Lamborghini Urus Price, Specs, Photos & Review Lamborghini Urus vs Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

By Andrew Nabors – July 01, 2019

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Will Compete in 2019 Rebelle Rally

Women from around the nation will be racing across the desert in October. Teams will not have access to GPS or modern navigation, instead, they will use maps and a compass. It is open to many classes of crossover and 4WD vehicles, so the Rolls-Royce Cullinan will compete in the 2019 Rebelle Rally. South of the Salton Sea exists a vast expanse of sand dunes that straddles the border between Arizona and California. For the 4th year of this event, 50 teams of two ladies will attempt to reach several checkpoints using only a compass. The motto behind building the Cullinan was "Effortless Everywhere" so they are not afraid of a little sand. Let's hope the teams stay away from Groom Lake because there is nothing to see there. Last year's co-champions were chosen to represent the brand, so we wish Rebecca Donaghe and Emme Hall the best of luck. They will be powered by a 6.75L V12 engine that sends 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque to an 8-speed automatic. It is AWD with all-wheel steering, so offroad situations are not a problem. If you want to experience the best combination in offroad prowess and English luxury, click the link below and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news. Browse Rolls-Royce Cullinan For Sale Lamborghini Urus and Rolls-Royce Cullinan Compared Royce-Royce Cullinan Powers Through the Snow of Sun Valley

By Edward Jones – June 27, 2019

DUAIV McLaren 720S Spider - A Tribute to Ayrton Senna and...

Both Ayrton Senna and Niki Lauda were two absolute legends on the race track. Their skills were unmatched on the race track and they left racing legacies behind when they passed away. To pay tribute to these legends, American French artist Duaiv created a livery for the McLaren 720S that honors them both. Duaiv was given complete freedom when it came to designing the look for this livery. If you're looking a canvas for artistic freedom, what's better than a supercar? It's not mentioned what the inspiration for the livery was, but I can assume it was designed after the Marlboro Formula 1 cars that both Senna and Lauda drove. See All McLaren Senna For Sale " width="680">

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe