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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 Jordan Aquistapace – April 28, 2021

Discovered On dR: 1958 F.M.R. Tg 500

The microcar looking to bring big money Recently, We created Discovered on dR as a new Instagram page dedicated to posting the rare and unique finds listed on duPont REGISTRY. Among the fastest microcars ever built, the 1958 F.M.R Tg 500 is capable of achieving 78 mph from its 20.5-horsepower 49cc 2-Cylinder two-stroke engine. This example is only 1 of 320 models produced, with only around 150 chassis known to survive. The 1958 F.M.R Tg 500 will be offered at auction without reserve at RM Sothebys’ Amelia Island event in Florida on May 22 with an estimated sale between $125,000 and $165,000. Check out our listing for the 1958 F.M.R Tg 500 by clicking the link below. Check back in for more Discovered on dR, and don't forget to follow our page on Instagram Check out Bugatti Will Include A Custom 3-Piece Luggage Set With Each New Chiron View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2021

Mecum Glendale Tops $42 Million In Sales

Somehow they did it again. For an encore performance in Glendale, Mecum was the hottest auction in Arizona. Seeing a 14% increase over last year's event, they achieveved an 86% sell-through for $42.3 million dollars. This much action compressed into three days kept us glued to the live stream, and it is nice to see classics and exotics bringing impressive numbers. Big-block Corvettes are always worth a small fortune, but the L88 can't be cloned like the tri-power cars. Being a factory race car and having its original engine pushed the bids into record-setting territory. Other familiar faces include the Boss 429 Mustang and an SLS AMG, but we haven't seen a 550 Barchetta Pininfarina for a while. The Steve Todhunter collection drew bids from around the world, so we invite you to join us in Houston on the weekend of April 8-10. Browse Upcoming Mecum Lots 1967 Chevrolet Corvette L88 Coupe (Lot S122.1) at $2,695,000 2016 Ferrari F12tdf (Lot S105) at $880,000 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO (Lot S103) at $720,500 2006 Saleen S7 Twin Turbo (Lot S109) at $605,000 1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RS 2.7 (Lot F123) at $495,000 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series (Lot S101) at $451,000 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina (Lot S106) at $440,000 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster (Lot F104) at $440,000 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback (Lot S114) at $385,000 2018 Mercedes-Benz G550 Brabus Edition (Lot S220) at $379,500 Images (C) Mecum Auctions

By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2021

RM Sotheby's Open Roads Top 10 Results

In their first transcontinental online auction, we're pleased to share RM Sotheby's Open Roads top 10 results. With bidders from 41 countries, they achieved a sell-through rate of 76%. First-time buyers made up 28% of the bidding over the 3-day event. Europe and the UK had a dedicated day that resulted in $4,022,945, and day two was an American extravaganza thanks to $3,236,075 in sales. The highlights from day 3 were seven rare Porsches from one Swiss collector. Over 2,000 bids were handled by their new online platform, with several lots running into overtime thanks to bidding wars. If this is any indicator, Amelia Island will be one for the record books, so click the button for a preview and we'll see you at the Ritz-Carlton in May. Browse RM Sotheby's Consignments Top 10: 1 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 Series II 'Hot Rod' (CHASSIS NO. 3723 GT) $620,000.00 2 1984 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 S (CHASSIS NO. ZA9C00500ELA12665) $255,000.00 3 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe (CHASSIS NO. WP0AC2992VS375330) $180,000.00 4 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 3.8 (CHASSIS NO. WP0AC2A98BS783483) $165,000.00 5 1958 Jaguar XK 150 S 3.4 Roadster (CHASSIS NO. S 830401 DN) $160,000.00 6 1958 Scarab Reproduction (CHASSIS NO. 1958-08-015C) $125,000.00 7 1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster (CHASSIS NO. 161-001390) $125,000.00 8 2003 Ferrari 575M Maranello (CHASSIS NO. ZFFBV55AX30133721) $115,000.00 9 1968 Chevrolet Camaro 396/325 Convertible (CHASSIS NO. 124678L341611) $110,000.00 10 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (CHASSIS NO. 121.040.6503335) $110,000.00 Image (C) RM Sotheby's

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 – December 21, 2020

Inside RM Sotheby's Car Collection

As the premier auction house for historic exotics, here is a rare opportunity to see inside the RM Sotheby's car collection. Much like us, their focus is not on millions of cars, but cars worth millions. As such, an Alfa Romeo Zagato is front and center. Two Shelby Cobras offer unique luster, as one is copper and the other is bronze. The time involved in hammering each panel makes them priceless. Offering storage for their VIP clients, a Ferrari 250GT convertible patiently waits for its owner. Just like us, everything is for sale. Tell us your favorite in this collection and click the link below to browse their auction lineup. View Inventory At RM Sotheby's " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 24, 2020

Two Trump Cars Heading To Mecum Kissimmee

No matter what your political beliefs are, you can't deny our 45th president's taste in transportation. Because the transition in power signals the end of his era, a private consignor has decided to part ways with two of President Trump's most adored automobiles. Both will be primetime lots at Mecum's Kissimmee auction between January 7-17th. First up is a 2007 Ferrari F430. The original title shows the address as the penthouse of Trump Tower, and the odometer reads 6,910 miles. Corsa with a beige interior is conservative, and it appeals to enthusiasts both young and old. Because this car was ordered and delivered by our friends at Ferrari of Long Island, you have undoubtedly seen it here and in the pages of the world's greatest car magazine. You will enjoy all the right options. Powered Daytona seats and a yellow tachometer appeal to your finer sensibilities while the electronic differential and red calipers hint at the car's abilities. Original title and window sticker are included. View Details Perhaps the most visible part of the Trump fleet, a 2010 Rolls Royce makes a bold statement when arriving at high-stakes meetings. While the Phantom includes the latest of technologies to offer the world's most comfortable experience, it is still a Rolls-Royce. Mr. Trump knew full well that allowing it to collect dust would cause headaches down the road, so this superb sedan has amassed 56,700 miles since new. Even if you don't employ a driver full-time, this car is a perfect way to draw attention or escape the chaos of the paparazzi. Perhaps the best endorsement is found in the owner's manual. The President autographed it after writing "I loved this car, it is great! Best of luck." Whoever manages the collection has earned their pay. Both of these cars have lived a pampered life with all services as scheduled. Without considering the presidency, Donald Trump's signature has been used to validate collectibles of all kinds. Therefore you can bid with ease thanks to Mecum Auctions. Click here to view all upcoming lots and we will see you in Kissimmee! View Details

By Andrew Nabors – September 02, 2020

Mecum Kissimmee Summer Special is Another Successful Live...

With so many events being canceled, we're glad Dana Mecum and Company choose to keep going. Instead of online-only, their preventive measures and distancing rules allowed 800 cars to cross the block. With a 65% sell-through rate, the weekend saw total sales of $18.6 Million. Since the virus appeared, Mecum has held four successful auctions, with bidders and spectators respecting each other's safety. If you weren't able to tune in, here are the top 10 sales: 10. 2015 Bentley Continental GT3-R Sold for $137,500 9. 2017 Dodge Viper GT Coupe Sold for $148,500 8. 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Resto Mod Convertible Sold for $154,000 7. 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Sold for $176,000 6. 1934 Packard Coupe Roadster Sold for $176,000 5. 1967 Shelby GT500 Fastback Sold for $187,000 4. 1969 Dodge Daytona Sold for $198,000 3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Sold for $203,500 2. 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition Sold for $412,500 1. 2018 Ford GT Sold for $935,000 There you have it, another great event that we were thankful to take part in. If you ever get an opportunity to attend a Mecum Auction, don't hesitate. This fast-paced action is fun for the family, so stay with us for all your Mecum news.

By Andrew Nabors – August 07, 2020

Autumn Auto Show Updates: What You Need to Know

No matter your opinion on Covid, it is still screwing up our fun. Its always best to hear the bad news first, so SEMA 2020: Cancelled. The notion of having 200,000 gearheads in close proximity was too much for their board of directors. It will put a big dent in Las Vegas tourist revenue, but better safe than sick. Next up: Craig Jackson announces a scaled-back fall season for Barrett-Jackson Auctions. He said "Although we were looking forward to our traditional Las Vegas and Palm Beach Auctions this year, after careful consideration we determined that a live auction at WestWorld was an exciting and more feasible alternative,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “At this time, this allows us to better safeguard the health of our guests and team members and gives us the ability to deliver the high-quality experience for which Barrett-Jackson is known. A lot of thought went into the new procedures necessary for this to happen, which we will communicate over the coming weeks.” Their only scheduled event is in Scottsdale from October 22-24th. One of the highlights will be the low-mileage Lexus LFA seen above. There is light at the end of the tunnel, so Dana Mecum and Company have over 1,000 cars consigned for Kissimmee. The Silver Spurs Arena will once again be host to fast-paced bidding, and its only minutes from Orlando attractions. Their Summer Special will be August 27-29th, and it will be simulcast on their YouTube page and NBCSN. Its only 30 minutes away, so you might catch one of us in a live shot. Their Indy Auction topped $74 Million, their most successful event ever. Perhaps Kissimmee will be even bigger. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 24, 2020

RM Sotheby's Open Roads Auction Top 10 Sales

We were watching this one closely, as RM Sotheby's has allowed us to preview their events for over two decades. Open Roads was an online auction aimed at European enthusiasts. Their press release listed the complete results in Euros that included a 10% Value Added Tax. I converted them to US Dollars to give you an easier frame of reference. Total sales reached $ 9,558,774.65, thanks to bidders from 41 nations around the world. Needless to say, RM Sotheby's always finds the best consignments using methods I can't divulge, so that is why you should stay with us for all of their events. Lot 132 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy $1,660,880.65 Lot 240 1985 Lancia Delta S4 Rally $ 894,320.35 Lot 152 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster $ 702,680.27 Lot 255 1968 Sonny Levi "G. Cinquanta" $ 522,654.75 Lot 131 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta $ 504,652.20 Lot 1271976 Inaltera GTP-Cosworth $ 434,384.17 Lot 130 1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB $ 313,012.12 Lot 138 1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante 'X-Pack' $ 267,134.65 Lot 237 1954 Porsche 356 1500 Cabriolet $ 229,968.09 Lot 133 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster $ 178,864.07

By Andrew Nabors – June 09, 2020

Mecum to Auction Private Collection of Eddie Vannoy June ...

As descendant of Cherokee and Scots-Irish, the Blue Ridge Mountains would be my choice to hide my collection. Eddie Vannoy and his brother started a construction company in 1971, and it allowed him to invest in the cars and memorabilia from his youth. The past five decades have allowed him to curate a perfect cross-section of Americana and Muscle Cars. Now its time to enjoy a well-earned retirement, so Dana Mecum and Company will help them find loving homes. That is why you should register for the Vannoy Auction before June 26th. The mark of a true Mopar aficionado is an equal number of 440 and HEMI-powered cars. Built to dominate NASCAR, the Plymouth Superbird and Dodge Daytona will offered along with super-speedway builds from recent years. A handful of Corvettes, a pair of 1970 Buick GSX, and many other significant cars will be joined by over 5,000 pieces of road art. The event will take place at the Vannoy Estate in Jefferson, North Carolina. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for all your Mecum updates. Learn More

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