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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 – January 19, 2018

First 2019 Bullitt Mustang To Be Auctioned At Barrett-Jac...

Ford has resurrected one of the most revered names in Mustang history. The 2019 Bullitt is not just an appearance package. Borrowing intake and exhaust parts from the GT350 it offers "at least 475 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque." The first production car has VIN 001, and it will roll across the auction block at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale tonight. Ford Unveils 2019 Mustang Bullitt It will be a bidding war of epic proportions because the press release says 100% of the hammer price is going to the Boys Republic. It is a school and treatment center for kids at risk, and it helped a young Steve McQueen steer away from the temptations of youth. They are a nonprofit & nonsectarian home in Chino Hills, California, where McQueen graduated in '46. His role as Detective Frank Bullitt, a San Franciso Police Officer with a troubled past is regarded as one of the best performances in film history. And true to the movie, all Bullitt Mustangs will be Highland Green, without spoilers, and no option for an automatic transmission. With a top speed of 163, it would make a great undercover car, but we advise against going airborne as much as its predecessor. Be sure to tune in tonight, because Mr. duPont might join in the bidding for such a noble cause. Keep up the good work Ford, and stay with us for coverage of this year's Barrett-Jackson auction action. Browse Mustangs For Sale https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5&v=-Q5pHm2Cfq4

By Andrew Nabors – November 22, 2017

Mecum Auctions Inaugural Las Vegas Event Tops $22 Million

Just when you thought the muscle car frenzy was over, Dana Mecum and Company prove that it's hotter than ever. To prove the power of their brand, this weekend saw 557 cars hammer for a total of $22,000,000. American muscle was out in full force, with Ford and Chevrolet bringing home the top honors. The top 10 list reads like a who's who of domestic power, with rare cars bringing big money. If you missed the action, Mecum is the only auction company to save every minute on their YouTube page.The first and second place cars are both 1968 Camaros modified by Don Yenko Chevrolet. In the old days, GM didn't want the Camaro to have the same fire-breathing engine as the Corvette. Don knew his customers would buy them, so he and his service department removed the 396 engine and replaced them with the beastly 427 big block. Not to be outdone, Ford fans made sure spots 3 to 5 were occupied by the blue oval. Their answer to the 427 Camaro was the Boss 429 Mustang. Other noteworthy finalists include a 1963 Corvette Split Window Fuelie, a 1967 Corvette 427 coupe, and a 1957 Bel Air powered by a supercharged ZR1 engine. Take a look at the results below and tell us your favorite car of the event, and stay with us for all your Mecum updates.

By Andrew Nabors – October 19, 2017

1958 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster Heading to Mecum Las Vegas

Racing is a great way to sell cars and Grand Prix fans in the early 50's saw Mercedes-Benz on the podium. The iconic 300SL Gullwing was such a hit that the convertible version is still one of the most sought-after cars of all time. Built in limited numbers, the 300SL Roadster was decades ahead of its time. This Fire Engine Red Roadster was delivered in Caracas, Venezuela, where it lived until being imported in 2014. Fully documented, it retains its original engine, fuel injection, differential, and four-speed transmission.Fuel injection was still an unproven science back then, so Bosch made continual improvements to the system. This car has the 4th generation, which is the most desired engine option. It allowed the 3.0 liter straight six to run a 9.5:1 compression ratio, something unthinkable at the time. A larger cam and throttle body is how it makes 250 horsepower without modern electronics. Only 324 Roadsters were produced in 1958, and this example is loaded with a Becker radio and full instrumentation.Leaving noting unrestored, the interior has new saddle leather and tan soft top. The chassis was detailed along with a suspension rebuild and new stainless exhaust. Also included is a copy of the build sheet along with the toolkit, jack, and owners manual. If you are looking for a showroom-new 300SL Roadster, get ready for Mecum's Las Vegas Auction. Click on the link below to learn more, and stay with us for more Mecum updates.Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – April 26, 2017

First Production Ford Mustang Coupe Heading To Auction

If you are looking for investment grade automobiles, Dana Mecum and Company have a knack for finding irreplaceable cars. It took many years to find the first production Ford Mustang, and the convertible now resides in the Henry Ford Museum. But the first coupe (VIN 002) was among the 121,000+ cars built in the first year, making the search like a needle in a haystack. Ford knew they had a hit on their hands, so the first cars were rushed to dealers. April 17, 1964, was the public unveiling at the World's Fair in New York, so Ford's top dealers needed to have a showroom example to land the first orders.Also, Check Out - Top 10 Fastest Quarter Mile Times (Production Cars)As we're well aware, mistakes happen when shipping cars, so instead of going to a domestic dealership, the first Mustang coupe was banished to the Arctic cold of Whitehorse, in the Yukon Territory. Since the Mustang was based on the lowly Falcon, many early cars used many of the same parts. Under the hood was a 170 ci straight six engine backed by a three-speed manual. Drum brakes at all corners are hidden by the massive 13" wheels, but that is how the base model Mustang was able to offer decent performance at a bargain price. We wish Ford would make A/C and power windows optional again. Remember when cars were light and fun?If you need a new centerpiece for your stable, this Caspian Blue coupe will be the main event of Mecum's 30th Anniversary Auction. Taking place May 16-21st, the Indiana State Fairground will see many classics find new owners.View Listing

By Edward Jones – December 14, 2016

Final Bugatti Veyron Coupe to be Auctioned Off

Back in August 2012, Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport chassis no. 300 was delivered to its owner as the final Veyron coupe to ever be created. What's more, it was also one of only eight Super Sports that were built to U.S.-specifications. To say this is an important car would be an incredible understatement. The Veyron itself is most certainly a legendary car, but the last of any of its kind is even more legendary. What's more, this example is looking for a new owner at RM Sotheby's Arizona auction in January.This exact car recently traveled to Geneva in order to be displayed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Sitting alongside this historic Veyron was the very first Veyron ever produced, chassis number 001. This was done to celebrate the car's 10-year production run.According to the vehicle's listing, the car has been well documented and that it will be presented in as-new condition. It has undergone annual service at the hands of Braman Bugatti in November 2013 and in May 2015. The current vendor acquired the car in August 2015, who had it serviced by Bentley Beverly Hills in May of this year. With only one private owner, it shows less than 400 miles since new.Be sure to check out the auction, running January 19-20 and click the button below to learn more about the car.Learn More

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 01, 2016

Top 10 Sales at RM Sotheby's Scottsdale 2016 Auction

The RM Sotheby's 2016 Arizona auction brought in $62.8 million and sold 85% of its lot, which means the 2016 auction season is off to a roaring start. According to RM Sotheby's, the number one sale, the 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster, brought in an amazing $9.9 million, which makes the sale the most valuable motorcars ever sold in Arizona auction week history.10. Lot 254 - 1953 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe (Chassis 536253053) Final Price: $1,430,000 9. Lot 126 - 1962 Maserati 5000 GT Coupe (Chassis AM103 040) Final Price: $1,540,00 8. Lot 148 - 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder (Chassis WP0CA2A13FS800804) Final Price: $1,595,000 7. Lot 149 - 1960 Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Series II (Chassis 2153 GT) Final Price: $1,650,000 6. Lot 232 - 1965 Ferrari 275 GTS (Chassis 07935) Final Price: $1,760,000 5. Lot 132 - 1971 Lamborghini Miura P400 SV (Chassis 4912) Final Price: $2,000,000 4. Lot 145 - 1965 Ferrari 275 GTB (Chassis 07053) Final Price: $2,117,500 3. Lot 140 - 1965 Shelby 427 Competition Cobra (Chassis CSX 3010) Final Price: $2,255,000 2. Lot 133 - 1929 Duesenberg Model J Disappearing Top Torpedo Convertible Coupe (Chassis 2199) Final Price: $3,000,000 1. Lot 242 - 1937 Mercedes-Benz 540 K Special Roadster (Chassis 130894) Final Price: $9,900,000 Results are listed in USD. You can view these and more at the RM Sotheby's website.

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