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

Automobile Production At Czech Republic's Hyundai Motor Co. Plant

By Andrew Nabors – April 15, 2020

Audi, Hyundai & Renault to Resume Production

Europe wants and needs to get back to work. That's everyone is happy to read the latest headline from Bloomberg. Last night they reported that Audi, Hyundai, & Renault are ready to resume production. Because suppliers are still closed, each automaker is taking a cautious approach. Audi's engine plant in Hungary is one of the largest in the world. Because they supply engines to Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, they are the most essential workers in the VW empire. Hyundai will start up their assembly lines in the Czech Republic on Monday, running 2 shifts instead of 3. Last but not least. Renault has resumed operations in Portugal, and their plants in Romania are planned to restart on Tuesday. Our hope is that these brave actions will jump-start the economy, so stay with us for all your automotive news. Shop Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 10, 2020

Mercedes-AMG Accepts Audi's Four Rings Challenge

Audi understands that many owners & fans are stuck at home. That is why the asked the world for creative ways to replicate their logo. Fan submissions included everything from cakes to graffiti, but the latest response was a bit of friendly competition from Affalterbach. In a sign of solidarity, Mercedes-AMG has accepted the Four Rings Challenge. Unleashing the brutal power of a new Mercedes-AMG C63, tell us what you think of their efforts in the comments below. Browse Mercedes-AMG C63 For Sale https://www.facebook.com/MercedesAMG/videos/550451905608809/

Large-Audi-Virtual-Background---Audi-R8-7007

By Andrew Nabors – March 30, 2020

Audi Virtual Backgrounds are Perfect for Video Conferences

A majority of the automotive world is working from home. With an eye on offering a distraction from the current issues, you should upgrade your wallpaper to match your love of quattro. That's why Audi Virtual Backgrounds are perfect for video conferencing. Starting with a new Audi R8 for sale, their first uploads included a TT RS and an A8. More models will be added weekly to their social media accounts. You will find them here first, so stay with us for all your Audi news. Browse New & Used Audi For Sale

Medium-2020-Audi-SQ7--European-model--6747

By Andrew Nabors – February 27, 2020

2021 Audi SQ7 Will Arrive With Unprecedented Power & Agility

We have seen the recent battle of midsize SUVs devolve into a stalemate, so we were glad to see this press release in our inbox. Borrowing the best parts from the Porsche Cayenne and the Lamborghini Urus, the 2021 Audi SQ7 will arrive with unprecedented power and agility. Standard features include S-tuned adaptive air suspension, Valcona leather, 21" wheels, and the legendary Quattro AWD. It stands apart from the normal Q7 thanks to aggressive styling and a unique exhaust note. It comes from the twin-turbo 4.0L V8 also found in the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo for sale. It has been de-tuned to 500 horsepower, but torque is raised to 568 lb-ft. This allows it to haul your family and 7,700 lbs behind you. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Audi news. Browse All Audi Q7 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – June 24, 2019

Audi R8 LMS Wins Nürburgring 2019

It is hard to believe you can walk into any of our Audi dealers and buy a race car. It is true since the Audi R8 LMS won Nürburgring 2019. Manthey Racing led most of the day in their Porsche 911 GT3 R, but they were slapped with a 5-minute penalty with an hour to go. This is what Team Phoenix needed to get their #4 Audi out front and keep it there. Audi Sport and Porsche are corporate cousins, but nothing is more divisive than racing at Germany's most hallowed track. This represents the 5th win for the R8 since 2012, so maybe the balance of performance might be adjusted for next year. Tell us what you thought of the race in the comments below, and click the link to find an R8 near you. Find Your Audi R8 Here " width="680">

By Edward Jones – February 28, 2019

Audi R8 V10 Decennium Revealed to Celebrate Ten Years of ...

The new Audi R8 V10 Decennium has been revealed as a new variant that is meant to celebrate ten years of the mean V10 engine. Audi chose the name "Decennium" because it means "decade" in Latin. Now on to what makes this new special edition car a... special edition. Its exterior is painted in exclusive Daytona Gray with a matte effect. Connecting the car to the ground are milled 20-inch wheels that's finished in matte bronze. Gloss black is found on the front spoiler, side sills and diffuser. Audi also chose to keep the side blades and mirror housings in clear carbon fiber. If the exclusive Daytona Gray isn't your style, there's Daytona Gray in pearl effect; Suzuka Gray in metallic; Floret Silver in metallic; Mythos Black in metallic; Ascari Blue in metallic and Kemora Gray in metallic. 2019 Audi R8 Gets More Power and Updated Style Inside is an entirely black interior with gloss carbon fiber on the sill trim and around the badge located on the center console. Another little addition to the interior is the "Decennium" logo that's projected from the door light onto the ground. As for power, the magnificent V10 engine puts out 620 horsepower and 427.8 lb-ft of torque. That power launched the R8 V10 Decennium from 0 to 62 mph in 3.1 seconds and it continues to a top speed of 205.7 mph. The new Audi R8 V10 Decennium will be available Spring 2019 with a price of around $250,000 USD (amount converted from 222,000 euro price tag). view all audi r8 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 Edward Jones – March 12, 2018

2018 Audi RS 5 Coupe Has Entered the Battle

The second generation RS 5 coupe is here and it's been unveiled in a viridescent way. Unveiled in a glorious green finish, the new 2018 Audi RS 5 coupe comes with a new 2.9-liter V6 biturbo engine that's mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission. Combined, this system delivers 444 horsepower and 44s lb-ft of torque for an exciting drive. How exciting? The new RS 5 can sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, 0.8 seconds quicker than the previous generation. It also has a top speed of 155 mph, which can be increased to 174 with the Dynamic plus package. As for the design, the look of the new RS 5 coupe drew inspiration from the "distinctive racing details of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO," according to Audi. The 2018 Audi RS 5 coupe is currently on sale with an MSRP of $69,900.Audi Unveils 2019 A8 at Los Angeles Auto Show

By Andrew Nabors – October 12, 2017

Audi Gives New Cars To FC Bayern München

Soccer fans can be a rowdy bunch, and the players are just as wild. That's why Audi is entering their 15th season of support for the Football Club. Their home soil includes the factory in Ingolstadt, so the team visited the plant to get their new rides. Mobbed by fans and the media, five players chose the RS6 Avant, and the Q7 SUV was another popular choice. The press release also states that Coach Jupp Heynckes chose an Audi SQ5.What began in 2002 has evolved into a partnership that includes the Audi Cup. It is held every two years as a preparation tournament. Audi also accompanied the team to training camps in China and Singapore, showing their support to the world as they battled against teams like AC Milan, Inter Milan, FC Chelsea and Arsenal London. Videos of the team and their new cars can be found here. If Audi would give us company cars, we would all choose the R8 V10 Plus. Tell us about your ideal Audi and stay with us for all your Audi news.

By Edward Jones – July 11, 2017

New Audi Sport Performance Parts for R8 and TT Look Pheno...

The new Audi R8 and TT may already look aggressive as ever when it rolls off of the production block, but the new Audi Sport Performance Parts take the two sports cars to a whole new level. These new components include new pieces for the suspension, exhaust system, exterior and interior.“With the Audi Sport Performance Parts we are tapping into a new business segment,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “Our wealth of experience garnered over many years of building sports cars is incorporated into every component we offer. Along with our expertise from motor racing, which is still the best test bed for volume production.”Audi R8For the suspension are the new two- or three-way coilover suspension systems. Now, you can't have a good suspension system without new wheels, so Audi Sport Performance now offers full-milled, black 20-inch wheels that drop the car's weight by 15.9 lbs on the TT and 17.6 lbs on the R8. Joining the wheels are new brake linings that are less prone to wear, as well as fluorescent red, titanium carrying plates for the brakes.Inside, the Audi Sport Performance Parts offer a new Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, carbon fiber reinforced plastic paddle shifters, and a strut cross brace made specifically for the TT (replacing the rear seats).

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe