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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

The 2022 GMC HUMMER EV is designed to be an off-road beast, with

By Andrew Nabors – January 28, 2021

First GMC Hummer EV Heading To Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale

March will be a big month for GM and for charity because the first GMC Hummer EV is heading to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. What we will see is the concept car on the block, representing the opportunity to spec and own the first production Hummer EV. Right behind it will be the first retail-production 2020 Corvette Convertible, and proceeds from both will be donated to the United Way along with the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. We are begging Mr. duPont to bring them home, so cheer him on in the comments below. Meanwhile, a Hummer EV Supertruck will be the star of a new off-road series! Images (C) GM & Barrett-Jackson

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By Andrew Nabors – October 23, 2020

2020 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Preview

This weekend marks another year in our sponsorship of the world's greatest collector car auctions. The virus forced Craig Jackson and company to push the dates back to this weekend, and special measures are being taken to protect bidders and consignors. First off, there is no General Admission. While we will not get to interact with all our fans, stop by our booth and say hello. It is there you will find the latest billet aluminum motorcycles from Combat Motorcycles. Next to it is a Ferrari 488 GTB from Luxury Lease Partners, and a beastly truck from SVE. Specialty Vehicle Engineering is showing their latest creations. The 2021 Syclone has ditched the v6 for the same supercharged LT4 found in the Camaro ZL1. It sends 750 horsepower to all wheels for neck-snapping acceleration whenever you need it. MegaRexx arrived in a massive F-350 MegaRaptor that puts every other Powerstroke to shame. Our booth is flanked by two displays: Medford Knives offers the latest in tactical, American-made steel; while Wheel Specialties can visualize any of their designs for your car or truck. South Florida Jeeps has their latest Gladiator 6x6 ready to rumble. Osprey Customs restores classic Defenders to better than new, so they have an 87 Defender 130 and a 93 Defender 110 on display. "This three-day Arizona event will be held in lieu of our previously scheduled 2020 Las Vegas and Palm Beach event and will be broadcast live on FYI Television Network and HISTORY. As always we will offer genuine automobilia items and hundreds of highly desirable collectible vehicles! A tremendous amount of thought went into the new procedures necessary for us to conduct this auction. We have been working closely with federal, state, and local authorities to ensure that public health and safety are at the forefront of this event." Thanks to our fans for sticking with us, we will be doing events in full force as soon as possible.

By Andrew Nabors – January 20, 2020

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020: By The Numbers

As soon as the last car sold, our friends at Hagerty began calculating the results. after pulling an all-nighter, here is Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020: By The Numbers Starting the week off strong was a classic 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer with 8,000 miles for $110,000. The iconic Ford GT (2005-06) are also regaining their rightful value. A low mileage example finished in Midnight Blue with silver stripes hammered for $451,000. We keep telling you to buy old Toyota Supra for sale because a 1990 MKIII Turbo went for $88,000. The Paul Walker Collection was comprised of five 1995 M3 Lightweights, and the lowest-mileage car sold for $385,000. We regained our coveted booth space amid the entry aisles, and it allowed our clients to interact with over 5,600 bidders and thousands of spectators. Craig Jackson and his team enjoyed their highest-grossing week in the company's history, despite many charities receiving 100% of the hammer price on several million dollars in donation bidding. With a cumulative total of $137.1 Million, 1,909 lots sold, with only 1 car not finding a new home. With a sell-through rate of 99.9%, the average sale price was $71,833. So without further adieu, here are the top 10: Overall Top 10 Sales: 1. 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe sold for $3,000,000* 2. 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible sold for $2,000,000* 3. 2017 Ford GT Coupe sold for $1,485,000 4. 2017 Ford GT Coupe sold for $1,182,500 5. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro COPO Sport Coupe sold for $1,094,500 6. 2019 McLaren Senna Coupe sold for $946,000 7. 1963 Aston Martin DB5 Saloon sold for $660,000 8. 1974 Ford Bronco Custom SUV sold for $650,000* 9. 2020 Chevrolet Camaro COPO John Force Drag Car sold for $600,000* 10. 2003 Saleen S7 Coupe sold for $467,500 Tell us your favorite part of Scottsdale this year, and stay with us for all your Barrett-Jackson news.

By Andrew Nabors – January 17, 2020

Ferris Bueller's Ferrari to be Auctioned at Barrett-Jackson

From the iconic movie “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” is Serial #GTC001 Modena Spyder California built by Modena Design and Development. A total of three cars were built for the film by Modena Design. This is GTC001 and has received a recent body-off restoration by Modena Design founder Neil Glassmoyer. Powered by a 427ci V8 engine fed by a 750 CFM Demon 4-barrel carburetor atop an Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold and aluminum heads. Mated to a TKO 500 5-speed manual transmission, with a carbon clutch and a limited-slip differential. Riding on one-off QA1 adjustable 16-position aluminum coil-over shocks, 4-wheel independent suspension and stopping power via Wilwood 6-piston front disc brakes and 4-piston caliper rear disc brakes with 12-inch vented, slotted and cross-drilled rotors. During the restoration, upgraded carbon-fiber inner-tubs were employed for weight reduction. Beautiful 16-inch custom-made chrome wire wheels wrapped with BFGoodrich tires. GTC001 is highly detailed and features driving lights, bullet-shaped side view mirrors, a GPS speedometer and a Retrosound radio with Bluetooth, and two Blaupunkt amplifiers in the trunk powering 14 hidden speakers. The interior and top boot were completely recovered with high-quality tan hides. This Modena includes movie memorabilia including photos, signed build photos, a 1/24-scale diecast model, and a Hot Wheels car. It also is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Modena Design and Development. This car is scheduled to hit the auction block during primetime this Saturday (January 17th) at NO RESERVE, so stay with us for all your Barrett-Jackson updates. " width="680"> P.S. Ferrari is a licensed trademark of Ferrari S.p.A. and is not associated with Modena Designs or Barrett-Jackson Related: Check Out Our Booth At Barrett-Jackson!

By Andrew Nabors – January 16, 2020

Harley-Davidson GMC Sierra Unveiled at Barrett-Jackson

As you are making your way to the main arena, you will notice something unique and gorgeous in our booth. Our friends at Tuscany Motor Company have partnered with the legendary American motorcycle manufacturer to build a stylish truck. We gave you a sneak peek last week, and now it is in the open, as the Harley-Davidson GMC Sierra was unveiled in our booth at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. Usually, when we unveil a car, it is easy to keep under wraps. But when we first covered this collaboration it was picked up by all major automotive sites and even Fox News. No detail was overlooked, as Harley-Davidson logos can be found on the wheels, doors, leather, and even the laser-cut grille. The 6.2L V8 shares many details with the upcoming C8 Corvette, and the functional ram air hood was made tall enough to house a supercharger. The 22" wheels are inspired by the classic "Fat Boy", and the suspension is a collaboration between BDS and Fox Racing. Only 250 examples will be produced, so click the link below to order yours! Click To See Our Booth At Barrett-jackson

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

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