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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 – November 05, 2020

Fast Financials 2020 Q3: GM Publishes Strong Performance

When GM decided to stop building sedans in favor of updated trucks, the media backlash was severe. The death of the Regal, Impala, Malibu, and others was criticized by many as the end of an era, but it has allowed them to rebuild Hummer and finally offer a mid-engine Corvette. As seen in their most recent press release, GM has published strong performance for the 3rd quarter. GM Chart by TradingView Top 10 Best 2022 Hummer EV Facts and Features Rebounding from the hit everyone took when the virus fears sunk in, CEO Mary Barra and her team went back to basics. Spurred by heavy investments to modernize assembly plants and praise of the new Corvette, we see a 74% increase in income YTD. With revenue of $35.5 billion, they have $9.9 in cash flow and an income of $4 billion. This equates to $2.78 earning per share versus the same time last year. Click here to view the complete press release with GAAP numbers, then click below to find a new Corvette for sale. Stay with us for more Fast Financials here at duPont REGISTRY. Browse New Corvette For Sale " width="680">

Cadillac-V-Series-Blackwing-Steering-Wheel-Teaser

By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2020

Cadillac Teases CT5-V Blackwing at 200 MPH

The first action I took when I started working here 9 years ago was to find a fast car. That is when I saw a 2004 Cadillac CTS-V for sale in the world's best car magazine. The boss didn't believe the price, so he and I took a long lunch, and I found an LS6 with 405 horsepower and 30,000 miles. The notion of a fast Caddy was new to me, but it has been the best car I have owned. However, it might be time to trade it in, as Cadillac has teased the CT5-V Blackwing at 200 MPH. Look closely at the gauges to see the magic number. Cadillac Confirms Manual Transmission CT4-V & CT5-V Blackwing The CT5-V arrived earlier this year with a twin-turbo 3-liter V6. It sends 360 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque to all wheels, as it is the same drivetrain from the discontinued CT6. For an even hotter model, it was supposed to get Blackwing 4.2-liter twin-turbo, GM's first dual overhead cam V8 in decades. One small problem, the engine is huge. Sadly it only made an appearance in the 2019 CT6-V before being shelved. That is why the CT5-V will debut later next year with the LT4 or LT5 supercharged V8 from the previous generation Corvette ZR1. I would be happy with 755 horsepower and a six-speed, how about you? Browse Cadillac For Sale " width="680">

Cadillac LYRIQ pairs next-generation battery technology with a b

By Andrew Nabors – August 07, 2020

Cadillac LYRIQ Unveiled as GM's Electric Future

Last year, amidst the Corvette hysteria GM's CEO Mary Barra said that Cadillac will lead the way. The Lyriq crossover heralds the transformation of Cadillac to an electric-only automaker. Thanks to a press release last night, we have seen the future, and it looks exciting. It is the first model build on their new modular EV platform. Testing in the worst conditions has yielded a range over 300 miles, and it can be charged using any existing methods. Cadillac Lyriq to be Unveiled August 6th The driver can disable the front motors for RWD performance, and engage the latest version of Supercruise to let the car chauffeur you around. GM's new Ultium battery company supplies the Nickel Cobalt Manganese Aluminum battery packs. They use 70% less cobalt than any other manufacturer, and they are the fastest charging EV battery to-date. Other goodies include a 19-speaker surround sound system by AKG, and a 33" screen to display all systems. The HUD display is now 3D, displaying a hologram about 5 feet ahead of the front bumper. Horsepower and torque were omitted because Ultium is poised to change battery technology. Stay with us for all your Cadillac news and click the button below to learn more from our dealers. Browse Cadillac For Sale

The CT4-V Blackwing will feature a specially tuned chassis, vehi

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2020

Cadillac Confirms Manual Transmission CT4-V & CT5-V Black...

One unavoidable fact is that history repeats itself. Although many use this phrase as a warning, we greet it with open arms. That is why we're glad to announce that Cadillac has confirmed the return of manual transmission repair. The already potent CT4-V and CT5-V are powered by the potent and reliable 3.6-liter V6. Some critics cried foul that a V-series Cadillac would have V6 power, so thankfully they will unleash Blackwing versions of both sedans. Their most recent press release mentions that Blackwing is the new name for top-level Cadillac performance. Both cars will arrive with track-tuned suspensions which probably translates to magnetic ride control. To prove they are worthy, both models have been tested around the world. Both the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing lapped Virginia International Raceway much faster than their ATS-V and CTS-V predecessors. We don't know what will be under the hood, but it sure sounds like a V8. Hopefully, it is a derivative of the LT2 from the C8 Corvette Stingray, so stay with us for all your Cadillac updates. Find Your CTS-V Here

The 2021 Escalade has the bold presence and exclusive technology

By Andrew Nabors – February 06, 2020

Super Cruise Spreading to 22 Cars by 2023

Don't be afraid of autonomous cars. That's what I told myself when GM's press fleet sent us a new Cadillac CT6 for sale. It was GM's first car to feature a new hands-free driving experience. We have the opportunity to review every make and model, and this system beats them all by an order of magnitude. That's why we're excited that Super Cruise is spreading to 22 cars by 2023. 2021 Cadillac Escalade Unveiled in L.A. In an interview with Automotive News, GM President Mark Reuss says the updated software and sensors will integrate automatic lane changes. Instead of relying solely on the car's interpretation of traffic around it, Cadillac has spent over a decade mapping every U.S. highway and Interstate with highly accurate LIDAR (Laser Radar). I wasn't a believer until I put it to the test, and it is the best autonomous system on the market. Tell us which car you want it on in the comments below. Browse All Cadillac For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/Bc-ZoHbgHRw/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

The Cadillac XT6 will offer one of the segment’s strongest ros

By Andrew Nabors – May 31, 2019

Cadillac XT6 Production Begins Today

The fine folks at UAW Local 1853 have a long history with innovation. Being the former home to Saturn, GM's factory in Spring Hill, Tennessee turns out high quality SUVs and Crossovers. Today they were able to celebrate the start of something new. Because of the difference in size between the XT5 and the Escalade, the Cadillac XT6 began production today. It has seating for 6 or 7 depending on options, and no compromises in materials. Inside you will be treated to anodized metal, carbon fiber, wood, and leather. Under the hood is the indestructible 3.6L V6. First developed for the CTS, it has spread across all GM brands. It offers 310 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque, and it responds well to intake and exhaust upgrades. Base models will be FWD, and a twin-clutch AWD system is optional. Both receive power from a new 9-speed automatic automatic transmission. If you opt for the Platinum Edition, you will have micro suede above you, leather on the dash, and also on three rows of seating. Six USB ports, Teen Driver Mode, and all the latest safety tech is standard equipment. Cadillac dealers are scrambling to get their allotments, and our friends at Dimmitt Cadillac are among the first on the list. Click the link below to view their inventory and stay with us for all your Caddy news. Browse Dimmitt Automotive Inventory " width="680">

The CT5 Sport showcases Cadillac’s unique expertise in craftin

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2019

Cadillac CT5 Has Arrived To Replace the CTS

What began in 2003 is coming to an end. The CTS sedan spawned a new era at Cadillac, with its popularity spawning a coupe and wagon version for the 2nd generation. But the 3rd generation car is large & expensive, which places it as a direct competitor to the CT6. So Cadillac announced the new CT5 in a press release this morning. The Cadillac CT5 has arrived to replace the CTS This new model also does away with the 640 horsepower CTS-V. In its place will be a 2.0L four cylinder or the 3.0L twin turbo six found in the mid-level CT6. Our first impression is that the front and rear styling is chic and appealing, but the side profile could easily be confused with Lexus, Acura, etc. It will arrive with Luxury and Sport trim levels when it is formally unveiled at the New York Auto Show next month. If you want a great deal on the last CTS, click the link below and stay with us for all your Caddy news. Shop CTS For Sale Related: Pre-order your Cadillac CT6-V Here Hennessey HPE1000 CTS-V is a 10-Second Sedan

Cadillac announced that starting today customers can now request

By Andrew Nabors – January 15, 2019

Preorder Your Cadillac CT6-V Before They're Soldout

GM didn't start 2019 on the right foot, so this is promising news. In a press release this morning, we've learned the finer details of the new Cadillac CT6-V. We've reviewed several versions of the CT6 since it arrived in 2016. Honestly the twin-turbo 3.0 doesn't lack power in this big sedan, but more power is always welcomed. You better act fast to preorder your CT6-V before they are sold out. Cadillac is only building 275 examples this year. We're sad to see the CTS-V come to an end. It has grown larger & more powerful with each generation, but customers found the six-digit price a bit hard to justify. Thankfully, the new big sedan has a starting price of $88,790. Caddy President Steve Carlisle said: “The 2019 CT6-V marks the expansion of the V-Series sub-brand and is the proof point of Cadillac’s commitment to build high-performance vehicles as we continue our product offensive." Their goal is to release a new model every six months until 2022. Reviewed: 2018 Cadillac CT6 The new V will be powered by an all-new V8. The. 4.2L Blackwing is a 550 horsepower beast with 627 lb-ft of torque. It is Cadillac's first DOHC to use reverse-flow heads and twin turbos mounted in the valley. That price comes with a 2-day course at Spring Mountain in order to learn how this power is sent to all wheels. Due to the complexities of going head-to-head with BMW, Audi and Mercedes-AMG, Cadillac is probably not bluffing on the limited production. So click the link below to find our dealer near you and get on the list. Stay with us for all your Cadillac news. View All Cadillac CT6 For Sale Related: Cadillac Reveals CT6 Plug-In Hybrid

Cadillac furthered its recent product blitz today with the revea

By Andrew Nabors – January 14, 2019

Cadillac Unveils Their First EV at the Detroit Auto Show

Today marks the opening of the North American International Auto Show. It will be a week of new car reveals, and the first one happened last night. Cadillac unveiled their first *fully electric vehicle. I have to add that caveat for those who might have forgot about the ELR. While it was limited by the ties to the Chevrolet Volt, this new model marks GM's next generation of battery powered cars. Cadillac will be the first to use a new modular chassis. It can be configured for front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive, with various battery capacities depending on the target audience. Also unveiled was their new XT6 crossover and a few hints of the new Escalade. Cadillac is committed to releasing a new model every six months. Cadillac Unveils 550 Horsepower CT6-V As a CTS-V owner, I look forward to the CT6-V and hopefully a new generation of the ATS. GM has a lot riding on their upcoming products, so let's hope they get it right. Stay with us for full coverage of this year's NAIAS, and click the link below to find great incentives from our Cadillac dealer near you. Find Your Local Cadillac SHoiwroom Related Video: " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2018

Autoline Network Confirms Cadillac Escala Production

If we've learned anything from Cadillac over the past 3 decades, it's to not call their bluff. In a YouTube video uploaded over the weekend, the industry analysts at Autoline Network confirm that the Cadillac Escala will enter production in 2021. This comes as a bit of a relief due to Cadillac's current lineup. The flagship CT6 is their most well-appointed car, with features like Bose Panaray surround sound and GM's first autonomous driving system: Supercruise. It has a twin turbo V6 that can run on 3 cylinders for great economy.The problem is that Cadillac also builds a more expensive sedan, the 3rd generation of the wild CTS-V. It uses boost and the Corvette Z06's LT4 engine to offer 640 horsepower and torque. So Caddy buyers can choose between high power or high technology, which is where the Escala will bridge this gap. The CT6 chassis has been used to unveil Plug-in Hybrid technology along with many other new features, so it will be nice to see them dropped into such a stylish package. It will also be nearly two decades since the first CTS heralded Cadillac's renaissance. It will also coincide with their top-secret mid-engined car being developed at the Corvette plant. The future looks bright for Cadillac, so tell us which car you anticipate more in the comments below.Browse Cadillac CT6 For Sale

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