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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 – May 20, 2019

2019 GMC Syclone Unveiled at duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee

Saturday was perfect weather for a car show. Our monthly event has become popular around the world thanks to Social Media, so our friends at Specialty Vehicle Engineering decided to bring their latest build. It has been 28 years since GMC added boost to their midsize truck. The original Syclone and Typhoon are still fast by modern standards, so a new version is long overdue. So we're glad the 2019 GMC Syclone for sale was unveiled at duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee. SVE was founded as Street Legal Performance in 1987 by Ed Hamburger. A drag racing legend with a history of developing performance parts, he decided to offer upgrades that would be legal in all 50 states. This takes time and patience, especially to pass California's Air Resources Board. Along with his son David, their first car was the 1992 Pontiac Firehawk. Their modifications were so popular that GM allowed them to take over Firebird WS6 production in 1994. After reviving the Camaro SS in 1996, they were turning out thousands of cars annually. Ed decided to retire and sold the company to Jack Roush, but sitting idle is not his style. After doing some research, he found out who owned the Yenko name. After intense negotiations, they resurrected the Yenko Camaro. Their SVE 1000 Yenko Camaro was unveiled here in 2017, and orders are still flowing in. This allowed them to purchase the rights to Syclone and Typhoon from GM, and work began. After digging deep into the 3.6L V6, they developed a supercharger unlike any other. The new Syclone is force-fed by a centrifugal blower, but you can't hear it. Behind the pulley is a set of patents that will blow your mind, that's all we can tell you. It allows for maximum boost at an instant, and almost no drag on the crank when its not needed. Because of this, you will have 455 horsepower and 425 lb-ft of torque. Transforming the GMC Canyon into the Syclone took more than power. To make sure it hooks, traction bars run the entire length of the driveshaft. New leaf springs and new coils drop the truck 2" front and 6" rear.The front swaybar is massive, and the rear has two eyelets for adjustment. Alex Borla and his team developed the first exhaust for this V6 that eliminates drone. SVE wheels measure 20"x10" and are wrapped in 275 mm tires at all corners. Brakes are 6-piston calipers on 13.6" rotors, with aluminum hats to reduce weight. Because of all the details involved, only 100 trucks will be built each year. It is available from all GMC dealers for $39,995 (in addition to your 2WD or 4WD GMC Canyon). If you already have a V6 Canyon or GMC Colorado, the supercharger retails for $6,000, and most of the other pieces will be available a-la carte. Each Syclone is covered by the factory warrany, and it can be serviced at any GM dealer. Click the link below for all the details and stay with us for all your SVE updates. Click Here For More Info https://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/322696711738741/

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2019

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee: March 2019

"Beware the Ides of March". We were careful last Friday, as it has been 2,063 years since Julius Caesar was taken out by the Senate. Thankfully our attention to detail averted a "brutal" scene, and Saturday morning offered beautiful weather. The "Rides of March" included newly completed winter projects, many wild 4WD rigs, and a sparkling new Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Photo by Michael Brs Photo by Michael Brs The weather forecast called for morning showers, and they finally arrived today... Photo by Michael Brs Photo by Michael Brs It was such a nice morning that the LaFerrari made a rare appearance outside the showroom. We are on a quest to become a greener company, not just for St Patrick's day. Our guests were pleased to see our showroom is now lit by LED. The diffusers and a warmer color temperature make photography much easier. Usually, it is a tough decision to choose the Car of the Month, but a stunning white Ford GT could not be ignored. Not only is it brand new, it is one of the limited edition Carbon Series. Tell us your favorite car of the show and we'll see you next month https://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/356557338279072

By Andrew Nabors – May 22, 2018

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee: Davis Island 2018

What happened on the morning of May 19, 2018, was simply unbelievable. For the second year, the folks at the Tampa Airport Authority allowed us to take over the Peter O. Knight Airport on Davis Islands in Tampa, FL for our Cars & Coffee event. Tampa’s first airport, for approximately 10 years starting in the mid-1930’s, is now home to private and civil aviation with an expansive tarmac that is the perfect spot for this huge event.Even though our tents and vendors were set up way in advance of the official start time, we realized a line of amazing automobiles was forming and backing up to the horizon. So we opened the gates 40 minutes early to get things rolling, and many cars were in place before the sun awakened. Local dealers, including our automotive sponsor Ferrari of Tampa Bay, brought out their best inventory, and three food trucks offered something for everyone, including some delicious coffee.Gallery by C12 Productions Gallery by Nick Rosso We began as a small car magazine in Tampa back in 1985. And thanks to our fans and clients, we have grown into the world’s best resource for connecting buyers and sellers of the world’s best cars. This show was for everyone who has supported us over the last three decades.Gallery by @keystothejungle Gallery by Chandler Parker Gallery by Ben McClure Gallery by duPont REGISTRY The record turnout caught the eye of several other locations, so the wheels are in motion for something even bigger. For those of you who attend regularly, we have a surprise in our showroom for next month, so we’ll see you then!

By Andrew Nabors – December 18, 2017

Cars & Coffee: December 2017

If you missed our final show of the year, it was one for the record books. Normally our December show has a limited attendance because of Holiday traveling. But our friends at Ferrari of Tampa Bay planned their own gathering for 10 AM. The notion of two amazing car shows must have stirred the masses because we ended 2017 with a full house.View Lamborghini Huracan Spyder For SaleLooking back on the year, 2017 saw the first time we've ever canceled a show. Our big plans for Davis Islands were nixed by Hurricane Irma.Our annual December tradition has been to collect Toy for Tots. The Marine Corps will be here on the 19th, and we have a full load of bikes, dolls, and stuffed animals waiting for them. Gallery by C12ProductionsThe great weather invited appearances by Cycle Springs, Jeff's Jeepyard, Vaydor, Reeves, and Moke America. Sheriff Gualtieri sent one of his Hummer H1s to keep the peace, but we still witnessed hijinx on Ulmerton road. We couldn't do this without the support of Kahwa Coffee and our loyal fans. We have some big plans in the works for 2018, so stay tuned for all the updates.

By Andrew Nabors – October 23, 2017

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee October 2017

If you missed out on Cars & Coffee last month, we did too. September was planned to be our big fall event at Peter O Knight airport, but Hurricane Irma forced us to cancel the event for the first time. That is probably why we had such a wild show this month. Every inch of our parking lot was filled by 7am.The weather forecast was clear, which made for a starry sky as we opened our doors. Our last event during Daylight Saving Time is not normally packed so early, but the videos speak for themselves. Since we are located on a peninsula, the Pinellas County Sherriff's Office brought out a new tool for aquatic search & rescue. The big dive support truck is loaded with tanks, gear & lighting to assist in aquatic maneuvers.Gallery by duPont REGISTRY Next in was Reeves Import Motorcars & Mercedes-Benz of Tampa. Crown Eurocars, Bert Smith, Global Auto & McLaren Tampa Bay brought out their latest inventory. We heard rumblings of something impressive from Bruiser Conversions and Jeff's Jeep Yard, and they showed up with a mean 6x6 Jeep Wrangler. Powered by an LS3 Corvette engine, it has 3 locking axles and no expenses spared.Gallery by Mike Singsong An aromatic assault of fine coffee was provided by Kahwa Coffee, served up in their vintage Citroen van. Everyone shared stories of the storm and discussed plans for the other Saturday shows. Lake Mirror is a mecca for motoring fans, so many of us were preparing for a long day. We're working on re-scheduling our big show for the spring, so look out for the updates here. Thank you to our fans & dealers who make Cars & Coffee possible, we'll see you next month.

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