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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 – August 28, 2020

Nico Rosberg Buys Rimac Concept_Two

Driving Formula 1 cars for a living is a dream job, and it probably makes you addicted to instant acceleration. Since he won the 2016 World Championship, he could buy any supercar for sale. But lets watch as Nico Rosberg buys a Rimac Concept_Two. Our friend Mate Rimac set out to build the world's most powerful electric car, and he has changed the way the world looks at EVs. Porsche Joins Forces With Rimac The Concept_Two is their second model, and it offers a range of 400 miles and a top speed of 258 mph. It reaches 60 mph in 1.95 seconds thanks to liquid-cooled electric motors at all corners. With a combined output of 1,888 horsepower, driving one is on my bucket list. Only 150 examples will be offered, so if you don't have a reservation, we have a Concept_One for sale. It offers 1,224 horsepower to reach 60 mph in 2.4 seconds with a range of 217 miles. Browse Rimac For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – August 17, 2020

Drake's New Music Video Features Two Wild Mercedes-Maybac...

Drake's latest music video for his song "Laugh Now Cry Later" has millions of views and over one million likes. There's no doubt in my mind that this song slaps, but the two cars that make an appearance in the video are what really caught my attention. These two cars are actually concept cars known as the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Coupe and Cabriolet. They have a massive body that's highlighted by the insanely high-tech interior. You can actually get a great glimpse of the interior in the video, which shows off the plethora of LED lights in the cabin. Each of these concept cars features an electric drivetrain. The battery actually has the ability to pump out 738 horsepower, which allows the massive concept car to run from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds. Check them out for yourself in the video up above. See All Mercedes-Benz for Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CD7aHLAlX68/

By Andrew Nabors – August 10, 2020

Michael Fux is Selling Nine Incredible Cars at McLaren Bo...

Our friend Mr. Fux (pronounced Fukes) enjoys the best cars in the world. His rags to riches story is the American dream. He and his family fled Cuba as Castro's terrorists held the nation in turmoil. After a few unsuccessful business ventures, he founded Sleep Innovations. Changing the way pillows and mattresses are made and packaged changed the bedding industry. He wants to make room for a few new cars, so we have a unique opportunity from McLaren Boston. Each of these is in new condition, and because they're part of his collection, your reward will be handsome when its time to part ways. 2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Weissach View Listing 2018 Ferrari 812 Superfast View Listing 2019 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider View Listing 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster Six Speed View Listing 2015 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Six Speed View Listing 2018 Dodge Demon View Listing 2019 Porsche 911 GT3 RS Weissach View Listing 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Six Speed View Listing 2017 BMW M2 View Listing It's bad luck to break up these siblings, so why not grab them all! Thanks to Mr. Fux and all of our friends at McLaren Boston

By Andrew Nabors – August 04, 2020

Gordon Murray Unveils his T.50 Supercar

This morning we warned you that something unprecedented was coming soon. After years in development, Gordon Murray's T.50 is now a reality. Every part was scrutinized for weight, from the wrist pins to the pedals. With a curb weight of 2,173 lbs, it is powered by a bespoke Cosworth 3.9-liter V12. It is naturally aspirated and filled with titanium internals. This allows it to offer 344 lb-ft of torque at 2,500 rpm and 654 horsepower at 11,500 rpm. Canepa Group to be N. American Representative for T.50 Supercar by Gordon Murray Integrating the starter with a 48-volt generator allows the massive electric fan to suck underbody air out between the taillights. Just like the McLaren F1 he designed in his youth, the driver sits center with a passenger on either side. A six-speed manual transmission was specially built to handle the 12,100 rpm redline. In a car this light, carbon fiber synchros and straight-cut gears will probably be mandatory. For years, other publications have told you the V12 and the manual transmission are dead. Mr. Murray refuses to adhere to bean counters, and that is why this masterpiece will make you fall in love with driving again. Only 100 customers will have the opportunity to spend $3,084,000 (before taxes). Stay with us for more updates on the T.50 and other news from Gordon Murray Automotive.

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By Andrew Nabors – July 21, 2020

Michael Fux Teases his 2021 Hispano-Suiza Carmen

One of our favorite collectors is a true rags-to-riches story. Michael Fux is a Cuban-American who fled communism to make a fortune building the world's best mattresses. He is always changing up the cars in his garages, and at one point he owned one example of each Mercedes-AMG Black Series. His discerning tastes include the world's most exclusive cars, often painted in his favorite color. "Fux Fuchsia" can be seen for miles, and it allows his cars to be worth much more when it comes time to part ways. As such, the upcoming Hispano-Suiza Carmen has been rendered with a white leather interior and an exposed carbon fiber roof. Hispano Suiza Carmen Teased Ahead of Geneva Carmen Mateu was the Mother of Hispano-Suiza's President. Her style and grace influenced him to resurrect the historic Art Deco designs made famous by his Great Grandfather. The electric supercar weighs in at only 3,700 lbs, a featherweight compared to its rivals. Twin electric motors rated at 750 kW send 1,019 horsepower to the rear wheels. Since the brand was founded to combine the best in Spanish styling and Swiss precision, you will find more details on the Carmen here on dR Daily. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CB6N3xeB6Se/

By Andrew Nabors – May 26, 2020

Explore the History of the Batmobile

Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, Adam West, and others have made cinematic history behind the wheels of the Batmobile. I can attest that the toy version of the Keaton-era Batmobile is easily destroyed by a .22 magnum, and my parents were not amused. Regardless of your allegiance to the Caped Crusader, Warner Brothers have produced an hour of history documenting the black machines. Top 50 Best Exotic Cars & Supercars Of All Time The eleventh film in the series is scheduled for October 1st. "The Batman" is a reboot starring Robert Pattinson along with an ensemble cast of Zoe Kravits, Colin Farrell, Peter Sarsgaard, and John Turturro. One underlying fact of the movie cars is that a majority of them have been Chevrolet powered. So tell us your favorite Batmobile in the comments below and stay with us for all your celebrity car updates.

By Andrew Nabors – April 24, 2020

Gold Rezvani Tank Allows Owner to Fight the Virus

Ferris Rezvani has been building his dream cars for years. From the Beast to the Tank, he and his team form a friendship with each customer. To inspire others to follow in their footsteps, their latest email campaign features interviews with Rezvani owners. This week we learn how Kevin Thobias and his gold Rezvani Tank allows him to fight the virus. As an entrepreneur and founder of a successful e-commerce platform, he wanted something unique. The only gold Tank ever build makes a statement wherever it goes. So that is why he started using it to purchase and deliver protective equipment and essentials for hospitals and first responders. Because the PA system can be heard for blocks, his message to the public is not to hoard. As a self-made millionaire, he knows the struggle is real. That's why his Tank is used to spread hope and supplies around South Florida. Under the hood is a new Hellcat 707 horsepower V8 sending power to all wheels. He wanted every option, so it is bulletproofed with B7 armor from the radiator to the rear bumper. B7 is higher than most armored cars, and it mandates bomb-proof floors, self-sealing fuel tanks, plate steel around the radiator, and glass than can shrug off a.30 caliber rifle round The build process is invovled, as all door openings must have overlapping jambs. It is not merely enough to be tough, so he also spec'ed the following: B7 level bulletproof armor capable of stopping bullets from an AK-47 Bulletproof glass and body armor Underside explosive protection Smoke Screen Military Runflat Tires Thermal Night Vision System Self-sealing fuel tank Radiator protection Reinforced suspension Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Protection Fabricated Steel Push Bumpers Electrified Door Handles Siren and Horn Options Strobe Lights Blinding Lights Intercom System Magnetic Dead Bolts Gas masks First Aid kit Hypothermia kit Continuous video recording Tank Starts at $155,000 and $259,000 for the armored version. The cabin is defined by a hand-stitched Leather Package that provides comfort and compatibility for drivers and passengers alike, with leather seats and a suede headliner. A 7.9-inch central infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay provides access to features like Google Maps, Pandora, Stitcher, and a suite of apps optimized for use on and off-road. If you need a Tank your fleet, click the link below and they will build whatever your heart desires. Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – December 28, 2018

Celebrity News From 2018

If you are famous and you like nice cars, chances are you made it on to Autofluence. From Post Malone to Conor McGregor, tell us who will make the list next year. https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/deadmau5-mclaren-senna/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/see-the-moment-steph-currys-porsche-gets-smashed-in-an-accident/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/graham-rahal-purple-ford-gt/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/justin-verlanders-new-ferrari-488-pista/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/conor-mcgregor-car-collection/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/post-malones-new-lamborghini-aventador-sv-is-a-screamer/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/drake-laferrari-floating-air-yes-indeed/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/cardi-b-and-offset-get-new-lamborghinis/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/justin-bieber-lamborghini-aventador-s/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/jerry-seinfeld-buys-911-rsr-1/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/jon-olson-topless-mercedes-g500-4x4/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/kevin-hart-gets-ferrari-488-spider-for-birthday/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/kevin-hart-gets-ferrari-488-spider-for-birthday/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/john-cena-settles-ford-gt-lawsuit/ https://blog.dupontregistry.com/celebrity-cars/jamie-foxx-gets-wicked-rezvani-tank/ Merry Christmas and Happy New Years from all of us. We'll see you in 2019!

By Andrew Nabors – October 29, 2018

World Series MVP wins new Chevy Silverado Trail Boss

It took dedication and practice to for the Boston Red Sox to shut down the LA Dodgers. But Steve Pearce hit 2 home runs to become the 2018 Willie Mays World Series MVP. Boston is gearing up for a massive parade on Wednesday, and leading it will be Pearce in his new Chevrolet Silverado LT Trail Boss. In a Press Release by Chevy on Sunday night, we learned that his new truck arrives with Ranco suspension that rides 2" above the base models.New & Pre-Owned Corvette Z06 For SaleAlso included are locking differentials, 18" wheels, and Goodyear DuraTrack off-road tires. Under the hood is Chevrolet's first straight six in almost 40 years. The 3.0-liter turbo diesel is the latest Duramax, and it delivers 282 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. Backed by their 10-speed automatic, it offers 7,800 lbs of towing and 28 mpg on the highway. Pearce hit .333 for the series, with 3 home runs and a double play. Chevrolet's Youth Baseball program is an outreach from local dealers to supply equipment and over 1,800 free summer clinics to help young players hone their skills. Congrats to Mr. Pearce on his win, and click the link below for great deals on new Chevys.View Chevrolet For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 16, 2018

Terradyne GURKHA vs a LANDMINE

Many armored cars protect their occupants from small arms fire. Being able to stop a 30 Caliber round is nice to have in your daily commute. But what would happen if you drove over a landmine? That is what the engineers at Terradyne wanted to know about their latest GURKHA. So they selected a random model and sent it to Oregon Ballistic Laboratories for a "simulation".A.J. Burnett’s 2016 Terradyne Gurkha RPV For SaleI use that term in the loosest sense, because the truck is real, and inside are a family of dummies. They were wired with pressure and acoustic sensors, and OBL's cameras were placed behind acrylic shields. Upon detonation, a shaped charge sent molten metal and vaporized earth into the undercarriage. But watch this in slow motion- The thick armor plates used to protect the driveline are at 45-degree angles.This sends the blast outwards, tossing rocks farther than the cameras. The result was a crater and bumpy ride, and everyone survived. No shrapnel, no broken eardrums, just an inconvenience that would have destroyed every car around it. Terradyne has been building the ultimate armored vehicles for over a decade. Each one has B7/ NATO Level 2 protection. Not only can it take a mine in any location, it will also shrug off a 155mm shell explosion at 330 feet away. If your Ex has a howitzer aimed at you, tell her to step her game up. If your family needs the best protection in the world, this video speaks for itself. Claymores and Bangalore torpedos are no match for the GURKHA, and they won't even bother your Spotify streaming.On a personal note, every time we feature a GURKHA at an event, no transporter is capable of hauling it. They drive down from Ontario, cruising at 80 mph without any worries. I have been above 80 mph in a silent and luxurious interior. The 6.7 Powerstroke and 4.88 gears are perfect for city or highway thanks to the six-speed HD automatic transmission. Ford supplies the driveline from the F450, so it is clean burning and 50-state legal. Click the link below to learn more and some peace of mind to your daily commute.Find Your Terradyne GURKHA Here! That was annoying, let's go home!

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