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

By Alyssa Mammano – April 09, 2020

Luxury Home Buyers Won't Settle for Less than Turn-Key

Luxury real estate buyers are looking for no less than turn-key homes in 2020, according to the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury 2020 Report. A poll of Luxury Property Specialists revealed that today's luxury buyers will shell out more for homes that are move-in-ready with luxurious finishes and a wow-factor. Homebuyers are also looking for a list of built-in amenities, including extravagant home automation, outdoor living spaces and flexible indoor spaces that can serve multiple purposes. Of those polled, most Luxury Specialists said that their buyers prefer modern or contemporary stylings in open-concept layouts. A more casual lifestyle has surfaced in recent years, and where Mediterranean and Tuscan designs were popular in the early 2000s, today's buyers are partial to a more modern aesthetic. Millennials are now coming of age - many have burgeoning families and are now in a place to upgrade their primary residences. This generation is playing a large part in emerging luxury real estate trends. They want open-concept living areas and spaces that function for their families and guests. About 77% of respondents said that buyers are searching for less formal floorplans and more usable space. Not only should the layout function for their families, entertaining plays a large role in preferences, as well. “They want the perfect setting for their family and the ultimate setting for entertaining,” said Diane Polland of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage of Long Island, NY in the report. This caliber of buyers is also looking for high quality in craftsmanship and finishes. And today's luxury home buyers don't want to perform extensive renovations to their new single-family homes, either. They are looking to move right in and experience the luxurious lifestyle their new homes afford. Reportedly, 68% of respondents said buyers have come to seek out new-build homes more so over the past year. Roger Pettingell of Coldwell Banker Realty, Longboat Key, FL said in the report, “They're willing to pay up for brand new or newly renovated, and they will even give up a view if you have a new home requiring no work.” Outdoor living spaces are also a top priority for new luxury home buyers. Nearly 72% said they are a necessity for affluent homebuyers in today's market. This trend reflects the growing affinity to merge real estate with nature, as people want to be closer to their natural surroundings more so now than ever. Furthermore, homeowners want to maximize usable space on their properties. Indoor/outdoor living and entertaining reflects an idyllic affluent lifestyle that high-end buyers envision for their home lives. Another must-have this year is multifunctional rooms, or flex spaces that can serve any purpose the homebuyer sees fit. While work has become exponentially more mobile with many employees having the ability to work from home, office space can be anywhere. Buyers are looking for ease of living and a home with rooms that can perform multiple duties. A dining room can double as a meeting space, an office can also be an entertaining space and a spare bedroom can also serve as a screening room. Technology plays a large role in the allure of a new home for affluent buyers. Some 81% of those polled said home automation is their most desired feature. Technological advancements also include smart security systems, wireless sound systems and car charging stations. This goes beyond the automated lighting and temperature control of yester-year. Luxury buyers are looking for integrated Smart Home technology that combines all of their systems seamlessly. Tech should learn and adapt to a homeowner's lifestyle and personalize systems to his or her needs. On the contrary, home features that affluent buyers are doing away with this year include highly customized permanent features, tennis courts and indoor pools. Larger homes seem to be less in vogue, as well, as many baby boomers are downsizing and millennials are willing to sacrifice size for location. Shop All Mansions Do you have a luxury listing that deserves the spotlight? Share it with our audience here!

By Andrew Nabors – April 08, 2020

Superformance & Shelby American Unveil "Cinema Series" Cars

A new line of vehicles from Shelby American, Shelby Legendary Cars and Superformance called the “Cinema Series” will celebrate some of the greatest icons of film. The initial group will include Shelby Cobra roadsters, Daytona Coupes and GT40s as seen in the epic movie Ford v. Ferrari. Shelby CSX8000 SLAB SIDE Based on vehicles successfully raced by Ken Miles, Chris Amon, Lloyd Ruby, Denny Hulme, Bruce McLaren, Dave MacDonald and driven by Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) only 100 total cars in the series will be offered worldwide. Each vehicle will be based on a car shown in the movie and come with complete documentation. The Shelby roadsters will bear a CSX8100-8199 serial number. The Shelby Cobra roadsters are: The blue 1962 “Carroll Shelby” edition based on CSX2000, the first Cobra driven by Matt Damon in the film The white 1963 “Ken Miles” edition based on the initial street Cobras converted for racing; this model will include a Carroll Shelby Autographed (engraved) wrench and a spare cracked race windshield as seen in the movie A red 1963 “Dave MacDonald” edition that resembles a Cobra driven by Dave’s son Rich MacDonald in the film while portraying his father The continued strong demand for the original movie cars led to this new series of cars. The Shelby Cobra roadster in fiberglass will start at US$98,995.00. Standard Equipment: Show quality two-stage paint finishes Hand laminated fiberglass body with reinforcing inserts Heavy-duty TIG welded 3" Tojeiro style frame chassis Transverse leaf spring style suspension Salisbury limited-slip differential Willwood® front and rear disc brakes with double master cylinders Original style Dayton wire wheels with 15” tires Original style shifter and hand brake lever Black carpeted interior Sun visors and wind wings Original style latch-lock seat belts Moto - Lita wooden steering wheel Original style fuel filler Aluminum hi-performance radiator, shroud, and fan Stainless steel fuel tank, 14 gallon Original style gauges (Stewart Warner) and switches The Shelby cars will be built to order and delivered with a Shelby American serial number for documentation in the Shelby American Worldwide Registry. Orders are now being accepted. View Details The Superformance GT40 MKII The blue/white stripe and orange flashes “Ken Miles” edition MkII big block GT40 based on chassis P/1015 that was driven to victory at Daytona in 1966 and competed at Le Mans. The 1966 black Amon/McLaren GT40 (based on chassis P/1046) awarded victory at Le Mans. Standard Equipment: A complete factory assembled rolling chassis Show quality PPG paint finishes with many standard colors Fully independent front and rear suspension Bilstein® coil-over progressive shocks with H&R Springs® Four-wheel vented disc brakes, Wilwood calipers Aluminum radiator/oil cooler with dual electric fans Original style steel monocoque chassis Pressed steel roof Original style suspension Right and left-hand drive models available Shifter & Handbrake located in the center of the tunnel Included in latest Shelby World Registry Original style seats with silver rivets High capacity air-conditioner Oil cooler and braided lines The GT40 will begin at $189,995. The Shelby cars will be built to order and delivered with a Shelby American serial number for documentation in the Shelby American Worldwide Registry. Orders are now being accepted View Details " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 08, 2020

Ferrari Outlines Reopening Procedures

Big automakers can ride out ripples in production, but the smaller ones are being hit hard. Last year was the first time they sold over 10,000 cars, so the workers in Maranello need to resume production to keep showrooms full of Scuderia Shields. With worker health being the top priority, Ferrari has outlined their reopening procedures. Last month we mentioned their target date of April 14th, and they have not deviated from that schedule. In their latest Instagram post, we've learned the details of the plan: "The safety and well-being of our employees is our utmost priority. Upon reopening (in accordance with local legislation), we will implement our ‘Back on Track’ program in partnership with a pool of virologists and experts. Employees and their families, in addition to our suppliers, will have access to free testing, counseling, and monitoring in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. At Ferrari our most precious resource, people, always comes first." The world is slowly getting back to normal, so we hope to report on similar news from other brands. Stay with us for all your Ferrari news, and click the button below to find one for yourself. Browse All Ferrari For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 07, 2020

Porsche 911 Turbo S Arrives With InnoDrive

Automation can be scary for those who enjoy interacting with their automobile. I was hesitant to engage SuperCruise on the latest Cadillac CT6, but it performed flawlessly on the interstate. Porsche unveiled a similar system on the Panamera in 2018, and now it has been perfected. So we're happy to see the Porsche 911 Turbo S will arrive with InnoDrive. This optional system uses 360-degree HD cameras, radar, and powerful graphics hardware to control several systems. When engaged, the driver allows the new Porsche 911 Turbo S to hold the center of the lane. Not only in traffic or in a straight line, but it will also maneuver through the corners on its own. Depending on driving mode, it will command the PDK transmission to shift up or down. Up if you are Eco mode to maximize fuel savings. When it sees no obstacles ahead, your friend will drop a gear in Sport mode. All the while, adaptive cruise will brake and accelerate to your desired distance. As soon as this situation clears we will have a thorough review, so stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 07, 2020

Jaguar Land Rover Announces 0% for 72 Months

Indecision is a major contributor to regret. With signs that the virus is slowing down, you won't have a better time to purchase the car of your dreams. To jump-start the road to recovery, Jaguar Land Rover have announced 0% for 72 months of financing. Backed by Chase, eligible customers can choose from almost all 2020 models in addition to the 2021 Jaguar F-Type. In addition, current lessees can extend their agreement by 6 months without any questions asked. Returning customers entering a new lease will have two lease payment waivers good for $750 each. That being said, our dealers and have been trained to conduct all business remotely until we're in the clear. If you are looking for a test drive, it can be delivered and picked up from your home. Service appointments can also be handled the same way, so it is time to strike while the iron is hot. Click the buttons below to find our dealer nearest you and stay inside if possible. Jaguar For Sale Land Rover For Sale " width="680">

82942994_3118464978377790_3087845936932585472_o

By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2020

SVE Yenko 1000 Stage II on the Dyno

Ed Hamburger and his son David have been building fast cars for over 3 decades. During the mid-'80s, GM's Camaro and Firebird had great potential, but they were choked by bureaucracy. The Corvette team would not allow a competitor from within. So there was room for more power and torque while still being able to meet clean-air laws. Ed is a veteran drag racer, winning numerous races and building a wealth of knowledge along the way. That is how he and his team were able to reverse-engineer a 1990 Trans-Am, and the Firehawk was born. Specialty Vehicle Engineering builds street-legal production cars that can be ordered from any GM dealer. I ordered my 2002 Camaro SS with every option, and it still runs like new. So I am thankful that I was able to drive their latest creation at this year's Amelia Island Concours. Taking delivery of a new Yenko 1000 Stage II along with their new GMC Syclone, I can truly say I have felt over 1,000 horsepower. I have spent 9 years at duPont REGISTRY driving fast cars and writing about them for you. This one is not like the others. Whatever is inside the supercharger should be kept under lock and key. Cruising along the beach on Florida's A1A, their torque management program knows when to enable boost. With this much power, you can easily shift 1-3-5 or 2-4-6 without any objection. It is able to get loose in 4th without effort thanks to the hand-built 416 bottom end and their proprietary supercharger. If you want a 9-second daily driver, Don Yenko would approve of the SVE Stage II Yenko Camaro. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2020

1958 Porsche 356A Review by Jay Leno & Jerry Seinfeld

When these two get together you know it is going to be funny. Two stand-up comedians from the Northeast decided that Hollywood was calling them. Over 3 decades later, these gentleman comics have amassed the most amazing car collections we're aware of. While Mr. Leno is a lover of all automobiles, his longtime friend is a connoisseur of all things Porsche. Because these guys know more about the brand than most historians, let's watch a 1958 Porsche 356A review by Jay Leno & Jerry Seinfeld. Jerry Seinfeld Suing Dealer Over "Fake 1958 Porsche 356 Speedster" This is the car Ferry Porsche designed in a sawmill with a small team. His goal was to sell enough examples to pay his father's bail from being imprisoned in France after the war. They are light, fast, and incredible to drive. The 356 set the stage for Porsche to become a global empire. You are truly missing out by not driving one, so click the link below to let your adventure begin. Browse All Porsche 356 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 03, 2020

Karma Automotive Unveils Efficient Silicon Carbide Inverters

Ever since Nikola Tesla discovered alternating current, his life was devoted to providing efficient ways to use it. For the better part of the 20th century, battery-powered devices used Edison's direct current. Not only did Edison make DC batteries small & powerful, converting the power to AC would mean licensing patents from his rival George Westinghouse. Now that the "War of the currents" is over a century old, almost every big electric motor uses Tesla's 3-phase AC. Therefore, every electric vehicle (aside from golf cars and kid's toys) needs a way to transform DC to AC and vice-versa. That is why Karma Automotive has unveiled efficient silicon carbide inverters. In their latest press release, we learned these 400-volt modules can be combined to support 800-volt charging. Not only will these be used in all Karma models, but they are also the most critical part of the universal chassis being developed for other automakers. Browse Karma For Sale AC On The Left-DC On The Right

By Andrew Nabors – April 03, 2020

Bizzarrini P538 Detailed After 32 Years in Storage

Howard Carter discovered the tomb of King Tut in November of 1922. It was sealed around 3,500 years before, so care was taken to preserve the undisturbed artifacts. Such care should also be taken when finding a priceless exotic car for sale. So let's watch Ammo NYC undertake the careful process of a Bizzarrini P538 being detailed after 32 years in storage. If you approach such a valuable car, please don't try this on your own. Our nationwide network of Elite Detailers will be happy to bring life back to neglected rides. Click the button below to find one near you and stay with us for all your exotic car news. duPont Registry Elite Detailer Alliance " width="680">

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe