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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 – July 05, 2018

Audi e-tron Prototype On Stage

While we were celebrating Independence day, Audi put the production-ready e-tron on stage. The Royal Danish Playhouse in Copenhagen was the setting and the press release shows us the interior for the first time. While the exterior is still wrapped in e-tron specific camouflage, their first electric car is loaded with luxury.Audi e-tron Has 400 Volt Charging!Two 7" OLED screens are the centerpiece of the Audi Virtual Cockpit. It uses HD cameras instead of side mirrors, and they work with front and rear ones to create a 360-degree view to help with parking and safe maneuvering. Three views are available: highway, turning, and parking. Entertainment is handled by 16 Bang & Olufsen speaker that are sound-staged for a proper 3D audio effect. The center console also incorporates mood lighting, and it has open sidewalls between the driver and passenger seats.Speaking of the seats, they are weather refined Valcona hides with contrast stitching and piping. The entire body shell arrives loaded with insulation that is tuned to eliminate any sounds of the electric driveline. With a wheelbase of 9.6 feet, it will be a smooth & capable family hauler. Hopefully, it will incorporate the 800v fast-charge feature that Porsche is placing at all their dealers, so as soon as we have more info you will see it here first.Browse Audi For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 06, 2018

Electric Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Revealed

At the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche has revealed what looks like a true Tesla challenger: the Mission E Cross Turismo. This four-seater German sports car comes powered by two electric motors that have a total output of 600 hp. That power can push the MIssion E Cross Turismo from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and 0 to 124 mph in under twelve seconds. Those numbers are quite impressive for Porsche's first fully-electric modern sports car.For now, this car is simply a "concept study" of a "Cross-Utility Vehicle," with no word of production. You can see the CUV aspects in the car's big wheels and prominent wheel arches.TECHART GrandGT Takes Porsche Panamera to New Levels‘The Mission E Cross Turismo is an expression of how we envision the all-electric future. It combines sportiness and everyday practicality in unique style. Our vehicle will be fast to drive, but also quick to recharge and able to replicate its performance time after time,’ says Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG.

By Andrew Nabors – February 02, 2018

Top 10 Cars To Be Unveiled At Geneva

Spring auto show season is in full force. That means the world's automakers are gearing up for the Geneva Motor Show, one of the biggest events of the year. It opens on the 8th of February and runs until the 18th. This happens to coincide with duPont REGISTRY Live at the Baltimore Auto Show, but we've been known to be on multiple continents at the same time.10. ZenvoThey have been teasing a new model with even more power, so let's hope it can surpass the ST1https://blog.dupontregistry.com/news/zenvo-st1-tunnel-accelerations-in-monaco/9. RimacThe incredible performance and safety of the Rimac Concept One were put to the test on Season 2 of The Grand Tour. Richard Hammond walked away from a graphic crash, which led the manufacturer to improve their design.https://blog.dupontregistry.com/videos/rimac-teases-next-generation-hypercar-01242018/8. Mercedes-AMG G63It has only been a few weeks since Mercedes-Benz unveiled the new generation of the G Wagen. As we all know, the AMG versions are the most popular, so get ready for the next generation G63 AMG.https://blog.dupontregistry.com/news/2019-mercedes-benz-g-class-specs-01152018/ 7. McLaren P15 SennaAn homage to their best driver, the P15 is unlike anything McLaren have ever built.https://blog.dupontregistry.com/news/mclaren-senna-donuts-ctc-01172018/ 6. Range Rover CoupeThis one speaks for itself!https://blog.dupontregistry.com/news/land-rover-unveil-2-door-range-rover-geneva/5. Jaguar I-PaceWho wouldn't want an all-electric crossover with incredible range?https://blog.dupontregistry.com/jaguar-england/i-pace-prototype-testing/4. Ferrari 488 Speciale/GTOThe Ferrari 488 GTB and Spider are fast, very fast. Who in their right mind would add more power and aerodynamics? Come on, you know you want it!https://blog.dupontregistry.com/ferrari/report-488-gto-specs-leaked-01182018/3. Bentayga V8STwelve-cylinder engines have been the staple of British luxury since the beginning. You can't deny the power and torque of the W12 in the Bentayga, but it is always nice to have an alternative for eco-minded customers.https://blog.dupontregistry.com/features/10-reasons/2019-bentley-bentayga/ 2. Audi e-tronWhat started as an all-electric A3 sportback has been in development since 2012. Audi operates a testing & engineering center two blocks down the road, so every once in awhile we see these prototypes on the street. We could tell you more, but you'll have to wait!https://blog.dupontregistry.com/audi/audi-e-tron-quattro-concept-introduced/1. Aston Martin VantageSure Aston Martin builds hypercars and the incredibly Vanquish, but the Vantage is their Bread & Butter. Even if it's their entry-level car, its still an Aston Martin, so it commands respect wherever you drive it.https://blog.dupontregistry.com/aston-martin/2018-vantage-configurator/Tell us which one you are waiting for in the comments below, and we'll have all the info here next week. Stay with us for all your automotive news and have a great weekend!

By Andrew Nabors – September 06, 2017

Jaguar Unveils Steering Wheel of the Future

One item that is critical to your driving happiness is often overlooked. The steering wheel is your connection to the road. It can make or break you experience, so it is often the starting point for interior design. Jaguar is ditching the traditional leather and turning in a new direction. The Sayer is a vision of the future. Based on autonomous cars and shared ownership, the Sayer steering wheel could potentially be the only part of a vehicle you would own. It is named for Malcolm Sayer who worked for Jaguar between 1951 and 1970.Jaguar XE SV Project 8In their future, you take the wheel with you. It is voice activated and interfaces with other electronic devices. It is your assistant, handling tasks from scheduling appointments to arranging an autonomous vehicle delivery at your door. It was introduced over the weekend at London's inaugural Tech Fest at Central St. Martins, University of the Arts London. Tell us what you think of shared ownership and autonomous driving and stay with us for more visions of the future from Jaguar. Until the future arrives, be sure to check out the F-Type SVR at one of our dealers.

By Andrew Nabors – April 18, 2017

Mercedes-Benz Concept A: Bringing the Curves Back

Compact sedans are hot in China, which is why Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the new Concept A sedan. Just in time for the Shanghai Auto Show, it is the next logical evolution of their current design language. It was first seen in the "Aesthetics A" sculpture that emphasized flowing lines and "Sensual Purity". It was outlined in a book by Chief Design Officer Gorden Wagener, who is quoted as saying: "Our Concept A Sedan shows, that the time of creases is over".Sharp edges have a difficult time hiding the features of small cars, which is why curves are back in. Raising the beltline helps improve crash safety at the expense of hindering the driver's line of sight. A new grille takes inspiration from the AMG GT with a waterfall behind the trademark star. The rear bumper is a mix of Alfa-Romeo Giulia along with Lexus ES and snippets of Sonata. The front doors look almost twice as long as the rears, so we hope stylists are able to balance them out in the production version.Hopefully, the "power domes" in the hood have more to cover than just a turbocharged four-cylinder. Don't get me wrong, we love the CLA 45 AMG, but we miss the days of obscene engines in compact cars. No mention was made of a production date, so if you are looking for a Mercedes for sale, our dealers will be happy to find one for you. Stay with us for more coverage from Shanghai and all your Mercedes updates.

By Edward Jones – March 16, 2017

The Dendrobium is a Bizarre, 1,000 bhp Electric Hypercar

More and more electric hypercars are going to be released over the years, thanks to the advancements made in powerful car batteries and charging technology. One such car that made its debut at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show is the Dendrobium. If the name sounds familiar to you, then you must know your flowers quite well, because that's actually the name of a genus of orchids. I'll get to why the name is relevant in a few.Before the car made its appearance in Geneva, DRIVETRIBE had a chance to visit Williams Advanced Engineering, where the car was located. It was there that they got up close and personal with the bizarre hypercar.They learned that the car's electric powertrain packs over 1,000 bhp and has a promised 0-60 mph time of just 2.6 seconds. Top speed? The creators at Vanda Electrics say it will top out at over 200 mph.While the design overall of the car is quite different, it's the way the doors open that steals the show. When the doors electronically open, they do so in a fashion that's reminiscent of an orchid blooming--- it's quite the show.Check out DRIVETRIBE's video below to see the car for yourself and stay with us for more news on the car, because the creators say they plan on producing the car if the reception is positive.Supercars For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2017

Mercedes-AMG GT Concept: Now With Four Doors and an Elect...

Daimler has just unveiled one heck of a doozy with the new Mercedes-AMG GT Concept. This four-door show car has a few similar styling cues to that of the current AMG GT, but with added doors and an overall new look."With the Mercedes-AMG GT Concept, we are giving a preview of our third completely independently developed sports car and are extending the attractive AMG GT family to include a four-door variant,” said Tobias Moers, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. “The AMG GT Concept, like the AMG Hypercar, which we are presenting at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt, illustrates how we are defining performance of the future at AMG."As far as the exterior goes, the rear looks like a mashup between a Porsche Panamera and the AMG GT coupe. The long, sloping rear window allows for room for the rear passengers, while the entire rear fascia mimics the AMG GT. In the front is an all-new design that could possible be found in upcoming AMG models, like new C-Series or S-Series models, but that's just an observation.Now, onto its powertrain. The AMG GT Concept displayed at Geneva houses an AMG 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo engine and an electric motor. When used in unison, this concept has a 0-60 mph sprint time of less than three seconds. That's quite the performance from a four-door sports car.There's no word as to whether or not this car will go into production. At the very least, we will most likely be seeing some aspects being borrowed from this concept in future models.All Mercedes-AMG GT For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2017

Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e Concept: Electric Luxury

About two years ago, Bentley unveiled the EXP 10 Speed 6 as a unique and luxurious concept car that branches away from their lineup. Now, they have unveiled the new EXP 12 Speed 6e Concept, a new take on the previous concept that is now electrically powered.Bentley has loaded this new concept car with technology. For instance, the entire center console is comprised of curved glass that includes an OLED screen. It's on this screen that all of the main function are accessible, including navigation and climate control. Bentley also included a control panel that's used by the passenger, which has access to social media, email and entertainment.“The EXP 12 Speed 6e is a concept to show that Bentley is defining electric motoring in the luxury sector, with the appropriate technology, high-quality materials and refinement levels you’d expect from a true Bentley. This concept enables us to engage with luxury customers and gather feedback on our approach." - Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley MotorsUnfortunately, Bentley Motors has not mentioned the ECP 12 Speed 6e Concept's power or performance. Although, they did mention that it can be powered up by rapid inductive charging or directly through an AC power supply.All Bentley For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 11, 2017

VW I.D. Buzz is a New Electric Bus

If you thought retro was over with, get ready for a modern Microbus. Volkswagen has set their sights on a zero-emission future, so get your surfboard ready for a battery powered cruise to the beach. The original Type 2 van was introduced in 1950 and the design was so revolutionary it remained in production (in Brazil) into late 2013. Embraced by the counterculture whose parents drove domestic cars and who fought to liberate Europe, the Microbus was low on power but big on style. Well-restored examples have been selling for record numbers, so its prime time for them to relive the 60's.In the original model, the flat engine allowed for ample interior room, and that concept has remained. But batteries and two electric motors have replaced the air-cooled flat four. An expected range of 270 miles and all-wheel drive are strong selling points, as long as the Westfalia camper remains relegated to the history books. The press release states that VW is in the early stages of a big electric offensive, which will culminate in one million electric vehicles annually. Sharing a modular architecture with other forthcoming products, the I.D. Buzz is the first AWD electric to connect front and rear motors with a driveshaft. With seating for eight and two luggage compartments, you will have ample room for a road trip.A fully autonomous mode is known as "I.D. Pilot" will allow the front seats to swivel 180 degrees so that front passengers can face rearward. To make the I.D. Buzz appealing to all electric enthusiasts, the RWD only model would offer 268 hp with an 83 kw battery, and the AWD will have a combined output of 369 hp with an 111 kw battery. We are excited about more zero-emission cars coming to market, so let us know if this concept sparks your interest in the comments below. Stay with us for more VW news.Sports Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 10, 2017

Nissan Unveils Stunning Vmotion 2.0 Concept

Everyone loves a glimpse of the future, so Nissan has pulled the wraps off their latest concept at the North American Auto Show. As a preview of styling which will appear on upcoming models, Vmotion 2.0 has innovative and appealing aspects. Debuted alongside the new Rogue Sport, the pair made for a press pandemonium. Nissan has sold over 1.5 million vehicles for two consecutive years, and styling has much to do with the success.(Related - Audi Reveals Bizarre-Looking Q8 Concept)Up front, the Vmotion 2.0 grille makes the corporate logo seem to float in 3D. Air inlets that will hopefully be functional on production cars are meant to evoke the "emotional geometry" design language. This involves crisp lines and sharp angles to make the long wheelbase sedan appear smaller than it is.A panoramic roof stretches from windshield to trunk lid, for a "floating roof" design. The A-pillars and roof frame are one piece from dash to trunk. It is a bold move, but often times these fail to meet federal rollover tests. Boomerang tail lights are another cue to emphasize the width of the car. A nice finishing touch is a rear diffuser with subtle LED lighting. Having such a bold shape down low will help with safety at night. Chief Creative Officer and Executive VP Shiro Nakamura stated in the press release: "Technology is evolving. SoChief Creative Officer and Executive VP Shiro Nakamura stated in the press release: "Technology is evolving. So is design. At Nissan we see design as the ultimate expression of how customer see themselves, but also an expression of the vision and values of our brand,". "Vmotion 2.0 previews what the future designs from Nissan will be. And it is an insightful proposition of what the future sedan could be in the coming years."Search Sports Cars For Sale

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