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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 Jordan Aquistapace – March 03, 2023

The One And Only Lamborghini Concept S Is For Sale At CUR...

With only one in existence, this is Concept S is a Lamborghini collectors dream to own.

By Edward Jones – March 19, 2021

Ferrari of Greenwich Delivers a Spectacular Tailor Made F...

Ferrari of Greenwich | Miller Motorcars has delivered a truly astonishing example of the Ferrari Monza SP1 and you have to see it for yourself. This example features a long list of Tailor Made touches that make it a true one-of-a-kind Italian creation. A Blu Hembry livery covers the exterior, complete with Bianco Avus roundels, all of which combine to create the appearance of a modern icon. Inside is a Paccary Beige interior that's a truly classic touch. Other special details include the airbrush Scuderia Ferrari shields, Signatures in the Engine Bay of Ferrari Factory Line Workers/Louis Camilleri/Flavio Manzoni, US flag motif on the rear lid, a dedication plaque behind the driver seat with its conception date at the Tailor Made Studio in Maranello and more. This is a stunning build and we would like to congratulate the new owner on their automotive masterpiece. View Current Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – November 11, 2020

Introducing The All New O’Gara Reserve

O'Gara Reserve is here to offer unprecedented experiences for their most valued clients. Pulling together their most exclusive inventory from San Diego, Westlake Village and Beverly Hills, you won't be subjected to the unpleasantries endemic of every other dealer. Click the button to see what they have to offer and be prepared to be amazed. Browse Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – September 24, 2020

Help Reddick Brown Ford Choose The Right Trade-In

Brock Patterson and his team sell the world's fastest Fords to Nashville's biggest stars and music industry executives. Because their clientele often work long hours, their slogan is "We Bring The Dealership To You". I have seen them in action, arriving with a dozen examples for the buyer to choose from. In this case, the buyer chose a new supercharged Shelby F-150 that combines 770 horsepower with incredible styling. As an authorized dealer for Roush, Hennessey, Tuscany, Shelby, and Harley-Davidson trucks, their trade-ins can be quite interesting. Such is the case in their latest video when the buyer allows Brock to choose from an impressive collection. Tell us which one makes sense for the dealer, and which one you would drive in the comments below. Browse Inventory at Reddick Brown Ford https://www.facebook.com/pattersonbrock/videos/10217601721740399/

By Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2020

City of Tampa Proclaims "Ferman Motorcar Company Day"

Fred Ferman became Tampa's first car dealer in 1895. The economy was based on being Florida's gateway to Central and South America, so there were wealthy people who could afford such luxuries as an automobile. Once the Orange Belt Railroad arrived, Mr. Ferman founded an automotive empire that has served Tampa for 125 years. That is why Mayor Castor has proclaimed April 20th to be "Ferman Motorcar Company Day". The 7th-oldest dealer in the U.S. now has a dozen locations around the bay area. Their commitment to philanthropy and local events is next to none, so we are proud to represent the Ferman Motorcar Company for years. Congratulations to our hometown heroes, and here's to another 125 years! Browse Ferman BMW

By Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2020

Introducing Holman Motorcars St. Louis

As the Gateway to the West, whoever controls St. Louis will also control a captive audience across our nation's heartland. That's why St. Louis Motorcars has been a fixture in our magazine since their inception 18 years ago. With nearly 2 decades of award-winning sales, we are happy to announce the acquisition of St. Louis Motorcars by Holman Automotive. As one of the largest privately-owned dealer groups in the US, allow us to introduce Holman Motorcars St. Louis. A press release from the Holman Group outlines the following: Brian Bates is the President and CEO of Holman Consumer Services, and he had this to say: "St. Louis Motorcars is widely regarded as one of the top destinations in the country for premium automobiles with a remarkable track record of delivering a curated experience that is truly worthy of these world-class luxury brands." "As our Holman Automotive family of dealerships continues to evolve, we remain focused on further diversifying our brand portfolio, strategically expanding our geographic footprint and fostering an exceptional customer experience representative of our long-standing Holman values; and St. Louis Motorcars certainly checks all those boxes." The gorgeous facility at One Arnage Boulevard will be the basis for something awe-inspiring. While the current 50,000 square-foot building will remain, the have big plans to allow each brand room to express themselves individually. This is of utmost importance since they currently house Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Bugatti, and Lotus at the same address. Their motivation comes from their flagship store in Fort Lauderdale. It is there you will find Aston Martin, Rolls-Royce, and Bentley with enough social distancing to prevent cross-shopping. St. Louis Motorcars' previous owner, Graham Hill began his high-line, specialty vehicle sales career 30+ years ago with Holman Lauderdale Imports, before opening his St. Louis operation in 2002. Hill now manages Holman's Ultra-Luxury division as Vice President of Sales. Holman Automotive opened in 1924 as a Ford dealer in Merchantville, NJ. Today they control 36 dealerships and many other automotive-related companies in the U.S., Canada, and around the globe. If you have bought or sold with St.Louis Motorcars, you will be in awe of the new opportunities Holman Automotive will offer to you. Click the button below to browse their inventory and stay with us for more exciting news from Holman Motorcars St. Louis & Holman Motorcars Fort Lauderdale. Browse Inventory Contact Holman Motorcars St. Louis Website: https://www.stl.cars/Phone: 855-971-4092Address: One Arnage Drive, St. Louis, MO 63005

By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2020

Lamborghini North Los Angeles Offers More Than you Could ...

Traveling east from Ventura on the 101, you will notice an amazing display of new Lamborghini models, including the flagship Lamborghini Aventador S & SVJ, EVO Coupe & Spyder and a great selection of the new Urus Super SUV (SSUV). Make a stop in Calabasas and you will also find an incredible offering of pre-owned Raging Bulls awaiting you. 2018 Huracan Performante Spyder View Details With rates competitive with the other authorized Lamborghini dealers, Lamborghini financing's best incentives are available at Lamborghini North Los Angeles. With these lending and lease options, shoppers feel at ease, worry-free, and satisfied with their purchase. 2015 Aventador View Details Lamborghini North Los Angeles isn't only a place for those in the market for a new Lamborghini. It has also evolved in the go-to spot for Lamborghini owners. Our fans have noted their car service and maintenance center, is both convenient and competent. 2015 Huracan View Details It doesn't stop there-- Lamborghini North Los Angeles also hosts an array of services to personalize or enhance your Lamborghini driving experience. Just ask about their auto parts and accessories department to see what we mean. 2014 Gallardo LP 560-2 50th Anniversario View Details Still not clear about why so many trust Lamborghini North Los Angeles for all of their Lamborghini needs? Visit the dealership at 24050 Ventura Blvd Calabasas, California and find out for yourself! 2019 Huracan Performante Spyder View Details Contact Lamborghini North Los Angeles Website: https://www.lamborghinila.com/Phone: 866-476-5720Address: 24050 Ventura BlvdCalabasas, CA 91302

By Andrew Nabors – April 02, 2020

GM Transforms Abandoned Factory to Make Masks in 7 Days

Warren Transmission is an old GM plant that was gutted and boarded up last year. Transmissions are the most complex part of any car, so the facility was capable of incredible flexibility when it was operational. With the unprecedented need for medical equipment, GM transformed this abandoned factory to make masks in only 7 days. As reported by the Detroit Free Press, a small team on March 20th turned the lights back on. After recruiting interior trim assembly line workers, their skills at leather and seatbelts now have a higher cause. After purchasing several mask machines and inventing faster ways to package them, this team of 2-dozen volunteers hopes to ship 20,000 masks per day by Monday, April 6th. Well done GM!

By Andrew Nabors – January 15, 2020

2021 GMC Yukon Lineup Unveiled in Colorado

Against the majestic backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, a new generation of SUVs has arrived. If you need plush amenities in a full-size family machine, the 2021 GMC Yukon lineup has been unveiled in Colorado. It is all-new, with only the name carried over. The new Yukon and Yukon XL share the same architecture as the Chevy Tahoe and Suburban, and it offers a nice preview of the upcoming Cadillac Escalade and its ESV model. Since we're all waiting for Cadillac, we'll briefly cover what the Yukon will offer. Their Denali editions arrive with the C8 Corvette's 6.2L engine and the indestructible 10-speed co-developed with Ford. Adaptive air suspension at each corner is paired with the 4th generation of GM's Magnetic Ride Control. Browse All GMC Yukon For Sale Other goodies include a 15" full-color HUD screen on the windshield, and a powered center console that enables massive cargo space behind the front row. Click the button above to find our Buick-GMC dealer near you and stay with us for all your SUV news.

By Andrew Nabors – January 09, 2020

2019 Top Exotic Car Searches on duPontREGISTRY.com

As we begin another year, we are looking forward to our 35th anniversary. In order to start 2020 off with a bang, we have compiled 2019 into this report for you. Nothing worthwhile is easy, so we spend countless hours and late nights analyzing dealer trends and undervalued bargains. Mr. duPont always says our goal is not to reach millions of people, but people with millions. While that seems logical, our Magazine, Website, and Social Media platforms reach countless millions of enthusiasts around the world each year. Millions of individual searches led to thousands of leads and thousands of exotic and classic cars finding new homes. Recording data from each click, inquiry, phone call, email, we use several variables to separate qualified buyers from excited fans. What you see below represents the state of the Exotic Car Market. It contains no opinions or conjecture, as the numbers speak for themselves. 2019 Top 25 Exotic Car Searches: Dodge SRT Challenger & SRT Charger (Hellcat, Demon, Redeye, etc) Ferrari LaFerrari Lamborghini Countach Ford GT Porsche 918 Spyder Porsche 911 (All Models from Carrera to Turbo S) Koenigsegg Lamborghini Murcielago Ferrari F40 Lexus LFA Porsche Carrera GT Ford Mustang (Includes Shelby, Roush, etc) McLaren P1 Bugatti Chiron (Includes Divo & Chiron Sport) Ford F150 (Includes Raptor, Tuscany, Hennessey, etc) Mercedes-Benz Sprinters & Conversions Corvette (Includes Grand Sport, Z06, ZR1, etc) Lamborghini Urus Pagani (All Models) Saleen S7 Ferrari 488 Pista Lamborghini Diablo Bugatti Veyron BMW M (M2, M3, M4, M5, M6) Hummer (All Models) Now that we know what you are looking for, let's see which cars generated the most inquiries to the seller. Whether it be an email, Facebook message, Instagram question or calling a seller, the cars below generated a qualified response. 2019 Top 25 Inquiries: Porsche 911 Bugatti Chiron (Includes Divo & Chiron Sport) Ferrari 488 Spider Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen Rolls-Royce Phantom Rolls-Royce Wraith Dodge SRT Challenger & SRT Charger (Hellcat, Redeye, Demon) Ferrari 458 Italia Range Rover Sport (Includes Autobiography, Supercharged, & SVR) Lamborghini Urus Ford Mustang (Including Shelby, Roush, etc) Mercedes-Benz Sprinters & Conversions Bugatti Veyron Rolls-Royce Cullinan Lamborghini Aventador (Including S, SV, SVJ, etc) Corvette (Including Z51, Grand Sport, Z06 & ZR1) Ford F150 (Includes Raptor, Tuscany, Hennessey, etc) McLaren P1 McLaren 720S Rolls-Royce Ghost Dodge Viper Land Rover Defender 90 Lamborghini Murcielago Bentley Bentayga Lamborghini Huracan So what can we gather from comparing searches to inquiries? Well, we can't divulge our trade secrets, but there are algorithms and analysts fine-tuning our strategies for next year. As the benchmark for this industry, feel free to use our prices as the best tool in your buying or selling experience. We are already preparing for our 35th Anniversary Extravaganza, so we look forward to a prosperous 2020. Pick up our latest issue at newsstands around the world, or click the button below for a great subscription offer. Tell us what trends you spot in these lists, and thank you for another great year! Subscribe Here Featured Image by Prestige Imports

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