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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

2019 Amelia Concours - Field _ Crowd 0053A - Deremer Studios LLC

By Andrew Nabors – September 12, 2019

2020 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Tickets to Benefit...

Amelia Island is my hometown, it is where I first encountered the duPont REGISTRY at the Amelia Island Concours 25 years ago. It has been 55 years since the island took a direct hit from Hurricane Dora. Since North Florida has been spared for almost 6 decades, it is time to help those in need. Announced this morning in an email from Bill Warner, the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Foundation will donate $50 for each $125 general admission ticket purchased. Buy Tickets Many First Responders from across Florida are working to clear debris and rebuild infrastructure on the Abaco Islands. If you aren't planning on attending Amelia Island, our friends at The Collection have an Amazon Wishlist of needed items. As I write this, Tropical Depression Humberto is forming along with two other waves in the warm Atlantic. We are all blessed to share our passion for cars with others, and that means helping out when possible. Click the link below to help if you can, and we'll see you on Amelia Island March 5-8. View Wishlist https://www.instagram.com/p/B2EpHLwgxzm Related: The Collection Hurricane Dorian Bahamas Relief on Amazon

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By Andrew Nabors – August 15, 2019

Top 10 Monterey Unveilings for 2019

What once was a Concours on the lawns of Pebble Beach has turned into the automotive industry's top events. As you are reading this, the duPont REGISTY Live team is spread across the Monterey peninsula. A few of us remained behind to hold down the fort, and to inform you about the most important events we're missing out on. So here are our Top 10 Monterey Unveilings for 2019 Karma GT Peter Hay Hill is a perfect vantage point to showcase amazing automobiles. It overlooks the entrance to Pebble Beach, and it is where we will have a dozen of the world’s finest cars on display. Next to our exhibit will be the latest from Karma Automotive. They went back to the drawing board and entrusted the design of their latest model to Pininfarina. What they delivered is a stunning 2-door electric GT. So we’re excited that the 2020 Karma GT will be unveiled at Pebble Beach. Don’t be confused by the name, Karma still builds the Revero GT, an updated version of their first sedan. Learn More Here Acura Type S Concept Acura Type S Concept What we see here represents the future of Acura's styling. They plan to release two Type-S performance models in 2 years, and this concept finally makes a bold departure from the Honda models they are based on. Well Done Acura! Drako GTE Electric hypercars are poised to make gasoline obsolete. Fueled by automotive startups like Rivian and Tushek, a group of Silicon Valley engineers are throwing their hat into the ring. Drako Motors intends to offer 1,200 horsepower with unprecedented grip. They have developed 4-wheel steering in which each wheel can be turned independently. Given that each wheel has its own electric motor, it will raise the bar for EV performance. Learn More Here Pininfarina Battista Last year we were taken aback by a new electric supercar at Pebble Beach. While Enzo Ferrari concentrated on his race team Automobili Pininfarina was responsible for styling and building the production cars. Nothing lasts forever, and Ferrari eventually brought production in-house. This gave Pininfarina freedom to move their headquarters to Munich, and develop the amazing Coke Freestyle machine. Perhaps this was a ruse to make us think they were out of the automotive industry, but their latest creation is about to shake up the world. In their latest press release, we learn that the Pininfarina Battista refinement continues for Monterey. Learn More Here Lotus Evija One day in the distant future, the only place to find gas-powered cars will be at the world’s most prestigious car shows. As for now, electric hypercars are in high demand, so the LotusEvija world tour will start at Monterey. England’s first all-electric Hypercar offers 2000 metric horsepower, or 1,973 using the traditional SAE protocols. Their first American order was received within hours of the reveal, so Monterey is a logical starting point. Learn More Here 2020 Corvette Although it has already officially be unveiled, each new generation has been welcomed at Monterey. It will give the public a chance to get up close and personal with the 8th generation of Chevrolet's flagship. It will be on display and even in action at the Rolex Motorsports Reunion at Laguna Seca. Learn More Here Bugatti EB110 Successor Bugatti is set to premiere a new model this week during The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering. More specifically, the unveiling will happen on Friday, August 16, at 11:20 am Pacific Time. Nothing is really known as to what will be unveiled, but speculations have been running wild. However, in the press release regarding the new car’s unveiling, Bugatti included a video. In the video, which you can watch below, the focus is mainly on the EB110. More importantly, the end of the video reads: “An EB110 homage.” Yes, it looks like the new Bugatti model will celebrate the iconic EB110. Ferrari-Powered Arno XI Hydroplane Originally built in 1952 to break the hydroplane record speed, Enzo Ferrari sent his best engineers to install a LeMans-prepped V12 engine with twin superchargers and methanol injection. A full restoration by Ferrari Classiche was completed a few days ago, and it was lifted by a crane on its original stand into our display on Peter Hay Hill. This is the first time the world has seen the restored Arno XI in better-than-new condition. Learn More Here Bentley EXP 100 GT The car adjusts accordingly by either going into “cocoon” mode or performance mode. Insulating you from the outside world, cocoon handles the driving while using the latest in sound and visual isolation. Fiber optics are woven throughout the cockpit to provide a relaxing ambiance. But all that can change with a gesture of your hand. You can take command at an instant, and the car’s personality changes. Light and sound are allowed in to connect you to the world outside. Another gesture allows the car to take a snapshot of your journey, these memories are stored in the AI system as memories of each experience. Learn More Here McLaren GT by MSO This one-off example of the GT is full of options that MSO has in store for the new model. This includes the new MSO Defined Flux Silver paint, MSO Bespoke Sating Graphite paint on the aero components, Gloss Black Diamond Cut wheels and a lot more. There’s even an MSO Painted Key Back that goes along with this car. Learn More Here " width="680"> Related: What to See at Monterey Car Week 2019

By Andrew Nabors – February 14, 2018

duPont REGISTRY Live- Baltimore 2018

Last weekend was our 6th visit to the Inner Harbor, and the weather couldn't have been better. This year, we represented Sterling Motorcars. They arrived with a new Lamborghini Aventador S in Baloon Pearl White. When you are trying to maneuver through Mazda, the rear wheel steering makes turning effortless. Visibility is also much improved than earlier models thanks to a revised design of the glass engine cover. The panels are directly in line with the rearview mirror.Next in was a new Rolls Royce Dawn wearing a nice 2-tone silver and gray finish. Blair's Towing of Falls Church used their enclosed transporters to make sure the McLarens were clean, and a blue 570S Spider arrived behind a new 720S. Every year we get a chance to display the best Shelby Series 1 models from Wingard Motorsports. Bob Wingard purchased the remaining chassis & VINs from Shelby, so he is the go-to resource for the Series 1. He also engineered a modern interpretation known as the Fii Roadster. So he brought an original 2004 Shelby (car # 110 of 243). Once that was in place, he unloaded two versions of the Fii Roadster. It is built on the Series 1 chassis, but that is all they have in common.You've probably seen the brushed aluminum car in our booth at Richmond or Amelia Island, but you won't see it again. That's because an unassuming Irishman bought all three cars that Wingard had in our booth. His total wire transfer was just shy of $600,000.While it's not close to our record sales at a show, its nice to see our clients make room for new inventory. It takes 8 months to build each one, so we'll keep you updated on the progress of their secret new project.To keep the booth ready for any offroading, American Expedition Vehicles brought a new JK350. This beast is powered by the SRT8 6.4 liter HEMI. It rolls on 37" tires,and the locking differentials have 4.88 gears.Of course, you can find more images and video on our dR Live Facebook and Instagram pages, so follow along as we are heading to Milwaukee then its time for Amelia Island. Tell us your favorite car from the booth in the comments below.

By Andrew Nabors – October 05, 2017

duPont REGISTRY Live At 2017 Orange County Auto Show

In what was once an endless expanse of citrus, the city of Anaheim owes its existence to Mr. Disney and his eponymous theme park. As the perfect setting for an Auto Show, the Anaheim convention center was the site of our first duPont REGISTRY Live event of the fall 2017 season. In our 6th year partnering with Motor Trend, we allowed our fans to see what our dealers are capable of. Building The BoothStill reeling from our 3 day trip from Wide Open Baja, we made it back across the border to build our booth. First in was a new Vanderhall Venice. The nimble 3-wheeler is 50-state legal as a motorcycle and powered by a 1.4 liter Chevrolet turbo-four.Next up was a heavily modded Jeep Wrangler from American Expedition Vehicles. Taking the Wrangler Unlimited to unprecedented levels, it is ready to head off-grid. Wrangler by AEVEveryone loves Eleanor, so an imposing matte-black 68 Mustang Fastback arrived from Fusion Luxury Motors. Their factory in Chatsworth will transform any 67 or 68 Mustang into an exact likeness of the movie car, and this one has a modern driveline. Roush supplied a supercharged version of the 5.0-liter Coyote along with a beefy AOD automatic transmission. Also from Fusion was a 2015 Ferrari Speciale Aperta, 2015 Rolls Royce Wraith, and a 1991 Land Rover Defender. This one really took us by surprise. Instead of the uninspiring TD5 engine, it has Corvette LS3 power and an automatic transmission from an Escalade.Since the booth was mirror-imaged across the aisle, we had ample space for the stars of the show. Pagani Newport Beach and iLusso partnered to deliver a 2015 LaFerrari, 2014 Pagani Huayra, 2015 McLaren P1 and the world's only Transformers-inspired Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse.Needless to say, we had several million dollars on display for the citizens of Orange County. If you missed the show, check out our Facebook and Instagram pages and prepare to be amazed. The first show of the season was a smashing success, so get ready to see us in Nashville on November 3-5 and Seattle on November 9-12th. As always, stay with us here on Autofluence for complete coverage of our events.

By Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2016

2016 Tampa Bay International Auto Show Recap

Of all the auto shows we attend each year, we save the most exclusive cars for our home base. The Tampa International Auto Show is produced by Motor Trend and it is a grand finale for their 2016 season. Just across the bay from our headquarter in St. Petersburg, it allows us to pull out all the stops for our local fans.Realizing the potential of our social media presence, we were given a prominent position directly behind the main entrance. To make sure we made an impression on the public, our matte gray metallic Audi R8 Spyder was placed at the base of the escalators. Next in was a two-tone matte and glossy Rolls-Royce Wraith, which was a challenge to maneuver between the food court and automobilia vendors.Lamborghini Sarasota gave us their flagship Aventador Roadster. The navy blue Italian has an interior of beige, which made a nice contrast against the convention center carpet. A new G63 AMG was provided by Mercedes-Benz of Tampa. As one of the biggest AMG dealers in the US, it was ordered with designo interior and all optional content. Saving the best for last, we delivered an Aston-Martin One-77 from HQ in our transport trailer. We move all types of classic and collectible cars, so we figured it would be close in size to other Astons, but the One-77 is wider than almost any of its competitors. Not taking any chances we used every strap and tie-down in the inventory to ensure the safety of this priceless supercar. With aggressive cam timing and throaty exhaust, this masterpiece grabs everyone's attention.The Tampa Show is a great way for us to reach out to locals. We made new friends who will become regulars at Cars & Coffee. A big thanks to our local dealers and our fans who support us at these events. As we get ready for the 2017 season, we wish you all Happy Holidays from us at the duPont REGISTRY.Sports Car For Sale

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