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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 – April 28, 2021

Discovered On dR: 1958 F.M.R. Tg 500

The microcar looking to bring big money Recently, We created Discovered on dR as a new Instagram page dedicated to posting the rare and unique finds listed on duPont REGISTRY. Among the fastest microcars ever built, the 1958 F.M.R Tg 500 is capable of achieving 78 mph from its 20.5-horsepower 49cc 2-Cylinder two-stroke engine. This example is only 1 of 320 models produced, with only around 150 chassis known to survive. The 1958 F.M.R Tg 500 will be offered at auction without reserve at RM Sothebys’ Amelia Island event in Florida on May 22 with an estimated sale between $125,000 and $165,000. Check out our listing for the 1958 F.M.R Tg 500 by clicking the link below. Check back in for more Discovered on dR, and don't forget to follow our page on Instagram Check out Bugatti Will Include A Custom 3-Piece Luggage Set With Each New Chiron View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – April 15, 2021

2012 Cadillac CTS-V With Manual Transmission For Sale

Presented by Private Seller - Imagine gliding down the highway in comfort. Now drop it from 6th to 4th gear, the exhaust opens, the magnetic suspension and electric steering go into race mode as you take an on-ramp at 110 mph. This is the dual-nature of Cadillac's V Series. While 90% of the 2nd generation cars were automatic, a few discerning buyers opted for three pedals. Your right hand controls the same T56 gearbox shared with the Camaro ZL1. It has triple-cone synchros for all gears and the clutch is from the Z06. It will last the life of the car because it is the same disc that Corvette Racing offers for C6R upgrades. The suspension is the 3rd generation Magneride, GM's patented system that is licensed by Ferrari and Lamborghini. It holds the vehicle to a fixed point in the sky, making the pavement a variable that is neutralized thousands of times each second. Driving easily offers over 20 mpg in a car that has 556 horsepower. The supercharger offers 551 lb-ft of torque from idle to redline, so you don't need to shift gears as often as lesser supercars. The value of these V-Series cars is leaping far beyond the car's window sticker, with V Wagons staying above 70 grand. Unmolested by younger hands, this car is a time capsule that deserves to be the centerpiece of your collection. P.S. You will also have a complete set of 2012 GM Service Manuals along with all books, both keys and the Nav DVD. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2021

RM Sotheby's Open Roads Top 10 Results

In their first transcontinental online auction, we're pleased to share RM Sotheby's Open Roads top 10 results. With bidders from 41 countries, they achieved a sell-through rate of 76%. First-time buyers made up 28% of the bidding over the 3-day event. Europe and the UK had a dedicated day that resulted in $4,022,945, and day two was an American extravaganza thanks to $3,236,075 in sales. The highlights from day 3 were seven rare Porsches from one Swiss collector. Over 2,000 bids were handled by their new online platform, with several lots running into overtime thanks to bidding wars. If this is any indicator, Amelia Island will be one for the record books, so click the button for a preview and we'll see you at the Ritz-Carlton in May. Browse RM Sotheby's Consignments Top 10: 1 1962 Ferrari 250 GTE 2+2 Series II 'Hot Rod' (CHASSIS NO. 3723 GT) $620,000.00 2 1984 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 S (CHASSIS NO. ZA9C00500ELA12665) $255,000.00 3 1997 Porsche 911 Turbo Coupe (CHASSIS NO. WP0AC2992VS375330) $180,000.00 4 2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 3.8 (CHASSIS NO. WP0AC2A98BS783483) $165,000.00 5 1958 Jaguar XK 150 S 3.4 Roadster (CHASSIS NO. S 830401 DN) $160,000.00 6 1958 Scarab Reproduction (CHASSIS NO. 1958-08-015C) $125,000.00 7 1954 Kaiser-Darrin Roadster (CHASSIS NO. 161-001390) $125,000.00 8 2003 Ferrari 575M Maranello (CHASSIS NO. ZFFBV55AX30133721) $115,000.00 9 1968 Chevrolet Camaro 396/325 Convertible (CHASSIS NO. 124678L341611) $110,000.00 10 1956 Mercedes-Benz 190 SL (CHASSIS NO. 121.040.6503335) $110,000.00 Image (C) RM Sotheby's

By Edward Jones – October 29, 2020

Very Rare 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Serie...

If you're looking for a very limited automobile, then you have to check this one out. What we have here is a 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Series, a limited edition model that had only 100 units created. The LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Series is so special that when an example, not this specific one, was sold for charity at Barrett-Jackson's 2020 Scottsdale event, it garnered a $2 million bid. If that's not enough, this model was also duPont REGISTRY's August 2020 cover car. So, what makes the 2021 LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Series so special? There's quite a bit. First up is the exclusive Structural Blue paint that's matched with a Bespoke Amalfi White semi-aniline leather-trimmed interior. Inside, there are carbon fiber door sill plates with the Inspiration Series logo adorning them. There's also a serialized number on the door jamb. Other touches include the Climate Concierge with Upper Body heating, 13-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, Cold Area Package, SmartAccess Card key, and two-piece Zero Haliburton luggage set custom-designed for Lexus. This example of the 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Inspiration Series is for sale by its private owner and is essentially brand-new-- it's still in "the wrapper" from the factory and has not been driven. For more information, be sure to click the button below to view its listing on duPontREGISTRY.com. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – August 10, 2020

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

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

By Andrew Nabors – July 24, 2020

RM Sotheby's Open Roads Auction Top 10 Sales

We were watching this one closely, as RM Sotheby's has allowed us to preview their events for over two decades. Open Roads was an online auction aimed at European enthusiasts. Their press release listed the complete results in Euros that included a 10% Value Added Tax. I converted them to US Dollars to give you an easier frame of reference. Total sales reached $ 9,558,774.65, thanks to bidders from 41 nations around the world. Needless to say, RM Sotheby's always finds the best consignments using methods I can't divulge, so that is why you should stay with us for all of their events. Lot 132 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB Alloy $1,660,880.65 Lot 240 1985 Lancia Delta S4 Rally $ 894,320.35 Lot 152 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 S Roadster $ 702,680.27 Lot 255 1968 Sonny Levi "G. Cinquanta" $ 522,654.75 Lot 131 1970 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta $ 504,652.20 Lot 1271976 Inaltera GTP-Cosworth $ 434,384.17 Lot 130 1974 Ferrari 365 GT4 BB $ 313,012.12 Lot 138 1989 Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante 'X-Pack' $ 267,134.65 Lot 237 1954 Porsche 356 1500 Cabriolet $ 229,968.09 Lot 133 1962 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster $ 178,864.07

By Andrew Nabors – June 09, 2020

Mecum to Auction Private Collection of Eddie Vannoy June ...

As descendant of Cherokee and Scots-Irish, the Blue Ridge Mountains would be my choice to hide my collection. Eddie Vannoy and his brother started a construction company in 1971, and it allowed him to invest in the cars and memorabilia from his youth. The past five decades have allowed him to curate a perfect cross-section of Americana and Muscle Cars. Now its time to enjoy a well-earned retirement, so Dana Mecum and Company will help them find loving homes. That is why you should register for the Vannoy Auction before June 26th. The mark of a true Mopar aficionado is an equal number of 440 and HEMI-powered cars. Built to dominate NASCAR, the Plymouth Superbird and Dodge Daytona will offered along with super-speedway builds from recent years. A handful of Corvettes, a pair of 1970 Buick GSX, and many other significant cars will be joined by over 5,000 pieces of road art. The event will take place at the Vannoy Estate in Jefferson, North Carolina. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for all your Mecum updates. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2020

Two 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributos Arrive At Fort Lauderdale Co...

Nothing beats the visual and visceral appeal of a new Ferrari. That's why our friends at Fort Lauderdale Collection have just taken delivery of two 2020 Ferrari F8 Tributo for sale. One is classic Rosso Corsa red, and the other is black on black. That is a hard decision to make, so be thankful you will have 710 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque at your beck and call. The ability to make such immense power from a 3.9-liter V8 is just one of the ways Ferrari stays at the top of their game. Click the button below to learn more, and stay with us for more amazing inventory from Fort Lauderdale Collection. Learn More https://www.instagram.com/p/CAGQAB0lEYG/

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2020

One of One Blanc Noir 2010 Bugatti Veyron Veyron Grand Sp...

Building a modern Bugatti was a leap of faith. When the Veyron arrived, customers jumped at the opportunity to own the world's fastest car. Once the manufacturer realized what a sensation they had, they decided to introduce the Grand Sport. It had substantial chassis improvements so the roof could be left at home. Only 150 examples were built, and a few special editions blurred the line between art and automobile. As such, the Blanc Noir represents the duality present in every Bugatti. The ability to look gorgeous and intimidating. Acting civilized with the ability to disrupt the peace, it is all at your command. Translating literally to " White Black", it is our favorite 2-tone hypercar. What you see here is 1 of 1, and will never be repeated. Our friends at Fusion Luxury Motors. It has new tires and has just undergone a full service. With only 2,509 miles, it deserves to be your weekend machine. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – April 10, 2020

Fully Loaded 2020 Harley-Davidson GMC Sierra #27 For Sale

Last year GMC shocked the world with an all-new Sierra. Bigger, stronger, and finally more distinct than its cousins at Chevrolet. With more abilities than ever before, it caught the eye of Mr. Davidosn. It took a few months for the motorcycle masters in Milwaukee to infuse it with current and classic HD style, so we're glad to offer this limited edition fully loaded 2020 Harley-Davidson GMC Sierra for sale. Starting with the ZRX off-road package, no less than 65 proprietary body and interior upgrades were added. Starting with the grille and skid plate, HD added a ram-air hood, heat extractors on the fenders, their own tonneau cover, and plush bed carpeting. Moving inside we find HD sill plates, floor mats, piano black interior accents and Harley-Davidson orange trim in several places. The piece de resistance is a new center console proudly displays the truck's build number (#27). You will hear a tuned HD stainless exhaust. It is not available separately to make sure your truck sounds unlike any other. The roar is provided by the same 6.2L V8 found in the Corvette and Camaro SS, sending 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque to all wheels via an innovative 10-speed automatic. This bulletproof transmission is shared with the Camaro ZL1 1LE, so it has been proven to offer years of crisp shifts and over 20 mpg on the highway. Each truck is built to order, and no two are alike. That's why #27 deserves to be in your driveway. Click the button below for all the info and Ride Safe! View Price & Specs

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