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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 – March 06, 2018

Aston Martin Unveils The Lagonda Vision Concept In Geneva

City-dwellers know the risks of breathing noxious exhaust. So, Aston Martin is looking to the future by resurrecting Lagonda. One of the most coveted names in British motoring will return as a zero-emission luxury manufacturer. Technically Aston Martin has been known as Aston Martin Lagonda since they took control of that brand in 1947.Lagonda is the name of a small creek in Springfield, Ohio, where Wilber Gunn began building cars in 1904. His luxury cars were plush and powerful, from V12 limos to racers, they even won LeMans in 1935.Aston Martin built a Lagonda sedan from 1974 to 1990, and the futuristic angles look modern even today. So it is fitting that the Vision concept represents an optimistic future for luxury motoring. The radical design is a spacious 4-seater with gullwing doors. Looking to the autonomous future, all four passengers can face each other without the hassle of driving. CEO Dr. Andy Palmer had this to say: "We believe people associate luxury in their cars with a certain traditional and even old-fashioned approach because, to date, that is all that’s been available to them. Lagonda exists to challenge that thinking and prove that being modern and luxurious are not mutually exclusive concepts."The concept is flanked by two 40% scale models, one being an SUV and the other is a coupe. This new design language could see production as early as 2023, so stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates.

By Andrew Nabors – March 06, 2018

BMW Unveils Concept M8 Gran Coupe In Geneva

What happens when you leave BMW's M division run wild? They build the ultimate Bavarian sedan. Unveiled earlier today at the Geneva Motor Show, the new M8 Gran Coupe is their new flagship. With the recent restyling of another certain German sedan, this new design language is a nice departure from the current lineup."The BMW Concept M8 Gran Coupe is designed to stir things up, to polarise – it should move you emotionally," said Domagoj Dukec, Vice President of design.They chose to launch the racing version first, and the M8 GTE ran well at Daytona back in January. The press release also says many of its features like advanced LED headlights and carbon fiber roof panel are making it into production. It seems like only yesterday that the 7 Series was redesigned with its innovative carbon-fiber chassis, but BMW has undoubtedly raised the bar again. The Gran Coupe M8 is still technically a concept, but we hope this is close to the final design. And since the 6 Series coupe and convertible were axed, it is probable that the 8 Series will spawn versions of both.

By Edward Jones – March 05, 2018

2018 Geneva Motor Show Preview

It's that time of year again. When every European manufacturer decides to throw down and head to Geneva with this year's most anticipated cars. For their 88th year, the Swiss have brought old rivals under the same roof while also embracing newcomers to the industry. We've covered these cars in recent weeks, so click on the links below for all the details. Aston Martin DB11 Volante Aston Martin Vantage GTE BMW M8 Convertible BMW 8-Series Gran Coupe Ferrari 488 Pista Hennessey Venom F5 Italdesign Zerouno Roadster Jaguar I-Pace Lamborghini Aventador SVJ McLaren Senna Mercedes-AMG GT Four-Door Mercedes-Benz G-Class Porsche Cayman 718 GT4 Copyright Motor Trend Porsche 911 GT3 RS Rimac Mystery Supercar Rolls-Royce Cullinan TECHART GrandGT Techrules Ren RS Toyota Supra Tell us which one you think will steal the show, and stay with us for full coverage of this year's Geneva Motor Show.

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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – March 03, 2016

Revealed: Lamborghini Huracan Avio at Geneva

Lamborghini pulled out all the stops at this year's Geneva Motor Show, starting with the Lamborghini Centenario. Adding to the frenzy, Lamborghini has also revealed the special edition Huracan LP 610-4 Avio.Huracan LP 610-4 Avio Specs Engine: 5.2-liter V10 Horsepower: 610 hp 0–62: 3.2 seconds Top Speed: approx 201 mph Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch The aeronautical world-- fighter jets, specifically-- have always inspired the car maker, and the Huracan Avio embodies the elements of that inspiration. According to a Lamborghini press release:The new Huracán Avio offers a host of premium functional features in its standard configuration including lifting system, cruise control and GPS*. But the true uniqueness of the Avio lies in its interior and exterior finishes. White or grey painted details contrast with the body color and enhance exterior details such as the tops of the side member, the side view mirrors and the lip on the front spoiler. A double stripe, again in white or grey, runs along the roof and down the front bonnet.Avio will be offered in five exclusive colors and the interior includes leather and Alcantara elements. The door panels will include an "L" for Lamborghini and "63" designating the iconic year Lamborghini was founded. Though price hasn't been released, the Avio is set for the dealer's showrooms in summer 2016. Stay tuned as we update you on more Lamborghini Huracan Avio information.Lamborghini Huracans For Sale View Lamborghini Huracan Price, Specs, Photos

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – March 03, 2016

Revealed: Rolls-Royce 'Black Badge' at Geneva

English automaker Rolls-Royce seeks to reach a younger, self-empowered demographic with its new 'Black Badge', which debuted at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show this week. The luxury car company describes its new model as an "edgy lifestyle statement," perfectly suited for the unconventional, rule-breaking young generation. Those currently making an imprint on the world are unconventional, dark, unruly and defy modern standards, and Rolls-Royce has created an example to match the vibe.The Black Badge features composite carbon fiber alloy wheels and the 'Flying Lady' in a new dark, ominous high-gloss, black finish. The interior is infused with "aerospace-grad aluminum-threaded carbon fiber composite surfacing", which is a common material used in the aircraft industry. The interior surfacing has been darkened to promote the car's intense look.Power is delivered by a 6.6-liter V12 engine, which includes "subtle engine output modifications" that result in a power increase of 40 hp, according to a company press release. The engine is accompanied by an 8-speed automatic transmission and 'Intutive Throttle Response'.With subtle power changes and a dangerous look, the Black Badge is sure to captivate those who go against the grain. Stay tuned with us for more Geneva updates.Rolls-Royces For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2016

Revealed: The New Spyker C8 Preliator

High performance cars taking inspiration from aviation is nothing new, but Spyker is back to remind you of their origins. The original Spyker company built luxurious automobiles and innovative aircrafts. Taking inspiration from their aerodynamic past, the new C8 Preliator arrived at Geneva with bold styling and attention to detail.They describe the styling as a "Road Jet" and a plane without wings. From the propeller emblem to the NACA ducts, it's easy to see that the stylists took inspiration from the stratosphere. NACA was the predecessor of NASA, and their iconic inlets were developed to break the sound barrier. Ailerons flank the rocker panels just ahead of the rear wheels, and they are not just for aesthetics. They work to control the turbulence generated where the rubber meets the road. Another way this is accomplished is by the spokes of the wheel. They act as a turbine, creating downforce and stability at speed. On the exhaust tips is their motto: "Nulla tenaci invia est via". For the tenacious, no road is impassible.Aerodynamic influences are also found throughout the interior. Machined alloys and hand stitched leather are nice to have, but having guards on the toggle switches is really where it counts. Guarded switches are easier to use at night and prevent unwanted changes to the car's systems. We know your favorite feature is the exposed shifter, and it makes a brilliant return in polished aluminum.Connected to that mechanism is your choice of manual or automatic transmissions which are spun by a rear-mid mounted 525 hp supercharged V8. Most of the body panels are carbon fiber, resulting in a curb weight of 1390 kg, or just over 3,000 lbs. If you have a passion for all things aeronautical, the C8 Preliator is waiting for you on the flightline. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more news from the Geneva Motor Show.Exotic Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 01, 2016

Apollo Arrow: The World's Newest Hypercar

Apollo Automobili, the automaker formerly known as Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH, has introduced a brand new model into their upcoming lineup, the Apollo Arrow.Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Arrow is being called a hypercar by Apollo and from the looks of the car, that moniker is deserved. When they started building the car, they put an incredible amount of effort into having the most fluid aerodynamics possible, while keeping the target dry weight of the car at 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs). As for the final design, they landed on an exterior that was "inspired by the carnivorous ruthlessness of the ocean." Yes, it's the shark of the road.Under its hood is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 986 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque. Yeah, those are most certainly hypercar numbers. This power flows through a 7-speed sequential transmission with a twin-plate clutch configuration. With massive power, a quick transmission, and lightweight, the Arrow can shoot from 0-62 mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-124 mph in 8.8 seconds and to a top speed of 224 mph.Could the Apollo Arrow be the next big contender in the hypercar segment? Only time will tell, but the specifications are quite telling of a formidable opponent.Apollo Arrow Specs Engine: Twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 Horsepower: 986 hp Torque: 737 lb-ft 0-62 mph: 2.9 seconds Top Speed: 224 mph

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – March 01, 2016

Revealed: 2016 Porsche 911 R

The 911 series keeps adding hitters and the Porsche 911 R is no exception. The 911 R's history begins in 1967 and the race car was "entered in rallies, in the Targa Florio and in world record runs," according to a press release. The new 911 R will keep the racing tradition alive and is composed of a "systematic lightweight construction" coupled with high-level performance and a focus on driver experience. 2016 Porsche 911 R Specs Price: $184,900 MSRP (excludes $1050 destination charge) Engine: 4-liter flat 6 Horsepower: 500 hp 0–60: 3.7 seconds Top Speed: 200 mph Transmission: 6-speed manual The 911 R's focus is the track, which is exhibited in its ability to hand corners thanks to "specially tuned standard rear-axle steering which offers direct turn-in response and precise handling while maintaining a high level of stability," according to a press release. The race car comes in at 3021 pounds, shaving off 110 pounds than that of the 911 GT3 RS. Interestingly, the car comes without AC or a stereo system, but Porsche is glad to add these features at no cost. The 911 R is limited to just 991 examples so if this one is on your list, you'll need to act fast. Stay tuned for more Geneva Motor Show updates. Porsches For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 01, 2016

Revealed: 2017 Corvette Grand Sport at Geneva

There is no denying that Corvette's seventh generation is a force to be reckoned with. We told you why the Z06 should be your next car, but bringing a machine gun to a knife fight might get old after awhile. Seeing the need for a sensible alternative between their top model and the C7 Stingray, Chevrolet has unleashed the new Corvette Grand Sport at the Geneva Auto Show. In a press release earlier this morning, we learned that the new GS will feature most of the Z06's potent hardware except the supercharged LT4 engine. This translates into a potent track machine with a fitting name. Grand Sport pays homage to its predecessors with Tension Blue hash marks above the headlights and a satin black center stripe. Watkins Glen gray will be reserved for the Grand Sport Collector's Edition, with an interior almost identical to the Z06. Power comes from the 6.2-liter 460 hp LT1 found in the Stingray and Camaro SS. Paired with either the seven-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, this new model will be as close as you can get to the C7.R that dominated the Rolex 24 at Daytona. Team Corvette is not allowed to use the supercharged engine from the Z06, because it would simply outclass the competition. Grand Sport will offer the best of both worlds. The increased cooling abilities of the Z06 along with the efficiency of almost 30 mpg. Don't expect the track-ready Michelin rubber to last more than a few races, because the downforce of the Z07 aero package will keep them planted to the pavement. Being lighter and faster than the Stingray, Grand Sport is the best Vette yet. As soon as pricing and availability are released we will let you know. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more news from Geneva. Corvettes For Sale

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