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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 – February 05, 2020

RUF Releases 80th Anniversary Books

Alois Ruf opened his garage in 1939 and started making fast cars even faster. His family has built 37 unique examples of incredible cars, all based on new Porsche 911 for sale. To celebrate their long & prosperous history RUF has released two 80th anniversary books. The "Limited Edition" hardcover is limited to 911 examples, and the "Very Limited & Personalized" is limited to 356 copies. Both have been published by Waft, a Husband & Wife team who are fans of the brand. Click the button below to find your 911, and stay with us for all your Porsche news. Browse all Porsche 911 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Check Out Jay Leno's Collection!

By Alyssa Mammano – January 31, 2020

You Can Own this Colossal Castle by February 8th

A no-reserve auction is to be held on-site, Saturday, February 8th, 2020, at 11:00 AM CST. Starting Saturday, January 18th, 2020, open house previews will be held every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM. Private appointments available, call for details. One of the most significant residential estates ever created in the Green Bay area, only minutes from Lambeau Field and the main interchange, this magnificent, mostly-completed masterpiece awaits new owners with vision to realize its full potential. The French chateau-style stone manor with three total levels and a third-story walkout, eight bedrooms, seven full bathrooms and three half bathrooms, with 22,590 finished square feet, rests on approximately 2.73 acres of peaceful, wooded sanctuary with deer and turkeys galore, and even a pond stocked with fish. A luxuriant, private hunting and fishin g haven for the avid wildlife enthusiast, this unbelievable estate has it all! Designed by Jim La Plant of La Plant Architecture and constructed by Marty Brice Construction, the construction quality and materials used are unsurpassed — one of the most exquisite homes built in the Green Bay area! The estate is located on a cul de sac with only three homes in the development. view listing

By Andrew Nabors – January 29, 2020

Singer Air-Cooled Masterpieces Heading to Ice Races

If I was planning to race my Porsche, I would chicken out if Singer arrives. Two of their immaculate 964 restorations are en-route to Austria, so everyone take notice: Singer Air-Cooled masterpieces are heading to the Ice Races. This year's GP Ice Races will be hotter than ever thanks to these two cars. Their first entry is a development mule for the DLS. Known as the Dynamics & Lightweighing Study, it was a cooperation with Williams to build a featherweight composite body powered by a 500 horsepower 4.0L naturally aspirated & air-cooled monster. Singer Celebrates 10th Anniversary at Monterey Their second car was commissioned to be street-legal, and it has tags and registration. Known as Wiesbaden it might be the only re-imagined 964 to pass Germany's strict TÜV regulations. Click the button below to find your classic Porsche 911 and stay with us for all your Singer news. Air Cooled Porsche For Sale https://www.facebook.com/singervehicledesign/videos/982659422129105/ Related: Porsche 964 Spece, Photos, Price & Review

By Andrew Nabors – January 28, 2020

Pagani Unveils the 1 of 1 Zonda Venti

As a true genius, Leonardo da Vinci knew that human flight was not impossible. Much in the same way, Mr. Pagani has never dismissed a customer's request. No matter how intricate the details might be, the end result justifies the means. To celebrate 20 years of exceeding his customer's wildest dreams, Pagani has unveiled 1 of 1 Zonda Venti. To create the perfect setting, he commissioned music by Fabio Di Santo & Daniele Prina. The camera crew consisted of Alessandro di Federico, Matteo Contin & Mikael Masoero. The impressive still images were taken by @allwayswong_official. Two decades and counting, tell us your favorite Zonda in the comments below! Browse All Pagani For Sale " width="680"> Related: Pagani Zonda 20th Anniversary in NYC

By Edward Jones – January 24, 2020

Jannarelly Arrives in the UK With Five Special Edition Cars

Jannarelly Automotive, the luxury sports car based in Dubai, is arriving in the United Kingdom in style. Five different special UK Edition variants of their Design-1 have been unveiled to celebrate their arrival. The carbon fiber-bodied cars in this collection come finished in red, white, blue, green and grey. Each of them also has Union Jack decals on the side blades and a UK Edition metal plaque. These cars comes equipped with a naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine that's connected to a six-speed manual gearbox. With a light build, plenty of power and an engaging connection to the drive, these cars look like a blast to drive. Jannarelly is offering the Design-1 UK Edition models for sale with a starting price of £115,549 (roughly $151,000 USD). For more information, click here.

By Alyssa Mammano – January 24, 2020

Mediterranean Revival on the National Registry of Histori...

This historic home rests beneath a canopy of 300-year-old oak trees. The main house, on just under 40 acres with stucco-finish and barrel tile roof, overlooks the pool beneath a three-story screen enclosure. Built in 1930, this five-bedroom, six-and-a-half-bathroom extraordinary Mediterranean revival features six fireplaces, original brass screens, Mizner cypress doors, fountains and floor tiles. “Immokolee” resonates with the times of a family who lived and entertained here. View Listing Also featured is a three-bedroom, two-bathroom guest house, exercise room with bar and fireplace, and walled garden, plus an additional five-car garage with workshop. This secluded, one-of-a-kind estate has been beautifully preserved and is listed on the U.S Department of interior National Registry of Historic Places. “Immokolee” located at 8341 Immokolee Road, is a significant historic architectural location in North St. Lucie County. Displaying a complex roofline, contrasting balconies, materials, loggias and textured stucco walls, the residence is a strong example of the Mediterranean Revival Style. Completed in 1931, this home was designed and constructed by Franklin Tyler, a Fort Pierce architect and builder. Numerous appointments, including pecky cypress floors, floor tile and bronze windows are believed to be from Mizner Industries, a business organized by Addison Mizner in Palm Beach to produce finished architectural items. The house is among the largest historic houses in the county. It contains eighteen rooms and measures approximately 6,500 square feet. The estate maintains its original architectural integrity to a high degree. view listing Photography by:M. James Northen

By Andrew Nabors – January 21, 2020

2021 Laffite G-Tec X-Road is a Potent All-Terrain Concept

Can a capable off-road machine also be your daily driver? That is the question being asked by Laffite Supercars, a small bespoke builder in Los Angeles. SUVs are usually decent in the dirt, but they are heavy. Utilizing a composite body and an aluminum Chevrolet V8, the 2021 Laffite G-Tec X-Road is a potent all-terrain concept. Only 30 examples will be built, powered by GM's 50-state legal Connect & Cruise systems. With a curb weight of 2,886 lbs and massive BFGoodrich tires, you can hit the trails and have some fun. Production will start this fall, so stay with us for all the details. " width="680"> Related: Sultan of Brunei's Car Collection is at 7,000 Cars & Growing

By Edward Jones – January 21, 2020

Lamborghini Veneno Roadster Heading to RM Sotheby's Paris...

Heading to RM Sotheby's upcoming Paris auction is the second of nine Lamborghini Veneno Roadsters ever built. It comes with just 450 km ( 279.6 miles) from new and has had only two owners from new. RM Sotheby's points out that one of the owners was actually a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family. This example of the extreme Veneno Roadster is finished in a Matte Black paint with green trimming found around the body. Inside is a lime green and black leather interior that matches to the aggressive body. If you're unaware of its powertrain, it boasts a 6.5-liter V12 engine that pushes out 750 horsepower. RM Sotheby's is expecting it to sell for an estimated €4,500,000 - €5,500,000 (around $4,990,000 - $6,100,000 USD). The auction will take place on February 5, 2020. For more information, click here. SEE ALL LAMBORGHINIS FOR SALE Image Source: Alex Penfold © 2019 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's

By Andrew Nabors – January 21, 2020

Volvo Will Give Away $1 Million in Cars if there is a Big...

1972: First rearward-facing child safety seat concept 1991: Side-Impact Protection System (SIPS) 1998: Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) 1998: Inflatable Curtain airbags 2002: Roll-Over Protection System (ROPS) 2003: Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) 2008: City Safety collision sensing system 2010: Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake 2013: Cyclist Detection 2014: Run-off Road Protection What you see here are safety innovations pioneered by Volvo. Aside from the usual beer, soda, and snack commercials, a famous Swedish car manufacturer has announced something unprecedented. Find Your Volvo Here In a press release this morning, Volvo announced they will give away $1 Million in cars if either team scores a safety. All you need to do is click the link below to register and stay with us for all your car news from the "Big Game" Volvo Safety Sunday Volvo Safety Sunday Volvo Safety Sunday Volvo Safety Sunday Volvo Safety Sunday

By Andrew Nabors – January 20, 2020

Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020: By The Numbers

As soon as the last car sold, our friends at Hagerty began calculating the results. after pulling an all-nighter, here is Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2020: By The Numbers Starting the week off strong was a classic 1989 Jeep Grand Wagoneer with 8,000 miles for $110,000. The iconic Ford GT (2005-06) are also regaining their rightful value. A low mileage example finished in Midnight Blue with silver stripes hammered for $451,000. We keep telling you to buy old Toyota Supra for sale because a 1990 MKIII Turbo went for $88,000. The Paul Walker Collection was comprised of five 1995 M3 Lightweights, and the lowest-mileage car sold for $385,000. We regained our coveted booth space amid the entry aisles, and it allowed our clients to interact with over 5,600 bidders and thousands of spectators. Craig Jackson and his team enjoyed their highest-grossing week in the company's history, despite many charities receiving 100% of the hammer price on several million dollars in donation bidding. With a cumulative total of $137.1 Million, 1,909 lots sold, with only 1 car not finding a new home. With a sell-through rate of 99.9%, the average sale price was $71,833. So without further adieu, here are the top 10: Overall Top 10 Sales: 1. 2020 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Coupe sold for $3,000,000* 2. 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible sold for $2,000,000* 3. 2017 Ford GT Coupe sold for $1,485,000 4. 2017 Ford GT Coupe sold for $1,182,500 5. 1969 Chevrolet Camaro COPO Sport Coupe sold for $1,094,500 6. 2019 McLaren Senna Coupe sold for $946,000 7. 1963 Aston Martin DB5 Saloon sold for $660,000 8. 1974 Ford Bronco Custom SUV sold for $650,000* 9. 2020 Chevrolet Camaro COPO John Force Drag Car sold for $600,000* 10. 2003 Saleen S7 Coupe sold for $467,500 Tell us your favorite part of Scottsdale this year, and stay with us for all your Barrett-Jackson news.

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