Articles

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 Caitlin Duffy – November 10, 2015

Bugatti Veyron vs. Pagani Huayra vs. Ferrari LaFerrari vs...

It's not uncommon to see videos of one, two or even three supercars or hypercars taking each other on. But it's rare that you'll see five going head to head, especially when all five are still wearing stock wheels.But that's what Salomondrin and his team are in the process of doing. In one of the most impressive hypercar showdowns to date, YouTube personality Salomondrin and his community of supercar owners, the "CupGang," gathered five privately owned examples of the world's finest vehicles to see how they stack up.A video shared to YouTube Nov. 8 gives us a look at the first part of this showdown; titled "HYPER 5 - PART 1," the video features Salomondrin talking through the details and back story of each of the five cars involved. A Ferrari LaFerrari, McLaren P1, Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, Porsche 918 Spyder and Pagani Huayra all take turns around the track with him behind the wheel, prepping for a show of force.Check out the race preview in the video below, then find your own hypercar for your collection from our exclusive listings.P1s For Sale Ferraris For Sale Veyrons For Sale (via YouTube) See More Automotive News

By Caitlin Duffy – November 05, 2015

Porsche Macan Receives Updates for 2016 Model Year

If you've been in the market for a Porsche that perfectly suits your personality and desire for connectivity, consider the new 2016 Macan. As the German manufacturer described in a press release today, the popular SUV is receiving a host of new updates for its latest iteration, with a heavy focus on furthering customization and infotainment options. The exterior is sportier, the interior is more connected and the style is more "you." The Macan now features the same Porsche Communication Management system that debuted in the 911, offering "real-time route navigation, simplified operation and an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot." A seven-inch touchscreen acts as the user interface, with an intuitive layout similar to a smart phone's. Multi-touch gestures will move you through menu options, while Bluetooth and USB connectivity options makes sure your phone or other music device is hooked up for the whole drive. Directions become even clearer with a 3D GPS display, and voice control helps you command the system while keeping your hands on the wheel. Speaking of the wheel, it's been revamped as well, offering a "re-engineered steering controller" to provide "a more direct handling experience and improved contact with the road." The road ahead is also much more clear, with new headlights featuring the Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus (PDLS Plus). The light mimics day light and reaches farther while offering decreased energy usage when compared to previous models. Of course, it wouldn't be a complete range with the Macan Turbo packages. In addition to sportier design cues throughout the interior and exterior, the new Macan Turbo for sale can also create up to 400 hp, even when stationary. European prices for the Macan line have been released, as follows: the Macan S is set at €61,143 ($66,428 USD*), Macan S Diesel at €60,548 ($65,782 USD*), the Macan GTS is €73,400 ($79,745 USD*) and the Macan Turbo is €83,753 ($90,993 USD*). Ordering will begin at Porsche dealers in early 2016, though it is available at German dealerships now. Check out the photos of this updated Macan below, and if you can't quite wait for 2016 to come, find an earlier Macan from our exclusive listings. *According to exchange rates at the time of publication. Macans For Sale Gallery (via Porsche) See More Porsche News

By Edward Jones – October 30, 2015

Chris Harris Reviews the Ferrari 488 Spider

Chris Harris has definitely taken advantage of the perks of being an automotive journalist and his video review of the Ferrari 488 Spider, uploaded today, is a perfect display of this.Right off the bat, he notes that the weather's terrible in England and this trip to drive the 488 Spider in Rimini, Italy was his way to spend a day in the sunshine.(See Also: P1 vs. LaFerrari vs. 918 Spyder 1/4 Mile: Part 2)During his drive, he talks about the rigidity of the car and its power, among other things."The performance of this thing leaves you wondering where everyone goes next," Harris says in the video. "It is much, much faster than the previous generation of super supercars. This thing would leave an Enzo for dead, no doubt about that."To see what he has to say about the 488 Spider for yourself, be sure to watch the video below and check out the Ferraris for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com.(via YouTube) More Ferrari News

By Caitlin Duffy – October 08, 2015

Supercars of Monaco Summer 2015 Compilation

It's no question that summer is the best season for supercar spotters, and it's well known that Monaco is one of the places where an inordinate amount of supercars can be found.Supercars For SaleSadly, summer has drawn to a close for the northern hemisphere, and there's a decent amount of time between now and the summer of 2016. To get you through the cold weather and lack of extreme horsepower, MDKSuperCars has shared a compilation of all their best spots from summer '15.(See Also: Ford GT Getting a New Front at Gas Monkey Garage)The 32 minute compilation video was shared on YouTube Oct. 7, and features almost every and any supercar, classic car, souped up car and aftermarket creation that you can imagine driving through Monaco's streets. Paganis? Check. Lamborghinis? Check. Ferraris, Bugattis, Porsches and Koenigseggs? Check, check, check and, yep, check.Watch the video to get your fill of summer supercar beauty, find your own supercar from our exclusive listings below and hold on tight until next year - we promise, summer will be back before you even know it.Editor's note: Do not attempt to recreate the driving methods seen in the video below - always be sure to obey local traffic laws when enjoying your supercars. Browse Listings (Source: YouTube) See More Automotive News

By Andrew Nabors – October 05, 2015

Checker, Maker of Iconic Classic Taxi Cabs, Announces 2 N...

Like a Phoenix erupting from the ashes, one of the most well recognized names in transportation is making a return to the road. In a Sept. 30 press release, Checker Motor Cars, the manufacturer behind the iconic American taxi cabs of yesteryear, announced two new models.Their last production model, the Marathon, was discontinued after the 1982 model year. Used almost universally by taxi and airport shuttle services, they featured incredibly rugged construction and remained relatively unchanged throughout their 22 year run.The first of their new models will be a sport pick-up crossover. It will have a truck bed blended with their new sedan for the ultimate in utility, with an appearance similar to the classic El Camino.Their next model will be a six-door Aerobus VI named the A888. Four rows of seating are accessed by four standard doors and two oversized rear doors. The third row will also fold flat for spacious rear legroom or cargo. Another welcomed surprise in the release is that the body is being configured for V8 power and all wheel drive.These two new Checkers will arrive with 120v inverters, composite body panels and all modern conveniences. As soon as more details become available, you will find them here at Autofluence.Checker Cars For Sale Gallery (Source: Checker Motor Cars) See More Automotive News

By Caitlin Duffy – October 02, 2015

10 Cars Tested In One Quarter Mile Drag Race

A Mercedes AMG GT S. The Bentley Continental GT3-R.Chevrolet's Corvette Z06, the Cadillac ATS-V, a Volkswagen Golf R and a Porsche Cayman GT4.A Mazda MX-5 Miata. The Mercedes-AMG C63 S. A Lexus RC F and the Cadillac CTS-V.Ten contenders from eight manufacturers, all launching off a starting line together. As Motor Trend says, it's the "World's Greatest Drag Race 5," and they did it because they can.All ten of these cars were lined up at the end of an abandoned airstrip at the El Toro Marine Base, and under the hot Southern California sun they hit the gas and shot off. Each was named one of Motor Trend's 2015 Best Driver Cars, and in their YouTube video shared today, they tested the 10 against each other to see which one can finish a quarter mile faster than the rest.Which one do you think is the winner? Which one is fastest off the line? Let us know in the comments, and then find your own version of the cars above from our exclusive listings. Browse Listings (Source: YouTube) See More Automotive Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – September 29, 2015

DeLorean Spits Monster Flames with Racing Exhaust

You're hard pressed to find a person who doesn't know the name "DeLorean." If not from a love of the automotive world, then they most likely have seen it on a screen as it accelerates to 88 mph before ripping through the space-time continuum in the "Back to the Future" movies.This DeLorean, however, can hit a higher speed than just 88 mph, and instead of leaving flames on the road, it's shooting them from the exhaust.After being gutted out and refitted with Weber carbs and race exhaust, this DeLorean now weighs just 2,500 pounds and creates 210 hp, as the caption of a Sept. 27 YouTube video from DtRockstar1 tells us. Putsch Racing is the team behind this DeLorean's refitting, and it's being prepped for international rally events.When the video was taken, it still had its stock engine, but once fitted with a racing PRV engine, it's expected to produce up to 280 hp.The video starts with a quick walk around of the DeLorean before a solid 30 seconds of some of the largest exhaust flames to ever come from one of these cars. It then takes you for a quick ride around town, though at some speeds we wouldn't recommend hitting on public roadways - remember, always follow local traffic laws, especially if your engine is better suited for the racetrack.Check out the video above, and then find your own DeLorean from our exclusive listings at the button below.DeLoreans For Sale (Source: YouTube via Autoblog) See More Automotive Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – September 23, 2015

Peugeot 2008 DKR16 for the 2016 Dakar Rally

From Jan. 2 to Jan. 16, 2016, the countries of Argentina and Bolivia will see one of the world's greatest rally races take place, and Peugeot has released the two-wheel drive beast that will be carrying their name to the finish line.The Peugeot 2008 DKR16 has been designed to be the ultimate "go-anywhere" car, capable of taking on "sand dunes, river beds, and huge rocks," as a Sept. 22 press release from the French manufacturer explains. Given the terrain that this car needs to cover, these abilities are absolutely crucial.The rally covered a distance of 5,600 miles in 2015, and the event's website tells us the 2016 course will span the same distance through South America. To handle the back-to-back days of rough terrain, heat and a lot of driving, Peugeot modified the car used in the 2015 rally with the help of a few rally winners.A 3.0-liter V6 twin turbo diesel engine has been restructured to create more power, while its carbon exterior has been smoothed to create better airflow. The suspension was redesigned, and magnesium one-piece wheels with lighter Michelin tires help reduce and redistribute weight.Keep an eye out for news about this all-terrain machine as the 2016 Dakar Rally draws closer, and take a look at the photos of it in the gallery below.Gallery (Source: Peugeot)

By Edward Jones – September 10, 2015

Rezvani Beast Speedster: An Agile Homage

Rezvani unleashed the production model Beast back on June 15, a wild 500 hp sportscar from America. Now, they have created a tamer variant focused on handling, light weight and agility: the Beast Speedster. Unveiled Sept. 9 in a press release, the Beast Speedster is said to channel "the history and performance of iconic roadsters past" and act as an homage to them. Just like the original Beast, it comes with a body crafted almost entirely from carbon fiber, which sits on top of a modified Ariel Atom 3 carbon steel chassis. Also carrying over is the supercharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, but instead of 500 hp, like the original Beast, the Speedster has 300 hp. Even with the 200 hp decrease, the Beast Speedster can still manage a 0-60 mph time of just 3.5 seconds. (Also Read: New Batmobile Arrives at Warner Bros. Studio) “We really wanted to put the emphasis on agility over speed,” said CEO Ferris Rezvani in the press release. “To compliment our 500-horsepower Beast, the Speedster focuses on handling, and pure open-top performance for the road.” Inside, the new model also received a few upgrades. This includes leather padding for the carbon fiber seats, steering wheel and shift knob. Along with the reduction in power comes a more affordable price. While the Beast costs $165,000, the new Beast Speedster will come in at only $139,000. What's more, Rezvani also announced that a third Beast variant will be out before the year's end. So, be sure to stay with us for more information as it is released. Gallery (Source: Rezvani Motors)

By Edward Jones – September 02, 2015

2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Review

If you're looking for something practical, functional and capable, the 2015 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is a great option. It comes with an attractive exterior, a spacious interior and a drivetrain that makes the SUV more economical than ever before.On the outside, the Highlander Hybrid is quite the looker, thanks to a refresh Toyota gave the SUV back in 2014. Instead of a bulky appearance, it's now more sleek and sharp, with more graceful design lines.

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe