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 Andrew Nabors – April 07, 2020

Jaguar Land Rover Announces 0% for 72 Months

Indecision is a major contributor to regret. With signs that the virus is slowing down, you won't have a better time to purchase the car of your dreams. To jump-start the road to recovery, Jaguar Land Rover have announced 0% for 72 months of financing. Backed by Chase, eligible customers can choose from almost all 2020 models in addition to the 2021 Jaguar F-Type. In addition, current lessees can extend their agreement by 6 months without any questions asked. Returning customers entering a new lease will have two lease payment waivers good for $750 each. That being said, our dealers and have been trained to conduct all business remotely until we're in the clear. If you are looking for a test drive, it can be delivered and picked up from your home. Service appointments can also be handled the same way, so it is time to strike while the iron is hot. Click the buttons below to find our dealer nearest you and stay inside if possible. Jaguar For Sale Land Rover For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 07, 2020

Jaguar & Hot Wheels Unveil 2021 F-Type in Chicago

No matter what your age, watching Hot Wheels in a loop is mesmerizing. In order to set a new Guinness World Record, Jaguar & Hot Wheels have unveiled the new 2021 F-Type in Chicago. Jaguar commissioned Hot Wheels to make a perfect 1:64 scaled replica of the car, and it was used to set a new record for most loops on a Hot Wheels track. Why can't all automakers be this cool? Click the button below to find our Jaguar/Land Rover dealer near you and stay with us for complete coverage of the Chicago Auto Show! Browse All Jaguar F-Type For Sale " width="680"> Related: New 2021 Jaguar F-Type Revealed With Refreshed Style

By Andrew Nabors – September 10, 2018

New Infotainment from Jaguar Land Rover Classic

3.5" Touchscreen 4 x 45 watts Built-in Bluetooth Microphone If your English classic needs modern connectivity, Jaguar Land Rove Classic have something for you. In a press release this morning, they have unveiled four new infotainment systems for older cars. Two Land Rover and 2 Jaguar designs are now available, and they pack the latest in Bluetooth, Navigation, and Satellite Radio into a traditional DIN size.European customers will also have receivers for DAB and DAB+, with 4 channels of 45-watt power. Jaguar examples are black and chrome, while Land Rover radios are silver or brushed aluminum. Memory storage for up to 1,250 contacts can be accessed by up to 4 Bluetooth devices, all without cutting your dash. Preserving your car's interior style and bringing it into the modern era is now possible, so check with your local dealer for more information.Browse Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 22, 2018

Jaguar XE SV Project 8 Unleashed in Portugal

In a move of total brilliance, the engineers at Jaguar have stuffed their most powerful engine into their smallest sedan. We have been teased by the XE SV Project 8 for two years, but the last time we saw it in action was at Goodwood in July of last year.Under the bonnet is the same supercharged 5.0L V8 found in the F-Type SVR and the Range Rover SVR. It delivers almost 600 horsepower, which puts it in the crosshairs of the CTS-V and the C63 AMG. It makes twice the power of the 1996 XJS, which had a 6.0L V12! But unlike the competition, Jaguar is only building 300 examples for the entire planet. It has the largest brakes and most aggressive aerodynamics they have ever offered.Jaguar XE SV Project 8 In Action, Proves its WorthAn active center differential keeps the AWD system sending most of the power to the rear wheels, but it also uses the front end to keep you glued to the corners. I have mine reserved so you will have to fight everyone else for the remaining 299 cars. If you are interested, click the link below to find our Jaguar/Land Rover dealer near you and have a great weekend!Browse Jaguar XE For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 01, 2018

2019 Jaguar I-Pace Revealed: First Electric Jag SUV

The new 2019 Jaguar I-Pace has officially joined the English automaker's line-up as their first electric SUV. The I-Pace comes in as the third SUV model, joining the ranks of the E-Pace and F-Pace. For this model, Jaguar put all their eggs into an electric basket and the result is their most technologically-advanced vehicle yet.Powering the I-Pace is a 90kWh battery that has an estimated range of up to 240 miles. For power, the electric drivetrain produces 394 and 512 lb-ft of torque. A press on the accelerator will send all of this power to all wheels for a 0-60 mph time 4.5 seconds. 2019 Jaguar I-Pace Specs Power Source: 90kWh BatteryRange: 240 milesHorsepower: 394 hpTorque: 512 lb-ft0-60 mph: 4.5 seconds If you've spent all of the juice in the I-Pace, charging it back up is a quick task. Using a 100kW DC fast charger will allow for a 0-80% charge in 40 minutes. Those using a 230V AC wall box can expect a 0-80% charge in just over 10 hours. While charging, drivers can pre-condition the battery temperature for maximum range and also heat or cool the cabin before they hop in for a drive. Jaguar has also equipped the I-Pace with regenerative braking, allowing the SUV to achieve optimum efficiency and range.2018 Jaguar Project 8: Price, Specs, & Review

By Edward Jones – February 27, 2018

Jaguar Unveiling Their First Electric Vehicle

The upcoming Jaguar I-PACE is set to be the company's first-ever battery electric vehicle. This new SUV joins the PACE family that already consists of the E-PACE and F-PACE. However, this new model will have no combustion equipped. Jaguar notes that you'll be able to see it in its entirety comes March 1, 2018 at 1:00PM EST. Those interested will be able to see it across Jaguar's social media channels thanks to livestreams. Here's a link to the " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> where it can be seen, so be sure to bookmark it.Top 10 Cars To Be Unveiled At Geneva“Since revealing the I-PACE Concept in 2016, we have been counting down to this moment," says Ian Callum, Jaguar Director of Design. "The all-electric I-PACE is not only a pioneer within our business, it promises to revolutionise the industry. Never before have I been so excited for a launch – the world is watching with great anticipation and I cannot wait for the world to see everything we have achieved with this car.”

By Andrew Nabors – September 06, 2017

Jaguar Unveils Steering Wheel of the Future

One item that is critical to your driving happiness is often overlooked. The steering wheel is your connection to the road. It can make or break you experience, so it is often the starting point for interior design. Jaguar is ditching the traditional leather and turning in a new direction. The Sayer is a vision of the future. Based on autonomous cars and shared ownership, the Sayer steering wheel could potentially be the only part of a vehicle you would own. It is named for Malcolm Sayer who worked for Jaguar between 1951 and 1970.Jaguar XE SV Project 8In their future, you take the wheel with you. It is voice activated and interfaces with other electronic devices. It is your assistant, handling tasks from scheduling appointments to arranging an autonomous vehicle delivery at your door. It was introduced over the weekend at London's inaugural Tech Fest at Central St. Martins, University of the Arts London. Tell us what you think of shared ownership and autonomous driving and stay with us for more visions of the future from Jaguar. Until the future arrives, be sure to check out the F-Type SVR at one of our dealers.

By Andrew Nabors – June 21, 2017

2018 Jaguar E-Pace Arriving In July

Riding on the smashing success of the F-Pace, Jaguar announced the all-new E-Pace in a press release last night. In it we learned that the F-Pace has led an 83% increase in sales in a new segment for the brand. The smaller E-Pace will debut on July 13th with All Wheel Drive and several engine options. Our guess is the same 2.0 liter turbo four along with the 3.0 liter supercharged V6. The styling is essentially a scaled-down version of the F-Pace, at a size that blurs the definition between crossover and SUV. Director of Design Ian Callum said "The combination of sports car looks with Jaguar performance will ensure that the E-PACE stands out. Every Jaguar is designed to excite the senses, and we think E-PACE will do just that, albeit with its own individual character."Also previewed is the 2018 I-Pace, the all-electric SUV that will launch next year. The goal of the E-Pace is to combine the best features of a sports car along with the practicality of an SUV. Be it a small crossover of SUV, there might be a reason we've covered three of them this week. Sedans are slumping in sales because of styling that is tired, but also our crumbling roads. Why would anyone buy a new sedan just to beat it up on broken pavement? Jaguar is offering another solution to the problem, and we'll have all the details next month. For now, compare the images with new Jaguar F-Pace for sale and stay with us for all your automotive news.

By Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2017

Jaguar Cars Can Now Pay for Gas

One of the best aspects of owning a luxury car is the added value in all the unseen areas. Jaguar and Land Rover are diligent in providing every conceivable convenience in their automobiles, and their latest effort is probably a foreshadowing of how we will purchase fuel in the future. To be released on an update to the InControl software, examples of the XE, XF and F-Pace integrate PayPal or Apple Pay into the communication system. Working with Shell, payment for a pit stop will be conducted on the car's touchscreen, allowing for a quick "gas 'n go." After the initial release, it will be offered across the Jaguar and Land Rover lineups, with payment for parking lots and drive-thru coming in the near future. The press release was aimed at English motorists, because we have some slightly silly laws about fuel payment.If you have ever had your debit card skimmed by a sleazy station you might like the idea. But if you can't fathom the idea of your car generating high-frequency communications around volatile fuels, we understand. Either way, it is a clear example of forward-thinking to allow fuels to rush in where angels fear to tread. Ok, that was our only poetic reference today so take a look at how the system works in the video below and stay with us for all your updates from Jaguar-Land Rover.Jaguar For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 10, 2017

2018 Jaguar F-TYPE Range Announced: Equipped With GoPro

Jaguar has announced their full line-up for the 2018 F-TYPE, their two-seater coupe and convertible. There are a few awesome additions made to the cars, including GoPro technology.(Related - Jaguar F-TYPE SVR vs Corvette Z06 Rev Battle)The new ReRun app featured in the new F-TYPE combines both GoPro video with performance data (speed, throttle, gear, braking and g-forces). The video taken by the new app can be downloaded to the driver's phone and ultimately uploaded to social media (you know you wanna show off those perfect runs).The new F-TYPE will now feature new and full LED headlights, as well as a new front bumper. These new design cues give the car a brand-new look that refreshes the already gorgeous car.Added to the range is the new R-Dynamic model, which will be available in the 335 hp and 375 hp versions of the supercharged V6 engine. Jaguar notes that this model is "distinguished by 19-inch and 20-inch alloy wheel designs and by the front bumper’s Gloss Black aperture bezels." The Gloss Black finish is also found on the front splitter, bonnet vents, side sills and rear diffuser.To celebrate this new range, Jaguar has created the 400 Sport launch edition, which will have 395 hp on tap courtesy of the supercharged 3.0-liter V6. This model will stand out in the crowd thanks to the Yellow and Dark Satin Grey badges and the Silver, Santorini Black and Yulong White paint options.F-TYPE Coupé and Convertible:340PS 3.0-litre V6; Quickshift RWD/ manual RWD380PS 3.0-litre V6; Quickshift; RWD/ AWD, manual RWD F-TYPE R-Dynamic Coupé and Convertible:340PS 3.0-litre V6; Quickshift RWD/ manual RWD380PS 3.0-litre V6; Quickshift; RWD/ AWD, manual RWD F-TYPE 400 SPORT Coupé and Convertible:400PS 3.0-litre V6; Quickshift RWD/ AWD F-TYPE R Coupé and Convertible:550PS 5.0-litre V8; Quickshift AWD F-TYPE SVR Coupé and Convertible:575PS 5.0-litre V8; Quickshift AWDAll Jaguar F-TYPE For Sale

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe