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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 – June 01, 2020

Jay Leno Drives the Vanderhall Edison²

As the king of Late Night, Jay Leno is quite capable of adapting to any situation. So just before Burbank, California went on lockdown, he filmed a few quick outdoor drives to keep us entertained. Our friend Steve Hall is a brilliant inventor who wanted the all-American 3-wheel performance machine. Check Out Jay Leno's Car Collection With a range between 150 to 200 miles, it is much more fun than any full-size electric car. Each front wheel has its own AC motor to offer a combined 180 horsepower and 240 lb-ft of torque. Just like the gas-powered models, the chassis is a patented interlocking aluminum structure that is hydroformed and welded at their massive facility in Provo, Utah. It allows the 1,400-lb roadster to accelerate faster than almost any supercar. All this can be had for under $35,000. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all updates from Jay Leno's garage. Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 26, 2020

Tesla Cybertruck Test Drive by Jay Leno & Elon Musk

Being the highest-rated late night host in history has its perks, and our friend Jay Leno has parlayed his love of cars into CNBC's highest-rated primetime show. To preview the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage, he gets behind the wheel of the Tesla Cybertruck along with its creator: Elon Musk. View Jay Leno's Collection Not only is Tesla finalizing their Semi Tractor, work continues on the tunneling projects of "The Boring Company." Even though Musk states the Cybertruck is 5% larger than the production model, it has no issues traversing the subterranean transport system. It will be offered with 1, 2 or 3 motor configurations, with an armored exoskeleton of cold-rolled stainless. Facing the heat from Rivian, Hummer, and Ford's electric F-150, the market for electric pickups is heating up. P.S. Elon's other venture (SpaceX) is about to launch the first Astronauts from the U.S. since the Shuttle was retired nearly a decade ago. Good luck and Godspeed to the crew and SpaceX personnel.

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 Andrew Nabors – August 19, 2019

Jay Leno's Garage Update August '19

Not only does Jay Leno's Car Collection outshine any other, but his team is also always at work performing world-class restorations. In the latest update, we see what it takes to get and keep these classics running. First off is the Kleiber. It was built in San Francisco and had massive brakes to cope with the hilly streets. Once the suspension and brakes were rebuilt, the distributor fell off. Since there are only 2 examples left in the world, they had to 3D scan and CNC machine a new bracket. Other projects include an early MG owned by an RAF pilot who was lost in the Battle of Britain. Next is a 1914 Detroit Electric. Instead of 78-volts, the team installed a 400v drivetrain from a Nissan Leaf along with a period-correct Emerson radio. Firebird fans will like the 1968 Convertible with the original DeLorean overhead cam straight-six. It is receiving a factory restoration with a few performance & drivability upgrades. The latest addition is a 1925 Cadillac owned by Farmers Insurance. Click here to check out Jay Leno's Car Collection, and tell us what you think of these projects in the comments below. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2017

Jay Leno Drives the Callaway Corvette AeroWagen

Last month Peter Callaway revealed the latest in custom Corvettes. The AeroWagen is a shooting brake conversion with a bold new style. Three decades of building bespoke Corvettes have led to innovations in power and aerodynamics which have culminated in 757 hp and 777 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers are based on the Z06, but the package is available for Stingray and Grand Sport also. It centers around a new 2.3-liter supercharger that is so massive it requires a hole in the hood. Because the blower has its own intercooler, boost pressure is increased and heat is removed. To set it apart from lesser impersonations, the new hatch gives Corvette a Shooting Brake roofline and more storage capacity out back.Jay Leno is no stranger to Callaway's creations, so he invited Peter and his father Reeves to the garage for a flashback to the 80's. While his father was busy making Callaway a leader in Golf Clubs, Reeves developed a twin turbo kit for the C4 Corvette. Chevrolet was so impressed with the design, it became a production option from 1987 to 1991. Working their magic on everything from Alfas to Z28s, Callaway Cars in Old Lyme, CT has been a fixture in our magazine since we began. The AeroWagen Kit is available for all Corvette Coupes for $15,000, and the supercharger upgrade is $18,000. You will get a nice discount ordering a completed car from their factory once production ramps up. Stay with us for more Callaway updates and Corvette news.Sports Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 27, 2016

Jay Leno Crashes And Rolls In The Hurst Hemi Under Glass

Roll cages are the difference between life and death in motorsports. NHRA requires any car running 10.99 or faster to have at least a 6 point cage to protect the occupants. For the latest episode of Jay Leno's Garage, a segment on the legendary wheel standing Hemi Under Glass didn't go according to plan. For a quick history lesson, the Hemi Under Glass was a series of wheel standing Barracudas built by Hurst Performance. For entertainment during drag racing intermissions, the rear engined monsters would carry the front wheels down the 1/4 mile track.(Also Check Out: Jay Leno's Garage Season 2 Episode 1: Supercars (Full Episode))Bob Riggle has been the wheelman for Hurst for over 50 years, so Jay decided to ride along at Irwindale speedway for a wheels-up run. Unfortunately, the uneven landing surface of the infield caused wheel hop during braking. Wheel standers aren't good at cornering because they lack sway bars. The sway bar connects left to right sides and keeps the car planted in the corners. Since they are heavy, most drag racers choose to trash them once their car becomes a track only machine. Along with a helmet and a 5 point harness, a cage should be on your list if you plan to push the limits of your car. Once it cools off in FL we will be installing a roll cage into our 1968 Charger project car, but in the meantime stay tuned to Autofluence for more updates from Jay Leno's Garage.Plymouth Barracuda For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 09, 2016

Ride Along With Jay Leno in his 1954 Jaguar XK 120

if you have ever wanted to experience the thrill of blasting through the mountains in a classic Jaguar, virtual reality might be the closest you will ever get-- even if you don't own 3D headgear. Jay Leno is asking you to join him on a 10-mile excursion into the hills north of Burbank in a 1954 Jaguar XK 120. Instead of a full webisode, this serves as a teaser for the second season of the series which premieres June 15th on CNBC.(Related: Jay Leno Admits He Was Wrong About the Jaguar XJ220)Jaguar stopped building cars to concentrate on the war effort in 1940. As the blitz raged above them, engineers looked to the future and began work on the XK 120. Built from 1948 to '54, these nimble roadsters were powered by a 3.4L straight six. Since postwar England was devoid of steel, Jaguar was forced to place their hand formed bodies on a chassis of ash wood. This made the car light and strong, with a figure that impressed a young Mr. Leno. It will be a few years before we launch a 3D version of Autofluence, but stay tuned for more immersive automotive footage in the meantime.Jaguar XK 120 For Sale

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