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 Jordan Aquistapace – April 12, 2023

Koenigsegg Teases The Upcoming Gemera Mega-GT Configurator

Exploring endless color combinations for the first Mega-GT, Koenigsegg's Gemera Configurator will leave customers speechless.

By duPont Registry – March 20, 2023

28-Mile, Pristine 2021 Koenigsegg Regera For Sale

This is the chance of a lifetime to acquire one of the most exclusive and poweful supercars ever created!

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 08, 2023

Top 10 Fastest Cars in the World - Top Speeds

There's no feeling like driving fast. When it comes to the automotive industry, breaking the record for high top speeds has been a celebrated feat, and that's because in just about every car enthusiast, there's an insatiable desire to go faster. With technology, innovation, and competition constantly getting more and more intense, the quest for higher top speeds has involved more amazing engineering and uncompromising innovation. Each new fastest car doesn't just eclipse the rest, but also pushes the entire automotive industry forward with the innovation required to reach those speeds. These 10 unmodified cars all exemplify this dedication to speed and are certainly worthy of praise. 1) Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+: 304 Miles Per Hour The Bugatti Chiron Super Sport recently gained a crown as the fastest car in the world. Working with Dallara to optimize the aerodynamics, the latest Bugatti Chiron was clocked at 304.773 miles per hour at the Volkswagen proving grounds near Wolfsburg, Germany in August of 2019. It was a one-way run due to the track surface so ineligible for a world record. Image Source: SSC 2) SSC Tuatara: 295 Miles Per Hour As the successor to their Ultimate Aero, Jerod Shelby (not related to Carroll) and his team needed more power. Knowing that a flat-plane V8 would easily rev to 9,000 rpm, they commissioned Nelson Racing Engines to build a 5.9-liter V8 by hand. Using Nelson's patented Mirror-Image turbos, this American hypercar sends 1,750 horsepower and 1,280 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. A uni-directional run at Space Florida's Launch and Landing facility saw the SSC Tuatara reach an incredible 295 mph. 3) Koenigsegg Agera RS: 277.87 Miles Per Hour On a closed Nevada highway, Christian von Koenigsegg and company pushed their car into the history books. Their 2-way average of 277.87 spurred the innovation to design the Jesko for over 300 mph. Being one of the top 10 fastest cars in the world is definitely a badge that the Agera RS wears proudly. Image Source: Hennessey 4) Hennessey Venom GT: 270.49 Miles Per Hour All too happy to see the Veyron fall, Texas-based-tuner-turned-manufacturer Hennessey says it Venom GT, based heavily on the Lotus Exige, is the new speed king, reaching 265.7 miles per hour in two miles, two fewer miles compared to the Veyron’s top-speed run. It accomplished this feat on February 9, 2013, at the Naval Air Station Lemoore in Lemoore, California, and it has a video to prove it. With Hennessey claiming its Venom GT produces 1,244 horsepower and weighs only 2,743 pounds, we have no reason to believe it isn’t true. Image Source: Bugatti 5) Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport: 267.86 Miles Per Hour The Bugatti Veyron's most potent iteration was the Super Sport, a hypercar boasting 1,183 horsepower, and the ability to reach nearly 268 mph, a feat that was verified by Guinness World Records in 2010. Image Source: Hennessey 6) Hennessey Venom GT Spyder: 265.6 Miles Per Hour Certified by Racelogic, Hennessey set out to make the world's fastest convertible, and with the incredible Spyder version of its Venom GT, the Texas performance powerhouse was able to reach an incredible 265.6 mph. Image Source: Bugatti 7) Bugatti Chiron: 261 Miles Per Hour Serving as successor to the incredible Veyron, the Bugatti Chiron boasted incredible power and incredible speed, to the point where the car was electronically limited to 261 mph, a speed that is only even reachable in few situations. Image Source: SSC 8) SSC Ultimate Aero TT: 256.14 Miles Per Hour With a twin-turbocharged, 6.3-liter V8 engine mounted amidships, and a scant weight of 2,756 pounds, this rocket from the 2000s was able to reach an incredible 256 mph, making it a certain rival of the Bugatti Veyron of the time. Image Source: Bugatti 9) Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse: 254 Miles Per Hour The introduction of the Bugatti Veyron spurred a rivalry between many hypercars to be the world's fastest. One of Bugatti's contributions to this fierce competition that lasted throughout the 2000s and beyond was the Grand Sport Vitesse, the open-topped version of the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport, which was able to reach a soaring 254 mph. Image Source: Bugatti 10) Bugatti Veyron: 253.8 Miles Per Hour With its unmatched quad-turbocharged, 8.0-liter W16 engine, all-wheel drive, stunning design, and engineering that has yet to be outdone in many aspects throughout the automotive industry, the original Bugatti Veyron and its 253-mph top speed rocked the automotive world and changed the definition of supercars and hypercars alike, sending shockwaves through the automotive performance world that are still being felt today. " width="680"> Honorable Mention: Johnny Bomer's Ford GT - 310.8 Miles Per Hour While it didn't make the list due to being modified, this Floridian speed junkie's 2006 Ford GT is quite. an awe-inspiring achievement in engineering and sheer performance power. At the Kennedy Space Center's Launch and Landing Facility, the car was able to reach an eye-watering speed of nearly 311 mph, and you can even see Bomer rowing manually through the gears, with one hand on the steering wheel at a soaring 266 mph. We don't intend to presume any examples of these are "affordable". But they are all attainable if you want an incredibly fast production car. Click the button to find yours and stay with us for all your exotic car news. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 29, 2021

Christian von Koenigsegg Shows Us Why the Jesko Has the W...

Anyone who knows about Koenigsegg knows that they’re always at the cutting edge. From the very beginning, Koenigsegg has been dedicated to creating the world’s fastest cars by discovering, expanding, and experimenting with unimaginable technology and engineering. It has been amazing to witness Koenigsegg release a vehicle that shocks and amazes, and then see them learn from one and create something even more powerful, dynamic, and efficient after that. From the biofuel system in the CCXR, to the revolutionary transmission in the Regera, the impossibly futuristic Gemera, and of course, the Jesko, Koenigsegg have yet to disappoint. MUST-READ: Koenigsegg Regera “Kejsare” On Display at Motorcars of Atlanta In this video, Christian von Koenigsegg talks us through the “low inertia powertrain” that gives the Jesko what it needs to properly succeed its predecessors. Not only has the engine been redeveloped to be lighter and better performing, but the transmission has also been developed to omit the flywheel and clutch, reducing inertia and making the engine much more responsive, meaning the car shifts faster, and gets going the second you put your foot on the pedal. Where this translates in numbers we can all understand and appreciate is that the Koenigsegg Jesko revs up to 8500 RPM, and due to its responsiveness it is the fastest revving production engine in the world, getting from idle to 7800, the limit when the car is in neutral, in just 213 milliseconds. Yet again, Koenigsegg proves that it is the future of world-class supercars. View all current Koenigsegg examples for sale on dupPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Koenigsegg For Sale Source: Koenigsegg YouTube

By Edward Jones – March 03, 2020

Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut Revealed: The Fastest Koenigsegg...

Koenigsegg is making a statement with the new Jesko Absolut: they know how to make the fastest cars in the world. The new Jesko Absolute will, in fact, be the fastest Koenigsegg that will ever be made, present and future. Christian von Koenigsegg, the CEO and founder of Koenigsegg, says that the Jesko Absolut will be a "land-based rocket-ship determined to reach underheard-of speed in record-setting pace." When designing the Jesko Absolut, Koenigsegg went out of their way to reduce drag. Every single surface element on the car has been in a way to reduce drag while increasing stability and high speeds. Koenigsegg, essentially, put together this equation: a drag coefficient value of 0.278 Cd + frontal area of 1.88 m2 + 1,600 bhp = "more extraordinary speeds than any other Koenigsegg or any other fully homologated car before it." While they don't disclose a top speed, there's no doubt in our mind that we will find out soon enough. See All Koenigseggs for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 05, 2019

Bugatti Admits Nevada Would've Been Faster

A few days ago, a purpose-built Bugatti Chiron was clocked at 304 mph. Only one track in Europe could be trusted with such a test, so it was performed at Ehra-Lessien, a few miles north of Wolfsburg, Germany. Because cars are only allowed to run counter-clockwise, the asphalt has developed a grain in that direction. This prevented a test in the other direction, which is needed for a world record. That's why CEO Stephan Winkelmann admits Nevada would have been faster. Aside from Area 51, Nevada has some seriously fast machines. Twice a year, the Silver State Classic is an unlimited run across 90 miles of highway 318. It is also where the current world record holder reached 284.55 mph. That Koenigsegg Agera RS was a production car with safety and telemetry installed. The Bugatti used to reach 304 mph has nothing in common with a production Chiron. The body was outsourced to Dallara, who exaggerated it to be longer and wider. See the Bugatti Chiron Break 300 mph Barrier After going over their data, Bugatti engineers realized why Christian von Koenigsegg chose the Silver State. Turbocharged cars run much better at higher altitudes. Aerodynamic drag is much less, as Nevada's air pressure is less than 88% of sea level. Combined with no humidity in the desert and it makes for a perfect run. They might have reached 300 mph in a production Chiron Sport instead of the race car we saw. But Stephan said Bugatti is done chasing records. It is time to focus on the future for their elite clientele. Will the Koenigsegg Jesko reach 300 mph in Nevada? Stay with us to find out! Browse Bugatti For Sale Related: 2018 Bugatti Chiron Sport Specs, Prices & Photos

By Andrew Nabors – June 28, 2018

Koenigsegg CCX Sold Down Under

If you stood at Christian von Koenigsegg's factory in Angelholm, Sweden, you would be mesmerized by all the hypercars in production. Also, if you drilled straight through the center of the Earth, you would be in Melbourne, Australia. As the capital of Victoria, it is also the new home of Koenigsegg of Australia and New Zealand. Things are going well down under..... Congratulations to @koenigsegg_automotive_aus_nz and @lorbekluxurycars who, on their first day of operations, negotiated the sale of this CCX at an all-new WORLD RECORD PRICE for the model of A$3.1 million!! This is a wonderful compliment to the multiple orders they’ve secured for new Koenigsegg vehicles to arrive in future years. Impact! #fastcarsellsfast #koenigseggaustralia #koenigsegg #ccx #aboveandbeyond #fastestcarsintheworld A post shared by Koenigsegg (@koenigseggautomotive) on Jun 27, 2018 at 1:37pm PDT As the newest member of Lorbek Luxury Cars, they decided to commemorate the first sale at their new Coffee & Koenigseggs show. It happened on Saturday morning, which is Friday afternoon in the US, and a stunning CCX met its new owner. If you are interested in a new Swedish Hypercar, click the link below and stay with us for all your Koenigsegg updates. Browse Koenigsegg For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 07, 2018

Manny Khoshbin's Koenigsegg Agera RS

Last month we reported that Koenigsegg had ended production of their Agera RS. A car that broke 5 world records is worthy of a Grand Finale, so our friend Manny Khoshbin collaborated with Christian von Koenigsegg to built the ultimate Agera. This build is unique in every way, so it was given the name of Phoenix. This mythical beast has the looks and abilities to dominate everything on the road. It would be hard to choose a color that is befitting of such a hypercar, so they settled on clear-coated carbon fiber. Under the clear are 24k gold leaf accents that match the gold stitched used throughout the interior. The body is 1 of 1, with unique aerodynamics that makes 1,150 lbs of downforce at 155 mph. To do this, the engine's air intake was extended into the removable roof panel. All Records Broken by the Koenigsegg Agera RS The rear spoiler is a dual-level design, and it was necessitated by incredible power. Manny wanted the fastest production car ever built, so he opted for the MEGA engine option. First seen on the Koenigsegg One:1, the twin turbo V8 makes one Megawatt of power. This is nearly 1,400 horsepower, and it is a proper farewell for the Agera. https://instagram.com/p/BiXl4SrnccR/ The options alone are almost $ 1 Million so it is also one of the most expensive cars they have built. Koenigsegg also made a fitted helmet of carbon fiber, with the same 24k motif as the car. Mr. Khoshbin doesn't let his fleet collect dust, so we'll hopefully have track footage coming soon. If you want something truly unique, click the link below and stay with us for all your Koenigsegg updates. Browse Koenigsegg For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 08, 2018

Koenigsegg Regera d'Elegance is an Ocean on Wheels

Koenigsegg has brought a special hypercar to the 2018 Geneva Motor Show that can only be described as a car as beautiful as the ocean. Called the "Regera d'Elegance", this one-off Koenigsegg is comprised of multiple shades of blue and green that make it a perfect fit for a South Florida drive on the beaches.Its exterior comes with a Swedish Blue finish that is combined perfectly with blue-tint carbon fiber and Ocean Green striping. These tones are matched copied inside with a Swedish Blue and Ocean Green interior. One of the only dark tones you'll find on this car are the Tresex carbon fiber wheels that are what Koenigsegg calls the "world's lightest and strongest production wheels."All Records Broken by the Koenigsegg Agera RS Naturally, this car comes with a boat-load of power thanks to the Koenigsegg Direct Drive system. The power behind this Regera is rated at a whopping 1,500 horsepower. Combine that amount of horsepower with 1,475 lb-ft of torque and you have the recipe for a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.8 seconds and 0 to 248 mph time of 20 seconds.

By Andrew Nabors – October 05, 2017

Koenigsegg Agera RS Sets New Record For 0-249-0

If you knew you had an ace in the hole, how long could you keep from bluffing? Everyone knows Bugatti builds fast cars. If a challenger appears, they simply add more power or build a new model. They represent the financial and engineering expertise of VW, which is comprised of Porsche, Audi, Lamborghini, etc. Sitting across the table in this high-stakes game is Christian von Koenigsegg. His Swedish company has more automotive patents and innovation that comes from being an outside observer in the early days of the supercar scene. It has allowed him and his team to build wild cars like the Agera and Regera, that force major automakers back to the drawing board. Two weeks ago, Bugatti announced a new record time in the 0-400 kph-0 test. The brutal scenario pushes the engine, driver, and brakes to their limits. The Chiron was able to reach 249 mph and back to zero in only 41.96 seconds. Performance of this level was only capable by race cars until recently. But instead of shaming everyone else into submission, Koenigsegg unleashed the One:1 upgrade on the latest Agera RS. The most potent Agera to date, it produces one megawatt of power. With 1,360 horsepower and 1,011 lb-ft of torque, their blog says the Agera RS went 0-249mph-0 in only 36.44 seconds. Shaving 5.5 seconds off a world record is no easy task, so it will be interesting to see how the competition responds.

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe