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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 Edward Jones – July 13, 2017

Koenigsegg and Hasselblad Put on Epic Hypercar Photoshoot

Koenigsegg is in the business of creating hypercars; Hasselblad is in the business of creating exquisite cameras. While the two companies may be in two different markets, they have one thing in common: they are both Swedish. To celebrate their country of origin, the two companies came together for one of the finest hypercar photoshoots.Showing up to take the images was Ming Thein, Chief of Strategy for Hasselblad, and his team. The entire photoshoot took two full days around Ängelholm, Koenigsegg's hometown. Thein and team used the Hasselblad H6D-100c camera, as well as the DJI M600 for aerial photography. As for the subjects, Koenigsegg took out an Agera RS and the new Regera hypercar.https://vimeo.com/224875412

By Andrew Nabors – June 16, 2017

2008 Koenigsegg CCX For Sale

As the third production model from Koenigsegg, the CCX was a home run. It was fully developed in 3D software before the first panel was machined. This put every other auto maker on notice that Christian von Koenigsegg was ready to take on the world. As an engineer, his goal has been to bring future technologies into the present, and the CCX is a perfect example. The first carbon fiber chassis with integrated fuel tanks, the total weight including the fuel system is just under 159 lbs. As a consummate engineer, he even lists the torsional rigidity as a vehicle feature. At 58,000 Newton-meters per degree, the only production car to offer a stronger foundation is the Bugatti Veyron.The 4.7 liter V8 is topped by two Rotrex superchargers, which are among the most efficient blowers available. It allows the dual-overhead cam engine to handle 20 lbs of boost to make 803 horsepower and 693 lb-ft of torque. Inboard coil over suspension is mounted to a chrome-moly subframe just like a track car, and its adjustable for bumpy roads. Everything electrical is controlled by the computer's Can Bus instead of fuses or relays. Manufacturers have had the ability to build a solid-state electrical system for years, but why would anyone want something that reliable? A six-speed manual transmission is not a generic unit. The gear ratios and the differential are optimized to make use of the engine's patented response charge system. The superchargers don't have bypass valves, instead, they use a secondary throttle to keep a supply of boost ready at any moment.These are just a few of the mind-blowing details that no other brand has offered to-date. Your daily driver probably has at least a few parts patented by Koenigsegg, so why not own something that combines them all. The CCX is where normal cars will be in a few decades, so experience the future today thanks to iLusso. This 2008 example only has 593 miles, but the over-engineered design is probably good for half a million. For more information please click on the link below and have a great weekend.View Price & Listing

By Edward Jones – May 17, 2017

New Koenigsegg Agera RS Crashes During Testing

Koenigsegg Automotive AB has confirmed that a new Agera RS crashed during testing. They say that the new supercar, known as Agera RS Gryphon, was undergoing shakedown testing when the driver lost control due to wet conditions.As to who was testing the car, Koenigsegg noted this in a blog post regarding the crash: "The testing was being performed at facilities owned by National Electric Vehicle Sweden (NEVS). Koenigsegg is using NEVS facilities for testing, test driving and to prepare its cars for the US market, in parallel with its own testing facilities in Ängelholm." Koenigsegg Agera RS Gryphon

By Edward Jones – April 11, 2017

Koenigsegg Agera RS1 Debuted at 2017 New York Auto Show

First thing I'd like to excitedly announce is that the newly unveiled Koenigsegg Agera RS1 is actaully bound for the United States. Exciting? Yes, because this means we're finally getting more Koenigseggs on our roads.The RS1, which debuts at the New York Auto Show, was named by the owner of the car. Its exterior is finished in Arctic White with blue highlights. In my opinion, the carbon fiber, blue and white work together so wonderfully and make it one of the best looking Ageras out there. Inside is an extremely blue cabin with carbon fiber and anodized aluminum accents. If you're familiar with the Ford GT90 concept, I'll say it reminds me of that car, without the 90's styling. View All Koenigsegg News, Pics and Videos

By Edward Jones – March 28, 2017

Christian von Koenigsegg Configures His Own Regera

Koenigsegg Automotive has been running a Facebook series where their employees spec out a Regera hypercar to their liking. We've seen many employees' creations, but there's one employee we have yet to see take their hands at configuring a Regera, until now. In the latest "How would a Koenigsegg employee configure their Regera" series, we get to see just how Christian von Koenigsegg would spec out his very own hypercar. For his exterior, he went for a blue-tinted carbon fiber finish with gold leaf striping. Matching the striping are the gold leaf wheels. Why blue and gold? Because blue and yellow are the colors of the Swedish flag! Inside his Regera is where his choices get more personal. The first car he and his then-girlfriend ever owner together was a black NA Mazda Mita with brown leather interior. Thus, he chose brown leather interior for his Regera. Also, that Miata was purchased back in 1992, two years before Koenigsegg Automotive, and that girlfriend is now his wife and the COO of the company. What do you guys think of his Regera? Let me know in the comments below! All Koenigsegg For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 15, 2017

Koenigsegg App Locates Where All Hypercars Are

Owning a Koenigsegg allows you to be in an exclusive club of hypercar owners that consists of only a few members. Not only do owners of Koenigseggs get together with other owners and invade towns, they also have an exclusive app according to Carbuzz. When Carbuzz chatted with Christian von Koenigsegg at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, he informed them of a new venture. Being called the Koenigsegg Owners App, this app provides owners with important information regarding their car and much more. This includes racetrack stats, software updates, GPS locating and much more. However, Christian von Koenigsegg has a special version of the app that allows him to see where all of the Koenigseggs are located at any given time. Before everyone cries "Big Brother" over the surveillance, he noted to the website that he has this ability because he "cares deeply about his customers, their cars and their ownership experience." Through the information provided, he can learn from their experiences and habits, and ultimately form a better customer experience in the long run. Supercars For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 03, 2017

New Koenigsegg Regera and Agera RS Gryphon Making an Appe...

At the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, Koenigsegg will be showing off three very special vehicles in their booth. They include two Regeras and the new Agera RS Gryphon. One of the Regeras has a stunning green carbon fiber exterior that Koenigsegg says is reminiscent of the famed British Racing Green. Inside the car is a Saddle Brown leather interior with basket weave and flat leather on the seats, rear wall, steering wheel and doors. This is essentially the most English Koenigsegg they've ever produced. Also, it just so happens to be the first car to be delivered. The second Regera that Koenigsegg will be displaying is finished in a Candy Apple Red with clear carbon fiber, giving off a two-tone visual. Inside, this red/black theme continues with black leather and Lingonberry highlights. On top of these two hypercars, Koenigsegg will also bring the Agera RS Gryphon. In fact, this will mark the world debut of the new model. Why the name "Gryphon?" Koenigsegg notes that the gryphon, a mythical creature with the body and rear legs of a lion and the head, wings and front talons of an eagle, is the symbol used on the provincial flag of Skåne, where the Koenigsegg Factory is located. The car has a clear carbon fiber exterior with gold leaf highlights across the body. What's pretty neat is that the car comes with a helmet that matches the car's exterior, complete with gold. Inside the Agera RS Gryphon is black Alcantara and contrasting gold piping. Under the hood is the optional 1MW engine, which is Koenigsegg's twin-turbo V8 that has 1,360 horsepower at the ready. What's more? This car is ready for the U.S. roads. Stay with us for more information on these cars as we draw closer to the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show. Supercars For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 27, 2017

Naked Carbon Fiber Koenigsegg Regera Revealed

Koenigsegg Automotive is currently running a Facebook series of posts that show how their employees would customize their own Regera hypercar. We've seen a purple Prince example, a wine-inspired example and now we get to see what one would look like wearing only a clear coat. This week Chrille was up to bat and made this gorgeous Koenigsegg Regera example. Where does he work within the company? The post states that he's "worked in so many different areas of the company he's lost count." This includes composites, finishing, service area and is now the Facility Manager. Chrille is so dedicated to the company that he even has a 'ghost' tattoo above his ankle, just like the one on the Koenigsegg engines. Chrille's example has untinted clear carbon fiber with black body stripes that are meant for "extra meanness." The outside of this car also has anthracite calipers, carbon fiber Tresex wheels and the new Regera Aero kit. Inside, the carbon fiber/black theme continues, but with contrasting "Snow "clean" inserts on the seats and back wall of the car. There is also black Alcantara dashboard. Koenigsegg, if you could just keep this posts coming that'd be great. Not only do we get to see some awesome examples of the Regera, but it really shows just how close the entire company is. Supercars For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 20, 2017

Sweet Mandirine Koenigsegg Regera Certainly is Sweet

Koenigsegg has given their employees the task of designing their own Regera. Well, that doesn't sound like a bad job to have. So far, we've seen four different Regeras from employees, including a purple one that was dedicated to Prince. Now, it's Joachim's term, who is the Head of Design. Koenigsegg Cars For Sale For his design, Joachim went for some sweet. In fact, the paint he went for is called "Sweet Mandarine," and it features Koenigsegg's new "Polar" striping package in "Arctic White." Another highlight to this Regera's exterior are the black calipers that rest behind the hollow-core carbon fiber wheels. Inside, he opted for a primarily black leather cockpit with the white highlights being continued from the outside. On the seats, he had the "Snow" inserts installed and "Drift" stitching done in black to contrast with the light tones. While most of the trim inside Joachim's Regera is carbon fiber or leather, the center console does feature polished aluminum, giving the cockpit some shiny flavor. What do you guys think of this design? Hot or not? Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 06, 2017

Optional Aerodynamics for the Koenigsegg Regera

Sweden may be enduring the depths of Winter, but they are building the world's hottest hypercars. The Koenigsegg Regera makes use of hybrid assist to eliminate the transmission, because who needs gears? Not only does the direct drive allow it to put more power to the ground, it also really comes alive at triple digit speeds. With a 2.73 differential, most gearheads know that such a low ratio allows for incredible top end power. A combination of twin turbo V8, three motor generators, and an innovative torque converter allow the Regera to offer 1,500 hp and around 1,475 lb-ft of torque. And to keep such power glued to the track, an optional aerodynamics package includes dive planes on the nose and more exposed carbon front to rear.A new Rendering of the Regera has been unveiled each week, giving Koenigsegg employees a chance to show their ideal build to the world. Last week we saw a raven black example from Art Director Lisa, and this week it is a Grey & Carbon design from Prototype Manager Mattias Vox. A fan of natural tones, he chose a Roe Deerskin interior. The exterior is perfect camouflage for foggy mornings, with carbon fiber being separated by white stripes. He chose this example to unveil the new aero because a "certain motor show" they are preparing for. Undoubtedly Koenigsegg and team will have something wild for Geneva, so stay with us for complete coverage of the show.

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