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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 – March 22, 2021

McLaren & Chase Join Forces To Offer Unprecedented Financing

Should you have the means, a new McLaren 720S Spider makes a great daily driver. Payments can be a tough pill to swallow, so McLaren and Chase have joined forces to offer unprecedented financing. The bank founded by J.P. Morgan single-handedly bailed out the U.S. Treasury has the ability to offer unique lease options. Most new McLaren buyers are first-time supercar owners, and this is a great way to create a loyal customer base. The latest McLaren GT combines the best features of their Sports and Super series cars, and with a starting price of around $200,000, its a bargain compared to its competitors. If you are waiting for the Artura hybrid, deliveries are aimed for Q3. Each of their 25 U.S. dealers will work with you and Chase to make a deal that fits your budget, so click the button to start your journey. Browse All McLaren For Sale Images (C) McLaren Cars

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 19, 2021

The New Persol '80s Inspired PO3225S Collection Is Availa...

Recently, we covered the release of the limited-edition Persol 24k Gold Steve McQueen Sunglasses, but the eyewear experts are back with a new 80s inspired collection. Persol is proud to announce the PO3225S Collection, a series of uniquely designed sunglasses that use the timeless style from 80s cinema. Just as the fashion world saw a boom during the 80s, the automotive industry was seeing vehicles like the Ferrari F40 and Porsche 959. The Persol PO3225S Collection is presented in 9 different frame and lens color options, providing the perfect pair for everyone. The keyhole bridge features the same details as the original, while the flex hinges and premium crystal lenses ensure it feels as good as it looks. Shop the new Persol PO3225S Collection by clicking the link below. Shop Now Image Source: Persol For more Gear news, Check out Shop The New Bugatti Lifestyle Collection Available Now

By Edward Jones – March 19, 2021

Ferrari of Greenwich Delivers a Spectacular Tailor Made F...

Ferrari of Greenwich | Miller Motorcars has delivered a truly astonishing example of the Ferrari Monza SP1 and you have to see it for yourself. This example features a long list of Tailor Made touches that make it a true one-of-a-kind Italian creation. A Blu Hembry livery covers the exterior, complete with Bianco Avus roundels, all of which combine to create the appearance of a modern icon. Inside is a Paccary Beige interior that's a truly classic touch. Other special details include the airbrush Scuderia Ferrari shields, Signatures in the Engine Bay of Ferrari Factory Line Workers/Louis Camilleri/Flavio Manzoni, US flag motif on the rear lid, a dedication plaque behind the driver seat with its conception date at the Tailor Made Studio in Maranello and more. This is a stunning build and we would like to congratulate the new owner on their automotive masterpiece. View Current Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2021

Lamborghini to Unveil Two Cars This Year

Last year saw impressive profitability at the home of the raging bull. In addition to announcing their 2nd best year for sales, Lamborghini is set to unveil two new cars this year. A press release last night said 2020 was their best year for operating margin. Being their send-best year for turnover and sales, they were also hard at work building the future. Our friend Stephan Winkelmann was their leader for years before being promoted to the big chair at Bugatti. Because he gets results, Lamborghini is once again under his control, and this is what he says: “Our immediate responsiveness, an ideal model mix, and the growing demand for customization of our products pushed profitability to the highest levels. In such a difficult year, the brand demonstrated great strength and continued its growing appeal, bucking the trend in the global luxury industry.” One of my first posts here was explaining the new Aventador. They were very vocal about the exclusivity of their V12 flagship, in that only 4,000 cars would be offered. This was not arbitrary because the complex molds used to form the carbon fiber were worn out after 500 cars. They only built 8 molds to begin with but the Aventador is still selling like hotcakes. Ten years is a long time at the top, so perhaps they have something new for us this year. Lamborghini delivered 7,430 cars last year. If you want to know what makes them so popular click the button below and stay with us for all your exotic car news. Shop Lamborghini Images (C) Lamborghini Autombili

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2021

TBT: Bugatti's W16 Engine has Humble Origins

Behind the cockpit of the new Bugatti Bolide is an 8-liter beast. It offers 1,825 horsepower to all wheels while slurping 110-octane race fuel. Despite its amazing attributes, the Bugatti W16 engine has humble origins. Let's go back to 1997. Ferdinand Piech was the CEO of Volkswagen and he had a problem. The Passat was a slow seller so he asked his team for more power. They couldn't figure out how, so he taught the world a lesson. Not a normal CEO, he was the grandson of Ferdinand Porsche, and just as talented. Ferdinand Piech His idea to combine two VR4 engines on the same crankshaft was pure genius. Maybe just a coincidence, the cylinder layout looks exactly like the VW logo. The Passat's W8 engine broke all the rules to make V8 power in the size of a V6 engine bay. VW Jetta W8 Engine Is Half Of A Bugatti W16 (C) Public Domain What's more, he made the design scalable because his ultimate goal was to offer an 18-cylinder supercar. Bugatti was working on a Chiron concept in 1999, and they asked Ferdinand for some engineering help. The W18 project was so much fun, he bought Bugatti the next year. The man responsible for the VW empire allowed his W12 engine to be found in countless VW, Audi, and Bentley cars. Only 63 examples of the Lamborghini Sian were built, and each is a tribute to him. His initials FKP and his birth year 1937 are found throughout the car. He passed away in 2019 as the head of VW, Porsche, Bugatti, Bentley, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Lamborghini, and Ducati. The engine is just one impressive and indestructible feature that every Bugatti offers, so click the button to see why. See All Bugatti For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2021

Why the 2021 Triumph Rocket 3 is the Ultimate Muscle Road...

There is nothing fun or rewarding about following the crowd. If you enjoy the exclusivity of a limited edition motorcycle, this is why the 2021 Triumph Rocket 3 is the ultimate muscle roadster. First off, you will need to choose between two flavors: Rocket 3 R Black or Rocket 3 GT Triple Black. The former is matte and gloss while the latter has three shades of black. Beauty in the details can be found in the carbon fiber front mudguard and crinkle-coat on many of the engine parts. Speaking of, the 2,500cc is still the largest engine of any production motorcycle and it delivers 167 horsepower. What's more important is 164 lb-ft of torque, which is 25 more than a new Toyota Corolla. This makes it the fastest Triumph ever offered as it hits 60 mph in 2.73 seconds. Incredible acceleration is thwarted by big Brembos and the latest in stability control. Only 1,000 of each are being offered so you better act fast. Can you handle it? Stay with us for all your 2-wheel news and ride safe. Browse Triumph For Sale Images (C) Triumph Motorcycles

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2021

John Hennessey Has Big Plans for the Venom F5

Seven years ago the Hennessey Venom GT set the production car top speed record at 270.49 miles per hour. Since then, the team has been able to design and build a new American supercar from scratch, and that is why our friend John Hennessey has big plans for the Venom F5. He has been a fixture in our magazine since the early days, starting with Viper builds in his parents' garage. Now, thanks to Shell & Pennzoil, the Venom F5 is capable of 300 mph. After a long series of tests this year, John says he is going for 500 kph, or 310.6 mph. To do this, they commissioned a unique twin-turbo V8 that offers 1,817 horsepower. We will be covering every detail of this mean machine as testing progresses, so click the button below to see what they offer for your daily driver. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – March 17, 2021

McLaren 720S GT3X Production Begins

Put your old track car out to pasture, because McLaren has commenced production of the new 720S GT3X. We broke the news of this purpose-built race car a few weeks back, and now our dealers have confirmed it is available for order. Dyno charts and time slips prove the 720S makes much more than 710 horsepower. Because the GT3X doesn't need to adhere to noise or emissions laws, the first aspect you will notice is an impressive exhaust note. When needed, the passing button unlocks 30 extra horsepower thanks to overboost. Losing 440 lbs of non-essentials allows for a curb weight of 2,668 lbs. Dual-clutch transmissions can be porky, so a six-speed sequential is loaded with straight-cut gears. The FIA's Balance Of Performance rules are incredibly dumb because whoever pays the most gets to run the fastest. When the 720S GT3 arrived, the sanctioning body forced the car to be detuned well under what it makes on the street. Much like Team Corvette being forced to run a 37mm intake restrictor, McLaren vowed to work around the regulations. Now with proper power and less weight, you will be unstoppable. See All McLaren 720S For Sale Images (C) McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – March 16, 2021

Gordon Murray Test Drives His T.50 Prototype

We've waited a long time to see the Professor in his newest creation, so we're glad to share Gordon Murray's test drives in his new T.50 prototype. This example hit YouTube yesterday along with a concise press release. The man responsible for Brabham's best racing cars, you might have heard of his work with McLaren. Lessons learned on the track and an eye for detail is how he created the McLaren F1. This car is the second round of prototypes known as XP2. Cosworth engineers were on-hand to ensure their 12,100 RPM beast was ready for the real world. Essentially a de-tuned race motor, it has a 3,000 rpm limit imposed during break-in. Nevertheless, Professor Murray strapped into the center seat for a shakedown. Weight is his enemy, so the engine does without blowers or turbos and it is also the cornerstone of the rear suspension. A manual transmission, 663 horsepower and a curb weight of 2,173 lbs is a recipe for a potent hypercar, so stay with us for more updates from Gordon Murray Automotive. Images (C) Gordon Murray Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – March 12, 2021

Take a Tour of Curated's Service & Restoration Shop

For those unaware, Curated finds and sells the world's most exclusive cars. What's more, they aren't afraid to bring them back to showroom condition, so let's take a tour of Curated's service & restoration shop. Vinny Russo is a duPont Registry veteran, having spent many years with us as a successful sales manager. We're glad to see him enjoying Miami while also managing the nicest shop you could imagine. You won't find two Jaguar XJ220s sleeping next to an LM002 anywhere else. Selling cars is fun, but keeping your customers happy is worth much more. Curated takes on projects that lesser shops won't consider, and their efforts can be seen in the Concours-quality inventory. Click the button to learn more and stay with us for all more Curated content! Browse Inventory at Curated

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