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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 Tyler Rampersaud – April 19, 2023

Maserati Reveals The New Electric Grecale Folgore SUV

Maserati’s new SUV gets the Folgore treatment.

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 08, 2023

Maserati Honors Racing Heritage With Custom GranTurismo F...

Maserati shows off its electric excellence.

By Andrew Nabors – September 09, 2020

How To Watch The Maserati MC20 Unveiling

Today at 2:30 (Eastern), Maserati will show us "The Way Forward". Originally planned for May, the virus forced them to push back the launch date. Defined by the Roman Numerals for this model year, MMXX will offer the latest in hypercar technology. If you want to see it before your friends, here is how to watch the Maserati MC20 unveiling. Although we can't verify the details until later today, rumors of a mid-mounted V6 seem plausible. 2021 Maserati MC20 For Sale @AutomotivPress mentions it could be a 90-degree V6 rated at 630 horsepower and 539 lb-ft of torque. Because firing a V6 at 90-degrees is inherently unbalanced, I venture to guess this engine has unprecedented internals. As the successor to the MC12, it will be a flagship for the brand and a shining beacon of hope amid the "New Normal". Click the button below to watch the countdown clock, and it will lead into the unveiling this afternoon. Stay with us for all your Maserati news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – August 31, 2020

2021 Maserati MC20 Teased to Debut September 9th

Today we were hit with back-to-back teasers for something wild. The Maserati MC20 was teased to debut on September 9th, thanks to their Facebook and Instagram pages. The Maserati Corse (Racing) 20 is the successor to the wild MC12. https://www.facebook.com/Maserati/videos/789583078483670 Rumors abound that a new twin-turbo V6 will be mid-mounted, and it could evolve to integrate hybrid technology. The unveiling has been pushed back due to the virus, but this has only served to ensure the car will launch without a hitch. Tell us what you are looking for in a Maserati flagship and stay with us for all your Maserati news. Browse Maserati For Sale https://www.facebook.com/Maserati/videos/311524200299608

By Andrew Nabors – July 01, 2020

Maserati MC20 Engine Unveiled With F1 Technology

Before Ferrari went public, they shared a majority of engineering with their cousins at Maserati. Projects like the Enzo and the MC12 shared chassis and engines to accomplish different goals, but now both brands are free to develop their own individual hypercars. Back in May, Maserati celebrated their 80th Anniversary of the Targa Florio win by showing off a prototype of the MC20. Until now, all we knew about the engine was that it involved turbos. What we learned this morning is that the Maserati MC20 engine has been unveiled with F1 technology. Maserati MC20 For Sale Starting with the most important details, we have a 3-liter V6 with twin turbos. What sets is apart from every other car is truly amazing. Each combustion chamber will be topped by a pre-chamber with its own spark plug. A design invented 50 years ago by Soichiro Honda for fuel economy also works to make incredible power at high rpm. The pre-chamber is connected to the main chamber by swirl ports, where it allows combustion to be much more powerful and efficient. The main chamber has its own spark plug timed to allow these events to create incredible cylinder pressure. Maserati MC20 Prototype Dedicated to Sir Stirling Moss This prevents detonation and allows the boost to make use of an 11:1 compression ratio. Also onboard are twin fuel systems, direct injection and port injection with pulses optimized for the pre-chamber at full power, or the normal chamber when cruising. Essentially having two engines using the same internals is genius. It is rated at 630 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque (the latter is available from 3,000 rpm to redline). Because this was all done in-house, Maserati's MC20 project will carry the phrase "100% Made In Modena". This is one of the most efficient and powerful V6 engines of all time, and there is no doubt the technology will trickle down to their other models. September 9th will be the formal launch, so stay with us for all Maserati news. Browse Maserati For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 13, 2020

Maserati Unveils MC20 Prototype Dedicated to Sir Stirling...

We lost a legend of motor racing on April 12th. After entering his first race in 1951, Maserati realized the potential of Sir Stirling moss. Putting him behind the wheel of their Eldorado race car, he put it to the test in 1958. To honor his legacy, Maserati has unveileled the latest MC20 prototype dedicated to Sir Moss. New Maserati MC20 For Sale One of his most beloved trophies was from Monaco in '56, driving a Maserati 250F. That is why this unique MC20 bears his signature. In an excerpt from the press release: "The arrival of the MC20 is an important event for the Modena-based company, not only because of the racing comeback but also because it will be the first car to adopt a new engine 100% designed, developed and produced by Maserati itself." Maserati MC20 Prototype Starts Testing For a brief refresher, the MC20 is shorthand for Maserati Corse 2020. Literally translated as the Maserati race car for 2020, development has been delayed by the virus. Power is from an all-new twin-turbo V6 sent through an 8-speed dual-clutch. A hybrid model has been rumored, so it looks like Maserati is prepared to shock the world. Stay with us for all your MC20 updates. Find Your Maserati Here

By Andrew Nabors – February 24, 2020

Maserati Multi 70 Previews the MC20 Supercar

Today marks the12th Annual RORC 600. The Royal Ocean Racing Club 600 is a demanding race through the Lesser Antilles. Italians have been plying these waters since the landing of Christopher Columbus, and the boat to beat is led by Giovanni Soldini. At the helm of the Maserati Multi 70, he offers a preview of the MC20 Supercar. Not only is the MC20 logo flown on the mainsail, but this sleek craft also features several aerodynamic features as the upcoming supercar. Maserati has had Soldini in command since 2012, and he said: “I am proud to represent the Trident Brand worldwide and am honored that the trimaran Maserati Multi 70 has been chosen for the launch of the new MC20 logo. I can't wait to test drive the car and to attend the big May event in Modena.” If you don't need an electric supercar, our dealers have great incentives on new Maseratis. Click the button below and stay with us for all your Maserati news. Browse All Maserati For Sale https://www.facebook.com/Maserati/videos/178318646800184/ Related: Maserati GranTurismo Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – February 20, 2020

Maserati Teases MC20 Electric Supercar

Shocking news just arrived from Italy. To herald their return to racing and to an electric future, Maserati teased the MC20 electric supercar. Their racing program "Maserati Corse" is about to take on the world when the car debuts in May. They don't take racing lightly, as their previous supercar won 22 races including 3 at Spa. The MC12 GT1 made use of the Ferrari Enzo engine with a race-tuned suspension to win 14 Championships from 2004 to 2010. Why You Should Buy A Ferrari Enzo The press release says the styling will be an evolution of that winning design, so it will undoubtedly be gorgeous. After taking a pit stop for a decade, the racing future looks bright for the brand. Until then click the link above to view the only MC12 for sale, and click the button below for its street-legal cousin below. Browse Ferrari Enzo For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 15, 2019

Almost 300 Luxury Cars are Missing in Papua New Guinea

If you attended the APEC summit in November, please return your car. The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is a gathering of nations from around the Pacific Rim. Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea was the location, and hopefully, the conference led to better trade and communication between the member states. You can't roll up to an economic summit in an Oldsmobile, so the dignitaries were offered loaner cars from Bentley and Maserati. The only problem is that after 3 months, almost 300 luxury cars are missing in Papua New Guinea. Reuters' Sydney office was the first to pick up the story, as Australia provided many of the cars. Unfortunately, the notion of 300 expensive cars rolling around the poverty-stricken nation sparked protests. In the midst of a polio crisis, the government promised to auction the cars after the event, but only 40 Maserati Quattroporte (representative model is seen above) and three Bentleys were returned. So far, 9 cars have been stripped after confirming VIN information of the parts. Shop Luxury Cars For Sale Related: Sultan of Brunei's Car Collection is at 7,000 and Growing Philippines President Crushes $5.5 Million in Cars Source

By Edward Jones – April 21, 2017

Maserati Creates Their 100,000th Vehicle

Maserati has been around for over 100 years, but they've just now created their 100,000th vehicle. The historic car is a Quattroporte GranSport that was produced at the Grugliasco plant in Italy.Related - 2017 STARTECH Maserati Levante True RefinementThe Italian automaker presented the car at Auto Shanghai 2017, where they presented the car to its Chinese owner. At the unveiling, the car was shown with its solid white exterior and tan interior."China is Maserati's largest market for Quattroporte in the world," said Reid Bigland, Head of Maserati, while presented the car to its owner. "Our remarkable performance in China last year was a major contributor to our record-breaking global sales. China's elites are increasingly enamored by the Italian brand of luxury, exquisite craftsmanship and passion for driving that are poured into every Maserati."Maserati also noted that their sales in China have increased 120-fold since 2004, which only saw 100 sales. In 2016, Maserati broke 12,000 sales in China. Yeah, that's quite the leap in sales numbers.View All Maserati News, Articles and Videos

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