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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 – January 17, 2018

Learn to Drag Race the Insane Dodge Demon for Free.. Kind of

Owners of the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon will now be able to spend a day learning how to drag race for free. Announced by Dodge, the classes will take place at the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving. Owners of the Demon will be able to take part in the new "Dodge//SRT Bondurant Drag Racing School," a class not to be confused with the successful "Official High Performance Driving School of Dodge//SRT," which is available to all SRT customers.Dodge Demon Destroys Competition at Drag Strip“With great power comes responsibility, so we want our enthusiasts to respect the full capability of their machines," says Tim Kuniskis, Head of Passenger Cars, Dodge//SRT, Chrysler and FIAT, FCA - North America. "Our Dodge//SRT partnership with the highly acclaimed Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving, which comes with the purchase of an SRT, gives our customers the opportunity to get the most out of their new vehicles in a controlled environment, as well as gives anyone interested in our performance cars the chance to get behind the wheel of one at the track."Preregistration for these classes is currently underway. If you have a Demon, be sure to register through the Dodge//SRT concierge line. Others can register at Bondurant.com/dragracing.List Your Exotic Car for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 01, 2017

Aria Group Unveils the FXE at LA Auto Show

Among all the high-profile introductions at the LA Auto Show, the Aria Group took the wraps off of their new FXE Hybrid. They have patented several composite technologies, which have allowed them to make one-piece carbon fiber bodies for Singer Porsche, Ford's GR-1 concept, and even the Kia GT4 Stinger.A proprietary process that they won't comment on is used to form the FXE, and it will be powered by a mid-mounted Corvette 6.2 liter V8. Rated at 720 horsepower, the headache is finding a dual-clutch transmission that doesn't explode when pushed. Up front are two AC motors that also work as generators to charge a 10 kWh battery. Combined output is rated at 1,150 horsepower and 1,316 lb-ft of torque. A total production run of 400 cars is expected to last a few years, so stay tuned for updates on this new American hypercar.Exotic Cars for Sale

By Edward Jones – November 29, 2017

Scary: The Grand Tour Hosts Become More American

Season 2 of The Grand Tour is just around the corner and with it will come all of the shenanigans you'd expect from the trio of Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond. For this season, however, they wanted to become a bit more... American. How do they do that? Well, their latest video shows their makeup artist putting in some serious work to make them as American as a Bald Eagle eating a hamburger on top of Mount Rushmore. And boy is it scary. Click play below to see the Americanized versions of the trio for yourself and get ready for the premiere on December 8 on Amazon Prime. All Ferraris for Sale

By Edward Jones – November 20, 2017

2019 SCG 004S is Glickenhaus' New Entry-Level Supercar

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus (SCG) is known for their SCG 003, SCG 003C and P4/5 Competizione, but those weren't exactly entry-level car. Now, SCG is offering a new model for those who want to take a ride in one of their vehicles without dropping seven-figures worth of cash. The new SCG 004S is the company's new mid-engined supercar that will be sold for $400,000.Providing the new supercar with power is a 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that's mated to a six-speed manual or an automatic transmission (automatic is optional). For $400k, the SCG 004S will lay down 650 horsepower and 531 lb-ft of torque for you. Most importantly, the SCG 004S is a three seater. That means the driver will be sitting front and center, and will be flanked by the two passengers.Interested? SCG is accepting $40,000 deposits for the 004S base models. Deliveries of the 25 Founders Edition coupes will start in 2019.Supercars for Sale

By Edward Jones – November 10, 2017

New Record for Most Donuts in 60 Seconds

The Caterham Seven automobile has been around for an astonishing 60 years. To celebrate the occasion, the English automaker set out to turn out some tasty donuts for a new world record.Chris Hoy, a British racing driver and cyclist that has competed in the Olympics, took the wheel of a Seven 620 R to set the world record for the most donuts in 60 seconds. In the video below you can see all of the donuts for yourself.All Records Broken by the Koenigsegg Agera RSThe Caterham Seven 620 R is the fastest road car that the company has ever created. With 310 bhp and 219 lb-ft of torque, this track toy can run from 0-60 mph in just 2.79 seconds. Imagine that kind of acceleration out of a corner! All of the power from the supercharged 2.0-liter engine and a lightweight body make the 620 R a perfect choice for Hoy's record attempt.

By Andrew Nabors – October 25, 2017

Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2017 Recap

A weekend of fun & fast rides was punctuated with emotion & remembrance. In honor of the fallen and the first responders, #LasVegasStrong was seen on several of the high-profile auction lots. Barrett-Jackson President Steve Davis decided to part ways with his Shelby GT500 Super Snake, which hammered for $1,000,000. It was purchased by Paulette Carpoff, the COO of DC Solar. All of the proceeds from these cars totaled over $1.1 Million. One hundred percent of the sales price was given to the UNLV Foundation, with funds directed to the UNLV School of Medicine Department of Emergency Medicine Residency Program Fund. Our duPont REGISTRY Supercar Showcase was situated between Cabinets by Hayley, soon to be part of our family of advertisers and between Cabinets by Hayley, soon to be part of our family of advertisers and Gateway Bronco, a partner with us for the last few years. Their faithful restorations of first-gen Broncos are done with NOS parts and American steel.We were proud to show Lamborghini Las Vegas’ incredible Miura Edition Aventador, of which there are only 50 made. This one is the only Impact White example in the US. Adjacent to it was a Giallo Inti Huracan Performante looking ready to race.Next to them was US Specialty Vehicles, with their massive Rhino GX. Airstream's latest Interstate Touring Coach arrived with 4-Wheel-Drive, proving you can take luxury anywhere you want to go.Front and center was Vanderhall Motor Works, with two flavors of their new Venice. n the middle of the mix was the "veiled" car. We often use Barrett Jackson events as the location to unveil the latest exotic builds. We had Craig Jackson and our Publisher take the wraps off of the Starke Revolution Speedster. If you can imagine a classic Porsche 356 on a new 718 Boxster S chassis, this is the car for you. It was very well received by the crowd that gathered to see it unveiled!As far as custom builds, the Fusion Motor Co. Mustang Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds always draws attention from the crowd. Fusion Luxury Motors brought one of their most recent builds, along with an LS-powered Land Rover Defender. Both of these vehicles are bespoke builds that are manufactured at their world class facility in Southern California.Ronald McDonald House Charities has been with us for almost a decade, and their raffle car for the fall is a pristine 1965 Corvette Stingray. It is a numbers-matching 396 big block with power windows. If you missed them at the booth, check out the raffle here.We would like to thank PitStop Racing Furniture for the comfortable, race-inspired support. Of course, we couldn't do this without our clients, so a round of applause for Gateway Bronco, US Specialty Vehicles, Vanderhall Motorworks, Lamborghini Las Vegas, Airstream, Fusion Luxury Motors, Ronald McDonald House of the Central Valley, and Starke for helping us celebrate 10 years at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas. Take a look at some of the other wild rides in the gallery below and stay with us for all of your Barrett-Jackson coverage.

By Edward Jones – June 22, 2017

Old School Commercial With $65,000 Lamborghini

Back in 1985 there was a commercial that played on TV for Highland Superstores that many saw in Detroit, Michigan. In fact, one of our employees, Todd, remembered seeing the commercial on TV and reminded us of it today.In this old-school TV ad, the announcer compares the interior and exterior sounds of a "$65,000" and a "clunker." That "cheap" Lamborghini was actually an Espada, a four-seater GT that was produced from 1968 to 1978. Considering inflation, that $65,000 would be worth around $150,000 in 2017. That price is just about $50,000 under the 2016 Huracan's price that starts at $199,800.As of writing this article, we have two examples of the Espada for sale on duPontREGISTRY.com. One is a 1972 Series II that's going for $107,500, while the other is a 1973 Series III worth $220,000. Before you go check those listings, be sure to watch the video below. Unfortunately, Highland Superstores ceased operations in 1993, 60 years after their founding.

By Andrew Nabors – June 13, 2017

CF Charities 2017 Supercar Show Recap

If you weren't in Philadelphia over the weekend, you missed out on a wild event. CF Charities is a Pennsylvania-based organization that helps less fortunate kids get better educational opportunities. We saw photos of their Gala and Supercar show from last year and it looked like a great party, so Tanner Mashburn (@tmashphoto) decided to cover it. Many were there, including the 76'ers, Algar Ferrari, and WSFS Bank.Saturday was a track day at New Jersey Motorsports Park. It was a day of tire destruction and smiles that culminated in the Fueling Bright Futures Gala at the Hilton Philadelphia. Sunday was perfect weather for a car show, and the lineup was one for the ages.The parking lot of Wells Fargo Center was host to a McLaren P1, Saleen S7, and even a Spyker. Some of the notable attendees were a Ferrari 599XX, Lamborghini Centenario, two LaFerraris, and an SSC Ultimate Aero. Take a look at these photos and tell us your favorite. Click here for more info on the event and stay with us for more event coverage.

By Andrew Nabors – June 12, 2017

McLaren Dominates Silverstone 500 Race

As a major part of the 2017 British GT Championship, the Silverstone 500 combines GT3 and GT4 cars for a three-hour battle. In a press release earlier this morning, McLaren told us what we already knew: The 570S is fast!. The GT4 class had 18 cars on the track, and one-third of them were the McLaren 570S GT4. Starting in 8th position, team Track Club was driven to first place by Adam Balon and Adam MacKay. Crossing the finish line 2.7 seconds in the lead, the 570S GT4 came in 1-2-3 at the podium.Also Check Out: A Minute Of Noise For Bruce McLarenIn the GT3 series, teams Garage 59 and Balfe Motorsport brought their own 650S GT3 cars into the mix, with Balfe reaching as high as 4th position. Elsewhere over the weekend, the new McLaren 570S GT4 saw action in four series in three countries. The proven performance and light weight make the twin turbo 3.8 liter V8 an attractive option for race teams, and its affordable price makes it a hit on the streets. If you need more cargo room, a new McLaren 570GT offers a rear package tray with an opening rear hatch. Both are among the hottest cars on the market, so stay with us for all your McLaren news.

By Andrew Nabors – May 17, 2017

Elextra: New Electric Supercar Boasting 0-60 in Under 2.3...

Battery powered cars have been around since the beginning of the automobile, but only recently has technology allowed them to be competitive. And now that the charging technology is widespread, a group of Swiss designers have unveiled a sleek new sedan. Only 100 examples of the new Elextra are planned, and they will be assembled by hand in Stuttgart, Germany. Two electric motors allow for all-wheel-drive and a combined output of 680 horsepower. This will launch the carbon fiber body to 62 mph in less than 2.3 seconds. With a 370 mile range at highway speeds, it is perfect for city commutes or road trips. The top speed is limited to 155 for insurance reasons, and more details will be released later this year.By using composites for most of the structure, the manufacturer claims a 25% weight savings compared to aluminum bodies. It will face competition from pre-owned Karma Reveros and Tesla Model S. Each new player in the electric game forces the others to sharpen their pencils, so we hope the Elextra is a success. Stay with us for more updates and electrifying news.

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