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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 – August 25, 2020

1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud Electrified by Lunaz

David Lorenz and his company Lunaz have caused a stir in the automotive world. With a full blessing by the original manufacturer, a 1961 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud II has been electrified. This follows their previous builds of high-voltage Jaguar and Bentley classics. They are only building 30 examples, and customers can choose from a Phantom V or a Silver Cloud with prices starting at £350,000 ($457,000). For that, you will have a 120 kWh battery with over 300 miles of range. Of the project, David had this to say "The time is right for an electric Rolls-Royce. We are answering the need to marry beautiful classic design with the usability, reliability and sustainability of an electric powertrain. More than ever we are meeting demand for clean-air expressions of the most beautiful and luxurious cars in history. We are proud to make a classic Rolls-Royce relevant to a new generation.” Click the button below to find your Rolls-Royce and stay with us for all your classic car news. Browse Rolls-Royce For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 11, 2020

2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Suspension Explained

Perfection can't be rushed, and that is why the 3rd generation of the Rolls-Royce Ghost is their most comfortable car to-date. What started with rumors can now be confirmed thanks to this unlisted upload by Rolls-Royce USA. The new Ghost has finally been divorced from the BMW 7-Series. They have shared chassis and suspension parts for decades, so its long overdue for the Ghost to become independent. 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Teased in Open Letter from the CEO To give us the ultimate ride, the car has All Wheel Drive, All Wheel Steering, and "Planar Suspension". While it could be airbags with magnetic shocks, we think it could be a servo on the sway bars to instantly adjust to road conditions. This embodies the Ghost's new design theme "Post Opulence". It is not gaudy or presumptuous, just an amazing hand-built English sedan. The aluminum space frame is welded by hand, and the interior will have acres of hand-stitched leather. Targeting a younger audience with the latest in technology is a leap forward for the brand, so stay with us for all your ghostly updates. Browse Rolls-Royce Ghost For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 03, 2020

Rolls-Royce Bespoke Transforms Your Dreams Into Reality

When ordering your new Rolls-Royce Phantom for sale, you will be presented with more options than you ever thought possible. Leather, stitching and paint are all well and good, but what if you want to make your car truly unique? Realizing the dashboard is a blank canvas, Rolls-Royce Bespoke can transform your dreams into reality. Artist Thorsten Frank is gifted with the ability to transform your ideas into reality. Using the latest in 3D printing, a substrate is made of stainless, then a team of artisans cover it in any precious metal or gemstones. One commission even involved feathers of a pet falcon arranged in a Native American motif. If you can dream it they can build it, so click the button below to order your new Phantom from our dealers. Browse All Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 15, 2018

Rolls-Royce Unveils the Silver Ghost Collection

Every automaker has built a car that put them on the world stage. For Rolls-Royce, it was the Silver Ghost. The car was a hit, and it had a 20-year production run between 1906 and 1926. They are among the most coveted cars on Earth, so the company decided to pay tribute to where it all began.Michael Fux Car Collection is on Instagram and it’s AmazingIn a press release this morning, we've learned the details of the Silver Ghost Collection. Only 35 examples will be produced, and all will bear the AX201 Hallmark of their predecessor. The mark is emblazoned on the base of the Spirit of Ecstasy. She is cast of sterling silver and surrounded by a gold-plated collar. Under the hood is an insert of hammered copper, which is another throwback to the original cars. It also wears the new version of the AX201. Along with the black grille, it is just one of many references found on and in each car.No mention of a US version was made, so we hope a few cars are built with left-hand drive. If you don't need a Ghost with the most, our dealers have great offers on new & pre-owned Ghosts. Click the link below to find one for yourself and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news.Don't Be Scared Of These Rolls-Royce Ghosts

By Andrew Nabors – July 17, 2018

Rolls-Royce Sees Strong Start in 1st Half Sales of 2018

For the 1st half of 2018 Rolls-Royce has reasons to celebrate. Global demand for their fine motorcars is up by 13% YTD. Their press release says China and the Middle East are proving to be strong markets, who have accepted the 8th generation Phantom with open arms. The Wraith, Dawn, and Ghost have seen nice gains thanks to the Black Badge program, I hope mine is arriving soon.Rolls-Royce Cullinan Revealed, Most Luxurious SUV Money Can BuyThe Black Badge is aimed at a younger demographic, and it has shaken off the image of an old-world aristocracy. The assembly plant at Goodwood has hired 50 fulltime skilled workers to account for increased production. This brings the factory workforce up to over 1,800 people. Work continues on the Home of Rolls-Royce, with a new gated parking lot adding 500 spaces close to the factory.CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said: "This is a very encouraging half-year result; it is a testament to our incredibly skilled and dedicated team at Goodwood and underlines the trust and loyalty of our customers worldwide. Across all models, customers can see how our innovation and engineering excellence are continually redefining super-luxury motoring. They can also be assured of our long-term vision and commitment to sustainable growth through investments in our people and the home of Rolls-Royce." If you want to get in on the action, click the link below and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news.Find Your Rolls-Royce Here

By Andrew Nabors – July 09, 2018

Rolls-Royce To Show Entire Lineup @ Goodwood

If you want to display anything at an auto show, it costs money. Your price per square foot goes up exponentially once it reaches a critical mass, but sometimes its just worth it to go all-in and make everyone else look tiny by comparison. That is the strategy Rolls-Royce has announced this morning in a press release.For the first time, they will be displaying every model at this year's Goodwood Festivals of Speed. Until now, they have used the prestigious event to unveil one or two bespoke models or the launch of a new trim level (like the Black Badge). On a "highly curated" spot next to Goodwood House, you will be greeted by the Rolls-Royce of SUVs. The Cullinan will be surrounded by highly optioned examples of the Dawn, Wraith, Ghost, and the brand's flagship Phantom.Next to the main display will be a gallery of photography exhibition along with two Cullinan prototypes. Both have been given temporary stays of execution to show the world just how brutal the test process was. From the deserts of Arabia to the Bonneville Salt Flats, both wear their scars with honor. Visitors and fans can use the hashtag #RollsRoyceFoS to share their experience. And as always, if you are looking for the best automotive content on Instagram, be sure to #dupontREGISTY anything that is fast and exotic. Stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce updates.Browse Rolls-Royce For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 11, 2018

Rolls-Royce Hosts Inaugural Cars & Cognac Meet

If the letters VSOP mean nothing to you, you should probably disregard this post. But if you fancy the finer things in life, Rolls-Royce held the first Cars & Cognac meet last Friday. In a press release this morning, they dish out the details of this new event.An evening of fine dining at the Soho Farmhouse Private Members Club included a new Rolls-Royce Dawn Black Badge. It was fitted with a new aero cowling and was a nice contrast to another Dawn from the Adamas Collection. Taking center stage was a new Phantom fitted with a unique picnic hamper. In it was a cognac sommelier with tasting practices and notes.Rolls-Royce Unveils The Adamas CollectionRolls-Royce Regional Director Julian Jenkins said: "The ‘cars and cognac’ meet demonstrated the wonderful spirit of our customers as well as their deep passion for the brand. This evening was reflective of the rich dialogue between Rolls-Royce and its patrons; a truly unique and extremely rare relationship, one which we are privileged to nurture." Guests could either stay at the club after the event or choose to have a chauffeur drive them home in a new Rolls-Royce. Our fans will probably stick to coffee, so join us this Saturday for Cars & Coffee here at duPont REGISTRY.Browse Rolls-Royce Dawn For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 10, 2018

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Revealed, Most Luxurious SUV Money C...

This is the moment we've been waiting for. Rolls-Royce is poised to unveil an unprecedented new SUV. The Cullinan has been in development for years in order to make it unparalleled in the luxury 4x4 world. It is named after the largest diamond ever found, one that also happens to reside in the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom. Rolls-Royce CEO Torsten Muller-Otvos says: “The super-luxury lifestyle is evolving and Rolls-Royce is in the lead. Luxury is no longer an urban concept. More and more it is about embracing and experiencing the wider world. Our customers expect to go everywhere in luxury, effortlessly and without compromise, conquering the most challenging terrain to enjoy life’s most enriching experiences, wherever they may be. For this reason, they have asked us to create a Rolls-Royce that offers uncompromised luxury wherever they dare to venture. Cullinan is that car. It is Effortless, Everywhere. It is incomparable and dramatically evolves the parameters of super-luxury travel, translating Rolls-Royce’s ethos of ‘Effortlessness’ into physical capability, anywhere in the world. Cullinan will simply take the world in its stride.”For a quick overview, the Cullinan is the second Rolls-Royce vehicle to ride on an aluminum space frame. This allows it to be stong and nimble simultaneously. It has a 3-box design, with the engine, passenger compartment, and luggage separated to ensure a quiet atmosphere inside. It was tested to destruction around the world, and it has proven itself worthy of any climate or terrain imaginable.Under the hood is the familiar twin turbo 6.75 liter V12. It offers 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. Starting at a suggested retail price of $325,000, it is priced accordingly to the other players in the world of Super SUVs. Thanks to the mostly aluminum design, it only weighs 5,864 lbs. This is much lighter than we would have guessed. It has all the luxuries and ammenities we've seen in their other models, and now it has all-terrain DNA added into the mix. We can barely wait to see how it handles the beaches of Florida; so stay with us for all your Cullinan updates!

By Edward Jones – February 27, 2018

New Rolls-Royce Collection Painted With Real Silver

Rolls-Royce is paying homage to the original Silver Ghost with a collection of very special models. The English automaker has announced that they will be creating a collection of 35 model year 2018 Rolls-Royce Ghosts that honor Sir Henry Royce’s ‘Silver Ghost’. The name is fittingly called the "Silver Ghost Collection."In the front of each car within the Silver Ghost Collection is a very special take on the Spirit of Ecstasy ornament. Crafted out of solid sterling silver, the iconic hood adornment is surrounded by a black-gold-plated collar with an insert of hammered copper. Engraved into the copper is "AX201", a callback to the registration plate of the original Silver Ghost. Each Ghost within the new collection will also be painted in Cassiopeia Silver, a bespoke paint that is imbued with particles of 100% silver. It takes Rolls-Royces craftsmen eight hours to apply this paint!2018 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge: Price, Review, & Specs

By Edward Jones – February 21, 2018

New Rolls-Royce SUV Sports Perfect Tailgate Seats

Pregaming before a sports event just became a lot more luxurious now that the new Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV can be equipped with the Viewing Suite feature.The Cullinan's Viewing Suite may sound like box seats in a stadium, and it kind of is, but its actually a pair of leather seats. Now, we're not talking about the leather seats inside the car. These rear-facing seats designed by Rolls-Royce can be deployed from the trunk of the car with the push of a button, giving two people fine leather seats to lounge on. In between the seats is a cocktail table that can be used to rest pregame beverages on. You know how on some cars the cupholders can be deployed with the press of a button? The functionality of these seats is similar to that but much more elegant, engineered and comfortable.Why You Should Buy A Rolls-Royce Phantomhttps://www.facebook.com/Autofluence/videos/1528139697298696/“The beauty of Cullinan’s Viewing Suite, the manner in which it deploys so effortlessly, the attention to detail, the finest leathers that match the interior of the customer’s Cullinan, and how it all comes together to bring beautiful furniture to the most remote places, all bear testimony to the unequalled Bespoke competence of the designers and craftspeople at the Home of Rolls-Royce," says Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce. "It is a beautiful piece of furniture. Indeed, it is the best seat in the house.” Advertise with duPont REGISTRY

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