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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 – February 16, 2018

Rolls-Royces Hit the Slopes for Ultra-Luxury Car-Skiing

While the Winter Olympics are in action, Rolls-Royce is taking their ultra-luxury vehicles to the slopes for some automotive skiing action. The English marque will be taking over both Courchevel (France) and St. Mortiz (Switzerland).At each of these locations, Rolls-Royce will offer drive and chauffeur experiences in the Dawn, Ghost, Phantom, and Wraith. They also note that the Dawn Black Badge and Ghost Black Badge will be in attendance.It's Official: Rolls-Royce SUV Will be Called the Cullinan“On behalf of the team I am delighted to welcome guests to our luxury venues in these prestigious winter destinations as they enjoy their winter season," says Julian Jenkins, Regional Director Europe, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "At the Home of Rolls-Royce, our aim is to ensure that our existing and prospective Rolls-Royce owners have the opportunity to experience our models at a time and place convenient to them.Related Video:

By Edward Jones – June 28, 2017

Rolls-Royce Unveils the Dawn Black Badge Before Goodwood

Last year, at the Geneva Motor Show 2016, Rolls-Royce unveiled Black Badge, a permanent Bespoke line of cars from the automaker. The first models to get the Black Badge treatment were the Ghost and Wraith. Now, Rolls-Royce has announced the Dawn Black Badge.Rolls-Royce says that the new Dawn Black Badge is the "most luxurious, social and sensual space from which to take in the night air." I'd be hard to disagree with that statement. The example that Rolls-Royce will be bringing to Goodwood this year is finished in a dark shade of black that consists of six coats of lacquer, which is then hand-polished.To emphasize just how dark this car can get, Rolls-Royce even finished the Spirit of Ecstasy in a black chrome. Inside the example of the revealed Dawn Black Badge example is black leather with Mandarin highlights.Also Check Out - Revealed: Rolls-Royce Black Badge at Geneva Under the hood, Rolls-Royce's engineers have managed to modify the Dawn's 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 engine in order to draw out an 30 more horsepower and 15 more lb-ft of torque. This results in a total output of 593 bhp and 620 lb-ft.In addition to the added power, Rolls-Royce has also installed a new exhaust system that can be altered via 'low' button, which Rolls-Royce states celebrates the "hallmark V12 engine with a menacing bass baritone, announcing its arrival with authority rather than hysteria." The car's steering has also been quickened, the transmission settings have been remapped and the brakes are now larger.Customers can commission their own Dawn Black Badge starting now.

By Edward Jones – March 06, 2017

Rolls-Royce Ghost Elegance: Coated in Paint Made With 1,0...

You may have diamonds embedded in the jewelry you wear, but what about the paint that's on your car? Well, Rolls-Royce went ahead and painted a Ghost in diamond-paint, resulting in the most luxurious exterior I've ever seen on a luxury car.The car itself is dubbed "Elegance," a fitting name for such an opulent car. In fact, Rolls-Royce says this is the "first luxury motor car to be finished in a paint created from diamonds."If you're interested in seeing this car for yourself, head over to the Geneva International Motor Show.Rolls-Royce For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 05, 2017

Rolls Royce Phantom II: Chauffeur Not Included

Next to a $50-mill Gulfstream V jet, a Rolls-Royce Phantom still provides the most luxurious, most hedonistic, most decadent means of wafting from A to B. Since its debut in 2003, apart from one or two minor wrinkles, the Phantom sedan has remained just about perfect. So it’s appreciated that for 2013, those minor wrinkles have been spray-starched and ironed out with the arrival of Phantom Series II. Of course, we’re talking evolution not a revolution here - revolution is not the way Rolls-Royce rolls. But the styling and mechanical tweaks are just enough to keep the Phantom at the pinnacle of the list of the world’s One-Percentiles as their luxury ride of choice. The most obvious change comes at that majestic front end. Gone are those much-maligned porthole-like headlights in favor of new slim ’n slender rectangular LED units that now match the style of the larger driving lights above. Those, coupled with a new, slightly more rounded bumper design, new, sleeker-looking forged 21-inch alloys, plus a subtle, yet significant change to the frame of that Greek Temple-esque grille - it’s now formed from a single piece of stainless steel—show the neighbors you’ve upgraded to the latest model. Inside changes are fewer but equally welcome. A big criticism of the Phantom has been the overly small nav screen. That gets ditched in favor of a Cinemascope-like 8.8-inch monitor and array of new cameras to show pretty much a 360-degree view of the lurking paparazzi. And back in 2003, a six-speed automatic was the bee’s knees. But since then the world has moved on. Hence this new Rolls-Royce Phantom gets the latest eight-speed from ZF, which adds to the refinement and responsiveness to the driving experience. Talking of driving experience, for those few who pilot their own Phantom, there’s now the offer of an optional Dynamic Package. It adds additional strengthening crossbars to the aluminum spaceframe, stiffens the suspension, recalibrates the transmission for quicker responses, and even adds a thicker rim for the wheel. Do we hear the name Bentley here? It’s hardly necessary. For its size, the Phantom is amazingly agile and athletic. That big 6.7-liter BMW-sourced V-12 has the thrust of that aforementioned Gulfstream on takeoff—standstill to 60 is covered in under six seconds - while the steering is surprisingly precise and involving. And braking power is quite sensational. And we haven’t even talked about the stretch-out comfort, the refinement, the craftsmanship, the utter sybaritic joy of being transported in this remarkable machine. Best car in the world? Yep, we’d go with that. LIST PRICE: $403,970 sedan, $475,295 extended wheelbase ENGINE: 6.7-liter V-12 HORSEPOWER: 453 hp @ 5,350 rpm TORQUE: 531 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic 0–60: 5.8 seconds TOP SPEED: 149 mph (limited) WEIGHT: 5,644 lbs LENGTH: 179 inches (estimated) TIRES: Front: 255/50R-21, Rear: 285/45R-21 PRO: Subtle upgrades reaffirm its unrivaled status CON: Now tough to be seen driving last year’s model

By Andrew Nabors – January 31, 2017

Rolls-Royce Says Goodbye to the Phantom VII

Nine decades of luxury and refinement have produced one of the world's greatest automobiles. The seventh generation of the Rolls-Royce Phantom was the first model overseen by BMW. It brought the brand into the modern era when it was introduced in 2003. Built in short and extended wheelbase versions, it also spawned a convertible in the Drophead Coupe. Much has changed in the past 13 years, so it is with a heavy hear that we must announce the end. The final Phantom VII was a fitting tribute, being a custom ordered limousine. A press release earlier this morning outlines the history of the model along with the inspiration for the final build.Rolls-Royce For SaleInspired by the golden age of ocean liners, the nautical theme is evident inside and out. Powder blue leather has tone on tone embroidery. Clocks on the dash and partition were styled to match the chronometers of 30's era ships. The bezels have 24 hour markings in the same fashion as HG Wells' time machine. Work is now underway on preparing the machine tools and master coachbuilders for the 8th generation Phantom. Expected to arrive as a 2018 model, it will be built of aluminum instead of steel. Stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news, and check out the great listings from our dealers below.All Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 25, 2016

Colorful Special Edition Rolls-Royce Dawns Unveiled for 2017

For the 2017 Spring and Summer season, Rolls-Royce is rolling out a new collection of Dawns that are vibrant and colorful.Making these models special and bespoke are the colors made available for them, including Mugello Red, Cobalto Blue and Mandarin. If there's one thing these three colors have in common, it's that when they're put together, they create the primary colors (red, yellow and blue). These colors are available for the roof of these convertible, while the bodies are finished in white, making the vibrant colors stand out even more.(Related - 1-of-3 Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe from Gatsby Collection For Sale)“Our clients are the very arbiters of fashion, tastemakers who sit in the front row of the Couture shows, themselves influencing evolving trends,” comments Giles Taylor, Director of Design for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “To them, the commissioning of fine luxury objects represents a deeply-involving curatorial process – with different forms of luxury design, craft and execution serving as inspiration for the other. ‘Dawn – Inspired by Fashion’ beautifully expresses the notion that inspiration for truly personal objects is drawn from the passions, tastes and lifestyle of its patron.”Inside, the color chosen for the roof is also found as an accent in the form of embroidery, stitching, piping and more. These bright colors contrast against the white and black color scheme of the cabin. Completing the setting in the interior is the bespoke clock, made to exclusively give off a silver on silver effect.Rolls-Royce will be taking commissions on these models come November 2016.Rolls-Royce For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2016

Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 Debut in United States

Yesterday, BMW unveiled the Motorrad Vision Next 100 motorcycle concept. Along with that unveiling, Rolls-Royce debuted their own Vision Next 100 concept car in North America.(Related - 30 Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantoms With Gold and Diamonds Arrive in Macau)“...Rolls-Royce, the world’s leading luxury brand, has defined the future of luxury mobility," said Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "The Grand Arrival of the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 boldly points to a bright future for our marque where our patrons’ individual demands for complete and authentic personalisation will be met through an exquisite fusion of technology, design and hallmark Rolls-Royce craftsmanship.”From the outside, this concept is by far one of the most futuristic and bizarre Rolls-Royces ever produced. Measuring in at 19.3 feet long, it has a long sleek body that has massive air channels running behind the front wheels. For all of the wheels, their presence is hidden by wheel covers, a common aesthetic found in futuristic concepts.“With the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 we were mindful not to dwell on the past," noted Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. "We wanted to be as innovative as possible and at the same time transcend the design history of the marque.”View All Rolls-Royce For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 23, 2016

Revealed: Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe Beve...

Known for it's star-studded resident's roster, gorgeous sunsets and insanely beautiful people, impressing in Beverly Hills is a task in itself, but Rolls-Royce took on the challenge with their Bespoke Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe- Beverly Hills Edition.On display for the first time at Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills Edition Phantom Drophead Coupe features a stunning Orange Metallic finish capable of rivaling even the most pristine sunset. All four wheels are adorned with matching Orange Metallic wheel centers which encase the iconic Rolls-Royce emblem, and the interior features complementing black leather with hand-stitched leather contrasts in Mandarin and stunning polished Piano Black veneers to finish it off.(Related: Rolls-Royce Creates Bespoke Picnic Hamper for Phantom Zenith Collection) This stunning example is adorned with the luxury trimmings like hand-stitched Rolls-Royce emblems in the headrests and a specialty door sill marking its exclusivity. Many things won't turn a single head in Beverly Hills, but we're pretty sure this Phantom might just do the trick.Phantom Drophead Coupes for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 28, 2016

Emerald Encrusted Rolls-Royce Wraith & Dawn Revealed

We're only slightly jealous that Rolls-Royce has a Summer Studio on Sardinia. The beautiful scenery of Porto Cervo inspired the team to build two stunning cars with details unmatched by any of their previous builds. A press release early this morning highlights the finer points of the elegant automobiles. In brilliant contrast to each other, the pair was named "Dusk until Dawn".Inspired by a pristine Mediterranean sunset, the Drophead Coupe features "ambient hues of dusk". Two shades of silver grace the exterior along with a purple accent pinstripe. The interior offers the calming colors found along the Costa Smerelda at twilight. Ostrich leather is complimented by purple, blue, slate and black trim. The colors were chosen to evoke the tranquility of a long day's journey into night.(Also Check Out - The Vision Next 100 Is Rolls-Royce's Most Bizarre Concept, Ever) And since the sun also rises, a new Dawn was commissioned to capture the colors found in a daytime sailing from Porto Cervo. The team was inspired to create art within art, and no expense was spared. White gold and emeralds are set into open pore teakwood. Arranged to form the emblem of Porto Cervo, the jewels make this Dawn one of the most expensive current Rolls-Royces on Earth. Both cars were given direction by London-based tattoo artist Mo Coppoletta. His artwork adorns the head rests and will be featured alongside both cars on display at the Summer Studio. No detail was overlooked, as bookmatched teakwood lines the luggage compartment of these bespoke cars. Proving there is no limit to their abilities, Rolls Royce is offering you a blank canvas for your design. Both cars are 1 of 1 and will probably sell for a tidy sum in the near future. Until then, take a look at these listings from our dealers to find your next Rolls Royce.Dawn For Sale|Wraith For Sale

By Edward Jones – June 16, 2016

The Vision Next 100 Is Rolls-Royce's Most Bizarre Concept...

The release of a futuristic concept from Rolls-Royce was not something anyone was expecting, but it sure happened. The new Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 was revealed in its entirety today as the brand's first "Vision Vehicle." “Today, Rolls-Royce, the world’s leading luxury brand, has defined the future of luxury mobility. The Grand Arrival of the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 boldly points to a bright future for our marque where our patrons’ individual demands for complete and authentic personalisation will be met through an exquisite fusion of technology, design and hallmark Rolls-Royce craftsmanship.”Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Rolls-Royce unveils this new concept as one of four Vision Vehicles to be released by BMW Group, as announced on March 7, 2016. From the outside, this concept is by far one of the most futuristic and bizarre Rolls-Royces ever produced. Measuring in at 19.3 feet long, it has a long sleek body that has massive air channels running behind the front wheels. For all of the wheels, their presence is hidden by wheel covers, a common aesthetic found in futuristic concepts.(Also Read: Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Concept Idle and Revs) “With the Rolls-Royce VISION NEXT 100 we were mindful not to dwell on the past. We wanted to be as innovative as possible and at the same time transcend the design history of the marque”.Giles Taylor, Director of Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars As for the drive of the car, well, that's where the Vision Next 100 stands apart from every Rolls-Royce ever made. Most experience a Rolls-Royce from the backseat, as they are chauffeured around by a driver. With this concept, there's no need for a driver, as it's completely autonomous. Instead of a gauge cluster, steering wheel and all the necessities for driving, a massive screen sits in the front of the cabin. Essentially, the cabin of the Vission Next 100 is a home theater, with the luxury you'd expect from the English marque.Will we ever see a car like this on the road? Most certainly, but that's in the future. In the meantime, we have concepts like this one to keep occupied and a 3D video below of it to help us pass the time.Rolls-Royces For Sale

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