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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – March 17, 2021

McLaren 720S GT3X Production Begins

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

By Andrew Nabors – March 16, 2021

Gordon Murray Test Drives His T.50 Prototype

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

By Andrew Nabors – March 12, 2021

Take a Tour of Curated's Service & Restoration Shop

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

By Andrew Nabors – February 11, 2021

2021 Indian Chief Is All New For Its 100th Anniversary

America's first Motorcycle Company unveiled a masterpiece in 1921, and that's why the 2021 Indian Chief is all-new for its 100th anniversary. Three versions aim to appeal to different tastes: Chief Dark Horse, Chief Bobber Dark Horse, and Super Chief Limited. All are powered by a revised Thunderstroke 116" v-twin that offers 120 lb-ft of torque. Their new Ride Command system combines all aspects of engine power, stability control, and instrumentation. It has different modes for the gauge displays, audio, and Bluetooth. Over 70 accessories are specific to the Chief, so don't follow the crowd. Did you see the Indian Chieftan inspired by Evel Knievel? Images (C) Indian Motorcycle

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2021

2022 Cadillac CT4-V & CT5-V Unveiled At Daytona

As part of the pre-race activities at this weekend's Rolex 24, the 2022 Cadillac CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing were unveiled at Daytona. Their latest V-Series cars will offer twin-turbo V6 and supercharged V8 power with a six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmissions. The first 250 examples of each car can be reserved, and the details of both will be revealed in a live stream tonight at 7pm Eastern. Image and film (C) General Motors

By Andrew Nabors – January 18, 2021

2021 BMW M3 & M4 Tire Sizes Explained

Summer is just around the corner, and cornering is essential to all of us. To make sure you are getting the most from your rubber, here are the 2021 BMW M3 and M4 tire sizes explained. While lesser automakers will take advantage of tire technology, BMW's M Division has pushed tire makers back to the drawing board. 2021 BMW M3 & M4 Cooling System Explained Thanks to the quick response of the differential, the new M3 and M4 are offered with 275mm-wide front tires. The rears are only 10mm wider, with diameters staggered by an inch. Much like the performance increases and weight cuts, improvements to the contact patch offers incredible driving dynamics. Imagine the crisp turn-in at your fingertips, then click the button below for the ultimate driving machine. Browse BMW M3 For Sale Browse BMW M4 For Sale " width="680"> Image (C) BMW.com

By Andrew Nabors – December 23, 2020

Jaguar Design Series Explores Their New Direction

We stand at the dawn of a new day at Jaguar & Land Rover. In order to understand where the brand is going, the new Jaguar Design series explores their new direction. A series of shorts uploaded to YouTube this morning dives into their new logo, monogram, and steering wheel design. Nothing is too small or inconsequential for these artists. That's why we're glad to get a glimpse of where they are going. Our dealers have all the details, so click the button and stay with us for all your Jaguar news. Browse Jaguar For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – December 21, 2020

Inside RM Sotheby's Car Collection

As the premier auction house for historic exotics, here is a rare opportunity to see inside the RM Sotheby's car collection. Much like us, their focus is not on millions of cars, but cars worth millions. As such, an Alfa Romeo Zagato is front and center. Two Shelby Cobras offer unique luster, as one is copper and the other is bronze. The time involved in hammering each panel makes them priceless. Offering storage for their VIP clients, a Ferrari 250GT convertible patiently waits for its owner. Just like us, everything is for sale. Tell us your favorite in this collection and click the link below to browse their auction lineup. View Inventory At RM Sotheby's " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – December 10, 2020

2021 Polaris Slingshot AutoDrive Offers Unprecedented Ame...

The hottest name in 3-wheel motorsports has something we know you'll enjoy. If you want a relaxing experience without compromise, the 2021 Polaris Slingshot AutoDrive offers unprecedented amenities. While the chassis was revised last year, the new AutoDrive transmission incorporates paddle shifters for more excitement. Shifts are quicker and smoother to offer more confidence and smiles per gallon. A new hill-hold feature takes the hassles out of city driving so you can focus on staying connected. The audio is handled by Rockford-Fosgate with 1000watt speaker pods. Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth are a first for the segment, as is the XKGlow interior lighting that flashes to the music. Those who want a manual transmission will save $3,000, with prices starting at $19,999. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – December 03, 2020

How GTO Engineering Rebuilt The Ferrari Aftermarket

Perhaps one of the greatest sounds of all time is a Columbo V12 screaming to redline. Owners of such masterpieces are reticent to push such classics as they were intended due to lack of replacement parts, so this is how GTO Engineering rebuilt the Ferrari aftermarket. https://vimeo.com/485856649/9f2733adc8 Restoring the classic Italians of yesteryear is an arduous task. Not only are original and replacement parts hard to find, they likely need countless hours of restoration themselves. Enter Mark Lyon. After restoring several cars for the world's most famous dealers, he decided it would be easier to use the latest in technology to build new versions of old parts. While hinges and trim are easy enough, he and his team decided to take on the hardest challenge first: The iconic Columbo V12 engine. Using the latest in 3D printing, CAD and CAM technology, you too can partake of classic looking parts with modern attention to detail. Perhaps the best way is to experience one of their 250 GTO Recreations, which are only sold through Manhattan Motorcars. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your classic Ferrari news. View Listing

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