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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

A sleek black Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 is displayed on a stage at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, surrounded by people taking photos and admiring it.

By Jordan Aquistapace – January 27, 2025

2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 VIN 001 Sells For $3.7 Millio...

Just a tad over its $174,995 starting price. Of all the auction events on Barrett-Jackson's calendar throughout the year, Scottsdale stands out as the pinnacle among serious car collectors and passionate enthusiasts. From massive seven-figure sales to fuel-driven festivities throughout the week, Scottsdale has fully embraced its presence as Arizona Car Week is now a must-attend for those who love all things automotive. As part of this year's Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction, the first retail production VIN 001 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 crossed the block as the event's highlight. It's been a long-standing tradition of Barrett-Jackson to showcase the first production example of an anticipated new model, with proceeds benefiting various charities. The Corvette ZR1 continues to grow in popularity since its jaw-dropping debut to the world, leaving eager customers running to dealers to lock in a build slot. Making over 1,064 horsepower thanks to a 5.5L twin-turbocharged flat-plane crank LT7 V8 engine, the 2025 ZR1 now holds the title as the most powerful Corvette ever made. In a packed room full of bidders, enthusiasts, and media, the gloss black Corvette ZR1 made its way across the stage as bidding quickly intensified amongst buyers looking to secure VIN 001. The 2025 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 001 sold at a hammer price of $3,700,000, with all auction fees waved and 100% of the proceeds benefitting the American Red Cross. With the very first C8 Corvette ZR1 on the road, we anticipate that more chassis will be rolling off the production line at Bowling Green very soon. View all Chevrolet Corvette ZR1s for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Corvette ZR1s For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Barrett-Jackson (@barrett_jackson) Source: Barrett-Jackson Auctions

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 15, 2022

A New Corvette Z06 NFT Will Auction Along With A Real-Lif...

Exclusively on SuperRare, the C8 Corvette Z06 enters the Web3 space in a unique way. With this upcoming NFT auction, Chevrolet gives bidders the chance to not only own a piece of Corvette Z06 NFT artwork, and not only a Corvette Z06, but also the color that the car is painted in. The first auction, happening June 20-24 on SuperRare with bids available to be placed in Ethereum, is for a piece of NFT artwork inspired by the Corvette Z06, by artist xsullo, as well as a Corvette Z06, which is equipped with the Z07 performance package, a commemorative plaque, carbon-fiber wheels, and permanently associated with the auction through the option code RFN, as well as the exclusive color of Minted Green. MUST READ: Barrett-Jackson Is Selling KISS Guitarist Paul Stanley’s Corvette In Las Vegas What makes this Minted Green color unique is the fact that it is featured on the NFT and the car, and the winning bidder will “Own the Color,” as the auction itself is aptly named because Chevrolet promises that it will not paint another production 2023 Corvette Z06 in the Minted Green color. The auction will benefit DonorsChoose, an organization that makes it easy to help teachers in need towards an education system that empowers all American students. With the auction beginning June 20, the artwork will be available to view at The Crypt Gallery during NFT NYC, bridging the gap between virtual art and the real world. View All Corvettes For Sale Image Source: Chevrolet Source: Chevrolet

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 03, 2022

Barrett-Jackson Is Selling KISS Guitarist Paul Stanley's ...

The Barrett-Jackson’s Las Vegas Auction’s cars aren’t the only rockstars involved. Barrett-Jackson’s auctions are known for having celebrity cars, and the auction house’s upcoming Las Vegas sale is no exception. Crossing the block in Sin City will be a very special Corvette owned by a bonafide rockstar. That Corvette is the factory-customized VIN 001 2022 Corvette C8 Convertible, and its owner is the frontman of KISS and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Paul Stanley. The car is a rockstar in itself, with its incredible mid-mounted 6.2-liter V8 with speed and dynamics the Corvette has never known before. MUST READ: Mecum Auctions Offering The German Prime Collection at Indy 2022 The owner, however, makes the car much more of a spectacle. Stanley is selling a signed Ibanez PS120 Paul Stanley Signature guitar with the car, making this Corvette the perfect pair for anyone who wants an iconic car and an iconic guitar with a Rock & Roll legend behind them. The auction will go from June 30 to July 2 at the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center. Source: Barrett-Jackson

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 31, 2022

Barrett-Jackson Auctioning 1st C8 Corvette Z06 Convertible

This C8 Z06 has an open top, and on April 9, it’ll be open for bidding. The very first mid-engined C8 Corvette Z06 caused quite a stir at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction. Selling for an incredible $3.6 million, it was instantly recognized as a car that made history, and will only make more history in the future. And better yet, the entire $3.6 million hammer price and more went to charity. But Chevrolet and Barrett-Jackson weren’t going to stop there. Now, the very first C8 Corvette Z06 Convertible is going to auction at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction, with the price being donated to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. MUST READ: What is there to know about the C7 Corvette? FIND OUT Although it’s a convertible, the C8 Z06 is a hardtop, which means that track and performance capability remain uncompromised even with the ability to put the roof down, and that performance capability is great, with the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 to ever be in a production car at 670 horsepower. The first C8 Z06 convertible will be Lot 3005, and the winner won’t just get the very first Z06 Convertible, they will also be able to customize it completely to their own specifications, making it the ultimate personal statement of luxury, performance, and automotive history. The car crosses the block in the afternoon on Saturday, April 9, live on the HISTORY Channel, and it’s a historic moment you won’t want to miss. Source: Barrett-Jackson

By Edward Jones – September 17, 2021

Barrett-Jackson Houston Auction: Alan Jackson's 1967 Chev...

Presented by Barrett-Jackson - This 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible comes from country star Allen Jackson's collection. Powered by a matching-numbers 327ci V8 engine mated to a 4-speed manual transmission. The Corvette received a comprehensive restoration approximately 12 years ago and is a real eye-catcher with a white exterior and red interior. Comes with both tops, AM/FM stereo, and dual side-pipe exhaust. GATES ARE NOW OPEN FOR BARRETT-JACKSON’S INAUGURAL HOUSTON NOW THROUGH SUNDAY WITH HUNDREDS OF CARS SELLING WITH NO RESERVE! TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE GATES AND IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO REGISTER TO BID IN PERSON, ONLINE OR VIA PHONE. VISIT BARRETT-JACKSON.COM FOR INFO. View Listing

By Edward Jones – September 04, 2021

Barrett-Jackson Houston Auction: 1963 Corvette Split-Wind...

Presented by Barrett-Jackson - This 1963 Corvette Split-Window Resto-Mod was completed in March 2021 by Jeff Hayes Customs. It started with a clean, original GM donor car and now features a brand-new LS3 Hot Cam engine with 540hp backed by a 4L70E automatic transmission. It sits on an Art Morrison sport chassis with front and rear sway bars, and has Wilwood brakes with 6-piston polished aluminum front calipers and 4-piston rear calipers, as well as drilled and slotted rotors at all four corners. The wheels are new Schott Mach 5 with custom red line tires. It is equipped with power steering, power windows, power hood, AM/FM Bluetooth stereo, and Vintage Air heat and air conditioning. The classic look of the mid-year Split-Window combined with the technology of the new chassis and new fuel-injected LS engine is outstanding. The red paint and the custom distressed leather Saddle interior are stunningly timeless. Hundreds of cars are set to cross the block with No Reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s Inaugural Houston Auction, September 16-18 at NRG Center. Check out the docket and become a bidder today! View Listing

By Edward Jones – June 13, 2021

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Custom Coupe Being O...

Presented by Barrett-Jackson Auction Company – Over 4,000 hours went into this SEMA Gold Top 100 Award-winning 1963 Split-Window Corvette's one-of-a-kind, no-expense-spared, rotisserie restoration performed by Nostalgia Hot Rods. The exterior is finished in PPG Pure White paint and features a hand-fabricated silver carbon-fiber engine bay, Euro flush-mount glass, and LED front and rear lights. Inside is a handmade interior by Darren Wingrove of HRH Designs. The one-off interior features Douglas Interior premium leather products, one-piece headliner, ACC premium carpet, LED lighting, Dakota Digital HDX gauges and clock, Nu-Relics power windows, Clayton Machine Works billet pedals, shifter and door pulls, Flaming River steering column and AGR performance steering gearbox. Heat and air conditioning is provided by a Vintage Air Gen IV climate-control system. Rounding out the interior is a Rockford Fosgate sound system with Bluetooth and wireless phone charging station to give this classic a modern feel. At the heart of this Corvette is a GM LS3 376ci hot cam engine making 525hp breathing through a Holley Sniper intake and exiting a jet-coated, polished stainless-steel custom exhaust system. Rounding out the engine bay is a polished billet March serpentine system with power steering setup, Billet Specialties valve covers and a Nick Williams polished billet throttle body. The engine is fed through an Aeromotive Stealth fuel system with custom aluminum fuel cell. All this power was then mated to a TREMEC T56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission with LS9 clutch and Dana 44 rear end with 4.11 gears, making sure the rubber meets the road. This one-of-a-kind Split-Window Corvette rides on a hand-fabricated chassis engineered for structural integrity and manufactured from American 3/16 hot-rolled, CNC cut steel. Every seem has been fully TIG-welded and the frame rails fully boxed in order to handle the upgraded performance included in the modern drivetrain. This one-off chassis is fitted to a full RideTech adjustable coilover suspension system with upper and lower strong arms, tall spindles, inner and outer tie rod arms, front and rear sway bars, rear trailing arms and RideTech's TruTurn system, featuring billet aluminum steering arms, center link adapter, tie rods and adjusters. Finally, a Wilwood braking system was fitted with 14-inch cross-drilled and slotted rotors, 6-piston front and 4-piston rear calipers, Wilwood master cylinder and E-stop electric emergency brake fed by hand-fabricated brake hard lines with A/N fittings. This Corvette rides on 18x9 front and 19x12 rear forged one-off Budnik wheels with knock-off center caps wrapped in Nitto Invo red-stripe tires. This 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Custom Coupe with be selling with No Reserve during the 2021 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction, June 17-19. View Online Listing

By Edward Jones – February 21, 2021

GAA Classic Cars Feb. 2021 Auction: 1963 Chevrolet Corvet...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - At GAA Classic Cars' February 2021 event, a gorgeous 2021 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Restomod will be crossing the auction block. Not only is this a split window, but this special Corvette hosts a long list of upgrades that a star of the event. If you lift up the hood of this Corvette, you'll find a built LS1 engine capable of 488 horsepower. That kind of power is something Corvette owners in the 60s dreamed of. On top of that, this Corvette features suspension with coilovers meant for the C4 Corvette. If you've ever wanted to drive a classic Corvette, but wanted the comfort and power of modern-day cars, this may be what you're looking for. This 1963 Corvette will be auctioned off at GAA Classic Cars' February 2021, which runs from the 25th to the 27th. For more information about the event, click here. View Listing

By Edward Jones – February 18, 2021

GAA Classic Cars Feb. 2021 Auction: 1967 Chevrolet Corvette

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - There's nothing like a classic Corvette, especially this one that's being auctioned off by GAA Classic Cars at their upcoming February 2021 event. This Goodwood Green 1967 Corvette is a numbers-matching masterpiece. It's been recently inspected and authenticated by Mr. Pancho Thompson and has just over 26,000 original miles. A list of original options can also be found through this Corvette, including the auxiliary hardtop, AM-FM radio, 3.70 Posi Traction and M21 transmission. Who ever gets the winning bid on this Corvette will not only get the classic Chevrolet, but also quite a few other items. This includes the original owner's manual with tear-off card, trim ring card, protect-o-plate, original Corvette order copy document and more. This 1967 Chevrolet Corvette will be auctioned off at GAA Classic Cars' February 2021, which runs from the 25th to the 27th. For more information about the event, click here. View Listing

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