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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 18, 2022

1966 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350: GAA Classic Cars February...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - Exactly what we like to see in a Shelby GT350 this 1966 is in Wimbledon White with Guardsman Blue rocker stripes! Scheduled to cross the auction block on February 26th in Greensboro, NC this GT350 has a frame-off restoration by James Kinney with car shows in mind. It won several 1st place trophies and comes with Shelby invoices. This Shelby has a numbers-matching 289 CID Cobra V8 engine, 4-speed transmission, and a steel hood documented in the Shelby Registry. It was originally shipped to Dockery Ford Morristown, NJ on June 24th, 1966, and this February you can ship it to your garage. See GAA Classic Cars full inventory at gaaclassiccars.com View Listing

By Edward Jones – February 17, 2022

1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air III: GAA Classic Cars Febr...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - In 1969 “The Judge” was introduced as a reasonably priced option to compete with the Plymouth Road Runner. The name was inspired by a comedy routine made popular by comedian Flip Wilson which he borrowed from a burlesque entertainer named Dewey “Pigmeat” Markham. Interesting to learn what inspires the automotive minds when naming their new models. The 1969 advertisements used slogans such as “All rise for the Judge.” Many will rise and take notice of this frame off restored 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge Ram Air III consigned for auction at GAA Classic Cars February 26th. This was 1 of 108 Judge Convertibles built in 1969. The numbers matching 400 CID 366hp V8 L74 Engine is documented and it comes with the PHS documentation as well. This Judge is 1 of only 2 documented in the registry with Expresso Brown paint. See GAA Classic Cars full inventory at gaaclassiccars.com. View Listing

By Edward Jones – February 16, 2022

1971 Dodge Challenger Resto Mod: GAA Classic Cars Februar...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - A Pro Touring Dodge Challenger built with a Keith Black 528/760 HP Hemi engine crosses the auction block in Greensboro, NC on February 26th. Motorsport Hall of Fame member, Keith Black was an engineer of world record-breaking racing engines. This Challenger’s engine features aluminum heads, a big Holley carburetor, high-rise intake, valve cover breathers, and an aluminum radiator. The Tremec 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive and Hurst pistol-grip shifter makes for a smooth driving experience. The custom raised-blister sport hood and eye-catching yellow paint with black racing stripes complete this powerful Resto Mods exterior. It comes with build documentation for you to review the restoration details when you take it home from GAA Classic Cars auction at the end of this month. See full auction inventory at gaaclassiccars.com View Listing

By Edward Jones – February 15, 2022

1969 Pontiac GTO Ram Air IV: GAA Classic Cars February 20...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - This Goat has a Ram! Crossing the auction block at GAA Classic Cars Saturday, February 26th is this Numbers Matching 69 Pontiac GTO Ram Air IV. This is just 1 of 14 produced in 1969 and the only one in its color combination Matador Red with white convertible power top. This truly one-of-a-kind “Goat” has PHS documentation and the original window sticker. This is 1 of 10 GTOs in the GAA Classic Cars auction lineup. To see the entire lineup go to gaaclassiccars.com. View Listing

By Edward Jones – February 14, 2022

Larry The Cable Guy's 1967 Ford Mustang: GAA Classic Cars...

Presented by GAA Classic Cars - Originally a gift to his wife, Cara Whitney, this beautiful Mustang is currently being auctioned off by owner Larry The Cable Guy. We've seen some unique automotive gifts between spouses in recent years as classic cars have risen in popularity and rarity. A vintage Camaro, Charger, Challenger, or Barracuda is the perfect opportunity for any automotive enthusiast to bond with their husband or wife. But, of course, you don't have to take our word for it. Instead, you can trust the honest expression of America's favorite redneck comedian, Larry The Cable Guy. After initially purchasing this incredible 1967 Ford Mustang Fastback as a present for his wife, Larry The Cable Guy and his wife, Cara Whitney, have spent countless hours keeping this beauty in pristine condition. Nowadays, the couple is ready to let the wild horse run free to a new owner. So what made this car so unique that it was worthy of the iconic comedian? First of all, we need to talk about what's under the hood as you know that we Americans love our V8 engines. This thing has just about the coolest one you could get in a 'Stang in its prime, the 302 ci V8. Back in the day, this was the top of the line in terms of performance as it produced 325 horsepower and 350 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels. All of that power is sent through an intelligent E.O.D 4-Speed Automatic Transmission, making driving an engaging and graceful experience. Another cool thing about this car is that it sports a set of disc brakes on the front and rear. This perfectly shows the handling-focused attitude that the 'Stang was initially created with. Larry, The Cable Guy, knew what he was doing when he bought this car. Of course, the early days of pony cars were all about providing a ton of performance from a smaller chassis, but how does the exterior and interior styling compare? The answer to that question is quite simple; they're fantastic. These vehicles were already built to last with incredible iconic styling and excellent interior quality, but this car takes it to the next level. Only the best was good enough for Larry The Cable Guy's wife, beautifully reflected by the incredible modern wheels and black leather seats. Other cool interior features include the Bluetooth-capable stereo and fully revamped current sound system. This car is expected to sell fast, so you better " Get' R Done " if you want to get your hands on it. (Article by John Puckett, Motorious.com) View Listing

By Edward Jones – July 19, 2021

Mecum Orlando 2021: 1969 Dodge Daytona NASCAR

Presented by Mecum Auctions - The short but memorable legacy of Dodge’s NASCAR Charger Daytona’s racing effort encompasses many famous names, but Marty Robbins may be one of the most unique. The car here, originally built by racer James Hylton using a Nichels chassis, was driven by the significant country-western recording artist as car No. 42 at the late-season National 500 in Charlotte in 1970. This event at Charlotte Motor Speedway was the only event in which this race car was ever campaigned as a Charger Daytona, and it was also the first NASCAR race Robbins was able to participate in after returning from a two-year sabbatical. This is the first time the No. 42 has been made publicly available since its extensive reconditioning. Known for musical hits like "El Paso" and "Big Iron," the singer drove hard but only occasionally on the NASCAR Grand National Series between 1966-1982. The car was first built and raced by James Hylton as a regular Charger from late 1967, until Hylton switched to Ford for 1970. Robbins bought the Nichels-based car from Hylton and then enlisted driver Bobby and mechanic Eddie Allison to convert it from a Charger 500 to a Daytona body for the race event at Charlotte. After this appearance, the Allisons rebodied and drove it first as a ’68 Charger to avoid the aero rules coming for 1971, then sold it to a car owner named Butch Nelson, who let young Neil Bonnett drive it. It was bodied as a 1974 Charger when Bonnett crashed it and a fire started inside in late 1973, causing the car to disappear for many years after. When discovered in 2005, the GM-based front suspension the Allisons had installed and Hylton’s unique cage structure were among the key components noted in authenticating it as the Robbins car. Now confirmed, a full rotisserie restoration was undertaken by Ray Evernham's Big Iron Garage in Mooresville, North Carolina, to the October 1970 configuration Robbins drove it in, with assistance from aero-car experts Doug Dempsey, Doug Schellinger and Greg Kwiatkowski to determine and authenticate the car's history. A stunning debut came in 2019 at the 50th Anniversary of the Daytona’s first race, when this car joined Bobby Allison's No. 22 car, Richard Petty's No. 43 Superbird and Bobby Isaac's No. 71 car for Sunday appearance laps right on the Talladega Superspeedway during the Aero Warriors reunion hosted by Tim Wellborn. Since then, it has been statically exhibited at the 2019 MCACN show, Ray Evernham's Americarna show and most recently honored by invitation to the Hershey AACA Museum’s recent “Yeah, It’s Got a Hemi!” display earlier this year. This car’s excellent reconditioning begins under the hood, where an iron 426 Hemi V-8 built by Ray Barton Racing Engines resides. This features the correct bathtub intake, factory single 4-barrel intake with LeMans float bowls, a “he-man” brake outfit and circle track crankcase ventilation tubes. In addition to the rare early Holley Dominator carburetor, this car features a Transistorized Prestolite coil layout located in the passenger side footbox. The engine is mated to a correct A833 4-speed Chrysler manual transmission and backed by a reinforced Chrysler 8.75 differential housing. Vintage and very difficult to find Nichels NASCAR wheels finished in proper yellow are mounted on the car, while the fuel cell has been updated for safety to allow exhibition racing use. The No. 42 will be sold with its extensive race history including period photos, magazine articles and newspaper clippings. Its discovery, restoration and unveiling was chronicled in several magazines including Muscle Car Review, Mopar Action, Chrysler Power and Hemmings, but there is nothing like owning the real “Big Iron.” All you might need is a guitar. This 1969 Dodge Daytona NASCAR will be auctioned off during Mecum Auctions’ Orlando 2021 event, which runs July 28-31. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – June 10, 2020

Dana Mecum Announces Kissimmee Summer Special Auction

Going to college in Orlando was a fun experience. Of course the Theme Parks are fun, but the real treat was Mecum's Spring Auction in Kissimmee. Drawing in consignments and spectators from around the southeast, it is perfect for a family trip. That's why Dana Mecum has announced a new Summer Special slated for the weekend of August 27th. Due the overwhelming successes of their flagship January event, Osceola Heritage Park will see over 1,000 cars find new homes. Since its only an hour from dR headquarters, I have considered divesting my Buick Riviera to free up cash for a new project. We will see you there in a few months, so make plans to join us and stay with us for all your Mecum coverage. Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 06, 2018

Preview of Mecum’s Kissimmee 2019 Auction

Orlando is home to the theme parks and tourist attractions, but the real action happens a few minutes south. That’s because Mecum Auctions already has over 2,000 cars lined up on their way to 3,500 for their premier Florida auction beginning the first weekend in January. What better way to escape winter than join us at the Osceola Heritage Park. Less than 10 miles from the sights & sounds of International Drive, here are the top 10 cars we will be waiting to see. 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari Ferrari's first hypercar, it has 418 miles and $37,589 in special options. It has carbon fiber fog lights, black calipers, along with special order Rosso Fuoco paint. The carbon fiber ground effects are almost $22,000, so don't miss this 1 of 1 example. View Details 1963 Corvette Z06 Big Tank Fuelie The first year for the Corvette Z06, the performance brakes and suspension could be ordered with a 36-Gallon tank for endurance racing. These were meant to support race teams by building cars ready for the track. View Details 1967 Corvette Big Block Convertible The last year of the C2 body has many unique features. Ordered in triple black, it has both the hard and soft tops, and a well-documented 24,000 miles. Multiple NCRS wins and the coveted L71 Tri-Power 427/435 hp engine. View Details 1969 Corvette L88 Convertible Tony DeLorenzo won numerous races in his special-ordered Corvettes. This car was raced around the world until purchased by Porsche's team. It was retired in a Swiss collection for a dozen years until it was brought to Tony's attention. He produced the original delivery documents, FIA paperwork and a book of photos. View Details 1969 Corvette L88 Coupe Like the convertible above, the 427 cubic inch (7 liter) V8 was advertised at 425 horsepower. This was to fool the insurance companies that the 435 horsepower engine was more powerful. But the L88 made over 500 horsepower. Just over 2,000 original miles, it has numerous NCRS and Bloomington awards. It includes special instructions for the service manager of Widger Chevrolet to not prep it for delivery. Only 116 L88 Corvettes were built in '69, the last year of this monster motor. View Details 1970 Chevelle LS6 Convertible The epitome of the Muscle Car Era, Chevrolet decided to silence the competition. The LS6 is a 454 (7.4-liter) officially rated at 450 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. In reality they made much more, as it was essentially a NASCAR engine. It has a M22 Rock Crusher 4-speed transmission and 27,865 original miles. View Details 1965 Shelby Cobra CSX2588 You are looking at the last small block Cobra sold to the public. Only 56 cars were sold in 'Rouge Iris', and this one is all-original from suspension to the carburetor. View Details 1970 Ford King Cobra Torino Ford's attempt to rival the Plymouth Road Runner resulted in the King Cobra Torino. Ford only built one example with the Boss 429 V8, and it is 1 of 2 experimental models delivered to Bud Moore Engineering. The only 4-speed car, they were never homologated because Ford deemed the project too expensive View Details 1970 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda A period-correct 426 Hemi is backed by a 4-speed with a pistol grip shifter. Only 284 cars were built in this color, with options including a 4.10 Dana Super Track Pack differential. Both broadcast sheets are included, and it only has 11,836 miles. View Details 2016 Ferrari LaFerrari Aperta Saving the best for last, this topless LaFerrari is the hottest Ferrari on the market. We simply have no idea how they find these cars, this one being one of the 210 Apertas. It was ordered with a black carbon fiber hard top, itself a $62,807 option. Contrast stitching and headrest embroidery make it one for your collection, so be sure to tune in to their YouTube stream or NBCSN. View Details Tell us which one you will be bidding on in the comments below and be sure to tune in to Mecum Las Vegas, November 15-17 on NBCSN and YouTube.

By Andrew Nabors – September 05, 2017

Forgotten One-of-a-Kind Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Finally...

Enzo Ferrari had a problem. He wanted to win the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1969, so five aluminum versions of the 365 GTB/4 were comissioned. Scaglietti built six cars, the last one was the only street version. All of the race cars met unfortunate ends after hard lives on the track. The only street legal Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona with an aluminum body was presumed dead until it was recently discovered in Japan.Victor Cruz's New Ferrari CaliforniaTo prove its authenticity, Marcel Massini verified the engine and transmission numbers are original. Barn finds are all the rage, so special care was made to preserve the condition of the car as it was uncovered. The odometer on this Ferrari shows 36,390 km (22,611 miles), and the fully recorded history helps to verify that. It was ordered with power windows and plexi windows, two desirable & rare options. Even in filthy condidion, it is poised to hammer for a record price on Saturday. It will be the centerpiece of RM Sotheby's Maranello auction, so rest assured we will see more of this dazzling Daytona. Tell us your thoughts on barn find cars. Should it be cleaned up or sold as is? Stay with us for more rare rides from RM.Ferrari 308 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2017

Aston Martin DBR1 Breaks Records At Monterey

Race cars are sometimes tricky to sell. Owning and driving them requires mechanical aptitude and patience, traits that some collectors are not willing to endure. But if production was limited to only 5 cars, it completely changes the situation.David Brown bought Aston Martin in 1947, and his line of high-performance luxury cars was named with his initials. One of his famous racers, the DB3S was based on a street-legal car, as per regulations at the time. But a change to the rulebook for 1956 allowed for competitors to build race-only cars. The DBR1 was the first Aston Martin specifically built as a race car. Only five cars were produced, and they brought home numerous wins. The prototype was this car "DBR1/1", and it won the 1,000 km of Nürburgring in 1959. After a complete restoration, it has also become the most expensive British car ever sold. At RM Sotheby's Monterey auction, it hammered for $22,550,000. From the light alloy body to a futuristic 5-speed transaxle, this car was built to dominate. RM Sotheby's had very strict criteria on bidders, who required vetting and a background check. They also chose to showcase it on the world's greatest car website, so that prospective buyer could see all the details. We're glad we could help it find a new home, and congratulations to RM Sothebys on a successful weekend. Stay with us for a breakdown of Monterey highlights and more Aston Martin news.

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