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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 – June 25, 2018

Last Demon and Viper Bring in 7 Figures at Barrett-Jackso...

If you weren't in Connecticut this weekend, you missed out on another great Barrett-Jackson Auction. Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort was the venue for their 3rd annual Northeast event. This year it happened to coincide with a stop on the goldRush Rally, which made Saturday one for the record books.Barrett-Jackson Northeast 2018 PreviewIt started on Thursday with over 450 pieces of automobilia. A Mobil Oil Pegasus neon sign sold for $25,875, while a late 40's Chrysler-Plymouth sign came in 2nd with $23,000. With those out of the way, more than 650 cars and trucks rolled across the auction block. A record price of $92,400 was hammered for a 1973 Dodge Charger, and a 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost brought $203,500.With the help of Bill Goldberg, Fiat-Chrysler offered the last production Dodge Demon and Dodge Viper. The pair sold for $1 Million, which all went to the United Way. Our red duPont REGISTRY bags were in the hands of all the right people. Both on the auction block and in the staging lanes, we were out in full force. Thanks to Craig & Carolyn Jackson for this enduring partnership. We'll see you all at Barrett-Jackon Vegas on September 27. Click the link below to view the consignments and we'll see you there!Barrett-Jackson Showroom

By Edward Jones – May 22, 2018

Top 10 Mecum Indy Sales (Including 2017 Ford GT)

Mecum's recent Indy 2018 sale was an absolute success, bringing in millions of dollars and sending countless of people home with new cars for their collections. Heck, some even went home with a new collection to call their own, the Keith Busse Corvette Pace Car Collection. One of the stars of the event was a 2017 Ford GT, which was a surprise to many considering how Ford has been strict regarding the reselling of the car. Nevertheless, the new GT did sell and boy did it sell for a large sum of money. Check out the top 10 sales from Mecum Indy 2018, with the new Ford GT rounding out the list as the highest priced lot.Also, be sure to learn more about Mecum's Denver 2018 event June 8-9. 1967 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe Sold for $385,000 The Golden Sahara II Sold for $396,000 2006 Ford GT Sold for $396,000 1966 Chevrolet Corvette N03 Sold for $412,500 1967 Chevrolet Corvette N03 Sold for $418,000 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback Sold for $423,500 Kookie's Kar Sold for $484,000 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO Sold for $561,000 The Keith Busse Corvette Pace Car Collection Sold for $1,760,000 2017 Ford GTSold for $1,815,000

By Edward Jones – May 14, 2018

Pope's Lamborghini Sells, Smashes Estimates at Auction

Pope Francis received his very own Lamborghini Huracan last year as a gift. The supercar was the rear-wheel-drive version of the Huracan and came heavily modified by Ad Personam, Lamborghini's customization branch. They customized his car with a Bianco Monocerus (white) finish that's split up by Giallo Tiberino (yellow) stripes, meant to pay homage to the flag of Vatican City.RM Sotheby's recently had this very Lamborghini roll across their stage at their Monaco auction. Before the event, it was said to have an estimated auction price of 250,000-350,000 Euro (est. $299,000-$419,490 USD). However, the event has passed and the Pope's Lamborghini has smashed expectations. According to RM Sotheby's, this very Huracan sold for 809,375 Euro (est. $970,072 USD).All proceeds from this sales will be delivered to the Holy Father himself, who will then donate the funds accordingly, as stated by RM Sotheby's: "70% to the city of Nineveh, Iraq (a city heavily attacked and besieged by ISIS), 10% to 'Amici per il Centrafrica Onlus', 10% to Groupe International Chirurgiens Amis de la Main (GICAM) and 10% to the Pope John XXIII Community Association."

By Andrew Nabors – May 07, 2018

Seven Rare Ferraris Heading To Mecum Indianapolis

If you live and breathe all things Ferrari, Dana Mecum and Company have something you will like. Seven of the world's most coveted masterpieces from Maranello are going up for auction. Scuderia syndrome is characterized by the need to know what is happening in the Ferrari market. Who could have predicted the incredible values we've seen on their YouTube streams? If seven is your lucky number take a look at these beauties and tell us which ones will bring the big bucks. If you have Ferrari Fever, Mecum has the cure! 2014 Ferrari F12 Berlinetta Options mean everything when it comes to Ferrari, and that is why you won't see anything like this again. Most F12 Berlinettas have carbon fiber in a few areas, but this car has it everywhere. It was also ordered with red calipers and a yellow tach, for a grand total of $162,626 in options. With only 1,260 miles it is ready for a worthy collection.View Details 2012 Ferrari 458 Italia Something about a 9,000 rpm V8 just a few inches behind you is a thrill unlike any other. The Ferrari 458 was the last naturally aspirated model, and it didn't need turbos to offer incredible performance. As a blast from the past, someone bought this car and only drove it 566 miles. It has $102,748 in options alone, making it one of the most expensive examples sold in that model year. Magnetic suspension is light-years beyond what others had at the time, so don't miss this fully-loaded 458 Italia.View Details 2017 Ferrari F12tdf What began as a grand finale for the F12 series turned into one of the best-kept secrets in the automotive world. The F12tdf was a limited run of 799 cars that pay homage to the Tour de France. Before it was a bike race, the tour was one of the great city-to-city races that was dominated by Enzo and his team. In keeping with the racing tradition, this car was ordered with Ferrari Telemetry, a $10,124 option. The complete option list racks up over $92,000, not including the signature of Sebastian Vettel!View Details 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona If Pontiac was liable for borrowing the GTO name, why couldn't Ferrari name his flagship after America's most historic track? This 1973 GTB/4 is a true survivor, with only one respray since new. It is fully documented as a US-spec car, with smog system and twin Dinoplex electronic ignition. The title shows odometer exempt in 1987, with only 15,079 miles. Today the odometer reads only 17,360 miles that have been documented since new. The suspension was restored in 2015, and the Michilen X radial tires are ready to be shown. Recently serviced, everything from the power windows to air conditioning is in perfect shape.View Details 1967 Ferrari 330 GTC A race-bred stallion can also have street manners, and that is why the 330 GTC was ahead of its time. The 4.0 liter V12 has power at any rpm, and sends it to a 5 speed manual at a time when many cars only offered 3 gears. Fully independent suspension and air conditioning are just the beginning of this numbers-matching machine. The owner also ordered Borrani wires, a Becker radio, and power windows to make it the ultimate cruiser. The engine was refreshed 1,000 miles ago by Motorkraft, and the body has 45,798 miles. Only 600 examples were built, so it will undoubtedly create a bidding frenzy.View Details 2002 Ferrari 575 Maranello If you enjoy the art of 3 pedal driving, the 575 Maranello is among the last models offered with a manual transmission. The sound of a gated shifter is unlike anything else in the world. In the hands of a capable driver, it offers a 0-60 time of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph. For the ultimate in comfort, the factory roll bar is wrapped in leather, and the optional Daytona seats have no signs of wear. With only 17,845 miles, it is the best blend of traditional shifting with modern convenience.View Details 2006 Ferrari F430 Spider Convertibles have a personality all their own, and that is why the 430 Spider demands your attention. Another survivor, it was ordered with every option before being forgotten. The odometer shows only 160 miles since new, so the engine is not even broken in. This one-owner car was ordered with the VIP package, which includes detailed photos from the assembly line.View Details These are just a few of the wild rides from the Mecum 31st Annual Spring Classic. It runs May 15th to the 20th, so pack your bags for the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Click the link below for a complete lineup and tell us your favorite car in the comments below.Browse Mecum Listings Here

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2018

2015 Ferrari Sergio Heading To RM Monaco

Enzo Ferrari raced cars. That's where he focused his company, building the ultimate race team "Scuderia Ferrari." While he eventually relented to building street legal cars, the program was simply a way to make money to go racing. That's why he entrusted the design and completion of them to Sergio Pininfarina.Aside from a handful of Ferraris built by other shops, Pininfarina styled every car up to the 458 Speciale. His son Andrea passed away in 2008, and Sergio followed him in 2012. These coachbuilding masters were among the last of their generation. Laws regarding the impact and the quest for aerodynamics have nearly killed the 3rd-party designers. But Ferrari knew they owed the old man for a lifetime of building their beautiful cars, so they built 6 examples of the Ferrari Sergio, which are loosely based on the 458 Spider.Our friends at RM Sotheby's like to offer the rarest cars ever made, so the Sergio will be a primetime lot at the Monaco auction. Owned by a Swiss collector, it has only accrued 200km since new. It will find a new owner in Monaco on May12th, so click on the link below to register, and stay with us for more rare Ferraris.View Details

By Edward Jones – March 14, 2018

Ferrari F430 Challenge Art Car Headed to Auction

Headed to RM Sotheby's Fort Lauderdale 2018 auction is one of the three Ferrari's that were painted by artists for Miami Art Basel 2015. This F430 Challenge "Art Car" was wrapped and then painted by renowned United Kingdom artist Ben Levy. Across this Ferrari is a litany of words, including "cash," "love," "kill," and "money." Originally, the car was created and sold to benefit the Miami Children's Health Foundation and the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. The car will be apart of the Fort Lauderdale auction, taking place April 6-7. The expected sale price of the Ferrari F430 Challenge "Art Car" is currently set at $120,000 - $160,000.Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – March 13, 2018

RM Sotheby’s Announces Porsche 70th Anniversary Sale

It has been seven decades since Dr. Porsche built 48 cars by hand in Gmünd, Austria. The first examples of the Porsche 356 were based on his father's Volkswagen designs, for which he was imprisoned in France for supporting the German war effort. Dealers were enamored with the nimble sports car, and they quickly signed up to sell Porsches. These agreements allowed the son to get his father out of France, and the rest is history.RM Auctions Returns to Fort LauderdaleTo celebrate 70 years of Porsche, RM Sotheby's has announced a unique opportunity. The Porsche 70th Anniversary Sale will feature 70 of the world's most sought-after Porsches. Their press release says it will take place on the weekend of October 27th, so get ready for southern hospitality. We were awed by their Amelia Island sale, which featured 11 pristine 964 series 911 cars, all from the same collection. Only a few hours north, this unprecedented event will take place in Atlanta, at the Porsche Experience Center. The home of Porsche Cars North America, this revolutionary facility is a must-see for any automotive enthusiast. Located at One Porsche Drive, it is home to a world-class 1.6-mile race track along with the best in cuisine from Restaurant 356.Vice President of Marketing Andre Oosthuizen said: “We are excited to open our doors to RM Sotheby’s exclusive Porsche only sale this coming October. Even before the full concept of our first Porsche Experience Center in North America saw the light of day, we realized the tremendous opportunities a facility like this would attract. In fact, in the three short years since our Grand Opening, we’ve hosted multiple major movie productions, have seen 115,000 enthusiasts come through our doors, opened the Porsche Classic Center, and created rotating displays in our Heritage Gallery. Our Porsche Experience Centers are a natural location for a classic automotive auction of this magnitude and we look forward to working closely with RM Sotheby's to ensure they and their guests have a successful weekend at our home in Atlanta."It is a straight shot on Interstate 75 so we will be there covering the event for you. If you would like to learn more, please click the link below and stay with us for all your Porsche news.Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – January 24, 2018

Ayrton Senna's 1993 McLaren Heading To Bonhams Monaco

It has been a quarter-century since the 1993 Monaco Grand Prix. First place went to none other than Ayrton Senna, and his winning ride is heading to auction. Bonhams found the car in pristine condition, and this McLaren MP4/A8 is ready to race. Powered by Ford's Cosworth V8, it made Renault's V10 look like a Yugo. Chassis #6 was raced in 8 races in 1993, making use of active suspension technology found under every McLaren Super Series of today. Learn Everything About the New McLaren Senna It was his 6th Monaco win, which broke Graham Hill's record from 1969. Other notable finishes for this car are 4th at Magny-Cours, Hockenheim, and Spa. He was in 3rd place at Silverstone and ran out of gas, which resulted in 5th place. It was these McLarens that unseated Ferrari on the world stage. His grace behind the wheel and charisma in front of the fans will never be equaled. He left us far too soon, but his memory will live on in machines like these. Our only wish is for the winning bidder to fire it up every once in awhile. To see the car before the auction, it will be on display at the Grand Palais in Paris from February 6th to 8th. If you need more McLarens in your life, Bonhams Monaco Auction will take place May 11th, so click the link below for all the details and tell us your favorite Senna story below. View Details

By Andrew Nabors – January 23, 2018

2017 Ford GT Sells For $2.5 Million At Barrett-Jackson

In order to get a feel for the value of exotic and collectible cars, Barrett-Jackson's Scottsdale Auction sets the pace. As one of the most anticipated cars in recent history, the latest Ford GT has made news for a few reasons. The first is that it uses a twin-turbo V6 instead of a traditional V8. The second source of intrigue is a contract between Ford and their customers.First 2019 Mustang Bullitt Sells Big for CharityIn order to cut out investors looking to make a quick buck by flipping their new car, Ford has first right of refusal. Those who have not heeded this warning have been targeted by Dearborn's legal department. But of course, this doesn't apply to charity. Our friend Ron Pratte is an avid collector of all things automotive, and he chose to donate his 2017 GT last weekend in Scottsdale. Car #23 was ordered in Liquid Blue with a black interior.With only 11 miles on the odometer, it rolled onto the block to benefit the Evernham Family's Racing For A Reason Foundation. They are donating 100% the proceeds to Autism Society of North Carolina, who's IGNITE program helps educate young adults with Autism or Asperger's syndrome. This noble cause launched a frenzy of bidding, with the hammer dropping at $2.5 Million. Kudos to Craig Jackson, Steve Davis, Ron Pratte & Ray Evernham for making this happen. This is the first auction of a 3rd Generation Ford GT, and it looks like they will be just as prolific as their predecessors. Tell us what you would pay to have one in your collection and stay with us for all your auction news.Video of the Auction

By Edward Jones – January 22, 2018

First 2019 Mustang Bullitt Sells Big for Charity

Automotive auctions aren't just about the buying and selling of cars, they also have a bit of a philanthropic side. One recurring theme at many auctions, especially Barrett-Jackson's events, is the auctioning of a car with proceeds that benefit charity. A great example of this is the recent Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2018 event where the first 2019 Ford Mustang Bullitt was auctioned off for charity. The specific Mustang that was auctioned is VIN 001 of the new Bullitt. Ford announced the revival of the Bullitt shortly before the auction, allowing hype to follow into the event. This new Mustang Bullitt features the GT's engine but has its power pushed up to 475 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. Most Powerful Street-Legal Ford is Coming: 2019 Mustang Shelby GT500 So, how much did the first 2019 Mustang Bullitt go for? When all was said and done, the hammer price was recorded at $300,000. The entirety of that hammer price will go to benefit Boys Republic, "a private, nonprofit, nonsectarian school and treatment community for troubled youngsters."

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