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

Audi News

Audi news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated daily with model reveals, first drives, technology launches and verified performance figures. Our coverage runs across the RS models and the expanding e-tron range, together with the road cars that sit beneath them. Audi is moving quickly on electrification, and we report each development as it is confirmed. Plenty of publications carry performance car news, but few carry it beside live inventory. Many of the Audis covered here appear on the duPont REGISTRY marketplace, so a review and a genuine asking price sit together. That combination is difficult to find anywhere else in luxury car news. For Audi news today, begin with the stories below.

By Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2021

What's New At Audi Sport For 2022?

Yes, the RS6 Avant is hot, but what about the others? By all measures, Audi is leading the way in powerful German luxury. We have been following the arrival of the RS6 Avant because fast wagons are the antithesis of lumbering, massive SUVs. So, if you are in the market for a new quattro, here are the juicy updates. A new RS Design package debuts on the RS5, RS6 RS7, and the RS Q8. if you haven't expeirenced tlast one, its a great way to own a Lamborghini Urus while flying under the radar. The RS Design package includes an RS-specific character that amplifies performance textiles, and design components. After a brief absence, a flat-bottom steering wheel with hands-on detection is now standard equipped on all RS 6 Avant and RS 7 models. Next up is Dynamic Ride Control. This system divorces the sway bars by using 48v solenoids. They negate pitch and roll at each corner for a silky ride. It is now optional on the RS6 & RS7. Check out these wild new RS6 Avants for sale. Finally, we learn the details of the 2022 R8 Performance RWD gets a bump in power. The indestructible V10 now offers 562 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The sport exhaust has been calibrated for the increased growl, and racing bucket seats have been borrowed from the Huracan STO. Model Engine Transmission Premium Premium Plus Prestige Specialty Trim Starting MSRP RS 6 Avant 4.0-liter, V8 Tiptronic® - - - $112,000 RS 7 4.0-liter, V8 Tiptronic® - - - $114,500 RS Q8 4.0-liter, V8 Tiptronic® - - - $115,400 R8 Coupe V10 performance RWD 5.2-liter, V10 S tronic® - - - $146,500 R8 Coupe V10 performance quattro 5.2-liter, V10 S tronic® - - - $197,600 R8 Spyder V10 performance RWD 5.2-liter, V10 S tronic® - - - $158,700 R8 Spyder V10 performance quattro 5.2-liter V10 S tronic® - - - $211,300 Tell us which Audi(s) are in your future and stay with us for all your Audi news. Browse Audi For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2021

Watch An Audi R8 V10 Spyder Six-Speed Shred the Autobahn

Your car can't do this Germany had a great idea to build a network of high-speed highways that are the envy of the world. But what good is having no speed limits without an amazing car? When Audi introduced the R8, the world smiled at the notion of an AWD V8. But as the car evolved, their cousins at Lamborghini insisted they use the V10 from the Gallardo. We've had several Gallardos and R8's in the collection over the past 10 years. The first cars arrived with the R-Tronic automatic. This single-clutch automatic is fun for road racing, and it evolved into the S-Tronic dual-clutch for the 2014 model year. But for those who need 3-pedals, the manual transmission is as rare as a unicorn. Being able to force 10-cylinder power through a gated shifter is a thrill unlike any other, so we're only a tad jealous that our friends in the Netherlands had a chance to let this R8 stretch its legs. You too can experience German precision with Lamborghini power, so click the button below to begin your journey. Browse Audi R8 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 03, 2020

2021 Audi R8 Panther Edition Celebrates New RWD Series

Winter weather has arrived with a vengeance. Although many of us enjoy the practiality of their Quattro systems, the 2021 Audi R8 Panther Edition celebrates a new RWD series. In the past, the only way to experience rear-wheel drive in an R8 was in a few limited models. But thanks to overwhelming demand by their largest market, U.S. buyers have received RWD as its own new series. Hoonicorn Mustang vs. 8-Second Audi RS3 To celebrate, 30 coupes were finished in Panther Black crystal effect by Audi Exclusive. In addition to unique trim inside and out, the interior is black and red leather. Buyers will also enjoy a diamond-stitched Alcantara headliner, racing seats, and active exhaust. The latter can be activated on the steering wheel, allowing the panther to scream. The V10 offers 532 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque through a unique suspension. Without the weight and torque steer from the front end, the sway bars, springs, axles, and chassis mounts are all new. With increased negative camber you can hang out all day long until your tires give up. This car is as precise as a scalpel and as brutal as a chainsaw, so click the button below to find yours. Browse Audi R8 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 15, 2020

2021 Audi TT RS 40 Years Celebrates 4 Decades of Quattro AWD

Recently I bought my first AWD car. Here in Florida, hurricanes are the only real reason to send power to all wheels. Nevertheless, most automakers build AWD and 4WD cars for those who demand the ultimate in performance and safety. Before Audi, you would get crazy looks for mentioning All Wheel Drive because it was saved for concepts and off-road trucks. In order to dominate the rally-car scene, a few bold engineers combined their turbocharged engines with three differentials. The rest is history, so the 2021 Audi TT RS 40 Years celebrates 4 decades of quattro AWD. The TT won't win many awards for speed, but it offers more grip than a go-kart. That's why 40 anniversary models will be sold in Germany only. With 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, the TT RS is a fun car. The real excitement is experiencing quattro in an S8 sedan or the R8 V10 Plus. If you need family room, the RS6 Avant wagon is making a limited return this year. No matter what model you choose, the quattro system doesn't disappoint. So click the link below to find your quattro and stay with us for all your Audi news. Browse Audi R8 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 15, 2020

Underground Racing Audi R8 Shatters The 7-Second Barrier ...

This should not be possible. Tell anyone you are going to run a 7-second time and they will assume you have a Pro-Mod with a fiberglass body. A decade ago, nobody would guess a full-weight street legal Audi could run faster than 11 seconds. My car can run high 11's, but it took a small fortune to get it there. After watching this I think I give up, because Underground Racing's Audi R8 has shattered the 7-second barrier for a new world record. Going across the finish line close to 200 mph makes it faster than an F-18 on full afterburner. Not only did it pull a solid 5" wheelie, it crossed the 60-foot line on the rear tires only. Congrats to the team on this incredible achievement. If you want to attempt this, click the button to find your R8 and give Underground Racing a call. Audi R8 For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 08, 2020

2021 Audi R8 RWD Coupe and Spyder Are Now Permanent Addit...

When they were first announced, the RWD versions of the Audi R8 were simply limited-run models. Now, we're happy to say that the 2021 Audi R8 RWD Coupe and Spyder will be permanent additions to the lineup. This means customers will be able to pick from either standard versions or the Performance variant. Whichever model picked, they will both come packing the 5.2-liter V10 engine. For the standard R8 RWD, the engine will produce 532 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque. On the other hand, the 2021 R8 RWD Performance will have a V10 engine that puts out 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. Of course, the latter will come with a higher price tag. The price of these models is as follows: Model Starting MSRP 2021 Audi R8 V10 Coupe RWD $142,700 2021 Audi R8 V10 Spyder RWD $154,900 2021 Audi R8 V10 performance Coupe quattro $196,700 2021 Audi R8 V10 performance Spyder quattro $208,900 If you're interested, the new 2021 Audi R8 RWD Coupe and Spyder models will be available in dealership starting Winter 2020. If you're like to pick up an R8 for yourself now, be sure to click the button below to see what's currently for sale. See All Audi R8s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 23, 2020

2021 Audi R8 Green Hell Celebrates Nürburgring Victories

Since their racing program began in 2012, the Audi R8 LMS has won the 24 Hour endurance race five times. That is why the 2021 Audi R8 Green Hell celebrates their Nürburgring victories. Starting with an exterior of Tioman Green, this special edition will arrive with an Alcantara interior. Other highlights include kick panels, door panels and the center console with contrast stitching in a blue-green "Kailash Fern" tone. 2018 Audi R8 V10 Plus Specs, Price, Photos & Review If all green is not your thing, the car can be ordered in Ibis White or Mythos Black, but that's kinda silly given the car's name. GREEN HELL R8 logos can be found on the side blades and the windshield, while the spoilers, mirrors and other trim are matte black. Staying true to form, the 620 horsepower V10 leaps to 62 mph in 3.1 seconds thanks to quattro AWD. " width="680"> The active center differential sends power to a locking rear for instant acceleration in any situation. Rumors abound that the R8 is about to become electric, so we might be looking at one of the last great V10 supercars. Only 50 examples will be built, so click the button below to secure your reservation. Browse Audi R8 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 20, 2020

Audi Ends Base Model R8 Production With Limited Edition

We all know the R8 is evolving into an electric supercar. But before that happens, they will need some space on the assembly line for the new model. A quick look at our analytics makes their choice clearly evident. Buyers are not opting for the base model R8, as the Performance Editions of the coupe and spyder are much more popular. Therefore, the R8 V10 quattro Limited Edition will be limited to 30 cars. Available in Mugello Blue, Avus Silver, and Sonoma Green, each car will arrive with Audi Magnetic Ride, sport exhaust, and a carbon fiber front sway bar. Power is unchanged, with 562 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque sending you to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. The Performance models will continue to offer 602 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque, good enough for three tenths faster to 60 mph. If you prefer more aggressive styling, the new Lamborghini Huracan Evo is nearly identical underneath. Our dealers have all the details, so click the button below to find your new Audi R8 for sale. Browse Audi R8 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 15, 2020

Hennessey Performance Twin Turbo Audi R8 Time-Lapse Build

What does it take to add boost to an Audi R8 Spyder for sale? If you think patience and time, you would be correct. However, building an OEM-quality system requires fabrication skills and the resources of an industry-leading aftermarket manufacturer. The Audi R8 and its cousin from Italy are reliable and engineered to take whatever you throw at them. This process is nearly identical for the Lamborghini Huracan, and it starts with removing the factory intake and exhaust. A pair of billet precision turbos are tack-welded in place to confirm the location of the intercoolers. Once the symmetrical layout has oil and boost lines routed, the hot side was tig-welded, sanded, primed, and painted to match the factory exterior. Hennessey Performance C8 Corvette Exhaust Screams on the Dyno A dedicated cooling system uses new radiators up front and a high-volume pump, with everything plumbed in stainless with AN fittings. As a perfect finishing touch, the exhaust and wastegates have crossover to create a deep and balanced exhaust soundtrack. Details like V-band connections and a new oil reservoir are all examples of how Hennessey Performance offers more than customers or the aftermarket is expecting. The process is essentially the same for all generations of R8, Huracan, and Gallardo, so click the link below to learn more. Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 02, 2020

Top 15 Movies Starring Audi Models

Product placement in Hollywood can range from subliminal to outright comical. Audi chooses their collaborations to carefully target prospective buyers. If you are in the mood for another binge, stay out of the kitchen and enjoy the top 15 movies starring Audi models. 1. 1982, Audi 5000 in, "E.T., the Extra-Terrestrial" 2. 1998, S8 appears in one of the greatest chase scenes ever filmed, "Ronin" 3. 1999, A4 sedan appears in the drama film, "The Insider" 4. 2003, TT Roadster in "Legally Blonde 2: Red White & Blonde". Fun fact: Audi developed the Candy Blue exterior paint color exclusively for the movie that was then available for customers to order. 5. 2006, Lois Lane drives an A3 Sportback in "Superman Returns" 6. 2007, Jason Bourne drives an A5 in "The Bourne Ultimatum" 7. 2008, R8, S5 and Q7 all make an appearance in the first "Iron Man" film, launching many epic adventures with the Marvel franchise. 8. 2008, A3 Sportback and the S8 star in "Taken" 9. 2010, A5 Sportback in "The American" 10. 2013, R8 Spyder and the A8 appear in the superhero film, "The Wolverine" 11. 2014, A5 Cabriolet and S6 in "Transformers: Age of Extinction" 12. 2015, R8 Spyder, A3 Sedan, S8, S7 and the Audi Q7 star in "Fifty Shades of Gray" Fun fact: the author had already written all of these Audi models into the book series, which then translated directly to the silver screen. 13. 2017, A8 was seen for the first time on-screen with the debut of "Spider-Man: Homecoming" 14. 2019, Audi e-tron Sportback concept and Audi ">e-tron GT concept appear in "Avengers: Endgame" 15. 2019, Audi e-tron SUV appears in addition to the A7 and the Audi Q8 in "Spider-Man: Far From Home" Tell us your favorite from this list and click the button below to find your new Audi. Browse New & Pre Owned Audi For Sale SPIDER-MAN™: HOMECOMING

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