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 01, 2020

Audi Planning 20 Electric Models by 2025

The driving force behind the Audi E-tron was their quest for excellence. It is a popular and capable crossover. Sharing technology between their cousins at Porsche and friends at Rimac is how Audi is planning 20 EV models by 2025. In a press release this morning, we learned it will start with four all-new chassis. Starting with the upcoming E-tron Sportback, engineers and designers have agreed on a few common aspects. First, they will share the same 800-volt architecture that be charged at home or at the Porsche/Audi spots at Electrify America's expanding network. This plan represents €12 billion global investment and we hope it includes a high-voltage R8. You will see them here first so stay with us for all your Audi news. Browse All Audi For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2020

Audi's Coloring Book is fun for all Ages!

It would be presumptuous to wish all Audi showrooms were filled with potential customers. Since proper social distancine is key to to staying healthy, the ingenous workers in Ingolstadt have a way to spend time with family. That's right, the Audi Coloring book is back, and fun for all ages. So many hidden parts and references to the past can be seen on these pages. You might even learn what each of Audi's 4 rings stands for. Download the book here, and show us your drawings in the Facebook comments below. Click the button to find the perfect color for your real Audi, and be safe! Browse All Audi For Sale Here

By Andrew Nabors – March 12, 2020

New 2021 Audi RS Q8 is a Twin Turbo Super SUV

Badge engineering is an American term to describe the same car sold under another name at a different dealer. Although the concept began here, it seems alive and well in Europe. We're not discouraging this practice because it allows amazing models to target different clientele. If you don't need the aggressive looks and brutal power of the Lamborghini Urus, the new 2021 Audi RS Q8 is a twin-turbo super SUV. As a larger version of the Q7, it offers three rows of adult-size seating. It shares the solid foundations of the Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne Turbo S, and the Volkswagen Toureg. The Lamborghini 4.0L V8 has been de-tuned to offer 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. When ordered with ceramic brakes, the top speed is limited to only 190 mph. Impressive accolades include 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, and lapping the 'Ring in 7:42.2. Standard equipment includes active air suspension, active roll control, all-wheel steering, quattro AWD, and Valcona leather interior. All this can be yours for $113,000. Click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Audi news. Browse All Audi For Sale " width="680"> P.S. They built this engine to run as smoothly as possible, so it uses a firing order of 1-3-7-2-6-5-4-8, making it sound identical to every Ford 351 & 4.6 V8 Related: Lamborghini Urus Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – March 11, 2020

Audi Teases Return of Manual Transmissions

As the performance & engineering brand of Volkswagen Group, the four rings represent a commitment to building cars we love to drive. Big changes are in the works for this year, as VW intends to buy out the last private shareholders in order to own 100% of the company. This would also allow easier sharing of knowledge between Lamborghini and Ducati. So in a shocking tweet, Audi teases the return of manual transmissions. Tell us which Audi for sale needs three pedals and stay with us for all your Audi news. Browse All Audi For Sale Related: Audi R8 V10 Plus Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – March 10, 2020

2021 Audi RS 6 Avant is Coming Soon

We have been begging for years and they have finally answered our pleas. Fast wagons are the answer to boring crossovers and boxy SUVs, so we're happy to announce that the 2021 Audi RS 6 Avant is coming soon. Audi has a dedicated fanbase here in the U.S., but due to the costs of federalizing a niche model we have only experienced the Avant in their A and S series over a decade ago. Priced below the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon, you will have 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft from a twin-turbo 4.0L V8. Other accolades include reaching 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph. The cherry on top is a 25th Anniversary Nogaro model finished with Driver Assistance & Sport Exhaust as standard equipment. Pricing starts at $109,000, so click the button below to find our dealer near you. Browse All Audi For Sale " width="680"> Related: 2021 Audi SQ7 Will Arrive With Unprecedented Power & Agility

By Andrew Nabors – January 30, 2020

Audi's "Big Game" Ads Feature Maisie Williams and the e-tron

Football advertising is expensive. Manufacturers spend millions for 30-second spots, and much more at the minute mark. To maximize their return on the investment, many have chosen to leak their commercials a few days early. Such is the case, as Audi's Big Game ad features Maisie Williams and the new e-tron Sportback. Appealing to kids and their parents, she performs a perfect rendition of "Let it go". An excellent co-branding move with Disney, they are asking us to let go of gas, pollution, and the past. Once you drive an e-tron, you will understand why it is the perfect family machine. Click the button below to find one near you and stay with us for a Big Game car commercial recap. Browse All Audi E-tron For Sale " width="680"> Related: Audi e-tron Sportback is Your High-Voltage SUV

By Andrew Nabors – December 18, 2019

2020 Audi Q7 Arrives With Fresh Lines & More Power

Nobody likes a stale SUV, and that is why the 2020 Audi Q7 will arrive with fresh lines & more power. Following the lead of the Q5 and other updated Audis, the new Q7 for sale has gained a slough of technology. For the first time, the MMI interface is now standard equipment. It keeps your eyes on the road for the utmost safety. Also onboard is a new top-mounted 360-degree camera, cross-traffic assist, turn assist, and traffic sign recognition. Automatic emergency stopping up to 6 mph and adaptive cruise control make driving a breeze. Real Madrid Players Receive Free Audi Club Cars Under the hood is a new 3.0-liter with a twin-scroll turbo. It uses the "Hot V" technique of mounting the turbo up top and the intakes on the outboard side. This makes 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque at almost any rpm. Browse All Audi Q7 FOr Sale Along with cleaner body lines and a new interior, you should consider the Q7 before all others. Click the button above to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Audi updates. Related: Audi R8 V10 Plus Specs, Price, Photos & Review

„25 years of Audi RS: anniversary package”

By Andrew Nabors – December 13, 2019

Audi RS: 25 Years of Incredible Performance

Something remarkable arrived in 1994. Engineers in Ingolstadt boosted a 5-cylinder engine to 315 horsepower and bolted it to Quattro all-wheel-drive. The result was the RS 2 Avant, and it was the foundation of a new performance lineup. Fast forward a quarter-century to celebrate Audi RS: 25 years of incredible performance. Foregoing an anglicized translation, the "Anniversary Package 25 Years of RS" is now available on the RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Coupe, RS 5 Sportback, RS 6 Avant, RS7 Sportback, and TT RS Coupe. Each example will arrive with matte aluminum and gloss black body trim. Inside the black Valcona leather and blue Alcantara accents are an homage to the first RS cars in '94. Other details can be found in seat embroidery, floor mats, door sills, and puddle lamps with the anniversary logo. Our dealers have great holiday incentives, so click the button below to find one near you. Browse All Audi For Sale " width="680"> Related: Audi R8 V10 Plus Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 10, 2019

Audi RS 5 Coupe & Sedan Offer Power & Efficiency

A quattro badge is not just for looks. It represents a skilled workforce who build the world's best All Wheel Drive cars. Room for a family and contemporary looks hide 444 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. That is how the Audi RS 5 Coupe & Sedan offer power & Efficiency. Browse All Audi RS 5 For Sale Because the engine offers nearly identical torque and horsepower, it easily reaches 27 mpg on the highway. In my humble opinion, Audi offers the best dual-natured machines. Our dealers have great Holliday incentives, so click the button above and experience the RS 5 for yourself.

By Edward Jones – November 27, 2019

2020 Audi RS Q8: Meet Audi Sport's Most Powerful SUV Coupe

Audi Sport GmbH has unveiled the most powerful SUV Coupe they've ever created, the new RS Q8. This new model sits atop the Q line, thanks to its boundless luxury and performance. For power, the RS Q8 relies on its 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine. This metal heart provides the SUV Coupe with 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Audi says this SUV will sprint from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.8 seconds and 0 to 124.3 mph in 13.7 seconds. It also includes a mild-hybrid system (MHEV). A belt alternator-starter that's connected to the crankshaft can recover 12 kW of power during deceleration and braking. “For the first time in the 25-year history of Audi RS models, we are putting a large SUV coupe with the genes of a true high-performance sports car on the road,” said Oliver Hoffmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “With its biturbo V8 gasoline engine, the Audi RS Q8** is the prestigious spearhead of the RS model family.” Expect the 2020 Audi RS Q8 to arrive in 2020. SEE ALL AUDIS FOR SALE

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