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 Tyler Rampersaud – March 10, 2025

1-of-85 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant GT For Sale

While it’s celebrated today for its extensive lineup of luxury cars including a burgeoning selection of electric and electrified vehicles, one of the most celebrated aspects of Audi as a manufacturer by enthusiasts is its rally and motorsport legacy, where a major highlight is quattro, and its incredible success in the rally arena. Obtaining a record at Pikes Peak that will never be broken since the road has been paved, the Audi quattro is a legend in the rally world, one that has been celebrated by a limited edition of one of its current performance cars. The Audi RS 6 Avant is one of the few luxury performance station wagons available on the market, and with a twin-turbocharged V8 sending power to all four wheels, it combines a formidable ability for speed and spirited driving with the luxury and practicality of a large station wagon body style. However, it served as the canvas for a collector-grade limited edition, the Audi RS 6 Avant GT, which features a livery and special details that pay homage to Audi’s racing legends like the quattro of the past. Only 85 Audi RS 6 Avant GT examples were designated for the United States, out of 660 manufactured globally. It’s a collector-worthy masterpiece that combines the benefits of Audi’s incredible luxury performance wagon with the splendor of historically-inspired limited-edition models. With only 85 US-market examples, it’s a difficult car to find for sale. However, one is available for sale at The Collection in Coral Gables, Florida, listed on duPont REGISTRY. Featuring the Audi RS 6 Avant GT’s signature livery, wheels, and body kit, as well as an interior upholstered in elegant black leather, the 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant GT for sale fits perfectly into any garage. View the price and listing for this 2025 Audi RS 6 Avant GT for sale by clicking the button, including flexible financing options through dR Finance, powered by Westlake Financial. View Listing & Financing

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 01, 2024

1-of-333 2012 Audi R8 GT Listed For Sale

The Audi R8 is one of the most legendary supercars of the 21st century. It has an unforgettable silhouette, enviable dynamics, and the status of being one of the handful of supercars to boast a V10 engine. The first generation of the Audi R8 sent shockwaves through the automotive industry when it was introduced, but the Audi R8 GT takes its timeless supercar formula a step further. Increased power and lightweight, track-focused tweaks make the R8 GT an exclusive supercar masterpiece. View Price And Listing Only 333 first-generation Audi R8 GT examples were made, with only 90 destined for the United States. It’s not easy to find an Audi R8 GT for sale, but as the source for supercars since 1985, duPont REGISTRY has listed a 2012 Audi R8 GT for sale. Compared to the Audi R8 V10, the GT features increased power to 552 horsepower, 220 pounds of weight savings, a fixed wing, and more. This example of the 2012 Audi R8 GT for sale, number 223 of the 333 cars made, is available at Lamborghini Charlotte in Charlotte, North Carolina. It’s finished in a timelessly elegant silver exterior color, with the iconic side “blade” finished in exposed carbon fiber. Exposed carbon fiber accents and aggressive aerodynamics hint at its performance-oriented tweaks. The interior is elegantly finished in black leather, making for a supercar that seamlessly fits into any luxury or exotic car collection. If you want to own an exclusive, rare supercar that captures an unforgettable moment in automotive history, view the price and listing of this 2012 Audi R8 GT for sale by clicking the button.

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 18, 2024

RARE U.S. Federalized 2001 Audi RS4 Avant For Sale at Blu...

While coupes and roadsters have long since been seen as cool kids on the block, station wagons have taken the more functional and practical route with ample storage space and sophisticated all-wheel-drive systems. Audi has and will continue to prove that statement wrong through its performance-focused Avant series. And while many of the coveted Audi RS Avants have been kept from the U.S. market, with the exception of the RS6 Avant in 2020, they remain dream cars amongst euro collectors and enthusiasts. Here to hand deliver a five-door dream to one discerning driver, the team at Blue Chip is proud to showcase this fully federalized 2001 Audi RS4 Avant as part of its extensive inventory of collector-grade cars for sale on duPont REGISTRY. View Price And Listing This 2001 Audi RS4 Avant, a rare sight on U.S. soil, sports a sleek Avus silver finish that catches the eye. Imported to the U.S. in 2003 and federalized for American roads, it's not just its color that stands out. The car has been maintained meticulously, including full front Xpel paint protection film and a complete ceramic coating to ensure that it looks as fresh as the day it was painted in Germany. The RS4 Avant ditched the factory 18" alloys for 19” BBS CH wheels and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires. Inside, the cabin features black leather upholstery adorned with carbon fiber trim that sets a sophisticated tone, sweetened by cream Alcantara inserts on the seats and doors. The driving experience is centered around an Audi Sport steering wheel and shifter, both wrapped in factory Alcantara. The original Bose stereo has been upgraded to an Alpine Bluetooth head unit, which connects to a custom audio system featuring an 8-channel amplifier, speakers, and an integrated subwoofer enclosure, providing an immersive listening experience. Under the hood, the RS4 Avant packs a serious punch with its twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 engine, tuned by Cosworth, to deliver power smoothly to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Performance upgrades include RS6 turbochargers and intercoolers, Methanol Injection, and a custom ECU tune, boosting overall horsepower and torque. The exhaust note is refined by a Miltek system, and handling is sharpened with Bilstein coilovers. Braking has been improved thanks to upgraded MOVIT 6 Piston front calipers and 4 Piston rear calipers. Recent service at Blue Chip ensure that this Audi RS4 Avant is finely tuned and ready for the road. As part of the sale, the car will come with all DOT paperwork and service records on file. With only 37k miles on the odometer, this 2001 Audi RS4 Avant from Blue Chip is now available on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Price And Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 28, 2024

2018 Audi R8 Spyder In Rare Audi Exclusive Olive Green Fo...

This iconic supercar sports a unique color. The Audi R8 was introduced to us as Audi’s first production supercar, and it made a big splash in the automotive world, featuring futuristic design, enviable dynamics, and incredible performance, not to mention the glorious and uncommon sound (and power) of a V10 engine. It’s been almost two decades since the Audi R8 was first introduced to us, and we are now witnessing the sunset of one of our favorite supercars as automotive enthusiasts, but there’s still time to get your hands on excellent examples of this legendary high-performance beauty. One of those examples is this 2018 Audi R8 Spyder, which is available for sale at Magden Motors in Sykesville, Maryland. It features everything that makes the Audi R8 great, its all-wheel drive, its iconic silhouette with the unmistakable carbon fiber side blade, its mid-mounted V10 engine, and also an open top. However, this example features some great extras, like a Bang & Olufsen audio system, a full leather interior, the Black Optic Package, and most prominently a unique green color. The shade comes from the Audi Exclusive palette, specifically Olive Green, and it adds a unique, head-turning touch to what is already an excellent supercar. If you’re looking for a supercar to add to your collection that is not only tons fun to drive and packs a punch under the hood, the 2018 Audi R8 Spyder is a great choice, and this example adds unique looks to the mix as well. The Audi R8 is quickly becoming a piece of automotive history, and now is your chance to get one before it does. View the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 03, 2023

This 2023 Audi R8 GT For Sale Is 1 Of 150 In The US

Audi’s epic sendoff to the R8 is for sale.

By Andrew Nabors – May 04, 2020

2020 Audi e-tron Sportback is Ready for Summer

With the price of oil being cheaper than toilet paper, SUV sales will inevitably be strong in the next few months. The Audi e-Tron has been a smashing success, as they boldly entered the EV market. Now they are poised for an encore performance, as the 2020 Audi e-tron Sportback is ready for Summer. This new fastback 5-door is a "coupe" by their definition, so we'll call it whatever they want. A 95 kWh battery places it among the most capable EVs on the market, and innovative software will only allow you to use 91 percent of it. This prevents the battery from forming a memory, and offers years of performance. In normal driving you will have 355 horsepower with a range of 218 miles. Boost mode ups it to 402 horsepower to reach 60 mph in 5.5. seconds. While normally rear-wheel drive, the front motor is used for regenerative braking. However, the quattro system can instantly send power to one or both front wheels if needed. Using Electrify America's Porsche/Audi DC chargers, you will regain 174 miles, or 3 hours of range in 30 minutes. The starting MSRP is $77,400, and you will receive a 7,500 tax credit from the IRS. They will be arriving in a few days at our dealers around the U.S. so click the button below to find one near you. Browse Audi e-tron For Sale

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

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 Andrew Nabors – April 26, 2017

One of Only 25 Built - 2017 Audi R8 V10 plus exclusive Fo...

It has been several years since Audi pioneered the use of Laser headlights, but the wait is over. Our incredibly fast reacting federal government finally realized that they are not weapons of mass distraction. Fears of blinding oncoming motorists led to a delay in revisiting 50-year-old legislation, which manufacturers and enthusiasts have been asking for since HIDs took over the aftermarket. The innovative high beams are generated by a 450nm laser aimed at a phosphor (a compound that glows when energized by the laser). To celebrate being first to market, Audi has built 25 exclusive examples of the 2017 R8 V10 plus.Also Check Out - Top 10 Reasons Why You Need to Buy a Ferrari 488Each car is finished in Quantum Gray with Titanium-Black trim. Carbon fiber rocker panels and a Solar Orange stripe compliment a black and orange leather interior. A diamond-stitched Alcantara headliner and luggage compartment are unique to these cars, and we're proud to have the first one available. Located in Atlanta, it is still wearing the white plastic protection installed at the factory. With only 34 miles, it is still in new condition. The other 24 cars are probably already spoken for, so don't pass up this rare opportunity. Click here for more information and stay with us for more Audi updates.View Price and ListingAudi R8 For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 10, 2015

Audi R8 V10 with APR Performance Carbon Fiber Aero Kit

Built on the platform of the Lamborghini Gallardo, the Audi R8 V10 has won over countless customers, enthusiasts and journalists alike. It has subtle, yet beautiful German styling, a comfortable interior, daily-drivable manners and, of course, breathtaking power sourced from a 5.2-liter FSI engine.This example being offered by Taggart Autosport comes with a six-speed R tronic transmission with paddle shifters, carbon fiber sigma package, navigation and the titanium package. To spice up the German sports car even more, it also comes with an added APR Performance Carbon Fiber Aero Kit, making it look identical to the R8 GT3 cars racing around the world.With only 4,800 miles, this R8 V10 comes close to brand new and is sure to go quick. Click the button below for its price, more pics and info.View Price and InfoGallery

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