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.

A sleek white car, reminiscent of a Lamborghini, navigates a curving road surrounded by rocky terrain under a partly cloudy sky, symbolizing the Audi Group's anticipated Q3 2024 success.

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 05, 2024

Audi Group Reports Q3 2024 Results In Challenging Market

The Audi Group navigates a challenging economic situation. Known for its enticing lineup of brands, including Audi itself, Lamborghini, Bentley, and the iconic Italian motorcycles of Ducati, the Audi Group has experienced recent success, electrifying its offerings throughout its portfolio, introducing powerful hybrid supercars with Lamborghini, innovative ultra-luxe hybrids and an upcoming fully-electric model with Bentley, and an expanding suite of all-electric models with Audi. In the first nine months of this year, however, Audi Group reported that a challenging economic situation has put a damper on growth. As the year comes to a close, Audi looks forward to hopefully seeing newly introduced and updated model families contribute to the revitalization of its success, especially within the Audi brand. Revenue for the group decreased by 8.2 percent, while a challenging economic environment meant that operating profit was more than halved compared to last year’s number for the first nine months. Globally, the Audi Group delivered 1,251,381 vehicles between January and September 2024, and 115,788 of those were all-electric models. However, deliveries decreased by nearly 11 percent for the Audi brand, with Audi citing reasons like limited parts availability. The brand is aggressively launching new models, with 15 debuts this year and more to come in 2025 and before the end of 2024, like a new Q5 Sportback and a new A7. Hopefully, the launches of new models will spark new growth. Meanwhile, Bentley's and Ducati's global deliveries decreased for the first nine months of 2024. However, Lamborghini continues to prove successful within the Audi Group, with its 8,411 deliveries in the first nine months of the year representing an increase of 8.6 percent. Lamborghini’s revenue and operating profit have also increased. As the end of the year approaches, Audi Group’s innovative lineup and revered brands are expected to result in financial success. View All Audis For Sale

A person, possibly a chassis developer, stands next to two parked Audi SUVs—an elegant gray and a striking red—on a foggy Spanish road. Each vehicle exudes the performance prowess of the Audi RS Q8.

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 04, 2024

Audi Chassis Developer Tests The New RS Q8 Performance In...

Audi’s pinnacle performance SUV is seen in action. Recently, Audi upped the ante of its flagship luxury performance SUV, debuting the new Audi RS Q8 performance as the most powerful combustion model to emerge from Audi Sport yet. With its immense 631 horsepower and 627 lb/ft of torque, it boasts the greatest iteration of Audi’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that the luxury SUV coupe has seen yet. It gets from 0-60 in just 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of 190 mph, and while that sounds great on paper, Audi chassis developer Roland Waschkau decided to get a feel for it in action. In Sitges, Spain, Waschkau begins his journey, experiencing the hot-blooded Audi RS Q8 performance between the hotel and ParcMotor Circuit in Castellolí. In both locations, the adaptive air suspension can change its character, providing comfort on the road and sporty agility on the track. The mountains of Montserrat proved to be an engaging testing ground, as well, showing off the agility the vehicle has despite being a generous luxury SUV, thanks to its all-wheel steering reducing the turning circle. Track-ready performance is what the RS Q8 performance was able to deliver at ParcMotor Circuit, having to its name a Nürburgring Nordschleife lap time of just 7:36.698. With its ceramic brakes, the vehicle’s power, lightweight construction, excellent weight distribution, and innovative agility all combine with top-of-the-line stopping power to make the new Audi RS Q8 performance a true thriller on the track and at the same time, a flagship-worthy luxury SUV coupe full of style and creature comforts. View All Audis For Sale Image Source: Audi

A red Audi RS Q8 Performance SUV is parked on a concrete platform in front of a modern building with large windows and brick accents, embodying powerful combustion at sunset.

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 24, 2024

The New Audi RS Q8 Performance Is The Most Powerful Combu...

Audi musters a true super SUV. The Audi RS Q8 is known for combining Audi’s signature luxury touches with a sharp, elegant SUV-coupe design and the monstrous power of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine. Audi, however, has recently revamped its lineup, focusing on electrification and introducing a suite of new models that show off Audi’s luxurious and sporty character with electric power, including its most powerful production model yet, the new Audi RS e-tron GT performance. Despite its burgeoning all-electric lineup, Audi remains committed to its combustion-powered models as well. It has just revealed its newly crowned most powerful production combustion model yet: the new Audi RS Q8 performance, an even more powerful expression of Audi’s flagship luxury high-performance SUV. Its engine boasts an incredible 631 horsepower and 627 lb/ft of torque, making it the most powerful combustion-powered model in Audi Sport history. As a result, the new range-topping SUV rockets from 0-60 in just 3.4 seconds, reaching a top speed that Audi electronically limits at 190 mph. With its quattro all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, and a mechanical center differential distributing power at a 40:60 rear bias, it’s clearly a performance-oriented creation. Sakhir Gold, Ascari Blue, and Chili Red expand the palette of available colors for the new Audi RS Q8 performance. Matte grey details throughout the exterior highlight the performance-oriented look of the Audi RS Q8 performance, along with 23-inch wheels and Pirelli P Zero 295/35 R23 tires. 17-inch brakes with 10 pistons provide stopping power. Highlighting its enhanced performance, the interior is available with a red or gray RS design package. It features contrast stitching, Alcantara upholstery, carbon fiber accents, and shift lights available through the Audi virtual cockpit plus. Available to order now, the new Audi RS Q8 performance, the most powerful combustion-powered production model in Audi Sport's history, starts at an MSRP of $136,200, with deliveries beginning before the end of the year. View All Audi RS Q8s For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 15, 2024

Audi Reveals New Q6 & SQ6 e-tron Sportback

Audi’s new electric SUV adopts a new body style. Audi is at the forefront of electrification in the automotive industry, with a rapidly expanding lineup of electrified options that offer luxury, style, and cutting-edge technology. Yet another new all-electric Audi has now been revealed: the Sportback variant of Audi’s Q6 e-tron luxury electric SUV. Based on Audi's new PPE electric architecture, the new Q6 e-tron Sportback brings a stylish SUV-coupe variant to the new Q6 e-tron. Despite adopting a coupe-like silhouette, the Q6 e-tron Sportback has a 114-inch wheelbase, allowing for ample rear-seat room, and retains SUV practicality with a towing capacity of 4,400 pounds. Audi estimates its driving range to be around 300 miles. Along with the Q6 e-tron Sportback, Audi also revealed the sportier Audi SQ6 e-tron Sportback, with 509 peak horsepower compared to the standard Q6’s 456 peak horsepower. The new model features a design inspired by Audi’s flagship e-tron GT family and luxury features like an available Bang & Olufsen audio system, optional augmented reality Head-Up Display, and more. The new Sportback version of the Audi Q6 e-tron, along with the Audi SQ6 e-tron counterpart, will be available in the U.S. market in 2025, and more information about pricing and specific details about the vehicles are soon to come. View All Audis For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 17, 2024

Audi Reveals New 1-of-299 e-tron GT Audi exclusive Edition

Audi exclusive adds panache to its electric grand tourer. Since 1995 with special Office packages for the A8, including a refrigerated console, power curtains, and a VHS player, Audi exclusive has been taking Audi’s luxury and design factor to the next level. Nearly 30 years later, Audi exclusive has become an important avenue through which Audi clients are able to personalize their vehicles and express themselves through unique configurations. With an available Audi exclusive personalized interior, the Audi R8 quickly became the most popular vehicle to customize with Audi exclusive, with an average of one in five Audi R8s being customized by Audi exclusive. Now, the new generation of the Audi RS e-tron GT, which now includes the new Audi RS e-tron GT performance, the most powerful production model from Audi yet, is being launched with a new Audi exclusive special edition. All three models, the Audi S e-tron GT, the Audi RS e-tron GT, and the Audi RS e-tron performance will be available as a limited edition Audi exclusive model, with 299 examples. The exclusive configuration boasts an exterior in Arabica Gray, which combines grey with warm gold tones that appear in the light. It's contrasted with black wheels, exposed carbon fiber, and highlights in matte Neodymium Gold. Inside, Mint Gray and Mora Violet upholsteries lend a unique look to the luxurious interior of the Audi e-tron GT. In addition to the stunning Audi exclusive special edition, Audi exclusive also offers individual customizations for the Audi e-tron GT, for customers who want to use the electric grand tourer as a canvas for self expression and personalization. If you want to own a performance EV that turns heads with a unique look, Audi exclusive has done just that with the Audi e-tron GT. View All Audi e-trons For Sale Image Source: Audi

With a Cd value of 0.24, the A6 Avant e tron starts a new chapte

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 10, 2024

How Audi Made The New A6 Sportback e-tron Its Most Aerody...

Audi reveals its most aerodynamic model yet. Regarding efficiency and performance, it’s important for any car to be aerodynamic, but for electric vehicles, optimizing aerodynamics is more important than ever, in order to maximize range and battery efficiency. The Audi A6 Sportback e-tron, one of Audi’s latest all-electric models, is proudly Audi’s most aerodynamic model yet, with an incredible drag coefficient of just 0.21. The A6 e-tron builds on decades of Audi designing and engineering vehicles for superior aerodynamics and pulls all the stops to be the historic manufacturer’s most aerodynamic model yet. In 1967, Audi innovated with the 0.35 drag coefficient of its NSU Ro 80, and again in 1982, the Audi 100 innovated with its 0.30 drag coefficient. The third-generation Audi 80 sported a drag coefficient of 0.29, and now, the 0.21 drag coefficient of the new Audi A6 Sportback e-tron makes it the most aerodynamically efficient Audi ever. The incredible achievement is the result of over 2,800 hours of simulations, and an incredible amount of wind tunnel testing. Aerodynamics experts at Audi closely collaborated with the manufacturer’s design team to optimize the new Audi A6 Sportback e-tron, painstakingly tweaking every component possible to ensure the best aerodynamic performance possible. This includes the entire range of wheels available for the new A6, ranging from 19 to 21 inches in diameter. With every last detail made to enhance aerodynamics, Audi pushes its lineup and the entire automotive industry forward with the record-breaking aerodynamics of the new A6 Sportback e-tron. View All Audis For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 05, 2024

Audi Announces Nardo Sport Edition Package For 2025 S6 & S7

Audi’s iconic performance sedans get extra style. The Audi S6 and S7 are iconic and celebrated performance sedans, combining elegant looks, luxurious appointments, and robust performance for engaging driving and impressive dynamics. This year, the new 2025 Audi S6 and S7 Nardo Sport Edition models feature added style to the pair of luxury sedans. The Nardo Gray exterior color is the most prominent indicator of the new 2025 Nardo Sport Edition for the Audi S6 and Audi S7. It also has a black roof, darkened headlights, and carbon fiber wing mirrors. High gloss black badging enhances the performance-oriented look, and both models receive different sets of gloss black 21-inch wheels. The interior of the 2025 Audi S6 and Audi S7 Nardo Sport Edition is finished with Jet Gray and black leather, along with Crimson Red stitching and Crimson Red seatbelts. The leather extends to the dashboard, armrest, and center console for the special edition. Both models get their performance character from their twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 engine, which is good for 444 horsepower and 443 lb/ft of torque. Mild hybrid technology helps combat turbo lag, and power going to all four wheels results in thrilling performance. The package is now available for US customers to order the 2025 Audi S6 and 2025 Audi S7. For the S6, the package is priced at $9,700 on top of the price of the car itself, and for the S7, it costs $11,200. Audi’s most iconic performance luxury sedans get even better with extra style and an iconic color. View All Audis For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 03, 2024

Audi Reveals The New Third-Generation 2025 Q5 & SQ5

Audi’s smash-hit SUV is revamped again. The Audi Q5 has been one of the most popular models in the legendary luxury manufacturer’s lineup for years. It’s celebrated for its size, versatility, and ample luxury features, and Audi has just revealed the new third generation of the popular luxury crossover. The new 2025 Audi Q5 is the first Audi SUV to be based on the new Premium Platform Combustion, following the footsteps of the Audi A5 that debuted the platform recently. Two variants of the new 2025 Audi Q5 SUV have debuted: the new Audi Q5 and the new Audi SQ5, which show off both luxury and performance-oriented character within the model lineup. The Audi Q5 has a 2.0-liter engine with 268 horsepower. The new 2025 Q5 is available with front-wheel drive or quattro all-wheel drive. The current pinnacle version of the Audi Q5 is the Audi SQ5, which boasts a 3.0-liter V6 engine producing 362 horsepower and 406 lb/ft of torque. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard for the SQ5. Before launching in the US, the new 2025 Audi Q5 will launch in Europe, so gas mileage and pricing figures aren’t yet available for the US-market model. However, specific information regarding the US version of the new 2025 Audi Q5 and SQ5 will come closer to the market launch of the staple luxury crossover in early 2025. Until then, anticipation builds for the newest generation of Audi’s popular luxury SUV. View All Audi Q5s For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 28, 2024

Audi Teases A New Third-Generation Q5

Audi’s popular crossover gets a makeover. The Audi Q5 is known for its smart looks, luxurious features, everyday enjoyability, and versatile capability. After two generations, it’s proved to be one of the most popular and celebrated models in Audi’s lineup. Audi has now announced that a third generation will be coming very soon. Among many new models coming from a rapidly transforming Audi, the new Q5 is set to evolve the popular crossover formula with more of the technology, luxury, style, and versatility that made it such a success. A new teaser image shows off a new headlight design for the new third-generation Audi Q5, aligning its design language with the latest Audi models. Audi’s evolving lineup has seen the introduction of many new electric models alongside new modernized versions of its combustion-powered lineup. Between 2024 and 2025, the historic manufacturer will launch more than 20 new models, and more than 10 will be electric. So far, that has included the Audi Q6 e-tron, the Audi A6 e-tron, and the new Audi A5, and the Audi Q5 is the next to enter a new generation. With its rapid evolution and pioneering level of electrification in the luxury automotive world, Audi and its new models are transforming the luxury automotive landscape. View All Audi Q5s For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 23, 2024

Jonathan Wheatley Announced As Audi F1 Team Principal

Audi’s upcoming F1 entry secures new talent. Audi is making a big move in the motorsport world very soon, and that will be the historic luxury manufacturer’s entry into the world of Formula 1. Partnering with Sauber in the effort, a legend in the F1 racing world, Audi is planning to make a splash when it enters the Formula 1 grid in 2026. Recently, Audi announced former Formula 1 team head Mattia Binotto as Chief Operating and Chief Technical Officer at Sauber Motorsport AG, taking a serious leadership position in the new Formula 1 efforts, and a new Team Principal has been announced for the upcoming Audi Formula 1 team: Jonathan Wheatley. With a F1 career beginning in the early 1990s, Wheatley has been involved in all six Constructor’s Championship and all seven Driver’s World Championship titles won by Red Bull Racing. He will also serve as the management spokesperson for the new team. With the management of team consisting of Wheatley and Binotto, and their decades of combined and highly successful experience in Formula 1, Audi’s entry into the prestigious series is something to look out for. View All Audis For Sale

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