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 – November 16, 2020

2021 Audi SQ2 Is A New Family Quattro Crossover

Look closely, this one is not like the others. Something fun & sporty arrived 2 years ago at the Frankfurt Auto Shown and we have been waiting for it to reach the U.S. Thankfully the new 2021 Audi SQ2 is a new family quattro crossover. Yes, this market is so hot that Audi threw down and skinned it to give us something faster and more capable. Reservations are surpassing expectations in Europe, so it would be a shame to keep it from the Western Hemisphere. Dumping everything they know at the 2.0-liter turbo, variable valve lift, active exhaust, and integrated manifolds allow it to offer 30.5 mpg. Audi Leaves DTM Racing With A Clean Sweep You will have 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque at almost any rpm. Brake boosting allows 62 mph to arrive in 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph. A new 7-speed dual-clutch has optimal gear ratios to make use of the boost. Both clutches have improved hydraulics and bearings for efficiency and long life. You will have the latest in torque management at all corners. Click the button below to find an Audi dealer near you and get ready for a fun & practical daily driver. Browse Audi For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 10, 2020

Audi Leaves DTM Racing With A Clean Sweep

Knowing when to hang it up is the mark of a true competitor. Racing fans around the world were shocked when teams began to leave Germany's most popular racing series. Perhaps the hardest news of all was Audi choosing to suspend motorsports until their electric future is revealed. But just like all the greats, they left us with fond memories by going out on top. In their latest upload, we see Audi leave DTM series by delivering a clean sweep of all 3 championships. This is the pride of an automotive empire, showcasing the best innovations from Porsche, Volkswagen, and all other brands in their lineup. From the first Quattro to the TT RS, every Audi is born to compete. Click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your Audi updates. Browse Audi For Sale " width="680">

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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 10, 2020

How Audi RS Models Come to Life

What was once a struggling European luxury brand has been transformed into an industry leader. Up until last year, every VW brand had separate engineering and research divisions. Realizing the inherent waste, Audi Sport stepped up to the challenge. They are a separate automaker not contsrained by Audi AG, the builders of the A-Series cars and Q-Series SUVs. Therefore, Audi Sport has been responsible for the R8, e-Tron, and every RS model. While the chassis and many interior parts are shared with lesser models, every Audi RS is held to much higher standards. Relentless testing on the 'Ring and on the streets is used to flush out any imperfections. From piston rings to the leather stitching, each RS model represents thousands of hours in development and validation. Click the link below to browse incredible incentives on the RS 5 and stay with us for all your Audi news. Browse Audi RS 5 For Sale " width="680">

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

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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

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

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