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 20, 2019

Audi e-tron Sportback is Your High-Voltage SUV

Life is short, so don't waste time charging your electric car. That is why the latest from Ingolstadt includes a big battery. If you want 277 miles of range and All Wheel Drive, the Audi e-tron Sportback is your high-voltage SUV. As the 2nd e-tron model, it offers better aerodynamics and more power than the e-tron wagon. Much like the Porsche Taycan, it has individual motors front and rear. In normal cruising, they offer a combined 355 horsepower and 413 lb-ft of torque. In Sport Mode, the driver can unlock 402 horsepower and 489 lb-ft for 8 seconds. This allows it to reach 62 mph in 5.7 seconds. Top Speed is limited to 124 mph, and the front motor is only activated in spirited driving events. Browse Audi E-Tron For Sale Wheels range from 19" to 22", and LED matrix headlights are standard equipment. Our dealers have great offers on the e-tron wagon, or you can place your order for the new Sportback. Click the button above to find one near you and stay with us for all your Audi news. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 06, 2019

Audi R8 RWD is Here to Stay

Nothing beats All Wheel Drive when it comes to grip & performance. No one can deny the potency of the Quattro system, but some of us like to live on the edge. Although they built a limited number of RWS examples, the option evaporated for reasons we can't comprehend. Fear not, as they have heard our pleas: the Audi R8 RWD is here to stay. In a press release this morning, we've learned the juicy details of this new Audi R8 for sale. The GT4 class does not allow All Wheel Drive, so the RWD was developed alongside the new R8 LMS GT4. Power is unchanged, with 540 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque going to the rear wheels. The suspension has been calibrated for a 40:60 weight distribution. Along with a locking differential, it will make for a fun drift machine. Browse All Audi R8 For Sale Styling upgrades all-around set it apart from the Quattro models, and the loss of AWD has cut 143 lbs from the curb weight. The big V10 only has to move 3,516 lbs, and it is offered as a Coupe or Spyder. This is the one we've been waiting for, so click the button above to find our Audi dealer near you! " width="680"> Audi R8 V10 Plus Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – September 12, 2019

Live Look at Audi at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2019

Audi went concept-heavy for the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. A trio of Audi "AI" concepts were on display, including the just-unveiled AI:TRAIL, an autonomous electric off-roader that's ready for everything. They also brought out the RS 6 Avant, which the United States is more than excited about. Check out our images from the Audi booth down below and scroll even further for more Frankfurt coverage. see all audis for sale Audi AI:TRAIL Audi AI:CON Audi AI:RACE Audi RS 6 Avant Audi RS 7 Sportback Audi R8 V10 Spyder More Photos Also Check Out: Live Look at BMW Concepts and More at Frankfurt Motor Show 2019 Live Look at the New Land Rover Defender 110 at Frankfurt Motor Show 2019 Live Look at the New Porsches at Frankfurt Motor Show 2019 Live Look at the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 at Frankfurt Motor Show 2019

By Andrew Nabors – September 10, 2019

Audi RS7 Sportback Unveiled in Frankfurt

Do you like widebody hatchbacks? If so, Audi has something for you. As long as you don't live in North America, the Audi RS7 Sportback was unveiled in Frankfurt this morning. Let's clarify the fine print in the press release. " The RS 7 Sportback will be arriving at dealerships in Germany and other European countries in the end of 2019." This is sad for us Audi fans, but we're used to it by now. Browse Porsche Panamera For Sale Americans wouldn't want a mild hybrid twin-turbo V8 with quattro AWD. Especially one that sends 600 horsepower and 590 lb-ft between 2,050 and 4,500 rpm. At speeds below 13.7 mph, it can run on battery power, saving a ton of carbon emissions while offering great city economy. A new form of cylinder deactivation closes the exhaust valves of cylinders 2,3,5, & 8 to offer a smooth running four-cylinder while cruising. RS Air suspension and laser headlights are standard, with rear steering, ceramic brakes and dynamic ride control being optional. It has almost 50 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats down, and it reaches 62 mph in 3.6 seconds. If ordered with the Dynamic Package, the top speed is raised from 155 to 174 mph. While it would be a profitable vehicle to sell here, the same V8 can be found in the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo. Click the link above to find a Panamera from our dealers and you won't regret it. " width="680"> Related: Audi AI:TRAIL quattro: Exciting New Off-Road Concept Car The New Land Rover Defender 110 Has Arrived

By Edward Jones – September 10, 2019

Audi AI:TRAIL quattro: Exciting New Off-Road Concept Car

Unveiled at IAA 2019 is a new electric off-roader concept called the Audi AI:TRAIL quattro. If you're a fan of traveling off of the beaten path and enjoying the view, then this concept is right up your alley. see all audis for sale Audi has given the AI:TRAIL a cabin that's surrounded by glass, so those inside the vehicle can peer off onto the wilderness. But that's where the magic of this concept begins. Being an electric car, it's perfect for taking into the wilderness on account of it not polluting the air. As far as range goes, Audi says it will have a range of 248.5 to 310.7 miles on the road and 155.3 miles on rough ground. And there'll be plenty of time to take a look at the surrounding, thanks to the AI:TRAIL's autonomous capabilities. When on the road, it can drive on its own. Off of the road, however, the AI:TRAIL's autonomous capabilities are limited. That being said, the sensors can still detect obstacles, road surface and slip in the tires. The system takes this data and can alert the driver or intervene as needed. Also Check Out: Mercedes-Benz Vision EQS Unveiled in Frankfurt BMW Concept 4 Revealed: A Glimpse Into BMW’s Future

By Edward Jones – August 21, 2019

It's Happening: The New Audi RS 6 Avant is Coming to America

Audi has graced us with the news that the all-new RS 6 Avant will be coming to the U.S. Yes, it's actually happening. If you told me this day was coming literally a minute before I received the press release, I'd call you crazy. But here we are. “Throughout our 25-year RS history, the Audi RS 6 Avant is one of our absolute icons with a large global fan base,” says Oliver Hoffmann, managing director of Audi Sport GmbH. “We will also be offering the RS 6 Avant in North America for the very first time. As such, we will be tapping into a new market with huge potential and generating further growth.” So what exactly is the new Audi RS 6 Avant? It's a beautiful wagon that's powered by Audi's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, which produces out 592 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 3.6 seconds and hit a top speed of 155.3 mph. Essentially, the RS 6 Avant is the European wagon you never knew you wanted. Expect the Audi RS 6 Avant to be available in the US in 2020. Pricing has not been announced yet. see all audi rs 6 for sale Also Check Out: Audi R8 Generations Compared in Epic Testing Audi R8 LMS GT2 Revealed: Audi’s Most Powerful Customer Racing Car

By Andrew Nabors – July 17, 2019

Audi R8 Generations Compared in Epic Testing

It is hard to believe the Audi R8 has been in production for almost 15 years. Under the stunning exterior is an aluminum spaceframe. Initially developed for the Lamborghini Gallardo, the R8 is essentially a cousin of the Italian supercar. The first generation could be had in coupe or spyder, V8 or V10 engines, with a manual transmission option for all models. Given the changes over the years, our friends at carwow decided to film Audi R8 generations compared in epic testing But the V8 was discontinued due to low demand, and the manual transmission was eventually phased out. When the Huracan arrived in 2014, it spawned the 2nd Generation R8 the following year. They are both great cars, so we suggest you drive both to see which car fits your personality. Tell us which one you prefer in the comments below and stay with us for all your Audi updates. Find Your Audi R8 Here Related: 2018 Audi R8 V10 Plus Specs

By Edward Jones – July 05, 2019

Audi R8 LMS GT2 Revealed: Audi's Most Powerful Customer R...

The new Audi R8 LMS GT2 has been revealed at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as the German automaker's most powerful customer racing car. How powerful is this new Audi race car? It comes in with 640 horsepower pumping out of its V10 heart. Audi notes that this car is perfect for the "gentlemen drivers" and will also be great for track days and events at race resorts around the world. We will be able to see this race car take to the track during the 2020 GT2 season in Europe and North America. Interested in getting yourself into the driver's seat of Audi's most intense customer race car yet? It can be ordered now with a price of 338,000 euros (about $379,000 USD). Deliveries will happen in December 2019, just in time for the 2020 GT2 season. Audi R8 LMS GT2 Audi R8 LMS GT2 Audi R8 LMS GT2 Audi R8 LMS GT2

By Andrew Nabors – June 28, 2019

Dealer Details: Audi Burlingame

Have you been on a search for that one car dealership you can trust from the time you buy it to its 150,000-mile check-up? Ask drivers from all over Burlingame, San Mateo, and South San Francisco for their recommendation. You will find out that they will say go to Audi Burlingame. Here you will find the attention-getting new Audi models, including the Audi Q5 SUV, and our trustworthy, like-new used cars. No matter what vehicle type you prefer to obtain, you will be pleasantly surprised by the outstanding customer service you will receive at Audi Burlingame. Their staff always takes the time to show you the extensive inventory they have on hand, offer walkarounds and provide test drives until you find the one car that suits your liking. Need some help in becoming an owner versus a shopper? Don't worry, they offer car loan and Audi lease options that will fit your individual budget needs. Audi Burlingame is not here to tell you what you need, but rather advise you what car financing rates and terms fit the lifestyle that you are most comfortable with. Once you take the time to get to know the Audi Burlingame dealership, you'll find that they aren't just here for you when you are shopping for a car, but for anything else, you might need for your automobile. They have many loyal fans of car service and auto repair department. It's no wonder when you meet their highly trained and professional technicians who only use trustworthy Audi parts, making your visits longer in between each service and repair. So, whether you are at the beginning, looking for a new convertible or used car or if you are at your 150,000-mile check-up, Audi Burlingame is by your side. If you would like to speak to them about one of the products or services mentioned, be sure to contact them. View Inventory Presented by: Audi Burlingame At Audi Burlingame, we love serving the surrounding areas - like bustling San Francisco - with a great selection of new Audi models, as well as quality used vehicles. If you're looking for your next vehicle and want to go on a test drive in a more laidback part of the region, visit our Burlingame showroom to meet with a member of our sales team.

By Andrew Nabors – April 11, 2019

2020 Audi R8 Decennium to Debut at New York Auto Show

It seems like only yesterday that Audi shocked the world. With some help from their cousins at Lamborghini, the R8 V10 arrived in 2010. To celebrate a decade of dominance, the 2020 Audi R8 Decennium will debut at the New York Auto Show. Audi has refined the R8 for 2020, with new front and rear aerodynamics, dark headlights, and differences between the two models. R8 V10 Performance Spyder On the 562 horsepower base model V10, the lower body trim is gloss black. The V10 Performance R8 has 602 horsepower along with titanium accents (carbon fiber is optional). Both cars are available in coupe or spyder, and all four variants are capable of 200 mph. The Decennium anniversary model is being limited to only 222 examples for the world, of which only 50 are heading to the U.S. The R8 V10 Performance is the new name for the R8 V10 Plus. It is a German version of the Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4, and it is a few thousand less. A normal V10 R8 coupe will have a starting price of $169,900, or roughly $30,000 less expensive than the Huracan RWD. Audi also includes all wheel drive while the base model Lamborghini is rear wheel drive. Audi and Lamborghini have different suspension and exhaust tuning, so our recommendation is to drive them both before making a decision. The V10 engine has proven to be one of the most reliable designs in recent history, so you will be making a wise choice either way. Click the link below to find an R8 near you and stay with us for all your Audi updates. browse All Audi R8 For Sale

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