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 – 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 Tyler Rampersaud – July 16, 2024

Audi Replaces The A4 With The New 2025 A5 & S5

Audi revitalizes its staple midsize offering. It’s been 30 years since the launch of the Audi A4, which has since cemented itself as a successful and elegant executive vehicle, boasting modest proportions, a spirited driving character, luxurious appointments, and handsome style. Now, Audi is evolving the model, renaming it the A5 as part of the luxury manufacturer’s restructuring of its nomenclature. Internationally, it will be available as a sedan and an Avant station wagon, with a refreshed take on its signature sharp looks. It’s the first Audi based on the brand’s new Premium Platform Combusion, with mild hybrid technology allowing for partially electric driving. Both the sedan and Avant are available as the Audi A5 or the sportier Audi S5. The A5 will sport a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, while the S5 will sport a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6, which sports 362 horsepower, and combined with quattro all-wheel drive promises a fun and engaging drive. As Audi continues to evolve both its all-electric and combustion-powered offerings, the new Audi A5 shines as the latest version of its sharp and sporty mid-size executive car, with elegant looks, plenty of power on tap in the new S5, and the innovations and benefits of Audi’s new Premium Platform Combustion. Launching in Europe towards the end of this year, we can expect to see Audi’s new A5 hit the road soon. View All Audis For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 15, 2024

Audi Partners With BP & Castrol For Its 2026 F1 Entry

Audi brings a new partner along for its return to F1. As the prestigious and historic motorsport prepares to dive headfirst into a more sustainable approach to racing, Audi is slated to join F1 in 2026. After joining forces with Sauber to make the historic move, Audi partnered with BP for its upcoming Formula 1 endeavor. As the first official partner of Audi’s 2026 entry to Formula 1, BP will be responsible for developing sustainable fuel for its race cars. In addition, Audi’s Formula 1 team and BP have agreed on a long-term sponsorship, and Castrol is joining the partnership. Castrol, a long-time partner of Audi’s past motorsport efforts, will join the historic luxury performance manufacturer in its F1 entry by developing lubricant for the twin-turbocharged V6 engine that Audi plans to race with. It will also provide fluids for the EV components. With the help of BP and Castrol, Audi has now journeyed one step closer to its anticipated arrival on the F1 paddock in 2026. The rivalry ultra-prestigious motorsport will become even more exciting and contentious when it finally arrives on the grid. View All Audis For Sale

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By Tyler Rampersaud – July 11, 2024

Audi Reveals New Partnership With Inter Miami CF

Audi joins forces with a growing force in sports. Since joining Major League Soccer in 2020, the Inter Miami CF team has steadily grown in prominence, achieving big milestones with a 2023 League Cup victory and securing soccer legend Lionel Messi as a player. Now, a new multi-partnership with Audi pushes the team even further into the limelight. Playing a significant role in soccer’s increase in popularity Stateside, Inter Miami and Audi are collaborating on fan experiences on and off the field that bring the two brands together. These experiences include social media collaborations, test drive experiences, and in-game content. Also, owners of 2023 or 2024 model-year Audi vehicles can purchase an Inter Miami CF theme for the MMI system. Audi has been a partner of Major League Soccer since 2015 and has been integral in helping advance the sport's popularity and fostering resources for youth players since then. With its new partnership with Inter Miami, Audi is unlocking a new, exciting collaboration in the world of sports. View All Audis For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 05, 2024

Audi Of America Increases BEV Deliveries In Q2 2024

Audi’s growing BEV lineup continues to be a success. As a manufacturer, Audi of America is boldly shifting toward electrification, with an ever-growing lineup of BEVs. With the financial results in for the second quarter of 2024, Audi’s pioneering status in the EV world continues to prove itself successful, with increasing electric vehicle sales as the lineup grows. However, decreased overall deliveries for the quarter and the year reflect what Audi of America says are challenging business conditions. With 48,687 deliveries in the quarter, the number of deliveries in Q2 2024 decreased by 12 percent compared to the same quarter of last year, while the 92,913 year-to-date deliveries represent a 14 percent decrease year-over-year. However, the good news lies in Audi’s all-electric models like the Q8 e-tron, which increased deliveries by 26 percent in the quarter and 37 percent year-to-date. Audi of America’s BEV deliveries increased by 10 percent year-to-date compared to last year’s number at the end of the second quarter. With a rapidly evolving and innovative electric vehicle lineup, Audi’s presence in the United States is that of a pioneer in luxury mobility, combining excellent design, technology, performance, and comfort. Audi hopes to continue its electrification success by introducing the new Q6 e-tron to the market as the rest of the year takes shape. View All Audis For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 02, 2024

The New Audi Q6 e-tron Will Be At US Dealers In Q4 2024

The latest expansion of Audi’s electric lineup is here. In the luxury automotive world, Audi has been one of the most ambitious manufacturers when it comes to electrification. The latest model to join Audi’s all-electric corral is the 2025 Q6 e-tron, a mid-size luxury SUV that serves as the first model to be built on Audi’s new Premium Platform Electric. Together with its performance-oriented variant, the Audi SQ6 e-tron, the new electric model is set to hit U.S. Audi dealerships in the fourth quarter of 2024. Audi also says that additional variants are coming in 2025. The PPE offers the new model an improved battery structure, redeveloped electric motors, predictive thermal management, adaptable charging technology, and enhanced regenerative braking. That translates to state-of-the-art efficiency, fast charging, and robust performance. In fact, the new 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron boasts the longest range and fastest charging of any Audi EV SUV yet, with a preliminary estimated range of over 300 miles. Android-powered infotainment, over-the-air updates, and Bang & Olufsen sound are just some of the high-tech luxury features available in the new 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron, also with the self-learning, voice-activated Audi Assistant. With the PPE showing off a new all-electric Audi model that is deeply dedicated to electrification, built on a platform specifically designed from the ground up for electric vehicles, the introduction of the new 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron to U.S. Audi dealers in the fourth quarter of 2024 is a milestone for Audi’s electrification journey and an important proof of concept for the ambitious new platform. Information on pricing and options is said to come later this year. View All Audis For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Jordan Aquistapace – June 27, 2024

Audi's Voice Control Gets Smarter With New ChatGPT Integr...

Audi is stepping up its game in the world of in-car technology by integrating ChatGPT, the advanced AI chatbot, into its infotainment systems. Starting in July, Audi's new cutting-edge feature will be available in around two million models produced since 2021. Drivers can now interact with their cars and SUVs simply by using natural language, doing tasks like adjusting the AC, navigating, or asking about the weather. The upgrade not only enhances the driving experience but also ensures safer travel as drivers can keep their eyes on the road. The integration of ChatGPT, powered by Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service, will be a game-changer for Audi drivers. New models, including the Q6 e-tron and future vehicles with the E3 1.2 electronics, will benefit from this upgrade through Cerence Chat Pro. This level of voice control allows drivers to ask general questions and receive immediate responses. Audi's existing self-learning voice assistant is now smarter and more capable by offering a seamless and secure AI-based experience. Audi's commitment to data privacy remains strong, with all queries and responses deleted post-processing to ensure privacy. Looking ahead, Audi aims to leverage AI to optimize various business processes, from design to quality control in production. With applications like AI for checking spot welds and crack detection in manufacturing, Audi is fully embracing the digital age. The future is bright for Audi drivers, who can look forward to a driving experience that's both smarter and more intuitive. View all Audi models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Audi For Sale Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 25, 2024

The New Audi RS Q8 performance Breaks Nürburgring Record

Audi’s peak luxury performance SUV has improved even more. Audi is known for its lineup of sporty and elegant luxury vehicles, but the Audi Sport RS models are where the sportiness is brought out the most. The Audi RS Q8 is where the performance peak is within Audi's lineup of luxurious SUVs, and a new update to the model adds a new variant, which already has an incredible record to its name. The new Audi RS Q8 has been updated for the 2025 model year. Audi has also introduced the new Audi RS Q8 performance, a further distilled version of the iconic luxury performance SUV. The standard RS Q8 boasts 592 horsepower from its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, and the new Audi RS Q8 performance gets 631 horsepower. For both models, standard all-wheel drive, a self-locking center differential, and adaptive air suspension make it a dynamic sports machine that defies its SUV silhouette. Adding sporty style, 23-inch wheels are optional for the RS Q8 but standard for the RS Q8 performance, saving 11 pounds with their lightweight alloy construction compared to the standard 22-inch wheels. New exterior colors include Ascari Blue, Chili Red, and Sakhir Gold. In addition, the interior is available with red or gray design packages, with an exclusive blue package available for the RS Q8 performance, with other special interior lighting features that distinguish the upgraded model. The new Audi RS Q8 performance has a specific feather in its cap, with a new record achieved on the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Racing driver Frank Stippler completed the course behind the wheel of the new RS Q8 performance in just 7:36.998 minutes, breaking the previous lap time record for SUVs, off-roaders, or pickup trucks by 2 seconds. With an updated approach to performance overall and the bold new power of the performance variant, the new Audi RS Q8 is refreshed as one of the world’s most excellent luxury performance SUVs. View All Audi RS Q8s For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 21, 2024

Audi Breaks A Nürburgring Record With The Upcoming New RS 3

Audi preserves record-breaking 5-cylinder performance. Audi’s compact yet hot-blooded RS 3 has been part of an increasingly rare breed of cars powered by 5-cylinder engines, and as one of the last, the upcoming facelift for the model will continue to sport the near-extinct powertrain. Audi is showing off the pre-production version of the upgraded RS 3, especially because it already has record-breaking achievements to its name on what is arguably the world’s most respected and legendary race track: the Nürburgring Nordschleife. With a lap time of 7:33.123 minutes, the pre-production Audi RS 3 model has broken the record of being the fastest compact car to lap the Nordschleife. The new record was achieved thanks to the new car’s optimized handling, especially its brake torque vectoring, fully variable torque distribution between the rear wheels, and optional adaptive dampers. The legendary 5-cylinder engine in the Audi RS 3 produces an immense 395 horsepower and 369 lb/ft of torque. With 19-inch ceramic brakes, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tires, quattro all-wheel drive, and advanced suspension, the 2.5-liter engine provides massive power for the compact sports sedan in conjunction with excellent handling for a fearsomely quick and record-breaking Nürburgring lap time. More information on the exciting new version of the Audi RS 3 is coming soon, but it’s already drumming up anticipation by being a force of nature on the Nürburgring. View All Audi RS 3s For Sale Image Source: Audi

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 28, 2024

Audi Reveals New Limited RS 4 Avant Edition 25 Years In E...

Audi celebrates one of its legendary performance wagons in a big way. Especially here in the United States, the station wagon has fallen out of favor with manufacturers and the market at large. However, a devoted group of enthusiasts still share a passion for station wagons, especially luxury performance models that combine power, style, comfort, and practicality all in one. As a manufacturer, Audi is one of the biggest champions of this kind of car, and its RS 6 Avant is genuinely a high-performance marvel in its long history of luxury performance wagons. Also, Audi is also known, albeit internationally, for the RS 4 Avant, the RS 6 Avant’s smaller sibling. The RS4 Avant was first introduced in 1999, part of the B5 generation, and it boasted a 2.7-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine that was developed in collaboration with Cosworth. With 375 horsepower, the RS4 Avant was incredibly hot-blooded with room to spare for cargo and passengers, and it was an important chapter in Audi’s performance wagon history. Fast forward 25 years, and Audi is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the RS4 Avant with a special Edition 25 Years model that resembles the RS4 Sport. Today, the special edition model, which is limited to 250 examples of the RS 5 Sportback and 250 examples of the RS 4 Avant, both in Europe and unfortunately not coming Stateside, features an exclusive and iconic Imola Yellow exterior, and an upgraded twin-turbocharged V6 capable of 464 horsepower. A 3.7-second 0-60 time and a top speed of 186 mph make it a truly worthy successor to its RS 4 Avant forebear. Special wheels, tires, and an optimized suspension set the Edition 25 Years model apart from the standard RS 4 Avant in terms of dynamics and performance, and a standard ceramic brake system provides stopping power. Along with the car, a limited edition matching chronograph watch has also been created to honor the anniversary. The RS 4 Avant Edition 25 Years and the RS 5 Sportback Edition 25 Years aren’t available in the US, but their European prices roughly equate to $155,000 and $140,000, respectively. While Americans only get the RS 6 Avant, it’s nice (if enviable) to know that Audi is even more dedicated to preserving its luxury performance wagon legacy in Europe. View All Audis For Sale Image Source: Audi

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