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 Edward Jones – August 10, 2021

New Audi skysphere Transforming Concept Car Unveiled

Designed to be a grand tourer and sports car. The much-anticipated Audi skysphere concept car has been unveiled before its public unveiling at Monterey Car Week. This new concept is a two-door electric car with a truly unique transforming feature. With the press of a button, the skysphere can transform between a grand tourer and a sports car. Audi made this possible through a variable wheelbase. When activated, this mechanism slides the body and frame components into each other, allowing the length of the ar to vary by 9.8 inches. While the driver can steer the car on their own when in the "sport" mode, automotive driving takes over when in the "GT mode." Its autonomous nature is further exemplified by the "disappearing" pedals and steering wheel when in "GT" mode. Audi also notes that the skysphere concept would be able to pick up passengers and take care of everyday tasks all on its own. While it won't be able to order you a meal, it seems likely that it would be able to pick up to-go orders for you. As for what powers the new Audi skysphere concept car, that's all handled by an electric motor that sends power to the rear axle. In total, it produces 465 kW of power (around 624 horsepower) and 553 lb-ft of torque. Audi also notes that it would have a range of over 310 miles. If you'd like to see this wild concept car for yourself, you will be able to see it on the Pebble Beach golf course after its debut on August 13 at the Monterey Car Week. View Monterey Car Week Schedule Source: Audi

By Edward Jones – July 30, 2021

FC Bayern Players Were Just Gifted Electric Audi e-tron GTs

A total of 15 FC Bayerns players are driving Audi e-tron GTs. There are many perks to being a professional soccer player and it seems that receiving a free car is one of them. Audi and FC Bayern teamed up in September 2020 for a sustainable future and players are now able to show off the fruits of this collaboration. During a handover event at the Driver Experience Center in Neuburg, ten players from FC Bayern were able to experience the new e-tron GT and RS e-tron GT. The players taking part included the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Leroy Sané, Leon Goretzka, and Serge Gnabry. In total, there are now 15 FC Bayern players driving electric Audis like the e-tron GTs and RS e-tron GTs. Want to drive like a professional soccer player? Click the button below to see the Audi e-tron GTs that are currently for sale. See Audi e-tron GTs For Sale Source: Audi

By Edward Jones – July 23, 2021

The Insane Audi RS Q e-tron is Ready For the Dakar Rally

A new electrified Dakar challenger is here. The new Audi RS Q e-tron has been unveiled as an entrant in the 2022 Dakar Rally. First things first, the design of this off-roader is absolutely mental. While most Dakar Rally vehicles are quite recognizable, this new release from Audi will look like a spaceship as it flies across the desert. The sharp angles and absolutely massive roof scoop will allow it to stand out amongst the crowd. In terms of power, this is where things get even more interesting. As the name suggests, it's an electric vehicle. Power for the wheels comes from two motors borrowed from the current Audi e-tron FE07 Formula E car that have seen minor modifications. Energy for these motors comes from an 816-lbs battery that has a capacity of about 50kWh. For times when energy is running low, the RS Q e-tron can rely on a TFSI engine that will charge the battery. A third electric motor works in conjunction with this engine to help with conversion. Be sure to check out the mental Audi RS Q e-tron when it takes on the Dakar Rally in January 2022. See Audi e-trons For Sale Source: Audi

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 19, 2021

Audi Announces The New 401-Horsepower 2022 RS 3 Sedan & S...

The RS line by Audi presents a top-tier performance-focused option for each vehicle class available through the German auto manufacturer. The Audi RS 3 is the nimblest of the lineup, which has been a key chassis for the brand since its release in 2013. Audi is proud to announce the new 2022 Audi RS 3 sedan and Sportback, featuring a list of performance and visual upgrades. With its five-cylinder, high-performance engine, the Audi RS 3 is one-of-a-kind in the segment. The 2.5 TFSI has won the “International Engine of the Year” award nine times in a row. In the latest generation of the compact sports car, the engine is now more powerful than ever before. The new RS 3 models sprint from 0 to 60 in just 3.8 seconds. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is what puts the 401-horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque to the pavement – with short shifting times and a sportier gear ratio spread. While performance is the main focus when upgrading the RS 3, Audi made sure to make the interior match what they were trying to accomplish on the track. The genuine racing feeling is further enhanced by the carbon-fiber instrument panel and RS sport seats with RS embossing and anthracite contrast stitching. The seat upholstery is optionally available in fine Nappa leather with RS honeycomb stitching and glossy black, red, or, for the first time, green contrast stitching. The Audi RS 3 Sportback and RS 3 Sedan4 will be available to order in Europe starting in mid‑July 2021. The new RS 3 models2 will be launched in the fall of this year. View All Audi RS 3 For Sale Media/Information Source: Audi USA

By Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2021

What's New At Audi Sport For 2022?

Yes, the RS6 Avant is hot, but what about the others? By all measures, Audi is leading the way in powerful German luxury. We have been following the arrival of the RS6 Avant because fast wagons are the antithesis of lumbering, massive SUVs. So, if you are in the market for a new quattro, here are the juicy updates. A new RS Design package debuts on the RS5, RS6 RS7, and the RS Q8. if you haven't expeirenced tlast one, its a great way to own a Lamborghini Urus while flying under the radar. The RS Design package includes an RS-specific character that amplifies performance textiles, and design components. After a brief absence, a flat-bottom steering wheel with hands-on detection is now standard equipped on all RS 6 Avant and RS 7 models. Next up is Dynamic Ride Control. This system divorces the sway bars by using 48v solenoids. They negate pitch and roll at each corner for a silky ride. It is now optional on the RS6 & RS7. Check out these wild new RS6 Avants for sale. Finally, we learn the details of the 2022 R8 Performance RWD gets a bump in power. The indestructible V10 now offers 562 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The sport exhaust has been calibrated for the increased growl, and racing bucket seats have been borrowed from the Huracan STO. Model Engine Transmission Premium Premium Plus Prestige Specialty Trim Starting MSRP RS 6 Avant 4.0-liter, V8 Tiptronic® - - - $112,000 RS 7 4.0-liter, V8 Tiptronic® - - - $114,500 RS Q8 4.0-liter, V8 Tiptronic® - - - $115,400 R8 Coupe V10 performance RWD 5.2-liter, V10 S tronic® - - - $146,500 R8 Coupe V10 performance quattro 5.2-liter, V10 S tronic® - - - $197,600 R8 Spyder V10 performance RWD 5.2-liter, V10 S tronic® - - - $158,700 R8 Spyder V10 performance quattro 5.2-liter V10 S tronic® - - - $211,300 Tell us which Audi(s) are in your future and stay with us for all your Audi news. Browse Audi For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 21, 2021

Audi Previews Their Future in Shanghai

The four rings are shining bright! What once was old is new again, as Audi previews their future in Shanghai. Yesterday the world was treated to a sneak peek at what they are working on. We already covered a few of these earlier this week, so what you might not know is their return to exclusive, high-roller sedans. The four rings on the grille of each Audi for sale represent four automakers that were consolidated to make the brand. Audi's predecessors are DKW, Wanderer, Auto-Union, and Horch. The last one is rumored to return next year to rival Maybach. Audi is a rough Latin translation of the German word "horchen" that means "to listen" so kick back and listen to what they have in the pipeline for the next few years and stay with us for all your Audi news. Shop Audi Image (C) Audi

By Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2021

Audi A6 E-Tron Concept Revealed in Shanghai

A glimpse of the new A6? Could we be on the verge of a new era in Concept Cars? China has a serious pollution problem, and that is why the Audi A6 e-tron Concept was revealed in Shanghai. Starting with a new chassis, it rides on their upcoming Premium Platform Electric (PPE). This will allow Audi to not be reliant on the Porsche Taycan's underpinnings. Motivation comes from 469 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. This should make it comparable to the new Audi RS6 Avant for sale. Compared to a 2021 production A6, only the exterior dimensions are shared. Their new metallic paint is known as Heliosilver. It was mixed to accentuate the body lines while offering the most heat insulation. This allows the A/C to work easier, and consequently, extending the car's range. The low and wide body cuts through the air with a Cd of 0.22, to give the car an estimated range of 435 miles. Another goal is to reach 62 mph in under 4 seconds on a consistent basis. Are we looking at the future? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below. Shop Audi A6 Images (C) Audi A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2021

2022 Audi Q4 E-tron Price & Specs Unveiled

Compact luxury meets high voltage Now that the full-size Audi E-tron is selling well, it's time for an encore performance. The 2022 Audi Q4 e-tron price and specs were unveiled earlier today on YouTube. In the accompanying press release we've learned the starting price will be around $50,000. Initially it will arrive in 2 body styles, the sedan and the Sportback. Your next choice will be the powertrain. the Q4 35 e-tron has a 55 kWh battery and rear-wheel drive. It is rated at 170 horsepower along with 228 lb-ft. If you want to keep up with the new Audi RS6 Avant for sale, you will need the Q4 50 e-tron quattro. This beast has 82 kilowatts to make 299 horsepower and 339 lb-ft at all wheels. With a nominal range of 308 miles, the future looks bright for Audi owners. Our dealers will be happy to tell you all the details, so click the button to browse the full-size e-trons they have, and stay with us for all your Audi news. Browse Audi E-tron For Sale All assets (C) Audi A.G.

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2021

Watch An Audi R8 V10 Spyder Six-Speed Shred the Autobahn

Your car can't do this Germany had a great idea to build a network of high-speed highways that are the envy of the world. But what good is having no speed limits without an amazing car? When Audi introduced the R8, the world smiled at the notion of an AWD V8. But as the car evolved, their cousins at Lamborghini insisted they use the V10 from the Gallardo. We've had several Gallardos and R8's in the collection over the past 10 years. The first cars arrived with the R-Tronic automatic. This single-clutch automatic is fun for road racing, and it evolved into the S-Tronic dual-clutch for the 2014 model year. But for those who need 3-pedals, the manual transmission is as rare as a unicorn. Being able to force 10-cylinder power through a gated shifter is a thrill unlike any other, so we're only a tad jealous that our friends in the Netherlands had a chance to let this R8 stretch its legs. You too can experience German precision with Lamborghini power, so click the button below to begin your journey. Browse Audi R8 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2021

What Makes the Audi E-tron GT So Irresistible?

Tony Stark's sedan can be yours Automakers are often quick to embrace new technologies before they are perfected. Audi chooses to wait until after the first adopters make expensive mistakes. Much like they did with quattro AWD, their electric car is poised to dominate the market. Our dealers have been shocked by its popularity, so what makes the Audi e-tron so irresistible? In order to offer something for everyone, it is offered as an SUV and a sedan. The powertrain is based on an 800-volt battery that can be charged to 80% in a half-hour. The top-level RS e-tron GT offers a range of 232 miles along with 637 horsepower. An overboost mode allows it to reach 60 mph in 3.1 seconds on your way to a top speed of 155 mph. Air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and 14-way power seats are standard equipment, and they contribute to the curb weight of 5,139 lbs. This makes for a smooth ride in every situation, especially when driving by every gas station! The cherry on top is that every e-tron comes with a $7,500 credit from the IRS. You only have a few days left before the taxman comes calling, so click the button to find the Audi you've been waiting for. Shop Audi E-tron Image (C) Audi USA

Audi News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe