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

Bentley News

Bentley news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Continental GT, the Bentayga, the Flying Spur and Mulliner's bespoke commissions. Our reporting takes in model reveals, first drives and the auction results that establish what these cars are worth. Bentley Motors news tends to move slowly and matter for years, so we follow how values hold across a generation. This is where the marketplace becomes useful. Many of the Bentleys covered here are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, placing the reporting and a genuine asking price side by side. For Bentley news today, and the luxury car market news that surrounds it, begin below.

By Andrew Nabors – September 09, 2020

New 1928 Bentley Blower Engines Roar To Life

What once was old is new again, with Blower Bentleys from Crewe again. Yesterday we told you about a trio of Bentley cars built by their Mulliner custom shop. The most anticipated is a continuation of the 1928 Supercharged 4-1/2 Litre. Limited to a dozen examples, nothing has been left to chance. That is why a new 1928 Bentley Blower engine has roared to life. Bentley Mulliner is Building a Trifecta For Salon Privé After building an exact replica of the front suspension, they dusted off an engine dyno that was last used in WW2 to calibrate the Merlin V12. The analog dynamometer is a work of art, and so is the beast bolted to it. Building a new version of an old engine is not easy. In my case, it took years to learn how to port heads, lap valves, set breaker points, and listen to the ignition timing. While these procedures are not completely gone, we are looking at the end of an era. Computers and machine tools simply do a better job, but the reward of a classic engine is unlike anything else. Once the break-in is done, we will share the dyno results with you, so stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse Bentley For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 07, 2020

Bentley Teases Their Electric Future

High voltage and sustainability are the buzzwords from every automaker. With Europe's mandate for all production cars to have hybrid technology, Bentley has given us a glimpse of their electric future. A 3-year project named OCTOPUS has culminated in a breakthrough in electric-powered axles. The acronym stands for Optimised Components, Test and simulatiOn, toolkits for Powertrains which integrate Ultra high-speed motor Solutions. Bentley Bentayga Gets Four New Accessory Collections Using electromagnets instead of rare earth elements, the motor is able to be recycled and rebuilt for the ultimate in sustainability. Engineers also eliminated copper from the motor. This costs a bit of efficiency, but who knows how much copper our planet has left. To see the big picture, they plan to have their first EV on the road by 2026. Because Bentley is part of the VW group, they also have access to Rimac, as Porsche owns 20% of the hypercar builder. Browse Bentley For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2020

Bentley Flying Spur Arrives With 3D Wood Paneling

Two decades ago, the only wood found in cars was a thin veneer. Bean Counters at the assembly plants made sure to save money by cutting the wood as thin as possible. Now with a push for more sustainable materials, Bentley has unveiled 3D wood paneling for the 2021 Flying Spur. Your door panels can be had with leather as usual, but two new options are open-pore American Walnut or American Cherry wood. 2021 Bentley Flying Spur Receives Plush Updates The diamond pattern was first seen in their EXP 10 Speed 6 concept from 2015, and fans gave it rave reviews. It was inspired by the quilted leather offered by their Mulliner custom department, and it took them 18 months to develop the machining process without marring the finish. Skilled carpenters use a 3-axis router to carve each panel, and the finished product is only accepted if it meets tolerances of 0.1 mm. It is neat to think that the wood in your new Bentley traveled from American forests before coming back in style. Click the button below to find your new Bentley and stay with us for all your luxury news. Browse Bentley Flying Spur For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 08, 2020

2021 Bentley Flying Spur Receives Plush Updates

It will be hard to adjust to, but we now live in a world without a new Bentley Mulsanne for sale. But in times like these is important to keep your chin up, especially now that the Flying Spur has been divorced from the Continental lineup. The aforemention retirement of their largest model has allowed stylists and engineers to dissect the Flying Spur and give it plush updates you couldn't dream of. 2021 Bentley Continental Receives New Colors & Features Starting with a new 4-seat cabin, buyers can opt for a full-length center console dividing four semi-aniline leather seats. Buyers will also receive two cup holders, storage for the 5" touchscreen remote, USB ports, heated armrests, and wireless charging. An expanded offering of wood or leather patterns allow their Mulliner department to build a car exactly to your tastes. The most detailed leather patterns require a minimum of 18 hours and 11,100 hand-sewn stitches. Powered picnic tables are covered in your choice of veneer, and the exterior color upgrades are identical to the new 2021 Bentley Continental for sale. The rear bench seat is still optional, as is the Blackline Specification, so click the button below to find our dealer near you. Browse Bentley Flying Spur For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 21, 2020

Bentley Bacalar Rainbow is a Symbol of Community Support

During the depths of the virus, Bentley asked their workers and families to submit their ideal version of the Bacalar. After going through thousands of submissions, one car stood out from the crowd. Using seven colors offered from the extensive Mulliner palette, Eleanor's car is a symbol of community support. While the press release describes all seven colors in detail, we know you don't have all day. The car is a gorgeous combination of Dragon Red II, Orange Flame, Yellow Flame, Apple Green, Jetstream II, Sequin Blue, and Azure Purple. It would be wild to see in person, but only a dozen Bacalars will be produced. They have already been sold for nearly $2 Million each. Your new Bentley can be ordered in any of these colors, so click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse Bentley For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 01, 2020

Bentley's Styling Spec Adds Personality to Continental GT...

Everything looks better with a sprinkle of carbon fiber. That's why Bentley's Styling Spec adds personality to your Continental GT or Bentayga. Crafted by hand then baked to perfection, these upgrades include a front spoiler, rocker panels, rear diffuser, and a decklid spoiler in glossy 2x2 twill carbon fiber. A 3D printed Bentley Logo adorns each rocker panel, so our advice is to wrap them in protective vinyl for years of enjoyment. Our dealers have access to all Bentley accessories, so click the button below to find one near you and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Find Your Bentley Dealer

By Andrew Nabors – April 29, 2020

Bentley Plans to "Come Back Stronger" on May 11th

A skilled workforce with nothing to do is disheartening. That is why we are happy to announce the latest press release from Bentley. They have used this downtime to add hygiene and social distancing procedures to the manufacturing process, which is planned to resume on Monday, May 11th. Lauded as the biggest change in their century of operation, every employee will wear protective gear and take their temperatures at regular intervals. Around 250 proactive measures are centered around 7 aspects of a worker's daily life: Prior to leaving home Travel to work Clock in Preparing for work Work stations Break time Clock out With attention to detail in these areas, other manufacturers could also get back to work. Cheers to Bentley for taking the initiative, and helping the U.K. get back on their feet. Click the button to find your Bentley and stay with us for more positive production updates. Browse Bentley For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2020

Bentley Wins the Opening Round of the E-Sport GT Series

Two weeks ago we reported that Bentley was entering the world of E-Sports. It was a combined effort by K-PAX Racing and SIRIO eSports with Bentley Works driver Jordan Pepper taking first place in the 'Pro' class. No less than 14 examples of the Continental GT3 were on the starting grid. The Silver class is dedicated to professional Sim Drivers, and Alberto Garcia took 4th place. Meanwhile, Bentley Motorsport's rookie Sim Racers: Mike Nobel, Andre Franke, and Jarkko Torvinen finished 17th to 19th. The new Continental is no slouch, so click the button below to experience one in real life. The schedule for the series is posted below, so stay with us for all your Bentley Motorsports news. Browse Bentley Continental For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2020

Bentley Expands "Be Safe" Campaign

What we have learned in the last few weeks, is that the competitive spirit between automakers can change from automotive innovation to fighting an aggressive pandemic. From breathing apparatus to protective gear, each of our favorite brands is trying to outproduce the others. That is why we're happy to learn that Bentley has expanded their "Be Safe" campaign. Top 50 Best Sports Cars Of All Time What started as a program for employees and their families has allowed the factory to surpass targets for face shields. Over 30,000 have been delivered to the National Health Service, hospitals, and care centers around Cheshire. In a unique show of caring, they have been delivering food to those who are homebound. Known as "Meals on 22 Inch Wheels" having your food delivered in Bentley is a meal fit for the Queen. We hope this brings a smile to your Monday, so stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse All Bentley For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 22, 2020

2020 Bentley Flying Spur Arrives With Innovative Screen

Nothing is more disappointing than a great car with a poor display. When you are surrounded by incredible leather and wood, navigating a clunky system will ruin the experience. That is why their latest press release details the 2020 Bentley Flying Spur's HMI, or Human-Machine Interface. It is the result of the car's designers working along with the programmers to offer a digital experience that embodies the language and feel of the car. We applaud new features like the "Dim Screen" mode for moonless nights. It blacks out the interior, leaving only a digital speedometer visible. Also included in the release is a term to describe their inspiration. Bentley debut of the superb word ‘skeuomorphic’ . While this descends into existentialism and simulacra vs. simulation, Bentley wants you to know they have nice displays. The Continental will receive a slightly different example, and our dealers have all the details for you. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse Bentley For Sale

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