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 – 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

By Andrew Nabors – April 10, 2020

2021 Bentley Flying Spur Offers Touch Screen Remote Controls

Luxury sedans can present a tough question for their owners. Is it better to drive or be driven? For those with the means to have a driver, the rear passengers are often treated to the utmost luxuries. While leather and wood are to be expected, the 2021 Bentley Flying Spur offers touch screen remote controls. While it is normally mounted between the front seats, it can be detached if you don't want other passengers to change your settings. The display is 1280 x 720 pixels, and every input offers haptic feedback. Onboard apps include a 3-axis accelerometer, navigation, climate control, weather, and the 22-speaker sound system. If your car doesn't have anything like this, click the button below and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse Bentley Flying Spur For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 23, 2020

2020 Bentley Flying Spur Offers Their Most Complex Interior

141 Upholsterers Stitch 350 Pieces of Leather Almost 2 Miles of Thread 168 Cross-Stitches on the Steering Wheel This is the one you've been waiting for. Despite sharing the same outer dimensions, it shares nothing with last year's model. Thanks to a clean-sheet redesign, the new 2020 Bentley Flying Spur offers their most complex interior. An apprentice is not allowed to touch the immaculate hides before completing 5 months of training. The seats require a minimum of 12 hours, and the headrests are embroidered with 5,103 stitches. Safety is still their top priority, so the stitches around each airbag are designed to shear when the bag deploys. Our dealers will show you all of the intricate details, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse All Bentley Flying Spur For Sale " width="680"> Related: Bentley Flying Spur W12 S: Price, Specs, & Review

By Andrew Nabors – January 02, 2020

Bentley's Diamond Stitching Surges in Popularity

Quilted leather is unparalleled in looks and comfort. While one or two rows of stitching is pleasing, Bentley's Diamond Stitching has surged in popularity. Their rivals recently revealed a Phantom with over a million stitches, so Bentley's Mulliner custom shop has responded in an exquisite manner. Developed for the new Continental GT series, they have stitched a diamond inside a diamond. Each one requires no-less than 712 stitches each, and the trained eyes and hands of a master craftsperson. Browse All Bentley Continental GT For Sale No ordinary sewing machine was up to the task, so a new CNC mill was built for this task only. In a press release yesterday, this pattern is also being extended to the Flying Spur, and your local dealer has all the details. Click the button above to find a new Continental GT near you and stay with us for all your Bentley news. " width="680"> Related: Bentley Continental Supersports: Price, Specs, & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2019

2020 Bentley Flying Spur Offers 2,200 Watts of Naim Audio

Silence is golden, and that is why Bentley builds incredibly quiet interiors. The best feature of such a well-insulated cabin is that it makes a perfect sound stage for your music. Sure, they could have used four speakers at 100 watts and called it a day. But they chose a path uncharted by any automaker. That is why your 2020 Bentley Flying Spur offers 2,200 watts of Naim audio. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of their partnership, Naim For Bentley has raised the bar for factory systems. No less than 21 speakers include Active Bass Transducers and 8 DSP sound modes. Browse All Bentley For Sale If your home audio needs an upgrade, the press release also includes the introduction of a new wireless home system. The Mu-So is a 450-watt speaker with six drivers. It uses a 32-bit processor to upconvert low-fidelity inputs and transform them into masterpieces. Our Bentley dealers have great Holliday incentives, so click the button above and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Related: Bentley Flying Spur Unveiled With Augmented Reality Bentley Flying Spur W12 S: Price, Specs, & Review

By Edward Jones – October 10, 2019

New Bentley Flying Spur Blackline Spec Announced

Are you ordering a new Bentley Flying Spur but looking for something with a darker appearance? You're in luck because the new Flying Spur Blackline specification has just been announced by the English automaker The Blackline spec takes the "brightwork" of the luxury car's exterior and replaces it with Blackline trim. This includes the Flying B mascot hood ornament, radiator vanes, grilles, side window surrounds, lower door and rear bumper blades, rear light bezels, door handles, wing vents and exhaust outlets. For the wheels are 21-inch five tri-spoke alloy wheels. Customers can also opt for the 22-inch Mulliner Driving Specification wheels as well. Interested in the Blackline spec? It will cost an additional $4,735 before taxes. see all bentleys for sale

By Edward Jones – September 04, 2019

New Bentley Flying Spur Will Get Restyled "Flying B" Ador...

The all-new Bentley Flying Spur is bringing back the automaker's iconic "Flying B" mascot adornment. Bentley announced that their iconic mascot will be featured on the Flying Spur for their centenary year in a newly-restyled manner. Bentley first used in Flying B on a 1930 model 8 Litre. For this new version of the mascot, however, it has a lot more technology than the 1930-version could have ever imagined. First off, the Flying B will rise from beneath the Bentley badge when it's time to drive. It's also illuminated and joins in the "welcome lighting sequence" that occurs when the driver gets close to the car. all bentley flying spurs for sale Also Check Out: Bentley Aiming for Record-Breaking Turnout at Salon Privé Mulliner Recreates the 1939 Bentley Corniche

By Edward Jones – July 19, 2019

Bentley Flying Spur First Edition Revealed at Elton John ...

The new Bentley Flying Spur First Edition is set to be revealed at the Elton John AIDS Foundation Gala on July 24th. This fundraising charity event will be held at the foundation's inaugural Midsummer Party at Picozzi's Villa Dorane. As for the Flying Spur First Edition, it will be limited to one year exactly of production, making it a hot commodity in the luxury car market. But what makes the First Edition stand out? For starters, there's the obligatory First Edition badging found across the vehicle. One of the more unique badges is the exterior one that has a Union Jack flag with the numeral "I" in the center. Bentley also includes some optional features as standard for the First Edition, like the Bentley Rotating Display. This one is actually pretty unique. It allows the driver to switch between a touchscreen display and three analog dials. see all flying spurs up for sale now

By Andrew Nabors – June 11, 2019

2020 Bentley Flying Spur is Automotive Perfection

Launching an all-new car has to be done right. For the 3rd generation of the Flying Spur, Bentley has pulled out all the stops. What has emerged from their headquarters in Crewe is ready to elevate the brand into uncharted territory. Get ready to be amazed, because the 2020 Bentley Flying Spur is Automotive Perfection. Built by hand, it combines the best in old-world skills and the latest in technology. Starting with a new hood emblem, the Flying B disappears when parked. Under the sculpted hood is a revised 6.0L W12 with twin turbos. It sends 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque to all wheels. To keep your tea from spilling, it is the first Bentley to have 3-chamber air suspension at all corners. The chassis is a mix of aluminum and composites, stronger and lighter than its predecessor. Moving the wheels out to the corners, the wheelbase is 130mm longer. All Wheel Steering is also standard, so this will be an incredibly smooth ride. Tell your driver to go wide open and you will be cruising at 207 mph. Reaching 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, the new Flying Spur could also chop down the leader board at the local dragstrip. Of course the interior offers thousands of leather and wood combinations, and the best feature is the instrument cluster. The center dash houses 3 analog gauges and it rotates to reveal an HD display that is configurable by the driver. Tell your manservant to click below to find a Flying Spur near you, and our dealers will answer all of your questions. Stay with us for all your Bentley news. Browse Bentley Flying Spur For sale " width="680"> Related: Bentley Reveals All-New Flying Spur More Bentley Flying Spur Teasers

By Andrew Nabors – May 16, 2019

More Bentley Flying Spur Teasers

Last month we saw the first footage of a new Bentley. It has been a long time coming, and it looks to be a clean-sheet redesign. The aforementioned film was just a glimpse of the new hood ornament, and today we received the first interior shots. More Bentley Flying Spur teasers will follow until it arrives, so its time to trade in your old sedan. Starting with the name, this car was once known as the Continental Flying Spur. The prefix was dropped in 2015 because the coupe and convertible have evolved away from their common ancestor. The press release says it will be a combination of Sports Sedan and Luxury Limousine. It will be the first automotive use of 3D textured leather, so this could shake up the luxury market. We will be following it closely, so stay with us for all your Flying Spur updates. Browse Bentley Flying Spur For Sale Related: Bentley Continental GT Tank Next-Generation Bentley Flying Spur Teased

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