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 09, 2021

Bentley Residences Miami Offers Unparalleled Opulence

The car elevator keeps your chariot close at hand Florida is the flattest state in the union. Because the highest point is a hill of dirt, a change in elevation never fails to release endorphins. That's why you should open your eyes to the Bentley Residences breaking ground in Miami. Designed by Sieger Suarez Architects, the project is in the hands of Dezer Development. Each owner will have unparalleled views of the ocean to the East and the Intercoastal to the west. All parties are focused on the holistic health of the residents' thanks to sustainable materials throughout the building. Of course, each home is being built to order in order to appeal to Bentley's most discerning owners. Luxury automakers This is a welcomed addition to the South Beach skyline, and the edifice will be at home in close proximity to the Aston Martin Residences and the Porsche Tower. You can't call it home without a new Bentley, so check out the incentives our dealers have on the Bentayga and stay with us for all your Bentley news. Shop Bentley Bentayga Image (C) Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – March 26, 2021

Bentley Celebrates 200,000 Cars & Counting

Their Beyond 100 Strategy Is Unstoppable! What began in 1919 is still going strong, as Bentley celebrates 200,000 cars & counting. To mark the occasion, a gorgeous Bentayga Hybrid was joined by the oldest surviving EXP 2 at their historic factory. The modern era began in 2003 with the Continental GT, and since then they have built 155,582 examples of old-world craftsmanship. Registration records show that 84% of cars built for the UK are still on the road, a testament to quality and reliability that is unmatched in the luxury market. The late Ferdinand Piech saw an opportunity to inject the brand with unlimited resources, so Bentley became a part of the Volkswagen empire in 1998. Since then, they have led innovations like the W12 engine that offers 650 horsepower at all wheels in the new Continental GT Speed. No other brand offers such innovative technology along with hand-built perfection. Tell us your best Bentley story in the comments below. Shop Bentley Images (C) Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – March 16, 2021

New Bentley Continental GT Speed Arrives on March 23rd

Of course, they are known for incredible luxury, but their cars are also very quick. In order to keep the competition in the rearview, the new Bentley Continental GT Speed arrives on March 23rd. What we know so far is that it will debut unprecedented chassis technologies and they want us to know it will be the "most capable, performance-focused Bentley yet". To give you a frame of reference, a new Continental GT loaded with a twin-turbo W12 offers 621 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. My first experience with such a machine was building our booth at a Barrett-Jackson auction. There is nothing small or inconsequential about a Continental. No plastic inside or out is why they weigh-in over 5,300 lbs, but they accelerate like an ACME rocket. It was a 2018 Supersports model that was conservatively rated at 700 horsepower and 750 lb-ft. It was a used car, so I had to make sure the turbos worked! All wheels erupt in smoke as you head for the next county. You too need to have such a machine, so click the button and hang on! See All Bentley Continental For Sale https://www.facebook.com/BentleyMotors/videos/1078812492629886 Image (C) Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2021

Bentley Launches Covid Impact Fund

Cheshire County has been hit hard by the outbreak, and that is why Bentley has launched a Covid impact fund. The Cheshire Community Foundation was tapped to help families and small businesses around Crewe. Back when the virus was raging, Bentley protected its workers with measures more strict than their competitors. Ever cognizant that a skilled workforce is priceless in such an automated age, a series of grants will be offered to the local community. From £5,000 to £25,000 ($7,000 to $35,000), the goal is to help offset the negative impact of lockdown. Such philanthropy is not common in the automotive world, and this is just one way Bentley is not like the others. Click the button to see why for yourself and you won't regret it. Shop Bentley Image (C) Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – February 23, 2021

Bentley Mulliner Visualizer Is The Ultimate Configurator

Building a Flying Spur or Continental to your liking is now much easier. The Bentley Mulliner Visualizer is the ultimate configurator thanks to groundbreaking web design and limitless options. While it is true they can and will build anything you want, it is nice to see the finished car rendered in 3D. The exterior palette has been expanded by 26 colors, and they are grouped into Satin, Pearl, Matte, and Metallics. Inside you can choose from piano veneers, metals, leather, and fabrics. Three separate colors can be specified for the interior, and you can place them at your heart's desire. A Mulliner specialist will work with you to finalize every detail, so crank up your imagination. Perhaps it is a coincidence that Rolls-Royce unveiled their Phantom Tempus Collection a few minutes ago, so iron sharpens iron. Stay with us for all your Bentley news. Bentley For Sale Images (C) Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – February 22, 2021

Bentley Begins Research On Sustainable Electric Motors

From power windows to vent fans, cars require a way to transform voltage into motion. Because efficiency requires the use of rare-earth magnets, Bentley has begun research on sustainable electric motors. It is an initiative from the Office for Zero-Emission Vehicles involving six leading brands across the U.K. With a target of 2026, they have three years to solve a complex problem. Not only building a motor with less dependence on rare metals, but the other goal is also to clean up and streamline the recycling process from the junkyard back to the manufacturer. RaRE is the rare-earth recycling for E-machines, and it will allow manufacturers to re-purpose older metals while lessening the dependence on mining. If you want to experience how batteries and Bentleys complement each other, the Bentayga Hybrid has your name on it. So stay with us for all your Bentley news. Bentley For Sale Image (C) Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – February 18, 2021

Bentley Bacalar's W12 Engine Is Ready To Roar

Everyone seems to be going to smaller by adding boost. So if you need a supercar unlike everything else, the Bentley Bacalar's W12 engine is ready to roar. The last round of testing is done on their latest achievement. While it is capable of much more, they detuned it for long life. Even so, it offers 650 horsepower and 667 lb-ft of torque. This represents an increase 27% more horsepower and 38% more torque. The real secret sauce is how they achieved this while dropping harmful exhaust pollution by 28%. A clever study of compression ratios along with ported heads might be the trick, so tell us your theories in the comments below. As a flagship for the brand only 12 examples of the Bacalar have already been sold. They will herald a new era at Bentley as electric cars are poised to take over the luxury world. Until then your new Bentley awaits so click the button to find it. Bentley For Sale Images (C) Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – February 11, 2021

2021 Bentley Flying Spur Named "Best Dream Machine"

Waking up to a gorgeous luxury sedan is a life goal for many, and that is why the 2021 Bentley Flying Spur was named "Best Dream Machine". This award was bestowed by our friends at Motorweek after experiencing the perfection that accompanies every W12 sedan. The big B is riding high thanks to 40,000 happy customers and counting. Production of the Mulsanne sadly came to an end last year, so the Flying Spur was given a clean-sheet redesign. Starting with a new chassis, the design is a bold glimpse at the future of the brand. Even on paper the car is impressive. Two turbos are fed by twelve cylinders to offer 664 lb-ft of torque and 626 horsepower. Their cousins at Bugatti continue to push their W16 into uncharted territory, so the W12 Bentley is able to share the advancements. You will be coddled by a hand-crafted interior with incredible power at your command, so try out their digital commissioning experience by clicking the button below. Bentley Flying Spur For Sale Images (C) Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – January 27, 2021

Bentley Celebrates 80,000 Continental GT Individuals & C...

One of our favorite grand tourers is turning 18 years old. So after three generations, Bentley is celebrating 80,000 Continental GT individuals and counting. No two cars are identical because there are 17 billion possible configurations of this amazing car. The press release also mentions a reduction of CO2 pollution of 48% since the car debuted. With a 27% increase in power, this masterpiece has come a long way since 2003. The 80,000th car was built in Right-Hand drive and finished in Orange Flame will hopefully be preserved for posterity, so click the button to find yours. Bentley Continental GT For Sale Could you choose between a V8 or W12 Continental GT? Images (C) Bentley Motors

By Andrew Nabors – January 26, 2021

Bentley Celebrates A Decade As Top Employer

Ten years ago, the Top Employers Institute awarded them with an unprecedented honor, and now Bentley celebrates a decade as "Top Employer". As if the quality of their efforts would ever be scrutinized, the accolades showered upon the current Bentley lineup are a testament to their abilities. After interviewing employees and evaluating their current strategy, we agree that this praise is well deserved. Their "Come Back Stronger" campaign emphasizes the safety of the skilled coachbuilders, so see what they have to offer by clicking the button. Bentley For Sale Did you see that Lamborghini won Top Employer in Italy? Images (C) Bentley Motors

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