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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

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 13, 2024

Cadillac Teases New Opulent Velocity Concept Previewing V...

One of the American performance world’s titans is on the cusp of a major transformation. When it comes to American performance cars, Cadillac’s V-Series has been one of the most important pieces of modern American performance for the past 20 years, showcasing luxury sedans, coupes, wagons, and now SUVs that combine muscle-car power with refined elegance. In addition, the recently revealed CT5-V Blackwing preserves a timelessly enticing but endangered combination when it comes to American performance cars: a 6-speed manual transmission and V8 power. However, the entire automotive industry is changing, and the V-Series has its sights set on changing with it. Cadillac recently teased the Opulent Velocity concept car, which serves as a vision of the zero-emissions future of the V-Series line of performance Cadillacs. However, the concept also promises to be a celebration of the past and present of the V-Series, whether that be regarding the roadgoing V-Series cars or Cadillac’s V-Series racing efforts. With the V-Series first being introduced at Sebring in 2004 with the CTS-V.R race car, the following 20 years saw the letter V symbolizing Cadillac’s signature blend of luxurious opulence and brash performance, with cars like the XLR-V, CTS-V, CT5-V Blackwing, and now the Escalade-V cementing its legacy and icon status. With the new Opulent Velocity concept coming soon, Cadillac and V-Series fans are going to get an exciting look at what’s coming next. View All Cadillacs For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 24, 2024

Cadillac Reveals The New CT5-V & CT5-V Blackwing With Man...

Cadillac has revealed the new pinnacle American performance sedan. For years, Cadillac has made an incredibly important contribution to the American performance lexicon by creating high-performance luxury models that personify the stateside approach to elegant, luxurious muscle cars, and the Cadillac CT5-V and the CT5-V Blackwing are revamped and refreshed for the 2025 model year, with Cadillac also celebrating the 20th anniversary of its performance-oriented V-Series. Along with revised design, the addition of new colors, and exciting new features added to both the CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing like a carbon fiber aero package, a new 33-inch diagonal infotainment display is home to a host of added tech in the high-performance machines. Many of the features are track-focused, with a Lap Analyzer tool, Speed Tips tool, readouts of relevant information before a track outing, and more. However, the main highlight to both the new 2025 Cadillac CT5-V and the 2025 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is the performance. The CT5-V gets its 360 horsepower from a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6, which then gets sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission. However, the Blackwing boasts a supercharged 6.2-liter V8, which produces a whopping 668 horsepower and 659 lb/ft of torque, and for purist enthusiasts, that power can be handled with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic. The CT5-V is also available with all-wheel drive, while both cars come with launch control systems, traction management, Magnetic Ride Control and Electronic Limited Slip, while the CT5-V Blackwing comes with racing-ready Brembo brakes. With all the trappings of both a true muscle car and a plush luxury sedan, as well as the increasingly rare manual transmission available, the new 2025 Cadillac CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing are American performance heroes. View All Cadillac CT5-Vs For Sale Image Source: Cadillac

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 14, 2023

Cadillac Announces New 2026 Vistiq EV Luxury SUV

The American luxury legend continues to electrify. Cadillac is undergoing a radical transformation, and electrification is at the center of it. The introduction of its new $300,000 halo car, the Celestiq, not only marks its commitment to EV technology, but also its desire to revive the status it had during its ultra-luxe glory days. Along with the Celestiq, Cadillac also has the Lyriq, which is already on the road, and has announced the Escalade IQ, the electric version of its luxury SUV icon, the Optiq, a compact electric SUV, and now, the Vistiq. The Vistiq, confirmed for the 2026 model year, is a luxurious three-row all-electric SUV, which will slot between the Lyriq and the Escalade IQ, designed to be practical and indulgent for modern families and everyday driving luxury. The goal that the new 2026 Cadillac Vistiq, and its other Cadillac EV stablemates seeks to achieve, according to Vice President of Global Cadillac John Roth is to “cover most luxury SUV segments across critical global markets in the next two years” with Cadillac EVs. As Cadillac continues to expand its EV lineup and reshape its approach to American luxury automotive excellence, with the Lyriq, Celestiq, Escalade IQ, Optiq, and now the Vistiq, the coming years will be a chance for the automotive world to get to know Cadillac in a different light than ever before. View All Cadillacs For Sale Image Source: Cadillac

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 17, 2023

Cadillac Confirms OPTIQ As The Newest Addition To It's Gr...

Cadillac announces OPTIQ, a new addition to its global electric vehicle portfolio, set to debut next year. Cadillac is expressing itself as a trailblazer in luxury automotive innovation after officially announcing the OPTIQ as the latest addition to its ever-growing electric vehicle (EV) portfolio. The OPTIQ is scheduled to become a cornerstone in Cadillac's global EV lineup, particularly in North America. This announcement marks a significant step in Cadillac's commitment to electrification and sustainable luxury. Designed as a luxury compact SUV, the OPTIQ will be the new entry-level option, positioned below the LYRIQ in Cadillac's EV range. With its introduction, Cadillac aims to cater to a broader audience, offering an accessible yet premium electric driving experience. The OPTIQ is engineered to deliver spirited driving dynamics, a feature crafted to resonate with global luxury customers seeking both performance and eco-friendliness. Cadillac plans to reveal more details about the OPTIQ, including its advanced features and pricing, in the upcoming year. View all Cadillac models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Cadillac For Sale Source: Cadillac

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 14, 2023

General Motors Announces It Will Join F1 In 2028 As A New...

General Motors announces its role as a Formula 1 power unit manufacturer for the Andretti Cadillac F1 team starting in 2028. General Motors has made a milestone announcement in the motorsports world, confirming its entry into the high-stakes world of Formula 1 as a power unit manufacturer. Starting in the 2028 season, GM will supply the power units for the Andretti Cadillac F1 team, marking a significant achievement for both companies' racing histories. This development follows the FIA's approval of Andretti’s application to compete in the FIA Formula One World Championship. GM President Mark Reuss expressed enthusiasm about the new venture, highlighting GM's extensive engineering and racing expertise. The collaboration aims to position Andretti Cadillac as a competitive works team in the elite racing series. This move aligns with GM’s commitment to innovation, particularly in areas such as electrification, hybrid technology, sustainable fuels, and advanced internal combustion engines. GM's venture into Formula 1 is about competition and the continuation of its century-long tradition of using racing as a platform for technological development and transfer. This is evident in Cadillac's V-Series performance lineup, which celebrates its 20th anniversary and integrates track-tested advancements into production vehicles. Cadillac's recent achievements in racing, notably developing the 5.5L DOHC V-8 powertrain for the 2023 IMSA and WEC seasons, have set the stage for this new endeavor. With its successful track record, including a podium finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and sweeping championship honors in the IMSA Grand Touring Prototype season, Cadillac Racing has demonstrated its capability to excel in competitive racing environments. View all Cadillac models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Cadillac For Sale Source: GM