Cars &amp; Coffee

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 Andrew Nabors – June 18, 2019

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee: June 2019

This Friday is the Summer Solstice, which means that our June Cars & Coffee had more daylight than any other show. Because the Sunrise happened so early, it tricked us into believing our show was progressing slower than normal. With humidity hovering around 90%, morning dew made detailing a nightmare. Nevertheless, our fans and dealers made it a great event. Not to be outdone by any spectator, our CEO and founder saw it as a perfect opportunity to exercise the LaFerrari. Other highlights included a 1968 Shelby GT500 KR. It sported a numbers-matching 428 Cobra Jet with a few modern upgrades. Next to it was an RWB Porsche, simply insane! A big thanks to Ferman Ford & BMW, Airstream, and all the Dimmitt brands: McLaren, Aston Martin, Cadillac, Chevrolet & Land Rover. Tell us your favorite car of the day, and we'll see you next month. https://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/306334300248377/

By Andrew Nabors – February 18, 2019

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee: February 2019

If you found yourself in the doghouse for Valentine's day, Saturday was a great way to lift your spirits. February has been hit-or-miss until this year. Other automotive events included the National Street Rod gathering in Lutz, and the prelude to the Daytona 500 on the east coast. Nevertheless, we had a packed house by 7:30 am. First in were our friends from Revology. They built new & flawless examples of 1966-1968 Mustangs in Orlando. Dimmitt arrived with a new Silverado High Country along with a murdered-out Cadillac ATS-V. McLaren Tampa Bay never misses a show, and a few of their customers joined them in our Dealer VIP area. Reeves Import Motorcars also had a few cars on display. Over 20 examples of the Mazda miata arrived together. These light & nimble roadsters are cute, until they humiliate you in the corners. Our friends from the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg had an Indy car on display to build enthusiasm for this year's race. T&T Coffee has the best brew in the bay area, and they were joined by a majestic Bald Eagle. The Friends of Largo Nature Parks represent the Avian Veterans Alliance, a non-profit that rehabilitates our feathered friends. Among the most noteworthy sights were a pair of blue Audi R8 V10s, one coupe, one spyder. Rat Rods are coming out of hibernation, so we had several big diesels with bad intentions. They were kept in check by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, who we couldn't do this without. Come see us next month for another great show! https://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/301905157175318/

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2018

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee: March 2018

If you weren't here on Saturday morning, you need to have a good excuse. The slide back into Daylight Saving Time along with the 12 Hours of Sebring were predicted to hurt our attendance, but Cars & Coffee is an unstoppable force. Let's start by thanking every business around us because we shut down their parking lots. From Bic to Taco Bell and Chic-fil-a to Amplex nursery, parking is hard to find. We couldn't do this show without the support from Sheriff Gualtieri, so thanks to the officers who keep the peace during our events.Demographics for the Tampa Bay area show that people are moving here in record numbers, and our constant influx of new fans proves that. More attendees are more sales opportunities, so our dealers have been trying to outdo each other in getting here first. Ferman BMW was in first, followed by Bruiser Conversions in their latest LS-powered JK Crew. Mercedes-Benz of Tampa had several AMG models to choose from, and Reeves Import Motorcars brought a few from each brand. Ferrari of Tampa Bay, Crown, McLaren Tampa Bay and Bert Smith were all on hand to show off their hottest inventory.Remember last year when we canceled our big show on Davis Island? Well, a simple hurricane can't spoil the fun this year. So mark your calendars for May 19th and join us at Peter O Knight Airport. We'll see you here next month!

By Andrew Nabors – February 19, 2018

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee: February 2018

Nobody thinks of fog in Florida, but we awoke to limited visibility on Saturday. Our Dawn Patrol arrived at 5:00 am to our headquarters surrounded by a blanket of suspended precipitation. Some of us reasoned it would keep our fans at home, but this month's show was one of the largest in recent memory.Gallery By duPont Registry/ Emet EvjenWe couldn't do this without the support of our dealers so let's start with Ferman BMW. They arrived in the new 7-Series that is a wonderful blend of power and carbon fiber. Having never missed a show, Reeves Import Motorcars brought an example of each brand. Cycle Springs brought the latest in 2-wheeled adventure, and Bruiser Conversions brought a trio of Chevrolet-powered Jeep Wranglers. It makes life so much easier if the dealers arrive first, because it allows us to arrange our fans near the brands of their choice.Gallery By duPont Registry/ Sean DuttonThe second reason is that when Bruiser Conversions conquers the hill, their impressive LED and HID lights were essential to cut through the fog. As each car turned from 34th Street on to Tech Drive, all we could hear was exhaust until they were only yards away. When the Brusier crew fired up their lights, it helped us and our fans remain safe as everyone found their parking spots. The other V8 rumble was from a new Black-Ops Chevrolet Silverado from Dimmitt Chevrolet. It features a 3" suspension lift and the powerful 6.2-liter LT1 engine.Submitted by Tom CrowderTo promote the upcoming Firestone Grand Prix of St Petersburg, our local Indy Car representatives brought out a vintage race car emblazoned with Firestone and St Petersburg vintage graphics. If you aren't going to the Amelia Island Concours, don't miss out on the first race of the Verizon Indycar season.An exotic car show started at 10 AM in Lakewood Ranch, so we figured it would cut into our attendance.Sheriff Gualtieri never fails to make an entrance, and this time his officers arrived in a giant MRAP. It was donated to Pinellas County by the Army, but parts are becoming hard to source. Critical items like brakes and bearings have kept it from being on patrol, so we're glad its back in action. MacDill Air Force Base in South Tampa is home to CENTCOM, where all orders for special forces and drones are given. Not surprisingly, the first attack on Afganistan was planned and originated here, and it is the basis for the new motion picture "12 Strong". It's a star-studded featuring Chris Hemsworth and Rob Riggle among others. If you didn't know, Comedian Riggle served in Afganistan as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps.A dozen Special Forces soldiers volunteered for the first offensive in the aftermath of 9/11. The character played by Chris Hemsworth is Commander Mark Nutsch. Cdr. Nutsch and a few of his fellow veterans have opened American Freedom Distillery in downtown St. Petersburg, and they brew a series of delicious spirits.Gallery by C12 ProductionsThey arrived in a vintage '46 Ford F-6 Cab Over. The perfect machine for veterans, they swapped in a Detroit Diesel 6.2 Liter V8 and the Allison transmission from a Hummer H1 HUMVEE.Submitted By Yen LeIf you have an idea for customizing your car, our artists at BLVD customs can make it a reality, and we couldn't do this show without them and their vendors. MHT Wheels has been our client for years. That's why you will see many of our cars fitted with Niche, Fuel, and Rotiforms. Their newest sets were shown on a '18 Mustang and a '17 CTS-V, and they are a great way to decrease weight and increase your style.We had spectators clogging both sides of 34th Street along with McDonald's and Taco Bell, so our apologies to those fine establishments. If you weren't here, tell us why you missed out, and if you were, tell us your favorite car of the show. It's amazing how many local enthusiasts don't know about this show. We must have met a dozen first-timers who were shocked at the wild turnout.Thanks to our dealers and friends and we'll see you next month.

By Bryce Womeldurf – August 24, 2017

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee August 2017

Neither the Florida heat nor humidity could hold back the crowd from attending the August Cars & Coffee at duPont REGISTRY. Car enthusiasts showed up to chat about old project cars, newly acquired sport compacts, or the latest exotic supercar while sipping refreshing iced coffee.A charming little Saab 96 greeted attendees at the entrance to duPont REGISTRY along with a new Honda Civic Type-R in iconic Championship White paint. This later model Saab 96 has a slightly longer front end than the earlier inline 3-powered models, to make room for the V4 engine, an uncommon cylinder layout in the automotive world. Local favorite Kahwa Coffee Roasting was on hand with a vintage Citroën H Van to sell hot and cold drinks. Exotic Rides Some of the local supercars in attendance included this McLaren 570S with color-changing paint, and Porsche GT3-RS. These were joined by the new McLaren 720S as well. The Dodge Viper may have recently ended production, but there is still a faithful following for these cars, especially this track star ACR model. This is the top dog Viper, having set lap records at tracks around the world.The hybrid sports car of the future, the BMW i8 was on hand. Both an electric motor and a turbocharged 3-cylinder engine combine to deliver performance without the cost of inefficiency.Speaking of hybrid sports cars, the NSX is back following a 12-year hiatus. It has maintained its experimental nature, but gone from a lightweight sports car to the hybrid turbocharged all-wheel drive car of today. This beautiful Nouvelle Blue Pearl example made an appearance.Hot Weather, Cool Classics As usual, classics made a great showing, including a Land Rover Defender and period-correct early ‘80s Dodge Diplomat Pinellas County police cruiser. This 1964 Volkswagen Microbus sported a lot of character and custom touches, flanked by a clean and period correct Beetle. On the faster side of things was this tubbed Camaro drag car on Weld Racing wheels. Not to mention the one year only split window Corvette Stingray of 1963!For the Ford fans there were some interesting sights such as this 1969 Mustang Mach 1 Cobra Jet 428 fastback and a cab-over-engine pickup from back in the ‘50s. The Boynton Beach-built Backdraft Racing Cobra replica is the best of both worlds. Having the classic looks of the Shelby Cobra and you can drive it without worrying as much about wear and tear. The classic E9 series BMW CS just oozes class with its pillarless coupe body and Karmann styling.Last but not least was this fun little MG MGB GT coupe on classic minilite-style wheels.Luxury and Sport There was no shortage of luxury and sports cars at this meet with the likes of the new Alfa Romeo Giulia as well as the latest Porsche 911 GT3. That Montecarlo Blue Metallic paint really shines in the sun! This 993-era Porsche 911 and late NA-generation Mazda Miata. Opposites on affordability but both focus on fun.This New Edge era “Terminator” Ford Cobra seems to have undergone some power upgrades with the high rise hood and big front mount intercooler.Then there was this wild and wicked street rail, known as “Mike’s Wicked Street Rail” which according to Mike’s website, is powered by a 632 cubic inch Chevy big block V8 pushing just 2,380lbs. Similar to cars like the Ariel Atom, it has no body but is apparently street legal. That does it for the August edition of Cars & Coffee at duPont REGISTRY. See you all next month!All images © 2017 Bryce Womeldurf and duPont REGISTRY

By Andrew Nabors – June 19, 2017

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee: June 2017

More daylight means more time to enjoy our hobby. As we approach the Summer Solstice, Florida's humidity reaches a saturation point that is unbearable to some. Saturday was no exception, as a small break in the monsoon allowed us to gather with our fans for our monthly Cars & Coffee show.Last week was punctuated by storms every afternoon. This time of year makes us wonder why Meteorologists even give us percentages, as everyone knows the routine.C12 Productions Mike Nicholls With the threat of impending precipitation, some dealers and many of our regulars decided against coming out. But this allowed our main lots to be filled with new friends that would normally be forced to park next door or down the road. Because we have never missed a show due to weather, our photographers knew it would be a unique gathering. Kahwa Coffee arrived in their backup car since their vintage Citroen diesel van gave up the ghost. Normally our lots are full before 6:30, but we didn't turn anyone away before 7:10. Lexus of Tampa Bay arrived with their first LC500 and it was a show stopper.Lynn Bosco The Tesla club arrived with a new Model X equipped with dance mode. A hidden feature in the latest software, the lights and Falcon doors were synchronized to a heavy metal orchestra beat. Sherriff Gaultieri sent a Hummer H1 to occupy the high ground, but we thought our damp grass would give way. Since Hummers have the ability to deflate tires on command, the pressures were lowered to protect our landscaping.Reed Miller The Humane Society brought out a vintage racing motorcycle to promote their local shelters, and the vintage board track racer gave our lobby a fast feel. As always, you're welcome to spend your morning with us on the third Saturday of the month. Stay with us for updates on our fall extravaganza and other local events.Tell us who snapped the best picture in the comments below!Lele Paul-duPont REGISTRY Gabriel Cajar-duPont REGISTRY

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