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 Caitlin Duffy – August 19, 2015

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee - August 2015

The sun was creeping up, the lot was already full and the local enthusiasts were arriving by the carload at 7 am Aug. 15, as one of our biggest Cars & Coffee events of the year kicked off. Despite the threat of summer heat and weeks of rain storms, hundreds of people turned out for the monthly car show at our St. Petersburg, Florida headquarters, and as the morning played out, it was clear that the risk was worth it.Rather than the expected hot August sun and scattered showers, a cool sea breeze kept it mild enough for hot coffee to be enjoyed. But there was no changing the heat of the lot - from a Porsche Carrera GT, to a replica of The Bandit from “Smokey and the Bandit,” to McLarens, Lamborghinis, Ferraris and more, it was a clear show of some of the world’s most incredible cars.The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office was back with a Special Ops Humvee, while a long list of other local businesses attended with their own automotive shows, including Fields Motorcars, Quality Boats of Clearwater, GoArmored, Dimmitt Auto Group, Mercedes-Benz of Tampa, Renli, Reeves Import Motorcars, Crown Automotive, Ferrari Tampa Bay, Lamborghini Sarasota, Lexus of Tampa Bay, Just Toys Classic Cars, Tampa Bay Grand Prix and Lincoln Land. Check out the photos from the event in the galleries below, submitted by a wide variety of talented local photographers, and be sure to join us from 7 am to 9 am Sept. 19 for our next Cars & Coffee car show.Submission from Chris Thompson Gallery by Brittany Boucher Gallery by Luis Santiago Gallery by Joshua Chmil Gallery by Nicholas James Bath Gallery by Bay Area Speed Source Gallery by Autofluence See Past Cars & Coffee Events

By Caitlin Duffy – July 23, 2015

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee - July 2015

Though the forecast throughout the week had predicted a day full of storms, the morning of July 18 instead saw plenty of sunshine and a large crowd at our headquarters for the monthly duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee car show. Photo by Andre PestanoThe crowd was a tad thinner than usual, but that didn’t prevent the parking lots from filling up well before the 7 am start time. Usual attendees came with their stunning classics and exotics, while a few brought out some of their more unique cars, including an impressive 1961 Plymouth Fury prepped to patrol the road from the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Department. Other visitors to the event included Dimmitt Automotive, Lexus of Tampa Bay, Mercedes-Benz of Tampa, Reeves Import Motorcars and Crown Eurocars.With the summer heat building quickly as the sun rose, the show in the parking lots drew to an early close, but the showroom was open with curious enthusiasts perusing until the scheduled end of 9 am. Then, for many, it was time for the Dimmitt Automotive Cars & Coffee after party.Take a moment to check out the photos from this weekend's event, and mark down August 15 on your calendar - we'll see you then!Gallery by Andre Pestano Submission from Daniel Wilkinson Submission from Matt Yazvac Gallery by Thuan Le Gallery by Joshua Chmil Gallery by Autofluence See Past duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee Events

By Caitlin Duffy – June 22, 2015

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee - June 2015

It was the beginning of the longest day of the year with some of the hottest temperatures so far this summer, but the long hours of sunlight and rising temperatures ahead didn't deter a large crowd of enthusiasts. Nearly 1,000 spectators gathered for the monthly duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee gathering, making for one of the largest shows we've ever hosted.The parking lots surrounding our headquarters and BIC Graphics next door were filled with dozens upon dozens of stunning vehicles. Of course, there were a few that absolutely stole the show; specifically, two parked outside and one in our showroom caught every eye.Sitting next to the main tent was a stunning Bentley GT3-R from Dimmitt Automotive Group, sharing the marque's latest race car for the streets, while the Porsche 918 Spyder in the showroom drew another large crowd. The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office stopped by with their Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, decked out in full PCSO green.During the event, we also auctioned off a PapaGo! GoSafe 272 Dash Camera, with proceeds going to the Toys for Tots charity. Mercedes-Benz of Tampa Bay, Reeves Import Cars, Fields BMW Lakeland, Crown Motor Cars and Maz Exotics all brought a few participants as well, filling every available spot.Take a moment to enjoy the photos from the event below, and mark your calendars for July 18, when our next show will gather, same time, same place.Gallery by Autofluence Gallery by Bay Area Speed Source Gallery by Preston Moochnek Gallery by Scott DeMarco See More St. Petersburg Cars & Coffee Coverage

By Caitlin Duffy – May 20, 2015

Cars & Coffee St. Petersburg - May 2015

Temperatures have been climbing higher and higher each day here in Florida, but an earlier sunrise and summer weather didn't deter anyone from coming out for our monthly Cars & Coffee gathering.From the showroom, to the parking lot of BIC next door, dozens upon dozens of gorgeous cars and even more enthusiasts filled every inch of concrete, leaving just enough space for the scores of photographers to take the best shot possible. There were more than a few special guests on hand, including a Porsche 918 Spyder and a fleet of Lamborghinis outside.Many of our local sponsors and advertisers were also present, helping fill in more than a few spots with their own show-ready vehicles. Those visitors included:Crown Mercedes-Benz Dimmitt Automotive Group Reeves Import Motorcars Just Toys Classic Cars Lincoln Land Bert Smith Automotive First Class Detailing Classic Touch Dry CleanersTake a moment to browse through the photos from this event in the galleries below, featuring many of our local photographers and regular attendees. Be sure to visit us for the next Cars & Coffee event, which will be held at our headquarters, once again, from 7 am to 9 am on June 20.Gallery by Bay Area Speed Source Gallery by Victor Rivera-Santos Gallery by Rafael Santos, Metaphor-Phosis Photography Gallery by Mike Singson, Third Axis Photography Gallery by Paul Ziegler, Car Camera Story Gallery by Chris Brut, Brut Photography Gallery by Chris C. Thornton, 36ThumbsUp Gallery by Autofluence See More St. Petersburg Cars & Coffee Coverage

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