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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

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By Tyler Rampersaud – February 06, 2024

Shawn Stüssy Teases An Upcoming Custom Land Rover Collabo...

A fashion icon collaborates with an off-road legend. There’s no other vehicle on the road with the legacy that Land Rover has, and that’s because Land Rover forged its legacy off the road. With vehicles that dared to venture and thrive where most others in its time were unable to, Land Rovers quickly earned a lasting reputation as adventure-ready machines, and that’s a reputation that remains important to the manufacturer’s ethos to this day. When it comes to Shawn Stüssy’s legacy as an icon in Californian surf culture and fashion, Land Rover’s off-road reputation and unmistakable style are a perfect complement to it, which is why Shawn Stüssy appears to have teased an upcoming Land Rover collaboration in a new Instagram post. While the only image is a close-up of the logo, and the caption simply says “projects for 2024…” it appears that Shawn Stüssy, founder of the iconic and eponymous Stüssy surfboard and clothing brand, is collaborating with Land Rover specialist Commonwealth Classics on a custom Land Rover restoration. With the historic legacy of off-roading that Land Rover possesses, and the vision and icon status that Shawn Stüssy has, this collaboration is sure to be exciting. View All Land Rovers For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by shawn stüssy (@shawnstussy)

By Edward Jones – March 19, 2020

Anthony Joshua and Land Rover Celebrate 50 Years of Range...

It was in 1970 that the Range Rover came into the world, loaded with "world-first technology." Now, Land Rover is celebrating 50 years of Range Rover with an amazing display in the snow. They also gave World heavyweight boxing champion Anthony Joshua the chance to drive the latest Range Rover SV models on the ice. The frozen artwork was designed by snow artist Simon Beck. He created a very unique "50 Years of Range Rover" graphics in the steering pad at Land Roevr's cold weather testing facility in Sweden. It's insane to think he created the artwork by walking more than 45,000 steps through the snow in a very specific manner. As mentioned before, Anthony Joshua also had the chance to take on the Jaguar Land Rover Ice Academy. From slipping to sliding and having minimal control, he learned how to master driving on ice with the help of the Academy instructors. You can see his experience down below. See All Land Rovers for Sale

Grammy Award-winning artist and Defender enthusiast John Mayer (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover )

By Edward Jones – November 21, 2019

John Mayer Helps Debut the Land Rover Defenders in L.A.

Land Rover held an event celebration for the new Defender models after their debut in Los Angeles. A lot of celebrities showed, including John Mayer who is actually a Defender enthusiast. Mayer played his hit songs "New Light," "Carry Me Away" and "Waiting on the World to Change." This appearance was made possible thanks to a new partnership between Land Rover and The Atlantic. There were a few Olympians in attendance, including Lindsey Vonn, Meghan Duggan, and Chris Corning. Rag & Bone CEO Marcus Wainwright, as well as actors Wilmer Valderrama and Max Greenfield were also in attendance. Land Rover also announced the new Defender pricing during the Los Angeles debut. SEE ALL LAND ROVER DEFENDERS FOR SALE Former Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Wilmer Valderrama (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Wilmer Valderramar (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Grammy Award-winning artist and Defender enthusiast John Mayer (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Grammy Award-winning artist and Defender enthusiast John Mayer (L) and former Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Grammy Award-winning artist and Defender enthusiast John Mayer (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Chris Corning (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Former Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Meghan Duggan (Photo by Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover ) Image Source: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Jaguar Land Rover

By Andrew Nabors – September 16, 2015

James Bond's New Jaguar and Land Rovers for "Spectre" Rev...

When MI6 needs specialized vehicles, normally they turn to agent Q. But for the latest film in the James Bond film "Spectre," the filmmakers turned to Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations. In a Sept. 15 press release marking the opening of the Frankfurt Auto Show (IAA), the British automakers detailed their cars being utilized in the upcoming spy film.Bond’s arch nemesis Hinx, played by actor David Bautista, will be seen behind the wheel of a Jaguar C-X75 supercar concept."To have the opportunity to be a part of an iconic chase scene in a Bond movie and to drive the C-X75 supercar was like a dream come true for me," said Bautista in the press release. "It truly is a beautiful beast of a car that will go down in movie history."(See Also: Rickie Fowler Shows Off Orange G63 AMG)Iconic Land Rover Defenders were equipped with 37-inch all-terrain tires, HID auxiliary lighting, roof racks and many other rugged accessories for the film. Naomie Harris, who returns as Monneypenny, defended her adoration for the classic SUV in the release."I made my Bond debut in the Defender, and I have so many fond memories shooting that sequence in Turkey," she stated. "It's such a special franchise to be a part of, and I'm thrilled to be here in Frankfurt with the Jaguar Land Rover team". Hinx's car in front and Hinx's accomplices in the two cars behindLast but not least is the incredible Range Rover Sport SVR. With a supercharged V8 making 550 hp, it probably didn’t require too many modifications for filming.The unveiling took place at Thurn und Taxis in Frankfurt, where guests were treated to live music by British recording artist John Newman. The press release also promised more updates and videos through Jaguar and Land Rover’s social media channels ahead of the film’s release in October. So, be sure to check back with us at Autofluence, your source for the vehicles of Her Majesty’s Secret Service.Gallery (Source: Jaguar Land Rover) See More Celebrity Cars News

By Caitlin Duffy – April 30, 2015

James Bond's Supercars of Spectre

On Dec. 4, it was announced that Aston Martin was continuing its support of England's greatest fictional spy with the appearance of the DB10 in "Spectre," the upcoming film from the James Bond series.On Feb. 9, Jaguar Land Rover introduced the three cars from the two marques that would be participating in their own action scenes in the film, which is scheduled for release Nov. 6. From Land Rover, the Range Rover Sport SVR and Land Rover Defender Big Foot will be making appearances, and Jaguar's C-X75 will be transporting a character with villainous intentions.A few days later, on Feb. 16, the DB10 was caught on film tearing up the streets behind Blenheim Palace in London, and today, we get to see a few more behind the scenes shots of two of these four impressive vehicles running a few trials and tearing through Rome's streets, with some back story from those creating this action thriller.(See Also: Sir Rod Stewart's 1971 Miura S SV For Sale)Eight bespoke Aston Martins have been created specifically for the film, and you can see a few of them hitting their cues for the camera in the video above. Uploaded to YouTube today by James Bond 007, this video from the set gives us some never before scene looks at one of the car chases to appear in the film.Be sure to give it a watch, and prepare yourself for the upcoming release by finding your own Bond-worthy Aston Martin from our exclusive listings below.See Aston Martins For Sale (Source: YouTube) See More Celebrity Car News

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