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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 – October 12, 2023

Lexus Welcomes Justin Suh As Its Latest Golf Ambassador

Luxury cars and golf go hand in hand, and Lexus deepens its commitment to the sport. Lexus, a brand synonymous with luxury automobiles, has hit another hole-in-one by signing Justin Suh, a rising star in the world of golf, as its latest ambassador. The partnership marks Lexus’ third addition to its golf ambassador program this year, fortifying an already strong lineup of athletic talent. This strategic move solidifies Lexus' commitment to golf, a sport that aligns well with many luxury car enthusiasts. Justin Suh is no newcomer to the greens; the 26-year-old has a decorated career that speaks volumes about his skill and determination. Hailing from San Jose, California, Suh’s journey began with early mentorship from his older sister, Hannah, and a rigorous self-study of Tiger Woods' iconic swing. This strong foundation propelled him to a successful stint in college golf at the University of Southern California. There, he not only achieved the No. 1 spot in the World Amateur Golf Rankings but also nabbed the PAC 12 Player of the Year title in 2018. Transitioning to a professional platform in 2018, Suh continued to shine. His 2022 season was a testament to his growing prowess, with ten top-10 finishes, a #1 position on the Korn Ferry Tour Points List, and the Korn Ferry Player of the Year accolade to boot. Not to mention, he emerged victorious in the season-ending Korn Ferry Tour Championship. Now residing in Las Vegas, Nevada, Suh is preparing to embark on his second year in the prestigious PGA TOUR come January 2024. While Lexus remains steadfast in its longstanding partnership with the United States Golf Association (USGA), the automaker is keen to evolve alongside the sport. By aligning with Justin Suh, Lexus is embracing the future of golf. The partnership aims to engage younger and more diverse audiences, reflecting the changing demographics of golf enthusiasts and potential luxury car buyers alike. Lexus understands that to remain a leader in the luxury automotive sector, they must adapt and innovate, just like in the ever-evolving world of golf. Justin Suh himself couldn’t be more thrilled about the collaboration. A long-time fan of the iconic Lexus brand, he expressed his honor in joining Lexus’ roster of elite athletes globally. His sentiment echoes the mutual respect and potential for growth that this partnership embodies. As Lexus continues to fine-tune its strategy for reaching key audiences through strategic partnerships, one thing remains clear: the brand's dedication to golf is unwavering, and its alliance with Justin Suh is an ace move toward a promising future. View All Lexus For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 15, 2023

JAY-Z’s Iconic “Off White Lexus” Parks At The Brooklyn Li...

While Jay-Z now owns a fleet of luxury cars, the classic 1993 Lexus GS 300 will remain one of his favorites. After recently announcing a special edition LC 500 to commemorate Beyoncé's tour, Lexus is partnering with Jay-Z on a new NYC exhibition. Roc Nation and Lexus are driving cultural narratives forward with the inclusion of a 1993 Lexus GS 300 in The Book Of HOV display at Brooklyn Public Library’s Central Location. This iconic vehicle was first showcased in JAY-Z’s “Dead Presidents” music video and immortalized in his hit songs like “Can I Live” and “Empire State Of Mind.” Since the exhibit's July 14th launch, the library has seen an exceptional spike in foot traffic, hosting over 255,000 visitors (almost four times more than the same period last year.) Card sign-ups have also surged, with over 21,000 new accounts thanks to the JAY-Z limited edition cards. The Book Of HOV serves as an expansive tribute to Shawn Carter, better known as JAY-Z, highlighting his global influence as a musician, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. “We're excited to partner with Lexus to bring JAY-Z’s iconic ‘Off-White Lexus’ to The Book of HOV,” says Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation. The vehicle adds another layer to an exhibit that has already captivated attendees. The exhibit will extend its run until December to accommodate new and returning visitors. "The vehicle display is a recognition of the mutual respect and admiration between Lexus and JAY-Z," says Mia Phillips, senior manager of Lexus Advertising & Media. As a brand frequently mentioned in hip-hop lyrics, Lexus remains connected with a lifestyle that defined an era. The 1993 Lexus GS 300 will remain on display, sealing its place in both automotive and hip-hop history. View all Lexus models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lexus For Sale Source: Lexus

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 26, 2023

Lexus Creates Custom LC 500 For Beyoncé's Renaissance Wor...

Lexus partners with Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour, showcasing a unique LC 500 with a dazzling look.

By Edward Jones – April 25, 2019

Lexus Joins the Team in New "Men in Black: International"...

The second trailer for the upcoming film "Men in Black: International" just dropped and it stars more than just Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson. In the trailer, a 2020 Lexus RC F is debuted as the car of choice for the alien-fighting duo. “We’ve added some advanced capabilities to the RC F to assist the Men in Black agents, creating a truly one-of-a-kind alien-fighting machine,” said Lisa Materazzo, Vice President of Lexus marketing. “We can’t wait for moviegoers to see the RC F as they’ve never seen it before.” What could that possibly mean? In the original film, it was the red button that could turn the car into essentially a rocket. For the new film, it seems that the RC F goes under the same kind of transformation. If you watch the trailer, found above, you can see the new Lexus sports car transform into a futuristic new vehicle. Check it out and get ready for the film, which hits theaters on June 14, 2019. see all lexus cars for sale

By Edward Jones – January 25, 2018

Lexus LC & LS 500 Star in New "Black Panther" Super Bowl Ad

The season of Super Bowl ads is underway and Lexus has just revealed their advertisement that will be shown during the big game.Starring in the ad is the cast of "Black Panther," the latest movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Co-starring in the ad is a custom Lexus LC 500 that was built to promote the movie, as well as the new 2018 LS 500 F Sport.Lexus & Marvel Unveil Two "Black Panther" Inspired CarsThere is an authentic match between the duality of both the Black Panther and the LS. The spot utilizes the Black Panther’s life as a Super Hero and as royalty to show the two sides of the LS: performance and luxury,” said Cooper Ericksen, Lexus vice president of marketing. “The stars aligned for this Super Bowl spot, with Lexus launching our flagship sedan and audiences primed for Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated release ‘Black Panther.’ Uniting LS with Black Panther on advertising’s biggest stage was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up.”Bentley Coupe for SaleNamed "Long Live the King," this ad will be the fourth ad from Lexus to appear during a Super Bowl. The song used in the ad is "Legend Has It" by Run the Jewels. Also, if you're a fan of soundtracks, the "Black Panther" film is looking to have a promising list of songs!

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