Dealer Details

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 duPont REGISTRY – October 20, 2022

Dealer Details: Bentley Pasadena

Presented by Bentley Pasadena. At Bentley Pasadena, we know that there is a number of places to shop for a luxury car in nearby Glendale, Burbank, and Los Angeles, CA. But we’re confident that once you’ve done business with us here at Bentley Pasadena, you simply won’t want to shop anywhere else for all your luxury automotive needs. At our Bentley dealership on the scenic Colorado Boulevard here in Pasadena, CA, we strive to meet and exceed our valued customers’ every expectation of what luxury car shopping can be. And with our dedicated staff and comprehensive selection of the finest in Bentley cars, we’re certain you’ll drive away satisfied. Enjoy unparalleled luxury with our Bentley cars here at Bentley Pasadena Known for bespoke craftsmanship and almost stratospheric levels of luxury refinement, Bentley cars are purpose-built for drivers of distinguished tastes. And if you count yourself among those elite few, you owe it to yourself to see what we have in store here at Bentley Pasadena. On our showroom floor, you’ll find popular Bentley models like the Bentley Mulsanne, Bentley Continental GT, Bentley Bentayga, and Bentley Flying Spur. And with a vast variety of personalization options for each, our dedicated Bentley sales associates will help you craft your ideal Bentley luxury car, customizing everything from its powertrain and exterior accents to the colors scheme of its supple interior and rich leather upholstery. View Inventory New 2022 Bentley Continental GT V8 View Price And Listing New 2022 Bentley Bentayga View Price And Listing New 2022 Bentley Continental GT Speed View Price And Listing

By duPont REGISTRY – October 17, 2022

Dealer Details: Bentley Gold Coast

Presented by Bentley Gold Coast. As a young boy growing up in Chicago’s Italian neighborhood, Joe Perillo always dreamed about owning a nice car one day—a dream that would eventually result in him becoming the number one Cadillac salesman in the nation. While he was finishing up his three-year service in the army at the ripe age of twenty, he landed a job selling cars in Tacoma, WA. There he met Pat, his future bride of 48 years, before moving back to Chicago to fulfill his passion for selling luxury cars. Lifestyle is something they take very seriously at Bentley Gold Coast. Rest assured, they have encapsulated their passion for excellence in every last detail of the dealership. The showroom is as elegant as the exquisitely handcrafted and engineered vehicles they sell. Bentley Gold Coast's service department is as clean and technologically advanced as an operating room. The staff is highly skilled and take their careers very seriously. It is their goal to provide the most enjoyable customer experience possible. When it comes to customer service…Bentley Gold Coast is in a league of their own. Their multi-story glass-encased showroom offers 11,000 square feet on two levels. Refined and comfortable. created a legacy that embodies all of these characteristics. Customers appreciate the close-knit atmosphere and personal involvement of the Perillo family at Bentley Gold Coast, and Mr. Perillo attributes much of his success to the ability to hire only the best employees, who are totally committed to the customer throughout the car-buying experience. He lives by the Golden Rule: to treat all customers and others as you would like to be treated. View Dealer Inventory

By duPont REGISTRY – September 30, 2022

Dealer Details: Perillo of Downers Grove

Presented by Perillo of Downers Grove. When you sell the best new vehicles in the world, you get the best trades. Perillo Bentley of Downers Grove was established in 2009 with Lamborghini being added in 2014. We sell and service all brands of cars, trucks, and SUVs in our local markets of Downers Grove, Lisle, Westmont, Clarendon Hills, and the greater Chicago metro market. The Perillo Auto Group is still family-owned and operated, with many of our staff members being employed here for over 20 years. Our reputation for customer satisfaction is the cornerstone of our business. From our humble roots in Chicago, many of our original customers have brought their families and friends to us. First, second and third-generation customers have helped us grow to three locations. We’ve learned to change with the times and adapt to the needs of today’s Internet consumers. The Golden Rule: to treat all customers and others as you would like to be treated…that’s what Perillo Downers Grove is all about. By selling and servicing some of the best brands in the world like Bentley, Lamborghini, BMW, Bugatti, Maserati, and Rolls Royce, we get the best trade-ins. We handpick our pre-owned inventory from those trades and recondition them to a very high standard. All vehicles are value priced after extensive market analysis. We also always stock quality inventory from Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Acura, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Porsche, Lexus, Infiniti, BMW, and Range Rover. We have a reputation for selling quality new cars and understand the importance of selling and servicing the best-used cars, trucks, and SUVs here in the Western Suburbs of Chicago… just as we do for our loyal clients in Chicagoland. View Inventory

By Edward Jones – September 13, 2022

Customize The Popular Moke From California's Bert's Mega ...

Presented by Bert's Mega Mall. Bert's Mega Mall has an outstanding history that dates back to 1959. Now, over half a century later, Bert's Mega Mall is well-known for being a leader in the world of powersports sales and is also California's largest dealer for the ever-popular Moke. If you happen to be one of the few who don't know what a Moke is, here's a quick lesson. Mokes are 100% electric cars that are completely street-legal and perfect for summertime cruises with the family. They feature a 40-mile range and a wide range of available options that customers can choose from. Each moke can be charged from any household 110 outlet with a full charge taking just 8 hours. They also offer a vacation charger to make sure your Moke is ready to roll upon your return. View Listing As mentioned before, Bert's Mega Mall happens to be California's largest dealer for Mokes and has the World's largest selection to choose from. They can also help you build a completely custom example as well. What's more, they can deliver to anywhere, even Cabo and Hawaii for those who need one for beach cruises during vacation. Bert's Mega Mall also offers customers with the ability to rent a Moke so you can either cruise in one while visiting the area or test one out for yourself before purchasing. You can see all of Bert's Mega Mall's Mokes for sale by clicking the button below or check out the prime example currently listed on duPontREGISTRY.com up above. Visit BertsMegaMall.com

By Edward Jones – September 12, 2022

Dealer Details: San Francisco Exotic Cars

Presented by San Francisco Exotic Cars. Once located on Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco’s bustling commercial district, Lamborghini San Francisco, Bentley San Francisco, and Pagani of San Francisco were acquired by Boardwalk Auto Group in 2020 and now joined Maserati of Marin and Alfa Romeo of Marin in the beautiful city of San Rafael as a part of San Francisco Exotic Cars. San Francisco Exotic Cars is proud to serve the San Francisco Bay Area providing exclusive and personalized service to guide you through every step of your exotic vehicle experience. Whether you’re buying your first Maserati or looking to consign or trade in your current Lamborghini, our dedicated team will be there for you. When it’s time for your vehicle to be serviced, you can bring it to our conveniently located dealership for repairs and maintenance to work with familiar faces or schedule a pick-up and drop off for your convenience. As a San Francisco Exotic Cars client, you’ll receive premium client care, invitations to exclusive lifestyle and drive events throughout the year and receive the latest updates and information to ensure you can be among the first to experience the newest innovations from Pagani, Lamborghini, Bentley, Maserati, and Alfa Romeo. View Inventory

By Edward Jones – May 06, 2022

Dealer Details: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Raleigh

Presented by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Raleigh. It’s hard to match the thrill that comes with owning and driving a Rolls-Royce. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Raleigh understands that perfection comes in all different shapes and sizes; whether you choose the Ghost, Wraith, Phantom, or another model, you are sure to find what you desire in our Raleigh showroom. Perfection is everywhere you look. Rolls-Royce is constantly evolving and striving to conquer the innovations of the future. The concept of electrification, fully embraced by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Raleigh, brings the all-new Spectre to customers in 2023. This fully-electric vehicle will deliver a truly authentic and elevated experience, with attention to every detail, which reflects the values of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Raleigh and its dedication to its customers. Excellence has been the standard at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Raleigh; the staff is dedicated to providing every customer with the white glove refined experience from the moment they walk through the doors. The entire process is streamlined for efficiency to ensure the sole focus is on finding your dream car. From the moment they take their first step into the showroom, they are provided with a truly VIP experience. The state-of-the-art showroom has a wide selection of both new and used vehicles. If a specific vehicle is not available or a custom build is simply more suitable, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Raleigh has the capability to order a custom Rolls-Royce straight from the manufacturer. It’s truly the little details that make the biggest difference in both the car buying process and the vehicle itself, and they go the extra mile to make sure every customer gets to experience this. Their dedication to their customers does not end when the vehicle pulls off the lot. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Raleigh is a certified service center. The award-winning master technicians can help with a wide range of services; whether that is routine maintenance or fixing a bigger issue, they have the experience and expertise to get the job done right ensuring customer satisfaction. When you desire to enhance your Rolls-Royce buying experience, you know your best option is to make an appointment with Rolls-Royce Motor Cars of Raleigh. You will not find a world-class automotive service and experience anywhere else. View Inventory

By Edward Jones – April 29, 2022

Avondale Group: North Texas' Leading Exotic Car Dealer

Presented by Avondale Group. The Avondale Pre-Owned Pledge to you is to provide a wide variety of quality used vehicles that fit your needs and lifestyle. Whether you are shopping for your very first pre-owned vehicle, staying within a certain budget, upgrading to a higher trim level, or looking for a commercial vehicle to support your business, Avondale Group's Sales Experience Managers are dedicated to finding the best pre-owned option for you. The Avondale Pre-Owned Pledge: Quality Vehicles Extended Warranty options Elevated Service Experience The Avondale Pre-Owned Advantage Avondale acquires pre-owned vehicles via local trade-ins to support their Dallas-Fort Worth area shoppers. They prioritize vehicles that are maturing via lease or cars they acquire from our Dallas-Fort Worth clients during a transaction. As a luxury dealer, Avondale's clients trade some of the most well cared for pre-owned vehicles from a wide range of manufacturers as they transition to getting the car of their dreams. They only keep the very best of those to offer as exclusive Avondale Pre-Owned vehicles. Avondale's Pre-Owned vehicles go through a meticulous reconditioning process. This process starts with our certified technicians inspecting all vehicles to determine if each vehicle meets their criteria. If the vehicle passes our technical inspections, they then prepare the vehicle for sale with strict cosmetics checks. Avondale's cosmetic checks include reviewing the vehicle's exterior paint and interior leather condition. The team at Avondale also sources exclusive pre-owned performance vehicles to satisfy their regional supercar community. Those vehicles include Mercedes-AMG, Porsche Turbo, Maserati GT, and other performance vehicles available at the Premier Collection dealership. View Inventory

By Edward Jones – April 08, 2022

TSG AUTOHAUS: VIP Treatment For Every Customer

Presented by TSG AUTOHAUS. We are living in an age where services are provided on a large scale and often at the sacrifice of personalized one-on-one attention. When George Shinn III started TSG AUTOHAUS, his concept was very simple: do the opposite and create an environment that feels as far away from a “car dealership” as possible. With many years in the high-end exotic car industry, George knows what clients really want and that's more than just a sports car: it's to feel special and get the VIP treatment. To accomplish that, TSG AUTOHAUS is available by appointment only. This allows every TSG AUTOHAUS client to be treated to a one-on-one experience where as much time needed can be devoted to them. When clients arrive, they receive undivided attention so they can tune out all of the distractions and noise that can impede making the right choice in selecting their dream car. How, you might ask? To begin with, George is the epitome of the true "owner-operator." With his 32 years in the business, there will never be a reason for a client to be handed off to someone else. No sales managers, finance managers, etc. George is your only point of contact from start to finish. "My goal is to make your TSG AUTOHAUS buying experience very special and one that you will want to repeat often," says George. We would remiss if we didn't highlight that while the buying experience at TSG AUTOHAUS is top-tier, so is the inventory. With a constantly rotating inventory of the rarest supercars and luxury cars from around the world, there is always something for everyone. A true testament to the dealership's amazing inventory is their "Previously Sold" page. Scrolling down, you'll find some stunning examples such as a British Racing Green Ferrari SF90 Stradale, Nero Nemesis Lamborghini Murcielago SV, Porsche Carrera GT, and so many others. If you'd like to take part in a truly special car buying experience, start with viewing TSG AUTOHAUS' inventory by clicking the button below. View Inventory Previously Sold By TSG AUTOHAUS

By Edward Jones – April 04, 2022

Dealer Details: Motorenn of Los Angeles, California

Presented by Motorenn. Motorenn is a Los Angeles-based e-commerce startup specializing in used luxury and premium vehicles. The company was founded in the summer of 2020 by cofounders David Chou, a military veteran with years of corporate strategy experience at CarMax and Edmunds, and Austin Haldeman, a former engineer with Honda Racing and former engineering consultant. Motorenn is leading the evolution of used luxury car buying with low overhead costs, transparent and data-driven pricing models, and a digital first mentalityThe startup has grown rapidly, surpassing $2 million in monthly revenue and most recently expanding into a larger facility conveniently located near LAX airport. Although the majority of their customers buy and sell their vehicles remotely, locals can come into the new office - or those further away can fly into LAX to conduct a test drive in person. Cofounders Chou and Haldeman see Motorenn not just as a dealership or e-commerce platform, but as a community of car enthusiasts. "In addition to providing a great retail experience, we're educating our customers on their vehicles so they can enjoy them to the fullest," said CEO David Chou. "We love these vehicles, and want to share our knowledge and excitement for them." View Inventory

By Edward Jones – March 25, 2022

Ferrari of Central New Jersey: Welcome to the Garden Stat...

Presented by Ferrari of Central New Jersey. If it was easy to have a Ferrari dealership, everyone would. It isn’t easy: it takes incredible skill, expertise, dedication, and passion to sell and service new and pre-owned Ferraris, ranging from models that were released in the mid 20th century, all the way up until the plug-in hybrid hypercars and supercars of today. Ferrari of Central New Jersey is the first and only official Ferrari dealership in New Jersey because it is capable of doing all of those things. With a full service, state of the art facility that first opened its doors in 2019, Ferrari of Central New Jersey brings visitors into a complete Ferrari emporium. An ode to Ferrari’s unparalleled Italian craftsmanship, performance and style, Ferrari of Central New Jersey’s beautiful facility and excellent customer experience speaks to the same values. As a member of the Murgado Automotive Group, Ferrari of Central New Jersey is backed by 20 years of experience in automotive excellence, and dedication to clients. When it comes to excellence, luxury, and passion, Ferrari of Central New Jersey is a pure reflection of the Ferrari brand. Trusting Ferrari of Central New Jersey with your new or pre-owned Ferrari purchase or sale, and even service for your Ferrari of any age is easy, because when you visit Ferrari of Central New Jersey, you get true luxury, done the Ferrari way, and done the right way. View Inventory

Dealer Details

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe