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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 Edward Jones – February 05, 2021

Dealer Details: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Orlando

Presented by Rolls-Royce Orlando - Located in Orlando, Florida, Fields Motor Cars Orlando serves the greater Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Tampa Bay areas and provides all customers with the customer service they deserve. Within the Fields Motor Cars family is Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Orlando. This luxurious dealership is dedicated to providing an exceptional customer experience. Their customers can be assured that they will receive the highest standard of service and professionalism. With this kind of customer service, Rolls-Royce Orlando ensures that their time choosing a Rolls-Royce vehicle with them will be an unforgettable experience-- one that's as unforgettable as the vehicle itself. In fact, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars were selected as the automaker's Global Dealer of the Year in 2019. That’s quite the prestigious award considering they were ranked #1 out of 135 retailer dealers worldwide in more than 50 countries. According to Rolls-Royce, the winners "support the business’ ongoing dedication to customer hypercentricity, putting the marque’s extraordinary clients at the very heart of the Rolls-Royce brand." " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 20, 2021

Dealer Details: Motorcar Gallery

Presented by Motorcar Gallery- South Florida has a pace of life all its own. In a world of luxury real estate, mega yachts, and supercars many small car dealers have not been able to survive the fast lifestyle that exists. However, there is one respite amid the hustle & bustle of Fort Lauderdale. It is there you will find a family business that emphasizes customer service above all else. Motorcar Gallery has been in the classic car business since 1984. Their iconic location on U.S.1 is blocks from Las Olas, and it has become a Mecca for those of us who share a love for classics. Browse Inventory At Motorcar Gallery A growing backlash among our fans is directed at the mega-dealers. The massive conglomerates have forced many small stores like this out of business while transforming customers into statistics. The employees at Motorcar Gallery have over 200 years in sales and service of the world's most coveted cars. Not only can they help you make an informed purchase, but their staff is also available around the clock to offer service, storage, and delivery of your classic. You are not a number, and your repeat business is why Motorcar Gallery is able to shine brighter than any corporate behemoth. This is easily seen as you drive past the showroom. Instead of packing the floor with the latest arrivals, Motorcar Gallery knows each car has a story to tell. In fact, knowing how each car made it here is worth your time. The love of cars is what motivates this team to go above and beyond what you have experienced before, so click here for an experience you won't regret. P.S. Here is a taste of what you will see in the showroom: 1971 Ferrari 365 GTC4 View Listing 1977 Maserati Bora View Listing 1967 Aston Martin DB6 View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – January 08, 2021

Help Curated Find The Lost Lamborghini Miura SV

Our friend John Temerian inherited an addiction to fine automobiles. Always on the hunt for rare Italians, let's help Curated find the lost Lamborghini Miura SV. Back in 1972, his father purchased a black Miura SV, the star of the New York Auto Show. Curated Virtual Dealership Tour Its twin was the centerpiece of the Chicago show, but it was last seen decades ago in Arizona. The Southwest has the perfect climate to preserve classic cars, so we can hope that it is still in one piece. In the meantime, Curated offers the best classic Lamborghinis on the market, so click the button below to find yours. Browse Inventory " width="680">

By Edward Jones – July 13, 2020

Dealer Details: Sean Hughes - Rolls-Royce San Diego Manager

By Sean Hughes - My life-long career in automotive first started at a previous dealership at our O’Gara San Diego showroom location in 1993. I came on as a lot boy then started getting good at detailing cars for the dealership, so they hired me at the service facility restoring old Ferraris with Randy Pene. As I gained more experience with the team, I became a sort of showroom manager at the height of the dealership when they were selling the most important, collectible, and valuable cars in the world. This was a time when the previous dealership also had great name recognition in the San Diego area, and everyone knew me as I did pretty much anything they needed me to do. From scrubbing toilets, picking up lunch for the team, and once even flew in a private jet and helped un-burry one of the most important Ferraris to be sold. My first sale happened when the past manager asked me if I wanted to try to sell a car, and that I could come in on a Saturday to test my sales skills. As I always spend my Saturdays surfing, I said “no thanks”. Luckily, I ended up coming in and sold a 1989 Ferrari 328 GTB in the first 45 minutes I was there and made as much money in 45 Minutes as I did in 2 months. And as they say, the rest is history. When O’Gara purchased the dealership in 2015, I stayed on with sales and eventually took over as the Rolls-Royce Manager in 2020. I love this position in that I get to meet the most interesting people and hearing their incredible stories of success. Some are great stories, some crazy stories, and some are purely just movie-worthy. Experiencing another life through our Rolls Royce clients is fascinating to me - a way to learn some good life lessons. Back when I was at previous dealerships, we would get the monthly sales reports and O’Gara was always #1. Now that I’m here working with the biggest dealer in the US, it’s quite the honor to be a part of it. Sleepy San Diego has always been a hard market for Rolls Royce, but I’m excited for what our O’Gara team has in store for all of our brands and putting San Diego in the spotlight. View Inventory About Rolls-Royce San Diego Rolls-Royce Motor Cars San Diego is dedicated to providing an exceptional customer experience. Our customers can be assured of the highest standard of service and professionalism, ensuring that choosing a Rolls-Royce Motor Car is as unforgettable an experience as the vehicles themselves.

By Edward Jones – April 24, 2020

Dealer Details: Pierre Ford and Pierre Chevrolet

It was 1947 when Bill Pierre Senior opened the doors to his first dealership, Bill Pierre Ford. He set out with a simple philosophy; treat customers like you would treat your own family and the way you’d want to be treated yourself. Today, Pierre Auto Centers has expanded to 13 locations and now include Ford, LINCOLN, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Mitsubishi new car franchises When it comes to Ford high-performance vehicles, no other dealer comes close to Pierre for offering the best selection and expertise. As the biggest Ford performance dealer on the West Coast, partnering with Saleen, Shelby and Roush, enthusiasts and collectors know that Pierre is the premier performance vehicle destination. Pierre’s prominent placement in the nationally and internationally recognized duPont Registry is proof of our reputation and recognition of our stellar reputation among enthusiasts. Top Shelby dealer 2017, 2018 and now 2019! For over three generations, Seattle residents have counted on Pierre Auto Centers for all their automotive needs including our extensive knowledge of performance vehicles. Mustang lovers in particular seek out Pierre for our extensive selection, knowledge and love of these legendary vehicles. Our 13 consecutive years partnering with the local Mustang Roundup have cemented us into that community and as the Platinum Sponsor for this year’s event, we’re excited to again be a part of such a fun event. Pierre Ford Though we’ve grown beyond our humble beginnings, our courteous, professional staff still abides by our founder’s principles of always putting the customer first. Perhaps nothing exemplifies that commitment to providing the very best customer service than our four Ford President’s Awards, an award given only to the dealers that reach the highest level of customer service, satisfaction and offer an overall exceptional experience. We are proud to have won this prestigious award again this year and look forward to continue being awarded one year after year. While our dedication to offering the best car buying experience possible drives everything we do, we know car buyers also deserve to find exactly the vehicle they want and then buy it at the best price possible. That’s why we always maintain the largest selection of new and used cars you’ll find in Washington. But it gets better: our Best Price Guarantee assures you you’ll drive home with confidence you paid the lowest price possible. Putting people in the perfect car at the perfect price is what keeps people coming back to Pierre for all their transportation needs. Today, just like every day since 1947, there’s a Pierre family member working. Still family-owned and operated, Pierre Auto Centers continues to grow our business with the strengths of our long-term relationships, our commitment to the community and with our "Golden Rule" philosophy of doing business. We invite you to visit us at any of our nine locations and let us show you just how Bill Pierre Senior would have greeted you – with a hand shake, a pat on the back and a great deal. View Pierre Ford Inventory View Pierre Chevrolet Inventory

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