Dealer News

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 – December 22, 2020

Matching Ferrari Pair Shines Bright at Ferrari of Houston...

Ferrari of Houston & Ferrari of The Woodlands is proud to present this unique one of only 122 examples of the 1973 Ferrari 365 GTS/4, often referred to as “The Ferrari Daytona Spyder”. This example is in perfect restored condition and is one of only two Daytona Spyder’s finished by the factory in Verde Pino (Pine Green) Metallizato. With the Daytona Spyder in this video, we also present a beautifully configured 2021 812 GTS in matching Verde Pino Metallizato with Cuoio Leather Daytona Carbo Fiber Seats. This 812 GTS was commissioned by the owner of the 1973 Daytona to honor the Ferrari front engine V12 heritage. The unofficial Daytona name is reported to have been applied by the media rather than Ferrari. All Ferrari 365 GTB and GTS bodies, except the first Pininfarina prototype, were produced by Italian coachbuilder Scaglietti, which had a well-established record of working with Ferrari. As with the 812 Superfast of today, the 365 GTB/4 and GTS/4 was radically different from other vehicles of the time and replaced the traditional rounded design with much more sharp-edged styling. Both the 812 GTS and the Daytona are traditional front-engined, rear-drive cars. The engine of the Daytona, known as the Tipo 251 with a 60° bank angle, 2 valves per cylinder, 267.9 cu in, 365 cc per cylinder, featured 6X2 barrel Weber carburetors. At a compression ratio of 9.3:1, it produced 347 hp at 7500 rpm and could reach 174 mph. 0-60 mph acceleration was just 5.4 seconds. The 812 GTS engine is a massive 6.5 Liter V12, the largest V12 ever manufactured by Ferrari, with 800 Horsepower and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 2.9 seconds. Top speed is 212 MPH. The 812 GTS also features rear-wheel steering creating a virtual shorter wheelbase driving experience. The Daytona Spyder enjoys a five-speed gated shifter manual transmission which is mounted in the rear for optimal weight distribution, and a four-wheel independent suspension featured wishbones and coil springs. The 812 GTS uses a 7 Speed Dual Clutch Transmission and can be driven as either an Automatic or as a Manual Transmission using the paddles mounted on the steering column. The Daytona Spyder and the 812 GTS represent nearly 5 decades since Ferrari offered a 12 cylinder front engine full convertible option for purchase. Both automobiles would be cherished by any Ferrari Collector. View Their Current Inventory Source: Ferrari of Houston & Ferrari of The Woodlands

By Edward Jones – December 16, 2020

Graphite Grey McLaren Speedtail Delivered to McLaren San ...

McLaren San Diego has just taken delivery of their first McLaren Speedtail hypercar. To share the experience with everyone, their Creative Director and in-house photographer Robert Grubbs was given a couple of hours to capture the Speedtail before delivering it to its new owner. In the images, we see the Graphite Grey McLaren staged at the O'Gara motorsport facility before being shipped to COTA for delivery. Inside, this Speedtail has a Havana Tan interior that contrasts perfectly with the dark shades of the exterior. The person in charge of this spec was Bugatti San Diego Brand Manager and Motorsport Director, Parris Mullins. Bravo. Be sure to check back with us for the delivery footage at COTA. MUST READ: MCLAREN PRICE & SPECS View McLaren San Diego's Inventory

131474050 10159285328624973 1742452735019085758 o

By Andrew Nabors – December 14, 2020

South Florida Exotic Car Toy Rally Recap By The Collection

When it comes to helping those less fortunate, nothing can stop those who are determined. That's why our friends at The Collection invited all their customers and friends to take part in this year's South Florida Exotic Car Toy Rally. A brief morning shower seems to happen every year, but it didn't stop an amazing turnout. Instead of the banquet luncheon, the Goodyear Blimp hangar had a drive-through photo booth. The Marine Corps and their volunteers had their hands full, but it went off without a hitch. From their headquarters in Coral Gables, The Collection is able to keep their fingers on the pulse of South Florida's supercar scene, and we're thankful to represent them. Browse their inventory by clicking below and stay with us for all your exotic car news. Browse Inventory At The Collection Images: The Collection

By Andrew Nabors – December 11, 2020

The Vault Invites You To Classic Car Christmas 2020

Jackson, Mississippi is about halfway between Dallas and Atlanta, not far from anywhere in the Southeast. And that is why you should make plans to be there next weekend. Our friends at The Vault have invited everyone to their world-class facility for an afternoon unlike any other. You will experience the best in Southern Hospitality among truly amazing automobiles. The Cruise-In is open to all makes and models, and you will have a chance to get up close & personal with their inventory of over 150 classics. Welcome to The Vault: Mississippi’s Largest Collector Car Dealership Months in the making, the team has moved every car to sanitize their facilities from top to bottom. Attendees don't need a car, all you need is a passion for cars and a healthy appetite. While the main show runs from Noon to 5, VIP guests and clients will be treated to a private dinner from 6 to 10pm. The adjacent Homewood Suites hotel is offering great weekend packages if you need to get away, so click the button below for all the details. Learn More " width="680">

By Edward Jones – December 10, 2020

The Experience Auto Group Hosts 10th Annual Toys for Tots...

The Experience Auto Group recently held their 10th Annual Toys for Tots Drive-Thru Event and the results are incredible. While the great showing of exotic cars was a sight to behold, it was the gifts that were the star attraction. In total, there were over 100,000 toys donated. That's a truly remarkable number of toys that will be given to children who truly need some holiday cheer this year. Participating in the drive was many of The Experience Group's dealerships, including Ferrari of Long Island, Maserati of Long Island, and Gold Coast Maserati and Gold Coast Alfa Romeo. You can check out the event for yourself down below! View Ferrari of Long Island's Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – December 08, 2020

Prestige Imports Walkthrough: A Trip Through Supercar Heaven

Everyone knows someone that is hard to shop for but fear not. As a must-see mecca for automotive enthusiasts, you can find the perfect gift at Prestige Imports. Fans from around the world make a pilgrimage to meet their heroes. As the resident archivist for South Florida's supercar scene, Mike Supercars TopSpeed stopped by to film the showroom. Our friend Brett David has cultivated the only salient location that offers Pagani, Lamborghini, Lotus, Karma, and others under the same roof. As such, the pre-owned inventory is also filled with cars you will never see again. Tell us your favorite car in the comments below and click the button to see what Prestige Imports has waiting for you. Browse Inventory At Prestige Imports " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – December 08, 2020

Miller Motorcars Annual Fall Rally 2020 Recap

New England has greeted Winter head-on this year, and supercars are now in hibernation. But we are thankful the weather held out last weekend because the Miller Motorcars Fall Rally was fun for all ages. Leaves fall and birds fly south this time of year, so all makes and models enjoyed an opportunity to replace a classic Drive-in movie. With pizza and snacks for the crowd, honored attendees included an Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Shooting Brake, Pagani Zonda F, and a new Ferrari 488 Pista. Miller Motorcars imports and sells exclusive cars to clientele across the Northeast, so click the button to view their inventory and stay with us for more great events like these. Browse Inventory At Miller Motorcars " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2020

Dimmitt Automotive Leads Toy Rally Across Tampa Bay

Yesterday was perfect weather for a supercar gathering. With over 100 supercars and exotics, our friends at Dimmitt Automotive led a Toy Rally across Tampa Bay. Starting at 7 am, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office arrived with marked and unmarked cruisers and motorcycles. Filmed by McLaren Sales Manager Matthew Jones, an impressive lineup reached Interstate 275. duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee at Armature Works Recap: All For a Great Cause With the on-ramps closed to traffic, the convoy crossed the bay to reach Steinbrenner Field and Raymond James Stadium. It was a great way to help those less fortunate, so here's to everyone at Dimmitt Automotive and all local law enforcement who helped make it a resounding success. Browse Inventory at Dimmitt Automotive " width="680">

By Edward Jones – December 03, 2020

Ferrari F8 Spider Family at Ferrari of Long Island

Every so often, the planets align and cosmic forces bless us with a very unique opportunity. Ferrari of Long Island was able to showcase the beauty of Ferrari: past, present and future. The official Ferrari North America F8 Spider demonstrator is finished in the historic color Giallo Modena, and it recently arrived to their showroom in Long Island. They were also fortunate enough to have in their inventory the three predecessors of the latest open-top Ferrari V8 sports car, all finished in Giallo Modena. As a result, Ferrari of Long Island's photographer was able to capture these lovely images of a yellow Ferrari family reunion: four generations of pure performance and driving pleasure. Introducing the Ferrari F430 Spider, 458 Spider, 488 Spider and F8 Spider! View Ferrari of Long Island Inventory

By Edward Jones – November 17, 2020

Bugatti Divo Hypercar Unboxing by Bugatti Beverly Hills -...

Bugatti Beverly Hills recently had the pleasure of unboxing one of the new Bugatti Divo hypercars that will be created. The unboxing took place at JP Logistics' headquarters in Los Angeles, California. This specific Bugatti Divo has an exquisite two-tone finish that's one part glossy black and one part matte blue. The combo of blue and black is a perfect match for the Divo because it allows the red from both the badge and taillights to really stand out. And I mean it about the taillights, which have the wildest design I've seen on any car. I should point out that the Bugatti Divo is more than just looks. If you don't believe me, just check out the unboxing video and listen to the roar of the W16 engine. That, my friends, is music to my ears. Congratulations are in order for both Bugatti Beverly Hills on the extraordinary delivery and the new owner who now has one of the most extreme creations Bugatti has ever produced.

Dealer News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe