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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 – September 22, 2017

Bugatti Chiron Delivered by St. Louis Motorcars

“Every Bugatti must be a holistic masterpiece.” -Ettore Bugatti This pinnacle of super sports cars, a Bugatti Chiron delivered by Bugatti St. Louis-St. Louis Motorcars is no exception.In 2016 Bugatti promised a car lighter and more responsive than its predecessor, 1500 pounds of torque, one that would break through dimensions. Bugatti does more than promise; Bugatti delivers. At this year’s International Motorshow IAA in Frankfurt, Bugatti set a World Record. The 1500 hp super car accelerated from a standing start to 400 km/h (249 mph) and braked back to a standstill in just 42 seconds (41.96). This is the fastest time ever reached and officially measured for this driving maneuver by a production vehicle.In Bugatti’s case, significantly more “beast” also comes with a high level of “beauty.” This Bugatti Chiron is finished in Nocturne and Spirit Blue Effect complementing its aerodynamic and highly efficient chassis. The custom paint color is just one of many ways to accentuate the already exceptional vehicle. This motorcar, the first Chiron delivered from Bugatti St. Louis-St. Louis Motorcars, includes custom painted wheels and calipers, black anodized exhaust, the painted horseshoe emblem, and a two tone rear wing. Exquisite doesn’t begin to describe this configuration. Ready to spec your car exactly as you want it? Contact Graham Hill at Bugatti St. Louis-St. Louis Motorcars at 855-971-4092 or click the button below to view all of St. Louis Motorcar's inventory.View Inventoryhttps://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/10155752779698256/

By Andrew Nabors – September 07, 2017

Prestige Imports Stores Multi-Million Dollar Supercar Col...

Here in Florida, we are looking down the barrel of an immense hurricane. As a native, I know that protecting a valuable vehicle is mandatory. Heading to high ground is the first priority, but elevation is hard to find along the coast. That is why Prestige Imports is working with the Porsche Design Tower to protect their irreplaceable inventory. Other preparations include draining the pools found on each balcony, so Porsche Design Tower has added extra pumps to make sure everything stays dry. The logistics of moving several supercars is hard enough, and it's even harder when traffic is gridlocked. Here at duPont REGISTRY HQ we are moving everything inside and boarding up the windows. We hope everyone comes through without much damage.

By Edward Jones – August 21, 2017

United States' First Bugatti Chiron Delivered

It's been over a year since the Bugatti Chiron was revealed, but the United States is just now getting its first customer examples of the hypercar. This news comes to us from O'Gara Coach, who facilitated the delivery.The example comes in a two-tone color scheme: yellow and black. Both the exterior and interior feature this color scheme, which is unlike any other Chiron design we've seen thus far. Along with the delivery of the car came a crate of the essentials, packed with the manual, keys, and everything else the owner of one of the world's greatest hypercar would need.(All Photos by Grubbs Photography)Bugatti unveiled the car during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it was delivered to its new owner. The image of its showcase can be seen at the end of the images below.Powering the car is the 8.0-liter W16 engine with two-stage turbocharging, which pumps out an extraordinary 1,500 and 1,180 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 6,000 RPM. With this power and the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, Bugatti states that the Chiron is ready to set a new world speed record, especially with ta stated top speed of 260.9 mph. It should also be mentioned that the Chiron will be able to run 0-62 mph in less than 2.5 seconds.

By Edward Jones – August 15, 2017

Pagani Newport Beach Officially Opens Up

California now has a new home for Paganis thanks to the opening of Pagani Newport Beach.This new dealership is the first and only standalone Pagani Automobili dealership in the entire United States. It's here that Pagani owners can have their supercar serviced by certified and trained technicians. This includes standard maintenance, preventative maintenance, upgrades (Tempesto Package, anyone?) repairs electronic, and more.If you're looking to order a new Pagani for your collection, you can do that at Pagani Newport Beach. Just sit down with the team and they'll help you order the car of your dreams.https://www.instagram.com/p/BX0dpJZl1nM/To learn more, be sure to visit their website by clicking the button below.Learn More

By Edward Jones – August 14, 2017

Lamborghini Beverly Hills' Last Aventador SV Coupe is Pur...

Lamborghini Beverly Hills has taken delivery of their last new Lamborghini Aventador SV Coupe. The car is finished in black with gold accents. If this color scheme is familiar, it's because it took inspiration from the legendary black and gold Miura SV that has been the apple of many automotive enthusiasts' eyes.While the roof and wing on most Aventador SVs are matte carbon fiber, this example has full gloss carbon fiber. The lustrous carbon fiber is joined by the contrasting gold accents that can also be found in the interior's stitching. It's easy to say that the team at Ad Personam went above and beyond to make this supercar one of the most beautiful yet. What's more, the production team personally signed the car under the hood.The vehicle is currently on display at the Lamborghini Beverly Hills showroom.

By Edward Jones – August 14, 2017

MSO White/Black/Orange McLaren 675LT for Sale

McLaren Newport Beach is pleased to present for sale this gorgeous 2016 McLaren 675LT Spider that is showroom like-new condition and loaded with matte Carbon Fiber options inside and out. This particular unit also features some beautiful touches completed by McLaren Automotive's bespoke division, McLaren Special Operations including matte Carbon Fiber Rear Airbrake Panel, matte Carbon Fiber Roof and Tonneau Cover, matte Carbon Fiber Vent Bezels, and matte Carbon Fiber Front Bumper Wings. The exterior is finished in the dazzling "Silica White" exterior paint that was introduced with the 675LT series. For more information, be sure to click the button below. View Price and Listing

By Edward Jones – August 10, 2017

Prestige Imports Delivers Beautiful Pagani Huayra BC

Prestige Imports have recently had the pleasure of delivering a brand-new Pagani Huayra BC to a special client of theirs. This new example of the Italian hypercar has a glossy, exposed carbon fiber exterior that has interesting contrasting notes. Stripes of yellow follow along the car's body lines, showing off just how curvaceous and sleek it really is. The Huayra BC itself is without a doubt the most advanced and extreme Huayra that Pagani has ever created. Powering the car is a twin-turbo V12 engine that has been exclusively developed for Pagani by Mercedes-AMG. It creates over 750 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a seven-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). Pagani states that the weight of the gearbox, including a brand new electronic active differential, is just about 40% lighter when compared to the dual-clutch of the current generation Huayra. Stay with us for more incredible hypercar deliveries from prestigious dealerships like Prestige Imports.

By Edward Jones – July 26, 2017

Verde Ithaca 2017 Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster Sold ...

Lamborghini Newport Beach is pleased to present the most recent V12 bull they have sold: this 2017 Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SuperVeloce Roadster. It has been heavily customized inside and out via Lamborghini's bespoke "Ad Personam" program.A special feature on this SuperVeloce Roadster is that the large SV logo is actually exposed gloss Carbon Fiber appearing from underneath the pearl "Verde Ithaca" paint. The entire fender is actually a Carbon Fiber piece but through the “Ad Personam” program, is able to be shown not in paint or sticker form, but gloss Carbon fiber.Lamborghini Prices and Listings Lamborghini Newport Beach prides itself on allowing clients to fully develop their unique vision and looks forward to future plans with Lamborghini’s "Ad Personam” program.View Dealer Inventory

By Edward Jones – July 25, 2017

Gold Coast Auto Gallery Delivers White and Red Lamborghin...

A new Lamborghini Centenario Roadster has been delivered in the United States by Gold Coast Auto Gallery, located in Chicago, Illinois. This Centenario Roadster looks to be the first example finished in white, as the others we've seen have been donning a glossy carbon fiber exterior. Contrasting with the white body is red trim found on the front lip, side skirts, rear diffuser and brake calipers. The black interior also sports white piping and red stitching. Each Centenario, no matter Coupe or Roadster, comes with a naturally aspirated V12 engine that produces 770 horsepower. Lamborghini has stated that this is the most powerful engine they have ever produced over their decades of production. A 0-62 mph sprint can be completed in just 2.8 seconds when behind the wheel of the Centenario, and 0-186 mph (yes, it’s so fast that this is a performance figure) is done in 23.5 seconds. Lamborghini has rated its top speed at over 217 mph, but a definitive number has not been stated. https://www.instagram.com/p/BW-p1AvFJD_/

By Edward Jones – July 19, 2017

Three Aston Martin Vanquish Zagatos in One Place

When Aston Martin pulled back the sheets on the Vanquish Zagato concept car, nobody was really sure if the English automaker would put the car into production. Fortunately, Aston Martin decided to pull the trigger on the concept's production and even introduced a Volante (convertible) version of the car.Aston Martin Beverly Hills sold three examples of the Vanquish Zagato, including both the Coupe and Volante versions. That's quite a large number of sales considering Aston Martin plans to only produce 99 examples of the car. Check out the photos of all three cars below, courtesy of Grubbs Photography who captured them all together in one place.

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