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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

A luxury sports car with its doors open is displayed in Braman Motorcars' Palm Beach showroom. Nearby, three people stand conversing, perhaps captivated by the sleek design of Automobili Pininfarina.

By duPont REGISTRY – December 18, 2024

Automobili Pininfarina Debuts At Braman Motorcars In Palm...

Automobili Pininfarina lands in sunny South Florida. South Florida supercar owners and enthusiasts had a night to remember as Automobili Pininfarina made its grand debut at Braman Motorcars in West Palm Beach. The December 13 event brought the Battista Hyper GT and the one-of-a-kind B95 to center stage, giving invited guests an up-close look at some of the newest and most stunning electric vehicles ever made. Showcasing the perfect blend of cutting-edge engineering and timeless Italian design,the crowd on-scene included a mix of media, VIPs, and luxury car lovers. The Battista Hyper GT shocked the crowd with its jaw-dropping performance. Packing 1,900 horsepower and hitting 0-60 mph in under two seconds, it's the most powerful road-legal car to come out of Italy. In addition, the B95 stole hearts with its bespoke design, offering a completely custom look that feels more like a piece of art than a car. Both supercars highlighted Automobili Pininfarina's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in luxury electric cars. This launch is a huge milestone for Braman Motorcars and its customers. Alex Shack, Partner at Braman Automotive, called it the perfect match, bringing exclusive vehicles that align with South Florida's love for luxury and performance. It's about giving Braman's clients access to experiences that are as unique and special as the vehicles themselves. Now open at 2801 Okeechobee Boulevard, Braman Automobili Pininfarina is your gateway to the future of electric luxury. From handcrafted designs to endless customization options, it's a place to discover what makes Automobili Pininfarina so special. Visit BramanAPFpalmbeach.com to explore these extraordinary vehicles for yourself. View all Braman Motorcars inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Braman Motorcars Inventory Source: Braman Motorcars

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By Tyler Rampersaud – January 26, 2024

Miller Motorcars Displays The Exclusive Pininfarina B95 A...

This stunning new bespoke EV hypercar arrives at the showroom. Automobili Pininfarina may be relatively new to the automotive world, but it’s already known for bringing incredibly powerful, high-tech, record-breaking electric hypercars to the scene, with stunning design and luxury to boot. One of its most exciting new creations is the Barchetta 95, the world’s first electric hypercar barchetta. It combines the history of classic racers, with the thrill of a roofless performance car, the beauty of bespoke design, and the luxury of personalization, all wrapped in one ultra-rare, high-performance, electric hypercar package. As part of Automobili Pininfarina’s partnership with Miller Motorcars as a retailer, the new Pininfarina B95 is at their McLaren Greenwich showroom in Greenwich, Connecticut on display. There, visitors will get to experience the splendor of the new B95 in person, taking a look at its intricate paintwork, as well as its stunning bespoke interior, which combines bold houndstooth fabric with Sustainable Luxury Leather in a classic tan shade. With its roofless barchetta silhouette, the car simultaneously evokes the thrill, beauty, and feeling of speed of race cars and fighter jets alike. With its stunning bespoke details, incredible Italian design, cutting-edge technology and record-breaking performance, the new Pininfarina B95 exemplifies the amazing potential of future electric hypercars, and visitors at Miller Motorcars’ McLaren Greenwich showroom can get the rare opportunity to see it in person. View All Vehicles For Sale From Miller Motorcars View this post on Instagram A post shared by Miller Motorcars (@millermotorcars)

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By Tyler Rampersaud – December 01, 2023

O'Gara Coach Brings The Pininfarina Battista Hypercar To ...

Two design icons converge on the iconic Rodeo Drive. Automobili Pininfarina is known not only for its incredibly powerful and innovative Battista hypercar, but also for its heritage that chronicles some of the world’s greatest automotive designs and beautiful creations. The same can be said about the House of Bijan, the iconic Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills bastion of design and luxury, known for an unmistakable aesthetic and a long list of high-profile clients. Recently, O’Gara Coach and Automobili Pininfarina Beverly Hills held a content creation contest, starring the Pininfarina Battista and the House of Bijan, and announced automotive photographer Alan Uriarte as the winner. The stunning photos of the hypercar proudly display the iconic House of Bijan, with the hypercar shown in front in a matching shade of the House’s signature yellow. The content creation contest was held as part of the Pininfarina Battista hyper-GT’s Southern California tour, through which the innovation, design, luxury, and performance of the incredible new hypercar will be shown off throughout the iconic region. With its presence in front of the House of Bijan on Rodeo Drive, Automobili Pininfarina Beverly Hills and O’Gara Coach brought two design icons together, in both the fashion and automotive worlds. View All Vehicles For Sale From O'Gara Coach Beverly Hills View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pininfarina Beverly Hills (@automobilipininfarinabevhills)

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By Tyler Rampersaud – November 01, 2023

O'Gara Coach Hosts A Rodeo Drive Contest With A Pininfari...

On the glitzy Rodeo Drive, the stunning electric hypercar will be front and center. Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, California is synonymous with the highest of luxury fashion and design, and when it comes to design in the automotive world, Pininfarina is one of the most preeminent names in the world. Automobili Pininfarina’s new Battista hypercar, however, represents the future of the Pininfarina name, with futuristic electric power and record-breaking performance ability. To celebrate the Pininfarina Battista’s excellence, Automobili Pininfarina Beverly Hills, powered by O’Gara Coach, has announced a new Content Creation Contest, set to take place on Rodeo Drive with the Battista front and center on November 4. The new post on Instagram invites content creators to visit the car on Rodeo Drive and create their best work, all for a prize that is yet to be announced. Full details regarding the contest are set to be revealed the day before the contest, on November 3, including the prize, rules, and the specific location, with details coming from O’Gara Coach and Automobili Pininfarina Beverly Hills on Instagram. With the post featuring the hashtag “#houseofbijan,” and the car featured in the post sporting yellow paintwork, a color iconic to Bijan’s legacy and featured on his famous Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe, there is a hint that the contest may take place at the iconic Bijan boutique, which is located on Rodeo Drive. Despite little being revealed about it as of yet, the anticipation and possibilities of this contest are exciting, in no small part due to the fact that it combines the pinnacle of luxury, design, innovation, and the record-breaking performance and exclusivity of the Automobili Pininfarina Battista hypercar. View All Vehicles For Sale From O'Gara Coach View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pininfarina Beverly Hills (@automobilipininfarinabevhills)

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