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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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 02, 2016

Ferrari Tampa Bay's Luxurious New Showroom

Ferrari Tampa Bay, Florida's West Coast’s only authorized Ferrari dealer, is currently undergoing major renovations scheduled for completion December 2016. The totally redesigned facility will better serve the demands of Ferrari of Tampa Bay’s VIP clientele, while beautifully showcasing the legendary Prancing Horse. The first phase of renovations includes the completion of a luxurious new customer lounge and a dedicated Ferrari preowned showroom.Ferrari For Sale Tampa BayPhase two of the remodel will see the completion of a new vehicle showroom featuring a designated Atelier for vehicle customization, based on the Atelier at the Ferrari Factory in Maranello. A second lounge, dedicated entirely to service clients, will ensure elegance and comfort for those who choose to wait on their vehicle. The multi-million dollar project will also include an exterior refresh with new corporate colors and signage. Ferrari Tampa Bay will remain open throughout the project.View Dealer Inventory

By Edward Jones – July 29, 2016

Carbon Fiber-Loaded 2016 McLaren 675LT Spider for Sale

McLaren Newport Beach is pleased to present for sale this extremely limited McLaren 675LT Spider For Sale that is loaded with Carbon Fiber options inside and out. The 675LT Spider is a limited production McLaren that pays homage to the LT's of the McLaren F1 era in the 1990's and is limited to just 500 units worldwide.When we say it's loaded, we mean it. To make a point as to how much carbon fiber really is in this car, here's the options list: Matte Carbon Fiber Front Bumper, Matte Carbon Fiber Front Bumper End Plates, MSO Matte Vented Carbon Fiber Front Fenders, Matte Carbon Fiber Mirrors, Matte Carbon Fiber Side Blades, Matte Carbon Fiber Side Scoops, Matte Carbon Fiber Lower Side Intake, Matte Carbon Fiber Rear Bumper, Matte MSO multi-piece Carbon Fiber Roof, Matte Carbon Fiber Engine Covers, MSO Titanium Coolant Caps, Polycarbonate Engine Hatch, MSO Matte Carbon Fiber Extended Interior Trim Package including Door Panels and Rear Deck behind seats, Carbon Fiber McLaren badging inside and out, McLaren-branded Matte Carbon Fiber Door Sills, Matte Carbon Fiber Interior Trim Package, Matte Carbon Fiber Bucket Seats finished in Red Leather and Carbon Black Alcantara, MSO Red Seatbelts, Carbon Black Alcantara Interior, Carbon Black Alcantara Instrument Cluster Top, plus much more.McLaren Newport Beach invites you to visit their showroom or to give them a call if you have any questions regarding this 2016 McLaren 675LT Spider, call 888-905-5474 or click the button below.View Listing

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 21, 2016

Our Ferrari Heritage Runs Deep: One of the Original Impor...

Algar is America's most storied Ferrari dealership, being one of the original importers of Ferrari since 1964. Chinetti, Garthwaite, Segal and now Aleks, the owners of Algar Ferrari have a deep history of importing and acquiring the finest vehicles in the world. One look at their inventory and you'll see stunning photos of the most carefully selected exotic vehicles, for the most discerning clients. The Sales Team at Algar provides an unparalleled level of personalized service in finding the perfect vehicle for you.You can tell Francis DeRuschi, General Sales Manager at Algar loves his career, “I’ve been ‘rooting for the red car’ since I was three feet tall. I’ve been fortunate to work at Algar since 1996 to find clients the car of their dreams. It is our never-ending passion here in iconic Philadelphia.”Below are a few highlights from their incredible collection, including some of the rarest Ferraris on the face of the planet.View Inventory Here’s a few highlights currently on the showroom floor! Ferrari 599 GTO Year: 2011 Miles: 7875 Exterior: Rosso Corsa Interior: Beige/Nera Price: $689,900 View ListingFerrari SuperAmerica Year: 2005 Miles: 3196 Exterior: Grigio Silverstone Interior: Nero Price: $459,900 View ListingFerrari 430 Scuderia Spider 16M Year: 2009 Miles: 2531 Exterior: Blu Tour De France Interior: Nero Price: $409,900 View ListingNot only do they love acquiring the world’s most exhilarating cars, they love racing! Join the Dealer Racing Team with a History of Wins at LeMans, Rolex Series and Sebring 12 HoursRacing is in their DNA at Algar Ferrari. They're blessed with a rich racing heritage among their historical owners, starting with Luigi Chinetti winning multiple 24 Hours of Lemans races (and the first ever in a Ferrari), to Jeff Segal who currently races professionally for Ferrari, winning multiple times in the Rolex Series and most recently taking 1st at the Sebring 12 Hours and 24 Hours of LeMans.The Ferrari Challenge Series, Corso Pilota Program, and the Ferrari Driving Experience are all open exclusively to Ferrari clients, and are supported by some of motorsport's best drivers and instructors.Contact them today to learn more about joining their Racing Programs at:Algar Ferrari of Philadelphia800.620.2939 or sales@algarferrari.com

By Edward Jones – July 21, 2016

Armada of McLarens Take Over Orange County

McLaren Newport Beach recently treated clients to a spectacular weekend luncheon and drive through the scenic roadways of Orange County. An armada of 22 McLarens left the dealership located on West Coast Highway for an afternoon of spirited driving and brand comradery. Among the many models featured on the excursion were the McLaren 12C, McLaren 570S, McLaren 650S and both the 675LT Coupe and 675 Spider, the newest additions to the McLaren lineup.The group took the long route to their final destination, driving through the Hills of Tustin and Santiago Canyon before heading back through Laguna Beach towards Bayside Restaurant. Upon arrival, guests were treated to a privately catered lunch where they regaled accounts of the day’s drive and shared their favorite McLaren Stories.View Dealer Inventory

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – July 13, 2016

Lamborghini Newport Beach Hits Major Facebook Milestone

With ever-changing algorithms and an expanding, oftentimes fickle audience, navigating the mayhem of Facebook can be difficult--- especially for a business. Building a following takes consistent effort, which usually involves various experiments, setbacks, but it can also mean triumph. Lamborghini Newport Beach recently hit a Facebook milestone many businesses can only dream of attaining. With 1,000,000 followers, Lamborghini Newport Beach deserves to celebrate. In fact, they may well be the only car dealership in the country to have achieved such a milestone.First off, on behalf of the duPont REGISTRY Autofluence team, I'd like to congratulate Lamborghini Newport Beach on this fantastic accomplishment. As an editor immersed in the digital age, I understand just how amazing it is to reach 1 million followers. In celebration of this social media accomplishment, Lamborghini Newport Beach decked out and displayed a Lamborghini Huracan in Facebook livery for all to enjoy. Congrats again!View Dealer Inventory

By Edward Jones – July 08, 2016

Rare Verde Ermes Lamborghini Huracan is a Showstopper

Lamborghini's finished in Verde Ithaca or Verde Mantis aren't that hard to come by, but when it comes to Verdes Ermes it's another story.Lamborghini Beverly Hills caters to a pretty diverse customer base, which ranges from celebrities to royalty. Because of this, they make sure they always have some of the most unique cars available. A great example of this is their 2016 Huracan LP 610-4 finished in the stunning Verde Ermes paint. This bespoke supercar has a lush Terra Semele leather interior that mirrors the elegance of its exterior. It's easy to say that there is no other car like this one in the world.Of course, this car would not be possible without Lamborghini's extensive Ad Personam program, which allows customers to create the Italian supercar of their dreams.If you want to see the car for yourself, be sure to check out Lamborghini Beverly Hills' showroom. If you happen to take some pictures, be sure to tag us!View Dealer Inventory

By Edward Jones – July 06, 2016

Lamborghini Newport Beach Celebrates July 4th Weekend In ...

Lamborghini Newport Beach celebrated July 4th weekend in dramatic fashion with a 200 mph edition of their extremely popular Supercar Show. While other exotics could still attend and park onsite, the dealership reserved special space for vehicles capable of reaching the 200 mph barrier from the factory. The spectacular cars and perfect weather brought hundreds of spectators to the event enjoying such luxury sports cars as Lamborghini Aventador SVs, McLaren P1s, a Koenigsegg CCX, La Ferrari, several Ford GTs, Porsche 918 Spyder and the McLaren 650S Le Mans Edition.(Also Read: Lamborghini Newport Beach's Annual Weekend Getaway) Bruce Meyer and Barry Meguiar graced Lamborghini Newport Beach with their presence as well coming out to enjoy the festivities and bring their own vehicles. Meyer brought one of his incredible hot rods while Meguiar chose a beautiful Ford GT to display. Having the two automobile icons on location was an extreme pleasure and a testament to the popularity of Lamborghini Newport Beach’s monthly event.View Dealer Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2016

2009 Maybach 62S Landaulet For Sale

If you need to be chauffeured in one of the most opulent and exclusive cars ever built, our friends at Fusion Luxury Motors have just received one of the rarest cars ever built. This 2009 Maybach 62S is one of only three white convertibles sold in the US.One of the largest cars built in recent history, the front cockpit is separated from the rear cabin by a powered glass partition. The glass is electromagnetic, able to change from clear to opaque upon command. With the rear curtains closed and the top up, you have the ability to travel without being disturbed by the outside world. With only 8,488 miles, there are no visible signs of wear inside or out.To move such a machine, a twin turbo V12 is rated at 612 hp. We could go into detail about this car, but it speaks for itself. It has every amenity from fully reclining seats to black granite trim, and it can be yours. Because they were built by hand, only 8 examples were produced. This is one of only 3 in the US. For more information, contact Fusion Luxury Motors at (818) 478-8000For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 07, 2016

Velocity Motorcars: From a Single Ad to a Booming Business

In April 2014, John Pasas, an independent broker in South Florida, reached out to a fellow in the car business with which he’d recently established a relationship. Pasas had a beautiful Ferrari F40 to sell, and he knew the duPont REGISTRY™ magazine was just the right fit for the rare exotic.Around that time, Pasas and friend Brian Wallin, while on a fishing trip, had also discussed a vision for a dealership that would offer the best exotics and luxury cars around. Little did they know, the ad for the F40 would lead to an uncanny chain of events that would make their dream into reality.Located in the heart of Tennessee in Nashville’s Music City, Velocity Motorcars is a thriving, one-of-a-kind exotic and luxury automobile dealership and brokerage. “I always like to say that God and duPont REGISTRY™ helped us get our start,” Pasas stated in a phone call. “Most people wouldn’t give me the time of day because I was just a broker,” he recalls, “but duPont gave me a chance.”A collector in California, who saw Pasas’ ad in duPont REGISTRY™, bought the F40. That same collector acquired an additional 15-20 cars from Pasas over the years. The ad for the F40 is also responsible for bringing Pasas and Wallin together with investor, Bob Steel. A savvy investor and exotic car enthusiast, Steel spent an estimated $40 million with the team, which gave them the opportunity to turn the independent brokering into a thriving business. “He’s somebody you not only look up to, but he’s a great mentor and took us under his wing,” Pasas stated, referring to Steel’s commitment to his and Wallin’s dream.With a little faith and his wife’s blessing, Pasas packed up his South Florida home and headed for Music City in Nashville, Tennessee. A year later, Wallin left his management position at one of the largest BMW franchise dealers in the nation and moved his wife and their three kids to Tennessee. Together, he and Pasas started their dream, Velocity Motorcars.Sportscars For SaleThanks to Steel’s investment and Pasas and Wallin’s unwavering dedication to their clients, Velocity Motorcars sells an average of 12-15 cars every month. The team offers everything from the Corvette to the Enzo. They have hired three additional team members.Pasas and Wallin believe in integrity and the importance of maintaining quality relationships and attribute this mantra to Velocity’s success. Pasas personally chooses each car that Velocity Motorcars offers while Wallin makes sure sales and daily operations at the office run smoothly. “It’s a perfect partnership,” Pasas stated, “and we know we’re only as good as the clients that we have.” This unwavering dedication to clients, and their esteemed relationships with vendors and others in the industry, indeed, sets Velocity Motorcars apart.Pasas and Wallin are looking forward to what the future holds, and they know that Divine Order and their relationship with duPont REGISTRY™ will continue to help Velocity Motorcars flourish.(This article originally appeared in the duPont REGISTRY April 2016 print issue. Check out more here.) View Dealer Inventory

By Edward Jones – March 03, 2016

BullFest Miami 2016 Lamborghini Gathering and Drive

South Florida is known for their exotic cars, and one of the city's main suppliers of these vehicles is none other than Lamborghini Miami. To bring together all of these exotic car owners, more specifically Lamborghini owners, this prestigious dealership and Driving Force Club (DFC) put on BullFest, a gathering of some of the world's finest Italian supercars.This year's event, held February 26-28, was a massive success that turned the streets of Miami into a supercar parade. There were Huracans, Aventadors, Aventador SVs, Murcielagos, Gallardos and more, all sporting an insane variety of colors.The first day of the weekend event started off at Lamborghini Miami's parking lot, where the group took off for the road. To wrap up the weekend, of travelling the roads in a display of Italian power and grace, they ended up at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Here, the owners were given a rare opportunity to take their cars around the famous race track."The 2015 experiment to bring BullFest to Miami was so successful that throughout the year people kept asking about the next one. Thanks to Brett and the team at Lamborghini Miami the 2016 Edition of BullFest MIAMI exceeded all expectations and brought together over 100 Lamborghinis! Cars came from as far as NY Tristate Area, PA, MA, MD, VA, NC, SC, GA, CT and other states. We are looking forward to BullFest|2017 MIAMI Edition and will make sure that it will have another record turnout with participants coming from all over US, Canada and beyond." - Hovik Gevorgyan of Driving Force Club The BullFest was not only a great way to spend a weekend, but it also gave Lamborghini owners a chance to meet other like-minded individuals. Being around others who share the same passion as you can definitely brighten your mood, as does the sound of over 80 Lamborghinis.Check out the images above and below to see how incredible it looks when you gather a massive amount of Lamborghinis together for one event. And we can't wait to check out the other awesome events Lamborghini Miami has in store this year.View Dealer's Lamborghini InventoryduPont REGISTRY

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