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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 – 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 – October 24, 2016

1-of-3 Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe from Gatsby Collection ...

The fictional Jay Gatsby is a playboy with a taste for everything luxurious. To celebrate Mr. Gatsby's finer tastes, Rolls-Royce created The Gatsby Collection. This collection included three bespoke models that are loaded with features that can't be found on any other car. St Louis Motorcars currently has the pleasure of offering one of these exquisite vehicles.This 2011 Roll-Royce Phantom Drophead Coupe is one of the finest of its kind thanks to its list of bespoke options. On its sticker sheet, the list is revealed. Its exterior is finished in Arctic White, which is contrasted by the stainless steel on its bonnet. However, its the inside of this car that will blow you away.From the Teak Decking, to the bespoke picnic glassware, this Rolls-Royce is the epitome of luxury. In the cabin, the headrests are embroidered with special "The Great Gatsby" emblems, special tread plates, bespoke photo story book, veneered cupholder lid, contrast stitching and more. In the trunk, there's a special offering for those wanting to go be out in the open. The aforementioned glassware rests in a coolbox that sits underneath the wooden floor of the trunk. Additionally, passengers can sit on the car's trunk lid if they'd prefer to enjoy the picnic closer to their fine automobile.To learn more about this car, be sure to click the button below.Learn More

By Edward Jones – August 29, 2016

Instant Supercar Collection at Fort Lauderdale Collection...

Hypothetically speaking, what would you do if you were to receive a financial windfall? I can guarantee that buying some exotic and luxury cars would be at the top of your "to buy" list. Sure, you could shop around at the thousands of exotic available on duPontREGISTRY.com or you could stop into Fort Lauderdale Collection South and pick up ten incredible and rare exotic cars.Below are ten handpicked cars for the prestigious South Florida dealer that deserve respect and a few eyes on them. From the classic Ferrari halo car known as the F40 and rare manual transmission Ferrari F430 Spider to two examples of the Lexus LFA, each of the cars below would undoubtedly turn heads where ever they travel.Sports Cars For SaleCheck them out below and click their corresponding buttons to learn more about each one. Fancy one in particular? Be sure to contact the dealer yourself!1990 Ferrari F40 The iconic turbocharged Ferrari supercar View Listing2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Created by the brilliant minds of McLaren and Mercedes-Benz View Listing2014 Ferrari 458 Speciale FInished in Nero with Blue Nart stripes View Listing2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Aperta The power of the 458 Speciale, roof not required View Listing2012 Lexus LFA Only 674 on this Steel Gray Japanese supercar View Listing2012 Lexus LFA Donning a black exterior and interior View Listing2010 Bentley Continental Supersports Powered by a 6.0-liter V12 engine View Listing2006 Ferrari F430 Spider Including the rare six-speed manual transmission View Listing2015 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Finished in Bianco Isis with gold wheels and stripes View Listing2011 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Six-speed manual: The ultimate track car View Listing

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 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

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