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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 – November 06, 2018

O'Gara Announces First McLaren Dealership in San Diego

O'Gara La Jolla has just announced the first McLaren dealership in San Diego.McLaren San Diego is opening up as the O'Gara Coach Co. continues to expand. Just last year, McLaren Beverly Hills was opened up and quickly became the highest volume McLaren dealership in the world. O'Gara Coach Co. is looking to repeat their success with the new San Diego location. "We are very excited to represent McLaren in San Diego," says Tom O’Gara, co-founder of the O’Gara Group. "McLaren ownership takes it a step further through their bespoke division, McLaren Special Operations (MSO). MSO is driven by a passion for perfection and allows owners to create ultra-exclusive, limited edition or one-off models." "We are very excited to represent McLaren in San Diego," says Tom O’Gara, co-founder of the O’Gara Group. "McLaren ownership takes it a step further through their bespoke division, McLaren Special Operations (MSO). MSO is driven by a passion for perfection and allows owners to create ultra-exclusive, limited edition or one-off models." McLaren San Diego's clients will be able to partake in a number of exclusive events, clubs and experiences. The O'Gara Owner's Club, for example, provides its members with exclusive access to events and track days. There's also a driving program that O'Gara will base out of The Thermal Club. O'Gara is actually the only dealership that offers private charter flights to McLaren owners that will take them to the members-only private track. If you're in the San Diego area, you can check out their showroom by making an appointment or by attending one of their events like San Diego GT - Cars & Coffee Reinvented. Related: Dark Blue Metallic Porsche 918 Spyder for Sale at O’Gara La Jolla Lamborghini Urus and Rolls-Royce Cullinan Compared Lamborghini Urus Delivered in California to O’Gara Coach La Jolla

By Edward Jones – October 31, 2018

The Story of BJ Motors, Vipers and Track Records

When Bernie Katz first saw the Dodge Viper back in 1991, he was immediately in love. At the time, he was building up his own business, so he knew it wasn't the time for him to buy one when they released in the near future. Years later, he found a new passion in the wild Plymouth Prowler and Harley Davidson motorcycles. This passion led him to buy four Prowlers and actually become the President of the Virginia Prowler Club. Bernie Katz Interviewing for the film "7:01 - The Story of Viper's Return to the Green Hell" Still, Katz had the Viper in the back of his mind and his passion for the car grew every time he saw the powerful American monster. Eventually, he pulled the trigger on a 1997 Dodge Viper with 3k miles thanks to a trade that involved one of his Prowlers. Just one week after owning the Viper, he took his Viper to Viper Days, a Viper race venue that gave owners a chance to test their skills behind the wheel of Dodge's insane automotive creation. It took this one event to have Katz hooked on racing his Viper. After that, he began modifying his red Viper, starting with a few upgrades made by Steve Dryer of Autoform. Then came more upgrades, like bigger brakes, headers, exhaust and even the removal of accessories like the stereo. It was all in the name of just going fast. Unfortunately, he smashed his prized Viper into a wall at the Topeka racetrack. This led him to send the car off to Archer racing who would turn it into a full-blown race car. After that? He was awarded the Brian Angen Award for being most promising driver. Knowing his future would be in the automotive field, Katz sold his Food Service management business and started up BJ Motors. The "B" stands for Bernie and the "J" stands for Jon, his partner in the business. In the Winter of 2002, they rented a Chevrolet dealership that had shut down and renovated it for their business. They went through many years until 2008 when the "J" in the business bought himself out. This left Katz and his wife worried about the future of the business. That is until a man called in with a Texas slang looking to buy a GT2 for his collection. The man explained he had caught the "race bug," a bug that Katz was familiar with. The man was Ben Keating. After selling him a GT2 and continuing conversation, they talked about starting a Viper business through Keating's dealership, Tomball Dodge. This led to the creation of ViperExchange. During the partnership between Keating and Katz, they began getting into racing together. Unfortunately, Katz was suffering from back problems and had to live vicariously through his partner. Around 2010, it was rumored that the Viper was going to be discontinued yet again. This led Katz and Keating to order 149 cars from the factory. In 2011, they only had a handful of Vipers left when Chrysler called asking them to provide a few ACR's for one purpose: to run Nurburgring for a new production car lap record. The team headed off to Nurburgring to try and break the record, but the weather held them back from accomplishing their goal. Ten days after they had arrived at the famous track, they were looking to head with no record. That is, until someone thought of asking Ron Howard, who was using the track at the time for shooting a film, if they could use the track during his time on the track. Howard said if they finished in time, they could have at it. Monday was the day when they were given 30 minutes of track time, thanks to Ron Howards' graciousness. After having just 30 minutes to get everything together, including cars and drivers, they were off. Tom Cornell and Dominique Farnbacher were both in the Vipers that were brought over, looking to break the record time of 7:14. Cornell clocked in at 7:12.99 and Farnbacher at 7:12.13. Against all odds, they accomplished their goal. You can view Farnnbacher's lap right below. Since that fateful day, both ViperExchange and BJ motors have merged into one massive dealership. What started off as a little shop in Virginia has grown into the #1 largest new and pre-owned Viper dealer in the world, and a dealer of the world's most exotic cars. They have also continued growing their racing venture. If you're looking to buy a Viper or talk to someone about racing, look no further. View BJ Motors Inventory Inside BJ Motors

By Edward Jones – October 17, 2018

First Jaguar I-PACE Delivered in North America

The very first example of the Jaguar I-PACE has been delivered in North America. Crown Jaguar delivered the car to the Pascarellas of St. Petersburg, Florida as part of their winning bid for a charity auction. The auction was held by Jaguar Land Rover in order to raise funds for Anguilla Stronger, a hurricane relief that provides support for the residents of Anguilla.This isn't the first Jaguar that the Pascarellas have owned. Mark Pascarella notes that they've had two XKR models, an XJ, tow F-TYPEs and an F-PACE. Unlike those models, the I-PACE is the first electric vehiclePowering the electric SUV is a 90kWh battery. A range of 234 miles can be expected from this battery and once you run out, charging really isn't an issue. Fast chargers can have the battery's power brought up to 80% from empty in 40 minutes. This is going to come in handy because owners of the I-PACE will certainly be wanting to play around the 394 hp and 512 lb-ft of torque drivetrain as quickly as possible. It should also be mentioned that regenerative braking does help maximize the battery's range and efficiency.Interested in Jaguar's first electric vehicle? It's priced from $69,500 and will be available starting this fall. View All Jaguars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 26, 2018

Excell Auto Group Track Day at Palm Beach International R...

What began as a small meet & greet has turned into a quarterly gathering of South Florida supercars. Our friends at Excell Auto Group held their latest track day and drag race last Thursday. Their clients and guests were treated to catered meals while enjoying the action. Over 70 people and 40+ cars were in attendance. A few of the rarer examples included a W Motors Fenyr Supersport, a few McLaren 720S', Ferrari 812 Superfast and the latest Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Professional racers were on hand for driving lessons, and those who didn't want to race were offered rides in Excell's Ferrari F430 Challenge. The quickest run of the evening was a modified 720S. It went down the quarter-mile in only 9.6 seconds. In comparison, a USSV Rhino accomplished the run in 24 seconds. It was clocked at a blistering 57 mph, which isn't bad for an armored vehicle. If you want the inside scoop on their next event, click the link below to browse their inventory and stay with us for more exclusive Excell events.View Their Inventory

By Edward Jones – August 22, 2018

Pagani Beverly Hills Opening Held in One of World's Most ...

The new Pagani Beverly Hills dealership recently held their grand opening party in the most amazing fashion possible. Some dealerships may celebrate their opening on their showroom floor, but that wasn't enough for the new supercar dealer. No, they chose 924 Bel Air Rd. in California as their location.This house was put on to the market last year with an incredible price of $250 million, making it the most expensive house for sale. Why so expensive? It comes with 17 bedrooms, 21 bathrooms, three kitchens, six bars, two wine cellars, a fitness center, and massage/spa room. On the outside is a pool that has a 20-foot TV on display next to it and a rooftop helipad. It doesn't get any better than this, right? Wrong. Because it also was listed for sale with a $30 million car collection.View Pagani Cars For Sale As you can see, this location was indeed a perfect setting for the opening of Pagani Beverly Hills. This exclusive event brought out some very prominent figures within the automotive industry. This included the Pagani family. Yes, that means Horacio Pagani was at the event.We want to thank the new dealership for inviting us out the event and giving us the opportunity to attend the momentous event. We can't wait to see what marvelous vehicles roll through their showroom floor!View Pagani Beverly Hills' Inventory View This Pagani Huayra BC's Listing

By Edward Jones – August 08, 2018

Lamborghini Urus and Rolls-Royce Cullinan Compared

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Lamborghini Urus are two completely different beasts, but they are both SUVs from companies you wouldn't expect them from. On one hand, you have the ultra-luxury Cullinan that's full of the amenities that a Rolls-Royce should have. Then you have the super-SUV Urus that has the sporty design and power a Lamborghini should have. These two models are perfect representations of each marque's ability to evolve without losing sight of their brand's ethos. Doug DeMuro recently visited O'Gara Coach La Jolla where both the Cullinan and Urus were parked next to each other. This gave him a great chance to compare the two powerhouses that have been revealed in this exclusive SUV sector. "We now live in a world where Rolls-Royce, the pinnacle of luxury and class, and Lamborghini, the creators of some of the fastest and most aggressive cars ever, have SUV’s about to hit the market, at the same time." - O'Gara Coach La Jolla Check out the video below to see what DeMuro thinks about each of these capable models.

By Edward Jones – August 06, 2018

Koenigsegg Newport Beach Opens Up

Out west, Koenigsegg Newport Beach has opened up as the official dealership representing the Swedish automaker in the Orange County area.The new dealership was announced this past weekend at their Supercar Show. At the show, the world-record setting Koenigsegg Agera RS and carbon fiber CCS made an appearance as part of the reveal.Congratulations are in order to the new dealership. We can't wait to see more Koenigsegg rolling through the streets of OC! Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see all of their happenings.

By Andrew Nabors – July 19, 2018

McLaren Newport Beach: Your Senna Has Arrived

If you want McLaren's latest supercars, you will have to wait in line. As we told you earlier this week, each example requires more attention and 300 hours to build. You will spend close to $1,000,000 without any options. But who would go without the limitless talents of McLaren Special Operations? A little bird told us Senna buyers are taking their builds beyond what we thought was possible. It is likely that no two Sennas will be alike, and McLaren Newport Beach has just received their first example. We can't reveal all the details just yet, but one of the most obvious features is on the rear spoiler. Bruce McLaren was from New Zealand, so the media called him a "Speedy Kiwi". The Kiwi bird can be found on McLaren's famous race cars and the MSO division can put it wherever your heart desires. The spoiler is appropriate because you will see it as the Senna passes you like you are standing still. Under the protective transport cover lies a 4.0L V8. It is bolted to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and two turbos. This combination sends 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque to the rear tires. Without the driver and fuel, it only weighs 2,641 lbs. You will have a better power-weight ratio than an ACME rocket. For more information please click the link below to contact McLaren Newport Beach. View Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – June 21, 2018

McLaren Announces New Dealer in Troy, Michigan

If you thought McLaren's comeback would just be a flash in the pan, think again. In a press release yesterday, we have learned the details of their 24th US dealership. The 4,000 square-foot showroom will be located at 1755 Maplelawn Drive. President of McLaren North America Tony Joseph said "“The state of Michigan is a key area in the United States that we have not yet been able to properly service. With a deep base of both existing clients and potential customers in the region, we felt that Detroit and the surrounding areas needed a more localized point of sales and service, and we are delighted to partner with Suburban, who have a 70-year history of outstanding customer service in the region.” It will offer everything from the 570 and the Sports Series to the 720S in the Super Series. The Senna is actually in a class of its own, the Ultimate Series. Customers will also have the opportunity to see the HyperGT (codenamed BP23) that will begin production later this year. If you are in the area, the official launch of McLaren Troy will be at the M1 Concourse Cars & Coffee. Head to 164 South Blvd. W, in Pontiac on the morning of June 30th to be part of the action. In the meantime, if you are looking for the ultimate daily driver, check out the 720S in the link below, and stay with us for all your McLaren updates. Your McLaren 720S Is Waiting For You

By Andrew Nabors – June 08, 2018

Aventador S Roadster Road Trip by Lamborghini Miami

In an ideal world, US1 in Florida would be an 8-lane superhighway without retirees. But it is the only way to experience the Keys, so why not take a trip in a Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster? If you are heading to the Overseas Highway, the best starting point would be Prestige Imports.Their location in North Miami Beach is a Mecca for supercar lovers. Our friend Brett David inherited the dealership from his late father Irv. Mr. David took a chance on a new car magazine back in 1985, and Prestige has been a fixture on our pages, at our events, and on our social media since the beginning. 3,700 Horsepower In Any Color You Want! Brett and his team are not your typical supercar salespeople, and neither is their facility. When he told us his plans for a new showroom, we didn't believe him.It was impressive enough for Horacio Pagani to allow Prestige Imports to be the official US sales & service facility. Lamborghini has been with them since the beginning, and the raging bull represents a significant percentage of their sales. So how do you entice a prospective buyer? Take them on a road trip to Key West. The #AventadorSRoadster drive experience by @lamborghinimiami From Miami to the Keys under the sun in the open top icon. A truly unparalleled experience! #prestigeimports #lamborghinimiami #teamprestige #lamborghini A post shared by Prestige Imports (@prestigeimports) on Jun 6, 2018 at 1:21pm PDT The latest Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster specs include a 740 horsepower V12, 509 lb-ft of torque, rear wheel steering, and the world's most advanced AWD system. Of course, Prestige also has the Huracan in all its variants also. Click the link below to browse their inventory and stay with us for all of your Lamborghini updates.Browse Prestige Imports Inventory

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