Dealer News

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 Jordan Aquistapace – November 05, 2024

The Only 1-of-12 2023 Rimac Nevera Time Attack Edition Fo...

This is an opportunity of a lifetime for any passionate car collector. The Rimac Nevera has set a new standard in the hypercar sector by securing an astounding 23 performance records in a single day, showcasing its unmatched speed and engineering prowess. To celebrate these monumental achievements, Rimac Automobili introduced the exclusive Nevera Time Attack Edition, limited to just 12 examples worldwide. This special edition pays homage to the Nevera's incredible capabilities and the brand's dedication to pushing the boundaries of EV performance. The supercar and hypercar specialists at Graham Rahal Performance are proud to showcase this 1-of-12 2023 Rimac Nevera Time Attack Edition as part of its jaw-dropping inventory of exotic cars for sale. View Listing While Rimac offers a limitless color palette of finishes to choose from when configuring a Nevera, the Time Attack Edition sports the same black and green livery as the actual record-setting car. The vibrant green paint color highlights the hypercar's aerodynamics and even extends onto its lightweight multi-spoke sports wheels. The Rimac Nevera's lightweight carbon fiber body helps it achieve impressive performance, producing around 880 lbs of downforce at 186 mph, guaranteeing stability and handling at high speeds. The Rimac Nevera Time Attack Edition's interior is designed with the driver in mind, combining advanced technology with luxury materials. The cockpit features a minimalist layout, with a digital display providing key performance data at a glance. High-quality Alcantara and leather upholstery, along with carbon fiber accents, create a race-ready ambiance. The Rimac Nevera Time Attack Edition features a state-of-the-art electric powertrain that delivers a staggering 1,914 horsepower, launching the hypercar from 0 to 60 mph in just 1.85 seconds. Its four electric motors provide exceptional torque vectoring for precise handling and control. With a top speed of 258 mph and cutting-edge technology, the Nevera Time Attack Edition offers a truly one-of-a-kind driving experience. This 1-of-12 2023 Rimac Never Time Attack from Graham Rahal Performance is now for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 11, 2024

O'Gara Coach Sets Up Private Rimac Nevera Hot Laps At The...

O'Gara Coach goes above and beyond for its clients! Entering the realm of supercar or hypercar ownership unlocks more than just the pleasure of driving a high-performance machine; it's also an introduction to a world of benefits and experiences. From exclusive access to limited-edition models to invitations to prestigious events at renowned race circuits, the value of owning a high-dollar vehicle extends far beyond the initial purchase. The ownership experience emphasizes that investing in a supercar or hypercar is o about the ongoing opportunities and privileges that enhance your journey post-purchase. The team at O'Gara Coach x Rimac Beverly Hills is renowned for offering top-tier customer service to its clientele with events like its most recent Rimac Nevera hot lap experience at The Thermal Club. In partnership with O'Gara Motorsport and Rimac Beverly Hills, a select group of O'Gara clients were welcomed to the luxury motorsport resort to feel the pure power of the world record breaking Nevera hypercar. At its heart, a state-of-the-art powertrain featuring four electric motors, one at each wheel, delivers a mind-blowing 1,914 horsepower. The electrifying setup allows the Rimac Nevera to sprint from 0 to 60 mph in only 1.85 seconds, making it one of the fastest accelerating production cars in the world. With a top speed of 258 mph, it redefines straight-line speed while setting new standards in handling and agility. The Nevera's groundbreaking achievements include the title of the fastest electric car in the world, as certified by the FIA. The actioned-packed track day with the ultra-exclusive Rimac Nevera is just another reason why O'Gara Coach continues to lead the way in customer satisfaction amongst its community of passionate supercar and hypercar owners. View all O'Gara Coach inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All O'Gara Coach Inventory View this post on Instagram A post shared by O’Gara Motorsport (@ogaramotorsport) Source: O'Gara Coach Instagram

By Edward Jones – November 23, 2022

Rimac Nevera Heads to Rimac Palm Beach in Latest Leg of N...

Presented by Lamborghini Palm Beach/Rimac Palm Beach. Just as one Rimac Nevera sets a new world record EV production car top speed in Europe, another is continuing its multi-stop tour of North America with a week at Rimac Palm Beach. The local dealership team had arranged for a reveal at the exclusive Exotics at Dania Pointe event, followed by customer previews and media test drives. As Nevera continues to set a new benchmark for performance, these events give crucial seat-time to potential customers for an entirely new type of automotive experience. All Rimac dealer partners globally are carefully selected to ensure they can meet the world-class technical expertise required to service the groundbreaking Nevera. These requirements include a deep understanding of its proprietary 120kWh liquid-cooled lithium manganese nickel battery, in-house developed e-Axles and the bespoke software controlling vehicle functions, making use of specialist digital diagnostic tools developed by Rimac. No other car has ever delivered this level of performance or technology. Following its appearance at Dania Pointe, the Nevera once more took to the streets of Palm Beach for photoshoots both on Palm Beach Island and at a Delray Mansion, in partnership with Senada Adzem, director of luxury sales at Douglas Elliman, giving residents of one of Florida’s most exclusive locations their first glimpse at this next-generation all-electric sports car. During the exclusive test drives, clients and VIP media guests will have the chance to experience the full breadth of Nevera’s abilities. Many know that an EV can be fast in a straight line but have never experienced the near-infinite flexibility of a four-motor drivetrain complete with R-AWTV 2 (Rimac All-Wheel Torque Vectoring). It means Nevera handles like no other car on sale.Roni Kert, Head of Sales, Rimac Automobili, said: “Throughout this North American Tour, our Rimac dealership partners have created extraordinary experiences with Nevera, doing justice to the innovative car that our team has created. Thanks to Rimac Palm Beach for their support in creating a series of events that has introduced the next-generation performance of Nevera to the residents of South Florida.” The Nevera began its North American leg of the tour with an appearance at The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, before heading to the Dreamride charity event and then an appearance at the exclusive The Bridge event in the Hamptons before arriving at Rimac Palm Beach. Developed to offer next-generation hypercar performance, Nevera is officially both the fastest accelerating production car in the world and the fastest EV production car, marking a new era in the evolution of automotive performance, achieved using technology designed, developed and produced in-house at the Rimac Group. The Nevera’s 1,914hp is produced by four bespoke Rimac-engineered electric motors, enabling 0-60mph in just 1.85 seconds, and 0-100mph in 4.3 seconds. While it offers up performance unseen in all hypercars before it, it’s been designed to enable all-electric grand touring previously deemed near-impossible with present-day technology. For more information contact Rimac Palm Beach at rimacpalmbeach.com or call (561) 370-7953

Dealer News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe