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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 21, 2017

United States' First Bugatti Chiron Delivered

It's been over a year since the Bugatti Chiron was revealed, but the United States is just now getting its first customer examples of the hypercar. This news comes to us from O'Gara Coach, who facilitated the delivery.The example comes in a two-tone color scheme: yellow and black. Both the exterior and interior feature this color scheme, which is unlike any other Chiron design we've seen thus far. Along with the delivery of the car came a crate of the essentials, packed with the manual, keys, and everything else the owner of one of the world's greatest hypercar would need.(All Photos by Grubbs Photography)Bugatti unveiled the car during the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, where it was delivered to its new owner. The image of its showcase can be seen at the end of the images below.Powering the car is the 8.0-liter W16 engine with two-stage turbocharging, which pumps out an extraordinary 1,500 and 1,180 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 6,000 RPM. With this power and the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, Bugatti states that the Chiron is ready to set a new world speed record, especially with ta stated top speed of 260.9 mph. It should also be mentioned that the Chiron will be able to run 0-62 mph in less than 2.5 seconds.

By Edward Jones – August 14, 2017

Lamborghini Beverly Hills' Last Aventador SV Coupe is Pur...

Lamborghini Beverly Hills has taken delivery of their last new Lamborghini Aventador SV Coupe. The car is finished in black with gold accents. If this color scheme is familiar, it's because it took inspiration from the legendary black and gold Miura SV that has been the apple of many automotive enthusiasts' eyes.While the roof and wing on most Aventador SVs are matte carbon fiber, this example has full gloss carbon fiber. The lustrous carbon fiber is joined by the contrasting gold accents that can also be found in the interior's stitching. It's easy to say that the team at Ad Personam went above and beyond to make this supercar one of the most beautiful yet. What's more, the production team personally signed the car under the hood.The vehicle is currently on display at the Lamborghini Beverly Hills showroom.

By Edward Jones – April 25, 2017

How the United States' First Customer Pagani Huayra BC wa...

Recently delivered to Pagani Miami was the United States' first Pagani Huayra BC. This Huayra is not like any supercar that Pagani has created before. In fact, the Italian automaker has called this car their Most technologically advanced one yet."Providing power to this new supercar is a twin-turbo V12 engine that has been exclusively developed for Pagani by Mercedes-AMG. This allows the driver to have 750 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque on tap at any given moment.In order to deliver this Huayra, it was put on a pallet, in a box and shipped across the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival, Brett David (CEO of Pagani Miami, Lamborghini Miami, and Prestige Imports), Emil Garcia and more showed up to unwrap it and take it back to the dealership.Once parked on the showroom floor of Pagani Miami, the dealership threw a party for the new owner of the car in order to celebrate its delivery.We want to take this time to congratulate the new owner, and thank Emil Garcia for the amazing images and video provided in this article.

By Edward Jones – April 19, 2017

duPont REGISTRY Live with Prestige Imports

We recently visited Prestige Imports in North Miami Beach, Florida for a tour of their showroom, and a look at their new showroom that's currently under development. The CEO of the dealership, Brett David, took us around and showed us some of the incredible cars they have to offer customers. This includes supercars like the Lamborghini Aventador SV, Pagani Huayra, Porsche Carrera GT and so much more. At the end of the video, Brett took us to the location of the new Prestige Imports showroom. It's in this new 19,000 sq. ft. building that they'll be selling supercars, hypercars, luxury cars, luxury boats, speed boats and much more. They'll even have a room that's dedicated to photo shoots of the cars.https://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/10155240360858256/Below are some highlights from the Live video found below. Lamborghini Aventador SV Revs - 1:30 Pagani Huayra Overview and Startup - 4:30 Lamborghini Aventador SV POV Drive - 11:00 New Prestige Imports Showroom Tour - 17:30 View Inventory

By Edward Jones – March 24, 2017

Lamborghini Aventador S at Lamborghini Newport Beach

The new Lamborghini Aventador S is the Italian automaker's refresh for their flagship supercar car. Lamborghini has given the car's V12 engine a boost of power, bringing it up to 740 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque. A top speed of 217 mph is capable with this power, but the Aventador S is more than just a fast car in a straight line.The Lamborghini Aventador S is the first production car from the manufacturer that has rear wheel steering. With this addition, the Aventador S will now be more nimble around the corner than ever before. Have you ever wanted to fly around the track in sharp Italian style and 740 hp? This is now your best chance.Our friends at Lamborghini Newport Beach recently had a vibrant example of the Aventador S on their showroom floor and have gifted us some incredible pictures of the car. These images can be found in this article.Interested in owning a Lamborghini Aventador S of your own? Be sure to contact Lamborghini Newport Beach to order one today.Learn More

By Edward Jones – February 02, 2017

O'Gara Thermal Track Experience: One-77, Vulcan and More ...

O'Gara Coach and Aston Martin Beverly Hills, known for their amazing selection of exotic and luxury cars, likes to give back to their customers and provide them with chances to push their cars to their respective limits. At their event recent event at the Thermal Club private race track, customers raced their cars around 5.1-miles of track and indulged in automotive racing luxury.This race track includes three circuits and allows for over 20 different configurations. This amount of variety allows for members of the club to always race around something new. Because this track is able to handle up to F1 race cars, some exquisite cars showed up to O'Gara's event, including an Aston Martin Vulcan and One-77.But it wasn't just about the racing. O'Gara's clients also had the Track Clubhouse at their disposal, as well as the O'Gara Coach Private Villa. This building has a multi-car garage, resort-styled deck, outdoor living room and plenty of other amenities that allow for the most luxurious relaxation in between track time.Before guests took to the track, they were given a rundown on safety concerns and were free to roam the clubhouse. Better yet? Breakfast was served trackside. Once the guests were ready, one group headed out onto the track for some lead/follow laps, allowing them to get the feel of the track. The other group was sent over to the autocross track for a true test in handling. Once their time was up, the groups then switched.In the early afternoon, everyone ate lunch and got refueled for open track time. It was then that guests were given the chance to race the truck until the facility closed.Am I jealous of those that attended the event? You bet. If you're interested, be sure to click the button below to learn more.Learn More

By Edward Jones – November 16, 2016

McLaren Newport Beach Autumn Sprint 2016

Clients of McLaren Newport Beach took part in an exciting weekend of spirited driving and dining during the dealership’s Autumn Sprint event this past weekend. The two-day excursion began in Newport Beach with a pack of McLaren vehicles making their way towards San Diego for the first stop at Westroot Tavern for lunch. All of the cars were prominently displayed causing many curious passersby to stop and marvel at the fleet of supercars.(Related - Couple Drifts New Modified Huracan Around Lamborghini Newport Beach)Once back on the open road, the trek moved into the mountains where attendees were able to enjoy the technical route that was mapped out for the afternoon section of the drive. The group made a second stop along a scenic overlook to take in the incredible view and advantage of an impressive photo opportunity. With the sun setting, it was back to the McLarens to finish the first day of driving. As dusk approached, McLaren Newport Beach guests arrived at La Casa Del Zorro resort in Borrego Springs for a night of dinner and relaxation. The group was all smiles as they enjoyed dinner and libations while sharing stories of the day’s events.Used McLaren SupercarsDay two of the McLaren Autumn Sprint began with a tasty breakfast at the resort followed by departure for the second half of the driving event. Fueled and ready to roll, the cars headed out once again to the mountains taking full advantage of the twisting roads that snake through the area. The route was perfect for the event as guests were able to truly appreciate the handling abilities of their cars along with other fellow enthusiasts. The drive soon passed through Laguna Beach where heads surely turned as the line of luxury sports cars motored through. Bayside Restaurant was the last stop on the journey for McLaren Newport Beach clients where yet another delicious meal was served for the group and even more stories were shared. As all good things come to an end, everyone involved with the McLaren Autumn Sprint parted ways taking with them the memories of the drive and being able to experience the event with a great group of individuals.(Also Read - McLaren Design Night at McLaren Newport Beach)McLaren Newport Beach opened in 2012 is the only McLaren factory authorized dealership for Orange County and San Diego County. Conveniently located, McLaren Newport Beach provides Super Sports Cars to Southern California's affluent coastal communities. Its mission has always been to offer the best inventory selection in the nation and to continually support and build the McLaren community. The sales and service team combines over 75 years of experience with McLaren. As a result, they are passionate about the cars they sell, the customers they serve and consistently deliver optimal results. For more information about McLaren Newport Beach including online inventory, upcoming events and news, please visit www.McLarenNB.com.View Dealer Inventory

By Edward Jones – October 31, 2016

Recap: Prestige Imports Halloween Super Car Run 2016

On October 29th, Prestige Imports held their Halloween Super Car Run. During this run, they traveled from their dealership down to Homestead-Miami Speedway. Participants were dressed in their best costumes, including CEO Brett David dressed as The Joker from the recent "Suicide Squad" movie.At the speedway, the envoy was able to race their cars, mix and mingle, enjoy a buffet dinner and see who won the costume contest held by the dealership.If you're interested in attending next year's event, be sure to stay with us because we'll be posting the registration as soon as it becomes available.Prestige Imports Inventory The Prestige Imports Miami Halloween Supercar Rally was straight Mayhem! Check out this preview and stay tuned to for the video.Posted by duPont REGISTRY on Monday, October 31, 2016

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 – September 26, 2016

Belle Macchina Italiane in Nashville Brings Together Ferr...

By Janelle A. WeberA little rain couldn’t dampen the spirit of the Tifosi who descended on the Music City for the 2016 Belle Macchina Italiane weekend.Guests from Florida, Mississippi, and Georgia joined members of the Tennessee Chapter of the Ferrari Club of America for three days of countryside driving and exotic auto ogling.The event was organized by Chapter President Mike Gillespie and his wife, Valerie. More than 60 attended, including 42 members of the local chapter. Thirty-five cars, including dozens of Ferraris, participated. For many, the highlight of the weekend was the open-road driving.“Albeit partly in the rain, it was very beautiful and was quite a change from Florida with the hills, overpasses, and the views from the parkways,” said Ferrari of Tampa Bay General Manager Marlow Miller, who trailered up two Ferrari California T’s. Photo by Tanner MashburnTennessee Chapter member Douglas B. Janney III, a Nashville employment attorney, agreed. “You get 15 minutes of Nashville and there are just miles and miles of great driving roads. That’s always the highlight for me is getting out there with those guys and enjoying the scenery and enjoying the camaraderie.”First off was a caravan drive to a reception at the 50,000 square-foot collector’s garage of Barry Alexander of Alexander Automotive. Guests wandered through row after row of American muscle cars and unique European imports. The reception was sponsored by Track One, a Nashville-area aftermarket performance garage, and Alexander Automotive.The next day, the enthusiasts got an early start with a drive to Southern Trace Farms in Franklin. Courtesy of Nashville’s Velocity Motorcars, guests enjoyed breakfast in a picturesque barn that serves as a wedding and photoshoot venue. Then right on schedule, drivers filed into a 35-car caravan for a more than two-hour road trip through a wet central Tennessee ending at Lane Motor Museum in Nashville.“Looking back in your rearview mirror and as far as your eyes can see, seeing the Ferraris behind you is pretty cool,” Gillespie said.The imperfect weather didn’t ruin the fun for Janney, who drove his Ferrari F12, and was delighted to see how it handled in the rain.At the Lane Motor Museum, the group enjoyed lunch sponsored by Velocity Motorcars and toured the exhibit, Macchine Italiane: A Tour of Italy’s Motoring Spirit. The show featured ten select vehicles demonstrating the evolution of the Fiat 500, including specials derived from its flexible platform, such as the 1974 Ferarri Lucertola 500.The participants went their separate ways for the afternoon, with the Ferrari of Tampa Bay contingency visiting some downtown Nashville honky-tonks and the Johnny Cash Museum. Later, everyone met up at Nashville restaurant The Standard at the Smith House for a private dinner, sponsored by Music City Dream Cars, which offers exotic car rentals. The night concluded with socializing in the members-only private club.On Sunday, the group gathered at Vintage Classic Garage in Franklin, for breakfast sponsored by Ferrari of Tampa Bay. Marlow Miller gave a tour of the dealership race trailer. The group then drove to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts for lunch sponsored by Biscan Construction and a guided tour of the exhibit, Bellissima! The Italian Automotive Renaissance, 1945-1975, featuring Italian coachbuilt cars, concept cars, and motorcycles produced during the post-World War II economic revival.View Dealer Inventory

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