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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 Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2020

FCA Announces 0% for 84 Months and Online Sales

If you have been waiting for a great deal on a new Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler, Ram, Fiat or Alfa-Romeo, the time to buy is now. In a press release earlier today, FCA announced 0% for 84 Months along with online sales. The new "Drive Forward" program is applicable to most models for qualified buyers. The second part of the program is a new "Online Retail Experience". These virtual showrooms include 24/7 support from product specialists. Once the purchase is made, your local dealer can deliver it to your driveway. Noticeably absent is Maserati, but this is a great program regardless. Click the links above to browse our inventory and stay with us for all your FCA news. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 25, 2020

Excell Auto Group Offering Complimentary Service Pick-up ...

As one of the largest exotic car dealers in South Florida, our friends at Excell always go the extra mile, literally this time. Due to the current crisis, Excell Auto Group is offering complimentary service pick-up & drop-off to customers in the Broward and Palm Beach areas. An appointment needs to be made ahead of time. For more information visit excellautosps.com or call 561.990.7868 Click Here To Schedule Service https://www.facebook.com/excellautogroup/videos/1006694613058115/

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2020

Modern Muscle Cars has What Everyone Needs

What is worth more than cash in our current situation? During the Civil War, it took a wheelbarrow of cash to buy bread. Often the barrow was dumped out and stolen as it was worth more than the money it was hauling. While we still don't understand the link between toilet paper and the virus, our friends at Modern Muscle Cars have developed a great way to aquire a quilted double roll. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=213175936457252 Click Here To Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2020

Automakers Offer 0% Financing for 84 Months

As car factories are gearing up to assemble ventilators and other needed supplies, their corporate arms are open wide for unprecedented deals. In a story first reported by JD Power, GM, Ford, Fiat-Chrysler are offering 0% financing for 84 months on many popular models. Those with good credit will even have the option to defer payments for up to 120 days. Even the 2019 Corvette is included! Hyundai just upped the ante with Job-Loss protection, where they will cover 6 months of payments until you are back on your feet. Being a Libertarian, this is the best news of a free market taking care of its citizens. Click the button below to find your new ride and stay with us for more positive news. " width="680"> Find Your New Car Here

By Andrew Nabors – January 29, 2020

Take a Tour of Excell Auto Group

Our friends in Boca Raton have a showroom that will knock your socks off. As a leader in the world of pre-owned exotics, almost every car in their inventory is loaded with rare options. Their knowledgable staff have automotive backgrounds, so it makes the experience much more rewarding than most corporate dealerships. As such, we recommend a visit if you are in South Florida, so come along with us and take a tour of Excell Auto Group. View Excell Auto Group's Inventory Related: Immaculate Hypercar Selection For Sale at Excell Auto Group

By Edward Jones – July 18, 2019

New Video Showcases Rolls-Royce Miami's “Miami Collection...

Rolls-Royce Miami has created a very special collection of cars that honor the town they reside in. The “Miami Collection, Six of Six” includes Dawn, Ghost and Wraith. Within the collection are two different vibes: Miami by Day and Miami by Night. Both parts of the collection have one of each model in them, but each carries completely different vibes. Rolls-Royce Miami has released a new video showing off the collection in their natural habit: Miami. The ultra-luxury cars can be seen cruising through the streets of the famous Floridian city, putting on a dazzling show. Check it out for yourself down below and be sure to click the button to see everything Rolls-Royce Miami has to offer. browse rolls-royce miami's cars for sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 02, 2019

Prestige Imports: Spring Cleaning Supercar Shuffle

Even though Miami doesn't experience a harsh winter, it was time to clean to crank up and clean up the showroom inventory. Since it is the only location housing sun an impressive inventory, Prestige Imports Spring cleaning involves a supercar shuffle. Because Florida is humid year-round, it's a good idea to start your car at least once a month. Letting it warm up boils the condensation from the engine oil, keeping rust from forming on internal surfaces. Our friend Mike Supercars TopSpeed uploaded the action yesterday, and it includes multiple Porsches, along with a Pagani Zonda F & Huayra Tempesta. It is the only place to see a Lamborghini Centenario across from a LaFerrari. Their monthly Exotics & Espresso show will feature the announcement of this year's Gumball 3000 route, so stay with us for coverage of the event. Click the link below to check out the inventory, and make Prestige Imports part of your Miami vacation! Browse Prestige Imports Inventory Related: Gumball 3000 to Announce 2020 Route at Prestige Imports Announcing Prestige Aviation: by Prestige Imports

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 – March 16, 2018

Prestige Imports: Hypercar and Supercar Heaven

I remember the first time I stepped into the new Prestige Imports Miami showroom. The front doors opened and allowed me to entire into a new dimension of exotic car paradise that consisted of the rarest cars I had ever seen on a showroom floor. At the time of my visit a Pagani Huayra HP Barchetta, edo Competition Maserati MC12, LaFerrari, two Porsche 918 Spyders and so many other equally impressive supercars were parked on the concrete flooring. While that was a few months ago, it seems that things are continuously heating up down in South Florida as they have a few other hypercars that are the new stars of the showroom. YouTube Chanel Mike Supercars TopSpeed recently stopped by Prestige Imports Miami for a walkthrough of the dealership and he was immediately greeted with some wicked cars. A Koenigsegg Agera Xs, Pagani Huayra BC, and many others were present, making me want to drive down as soon as possible to catch a glimpse of these cars. If you aren't as close to Prestige Imports as I am, the video below does a great job of showing off what this dealership is all about.

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