Detailers

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 – July 14, 2017

Detail 2 U

Services:Paint Protection Film / Clear Bra InstallationModesta Coatings for Paint, Wheels and Leather.Paint CorrectionCeramic Window Tint InstallationCosmetic Pre-Purchase InspectionCorporate and Event DetailingWheels and TiresWebsite: www.detail2u.com Email: sales@detail2u.comInstagram: @detail2umobiledetail Facebook: Detail 2 U Mobile Auto DetailDetail 2 U has three comprehensive packages, all of which will result in an amazing appearance of your vehicle and will add value to your vehicle on re-sale. The economical Touch Up Package is designed for everyone who wants a bumper-to-bumper glossy finish. The Classic Package goes a step further by deeply cleaning every visible nook and cranny. The Premier Package aims to restore your vehicle to its brand new condition, inside and out! A La Carte upgrades are available for any special requests you might have.

By Edward Jones – August 25, 2016

Executive Paint Protection

Location: 258 Broadhollow RoadFarmingdale, NY 11735Services: Maintenance Detail, Standard Detail, Paint Correction, Protective Coatings, Vinyl Wraps, Clear Bra, Winterization Detail and Motorized PlatePhone Number: 631.865.3456 Website: ExecutivePaintProtection.com Email: Contact@LIDetailers.com Facebook: Facebook.com/execpaintpros Instagram: @execpaintpros Executive Paint Protection is your premiere destination for restoration, enhancement, and protection of your vehicles. Thirty years of experience has given us the expertise you expect when detailing and servicing your luxury vehicle surfaces. Serving Long Island and the Tri-State area, Executive Paint Protection is the choice provider for superior detailing, paint correction and Ceramic Pro New York Nano-Ceramic Coating services.Many people assume that all detailers and installers workmanship, quality, experience, and customer service are the same. The fact is, nothing could be further from the truth. Although you may find many low-cost providers as you browse the internet, in the aftermarket industry the old adage holds true “you get what you pay for.”At Executive Paint Protection, all services are performed in-house by trained professionals and NEVER OUTSOURCED! Meticulous care, and quality craftsmanship is our priority, and when your vehicle is in our possession, we treat it like our own. Just remember, when it comes to paint protection, not all installers are equal. Contact us today to schedule your no hassle initial consultation.

By Edward Jones – August 25, 2016

Rehab Detailing

Location: 24850 Aurora Rd, Suite HBedford Heights, Ohio 44146Services: Concours and Restoration Level Detailing, Paint Correction, Ceramic Pro Coating Systems, Paint Protection Films (clear bra), Window, Headlight and Taillight Tinting, Color Change Vinyl Wrapping, Custom Wheel Sales and Installation, Carbon Fiber Accessories Sales and InstallationPhone Number: (440) 252-5883Website: www.rehabdetailing.com Email: info@rehabdetailing.com Facebook: Facebook.com/rehabdetailing Instagram: @Rehabdetailing Ross, the owner of Rehab Detailing, has been customizing and detailing cars and bikes since before he could drive. He began his first custom shop, S&L Customs, 7 years ago where he designed and built several SEMA award-winning custom vehicles. Rehab Detailing was born out of that as a natural progression of customizing cars, utilizing a 'clean' shop to perform the more delicate work of paint correction, vinyl wrapping and window tinting. Ross has spent the last 5 years, studying and using the most current techniques, equipment and detailing products that are available. Because of his and his team’s unrelenting attention to detail, Rehab Detailing has become a leader in the greater Cleveland area for both highline detailing and color change vinyl wrapping. Erik is the Director of Operations for the custom wheel side and the soon-to-launch home coating division.

By Edward Jones – April 12, 2016

St. Louis Auto Detail

Location: 17833 Edison AvenueChesterfield, Missouri 63005Services: Premium Interior & Exterior Detailing, Paint Correction Services, Restorative Detailing, Exotic and Collector Car Detailing, Ceramic Pro Authorized Center, Concours Preparation, Axalta Certified Cosmetic Car Repair, Wheel Repair, Paint Protection Film, Vinyl + Color Change Wrapping, Window Tint and Paintless Dent Repair.Phone Number: (314)219-4142Website: StLouisAutoDetail.com Email: info@stlouisautodetail.com Facebook: Facebook.com/stlouisautodetail Instagram: Instagram.com/stlouisautodetailYou are particular about the car you drive. You should be particular about the care it receives. Without realizing it, your vehicle is exposed to the elements and pollutants on a daily basis. This causes deterioration over time which decreases the value and beauty of your investment. Our goal at St. Louis Auto Detail is to preserve your vehicle and keep it looking its very best.

By Edward Jones – March 03, 2016

APEX Detail

Location: 4756 Frank Luke DriveAddison, TX 75001Services: Expert Paint Correction, Professional Exterior & Interior Detailing for the Affluent Automotive, Marine and Aviation Community. Factory Trained Xpel Paint Protection Film (Clear Bra) Installation Facility and Factory Trained Xpel Prime Window Film (Tinting) Installation Facility. Vinyl Wrap.Phone Number: (855) 998-APEX(2739)Website: ApexAutoCo.com Email: Info@ApexAutoCo.com Facebook: Facebook.com/TheApexDetailingInstagram: Instagram.com/apexdetail/Apex Detail serves its discerning clients by providing bespoke expert paint correction, detail services, Xpel paint protection film services and Xpel window film services to perfect, protect and preserve fine automotive, aerospace & marine investments. Master detail technician, Daniel G. Coyle, provides state-of-the-art and cutting-edge services that protect the value of your prized investment. Apex Detail, fully insured, is entrusted to care for and maintain some of the world's most valuable automobiles, including those which have won best in show at Pebble Beach, Amelia Island, Hershey and Greenwich Concours d'Elegance. Using only the highest quality products, Daniel has mastered the technical and scientific aspects of detailing and is familiar with all paint processes and finishes. He is an absolute perfectionist and will guarantee your complete satisfaction. Apex Detail is quite certain you’ll be amazed with the results and appreciate why we are the absolute finest in Texas.Located within M-Hangars on the private executive airfield of Addison Airport a stones throw from down town Dallas and the affluent areas of the Park Cities we can accommodate automobiles, airplanes and boats in our hangar. With a beautiful private pilots lounge that has been converted into a showroom/office you'll understand why APEX is the best there is. Apex Detail is in a gated facility within the airport, secured and alarmed with 24/7 surveillance. Be sure to connect with us on our social media pages where we continuously update our content as well as post before and after images of completed work on a regular basis and don't forget to check out our sister companies APEX Performance, APEX Logistics and APEX Exotic Rentals.We work closely with our clients worldwide to provide unique and individualized programs of care. Please contact us for a complimentary consultation.

By Edward Jones – November 19, 2015

Greeley Auto Spa

Name: Greeley Auto SpaLocation:497 Denver Ave, Loveland, CO3620 35th ave #3 Evans, COServices: Prestige Detailing, Paint correction, Ceramic Pro Coatings, Window tinting, Paint Protection Film, Vehicle Wraps and GraphicsPhone Number: 970-619-9863Website: www.GreeleyAutoSpa.com Email: GreeleyAutoSpa@gmail.com Facebook: @GreeleyAutoSpa Instagram: @Ceramicpro_coloradoGreeley Auto Spa is a family owned operation. The owners Ricque (Ricki) and Zack actually do part of the work along side with their employees. Zack has over 15 years experience in the automotive reconditioning field, ranging from paint and body work, to vehicle wraps and coating installations.They treat everyone's vehicle as if they were part of our own collection, using nothing but high-quality products and innovative ways of installing them.Greeley Auto Spa invites you to come by, say hello and become part of their family!Gallery Sponsored by

Detailers

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe