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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 – May 28, 2020

Worldwide Auctions to Offer Trifecta of Stainless Steel F...

Art Deco would have never blossomed without a shiny metal of the future. Stainless steel is not new, but historically it was very hard to make. That is why Allegheny Ludlum focused production of the best stainless in the world, and they are still at it nearly a century later. Henry Ford awarded them the contract for all stainless parts in 1930, and this cooperation led to iconic marketing between the brands. The first example was a 1936 Deluxe Sedan. Six were built to show the attributes of the strong & rust-proof metal. Four survive today and one is heading to Worldwide Auctions. Their next project was a 1960 Thunderbird, completely made of T302 stainless from the hardtop to exhaust. Finally, they spent months building a '67 Lincoln. These three cars are medical-grade stainless, so in theory, they are the ultimate way to keep clear of the next virus outbreak. Why can't automakers advertise like this anymore? All three cars are clean enough to eat off of and will be sold as one lot. Impervious to rot, your collection will outlast anything short of nuclear war. This is just one part of the Labor Day auction, which will include exotics and collectibles from every era. Click the button below to view the catalog, and we'll see you there September 3-5th in Auburn, Indiana. View Catalog

By Edward Jones – May 18, 2020

Horse-Power from Home Rally Brought Supercars to Patients...

Graceful Gears is a non-profit charity that takes those with serious medical conditions or special needs out for rides in sports cars and supercars. Because of the current COVID-19 pandemic, they had to switch gears for their event this year, holding their first-ever "Horse-Power from Home Rally" on May 9th. Instead of bringing people out to the track, they brought a fleet of 30 cars to the houses of 14 patients in Graceful Gear's network from two of their partner organizations: Karmanos Cancer Institute and Wish Upon A Teen. The police-escorted rally included Lamborghinis, Ferraris, a new Ford GT, Dodge Viper ACR, and many other incredible rides. Below is a gallery of the event with photos taken by our friends Jerry Villagrana and Alex Tillman. Check them out and be sure to check out Graceful Gears' website for more information about their charity.

By Andrew Nabors – May 11, 2020

SEMA 2020 Is Happening!

We're starting the week off with good news, so we're glad that SEMA 2020 registration is open. We have the COVID virus on the ropes, so car shows, racing, and the aftermarket is bouncing back. Taking place November 3rd to 6th, book your hotel and travel ASAP to avoid the inevitable crowds. With many aftermarket suppliers tinkering at home during the lockdown, you will be treated to an unprecedented offering of innovative parts. Expect to see our usual array of SEMA previews in the upcoming months, so stay with us for all your SEMA news. Learn More https://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/539793179902836/

By Edward Jones – May 05, 2020

Barrett-Jackson Northeast 2020 Canceled, Online-Only May ...

Barrett-Jackson has announced that their 5th Annual Northeast Auction, scheduled for June 24-27, 2020 at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, will not be held due to concerns regarding the current Covid-19 pandemic. Those who happened to purchase tickets will be able to get full refunds, with instructions being sent directly to the ticket holders. “We spent a great deal of time consulting with local and state public health and government officials,” said Craig Jackson, chairman and CEO of Barrett-Jackson. “The team at Mohegan Sun has also been a tremendous resource for us throughout this process. However, it became clear there is simply too much uncertainty about hosting a multi-day live event during this public health crisis. Given the incredible amount of work and time that goes into producing a Barrett-Jackson event, it, unfortunately, is not feasible for us to move forward in Connecticut.” While we may be sad about this cancellation, Barrett-Jackson is still hard at work putting on auctions. The Barrett-Jackson Online Only May 2020 is set to run from May 8 to 17. The auction company also notes that they will have an announcement regarding a Summer auction as well. As for the Las Vegas Auction (September 10-12) and Palm Beach Auction (October 15-17), will be held live and as scheduled, unless otherwise announced. To learn more about all of these upcoming auctions, be sure to click the button below. Visit Barrett-Jackson.com " width="680">

By Edward Jones – May 01, 2020

RM Sotheby's Essen Auction Moves to Online Platform

RM Sotheby's has just announced that their second annual Essen auction will be moving to an online-only sale. The auction, running from June 3-11, will be held on RMSothebys.com. A majority of the cars that were originally planned to be auctioned at the live event will be offered on the time-base online auction platform. This results in around 200 collectors cars being auctioned, like a pre-war Bugatti to a rare Aston Martin V8 Zagato. RM Sotheby's will also be auctioning off nearly 100 cars from the Petitjean Collection with no reserve. If you click the button below, you can learn more about the auction, like how to bid or even view the lots being offered. The prestigious auction house has had great success with their online platform and they look to continue this trend. Learn More Source: RM Sotheby's

By Edward Jones – May 01, 2020

Jay Leno, Martha Stewart, Ludacris and More to Headline M...

Mercedes-Benz USA is putting on a new kind of concours show utilizing the Zoom video conferencing app. Called the "Concours de Zoom," this virtual event will be showing off some of the most iconic Mercedes-Benz vehicles alongside their high-profile owners. This includes a 1908 chain-drive Mercedes, 1956 300 SL Gullwing, 1988 560 SL and more. New models will also be showcased, like the AMG G 63 and AMG GT C Coupe. Each of the owners will have some time to showcase their car, pointing out a few of their favorite aspects of the car. At the end of the show, a donation will be made to the American Red Cross on behalf of the guests. The Concours de Zoom will be happening today at 5 pm EST through Zoom. Click here for the Zoom webinar link for this show.

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2020

2020 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Cancelled

Although there are signs of hope, the largest car show of the year has been canceled. Below is the press release we received last night: PEBBLE BEACH, Calif. (April 22, 2020) — Knowing that entrants, judges, volunteers and guests face ongoing health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance have decided to cancel the Show which was scheduled for August 16, 2020. “My heart goes out to all of the people who are involved in the Pebble Beach Concours and who are impacted by this decision,” said Concours Chairman Sandra Button. “Many of our entrants have been working on a special car for years, and this was to be their moment. Some of our overseas entrants were nearing the point of putting their cars on boats and planes, and their own travel arrangements have long been made. The same is true for many of our international cadre of judges.” “We thank all of the enthusiasts who have gathered at Pebble Beach time and again to renew long-standing friendships, celebrate great cars and give so generously to Concours charities — and who have already expressed their support for the coming celebration no matter the date.” The car selection process for the 70th Pebble Beach Concours, which was scheduled for Sunday, August 16, 2020, was recently completed, and entrants were notified of their acceptance earlier this month. The acceptance letters stressed that these cars were invited to appear at the 70th celebration — even if it was delayed. With the cancellation of this year’s event, the 70th Pebble Beach Concours will now take place on Sunday, August 15, 2021. Features will remain as planned, with a display of past Best of Show winners along the edge of Stillwater Cove, and special classes focusing on Pininfarina coachwork, Porsche 917, Talbot-Lago Grand Sport, Miller racing, Iso, Early Electrics and the Carrera Panamericana. “Pebble Beach Company has been pleased to host this event since its beginning, and we look forward to hosting the 70th celebration in 2021,” said Company CEO William L. Perocchi. “This event does more than celebrate great cars; it benefits so many people in need. Ultimately, the continued health and safety of everyone associated with the Concours is our number one priority, which led us to this difficult decision. We recognize that canceling the 2020 Event will be disappointing to many, although we are confident it is appropriate under these unique circumstances.” All tickets purchased to date for the 70th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance will be valid for the event on Sunday, August 15, 2021. Ticket purchasers who cannot attend the 70th Concours on its new 2021 date, can request a refund by emailing info@pebblebeachconcours.net.

By Andrew Nabors – April 17, 2020

Watch the Entire 2019 Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction ...

While there are signs that we are winning against the virus, staying inside is still mandatory in most states. That's why our friend Craig Jackson and his team have created the ultimate playlist for us. So get your meals prepped and fire up YouTube to watch the entire Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach auction this weekend. A year ago we had an amazing display and unprecedented traffic through our booth. Next year we will make it even better, so stay with us for all your Barrett-Jackson updates. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9lPq2ClaOUPSaW97EmHwQ_LNxT5nLiXX

By Edward Jones – March 30, 2020

RM Sotheby's Online Only: The Palm Beach Auction Posts In...

RM Sotheby's recently held their Online Only: The Palm Beach Auction as their first catalog sale that was offered only online. They received an unprecedented amount of attention to this auction, which resulted in very impressive results. In total, 69 percent of all lots sold, generating $13.7 million in sales-- and it was all done online! There were 900 registered bidders for the event, 23 percent more than the average number for their past live RM Sotheby's South Florida auctions. With so much action, they recorded over 615,000 pageviews from March 20 to 28. RM Sotheby's has sent out the top 10 sales from this event, which can be found below. 1996 Porsche 911 GT2 (CHASSIS NO. WP0ZZZ99ZTS392164) - $891,000 2019 McLaren Senna (CHASSIS NO. SBM15ACA6KW800146) - $847,000 1963 Shelby 289 Cobra (CHASSIS NO. CSX 2095) - $682,000 1963 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III (IDENTIFICATION NO. SCX361) - $434,500 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale (CHASSIS NO. ZFF75VFA0F0208869) - $324,500 1961 Jaguar E-Type Series 1 3.8-Litre Roadster (CHASSIS NO. 875195) - $280,500 1992 Lamborghini LM002 (CHASSIS NO. ZA9LU45A8LLA12287) - $275,000 1983 Lamborghini Countach LP 5000S (CHASSIS NO. ZA9C00500CLA12512) - $275,000 1966 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 Series II (CHASSIS NO. 8627) - $260,000 2006 Ford GT (CHASSIS NO. 1FAFP90S76Y400701) - $242,000 Visit RMSothebys.com

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By Andrew Nabors – March 30, 2020

Detroit & Paris Auto Shows Cancelled

Social media and the rise of Virtual Dealers have been chipping away at the auto show industry. Now with the world locked down to prevent the virus from spreading, both the Detroit and Paris auto shows have been canceled. The latest news from Detroit was posted to the North American International Auto Show website. Although the show was scheduled for June, FEMA is building a temporary triage center for the infected at TCF Center. On the other side of the Atlantic, the City of Lights does not want to put their public in further danger. These are smart moves by both cities, and we hope the shows can be rescheduled for later this year. Stay with us for all your automotive event news. Stay at home and browse the world's greatest resouce for buying and selling classics & exotics. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale " width="680">

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