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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

2022 GMC HUMMER EV Barrett Jackson Tunnels to Towers Foundation

By Andrew Nabors – March 29, 2021

First 2022 GMC Hummer EV Shocks Everyone at Barrett-Jacks...

The Most Powerful Hummer Is Also The Most Valuable Our annual After Party at the W Scottsdale was the talk of the town, but the other big news was generated by GM. In order to support the Tunnel to Towers foundation, the first 2022 GMC Hummer EV shocked everyone at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. VIN 001 is an Edition 1, and it will arrive loaded with 1,000 horsepower/ 11,500 lb-ft of torque. Not only is it capable of crab walking and Extract Mode, perhaps the best feature is "Watts To Freedom". WTF unlocks full power and drops the ride by 2" to reach 60 mph in 3 seconds. The foundation serves to build mortgage-free homes to veterans and first responders, and this created a bidding frenzy. With a hammer price of $2.5 million, it is easily the most valuable Hummer of all time. Playing second fiddle are the first versions of the Cadillac CT5-V and CT4-V Blackwing that generated $430,000 for Pharrell's Black Ambition program. If you have never experienced a capable American 4WD, the Hummer H1 price and specs are a great place to start. Click the button to find one near you and stay with us for all your Hummer news. Browse Hummer For Sale Image (C) General Motors

By Andrew Nabors – March 25, 2021

Experience duPont REGISTRY Live at Barrett-Jackson Scotts...

One of the biggest events of the year shifts into high gear tonight, so we invite you to experience duPont REGISTRY Live at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. Because our partnership with Craig Jackson and Company spans three decades, we have built an impressive display along with our clients. A few massive trucks tower over the exotics while Vanderhall tries to fly under the radar. To offer something for everyone, here is who joined us: Tuscany Motor Company Vanderhall Motor Works Creative Bespoke Luxury Lease Partners Sintor Trucks The Medford Guy Tire Stickers Wheel Specialists Revolution Racecars Combat Motorcycles PitStop Racing Furniture Tonight will also see the first charity auctions. You will have an opportunity to bid on a new Ram TRX VIN 001 or the first Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Both are powered by supercharged 6.2-liter V8s, but one was born in the Hellcat while the other powered the Corvette Z06. Our friend Rick Hendrick will probably take them both home, but he does so for worthy causes. Be sure to check out the live stream on their site and also the primetime broadcasts on History, Velocity, and FYI networks. As always, we will have a complete recap once the jetlag wears off, so stay with us for all your Barrett-Jackson news. Images (C) @csjmatthewfink

By Andrew Nabors – February 05, 2021

First Ford Bronco & Mustang Mach 1 Heading To Barrett-Jac...

Charity auctions are a great way to kick off a big event while also helping those in need. That's why the first Ford Bronco and Mustang Mach 1 are heading to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. Ford is offering the rights to build VIN 001 of each for great causes. Since the Bullitt Mustang has retired, the return of the Mach 1 heralds 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. All proceeds from the auction will go to fight Juvenile Diabetes while the Bronco aims to help Outward Bound. This program offers outdoor adventure for at-risk youth. With all options onboard, this Sasquatch Package uses their EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 to send 310 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque to any terrain. The HOSS system includes locking differentials, 35" tires and fender flares all around. The opportunity to have the first of both will undoubtedly generate a bidding frenzy, so stay with us for complete coverage starting March 17th. The other big news is the first GMC Hummer EV will also be auctioned. Images (C) Barrett-Jackson

2021 Ram 1500 TRX Launch Edition front 3/4

By Andrew Nabors – January 21, 2021

Final 2021 Ram TRX Launch Edition Heading To Barrett-Jack...

Offering a Hellcat Hemi in a half-ton pickup is a recipe for success. For those that wanted one of the first examples, the final 2021 Ram TRX Launch Edition is heading to Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. While normally we would already have our booth built by now, Craig Jackson and his team rescheduled the world's greatest collector car auction to the week of March 20th. Because the Launch Edition sold out in only 3 hours, Dodge has saved the last one for a great cause. This truck is actually VIN 001, seen in the promotional materials and videos. With 100% of the proceeds going to the United Way, the winning bidder will receive 702 horsepower, 35" tires, and the fully-loaded Level 2 Option Group. "The response to the 2021 Ram 1500 TRX Launch Edition has been amazing,” said Steve Davis, president of Barrett-Jackson. “This truck is the pinnacle of performance, durability and capability, and has set a new benchmark for half-ton pickup trucks. We’re excited to see it cross the block at the Scottsdale Auction in March, giving one lucky bidder the chance to own VIN 001 and support a very worthy cause at the same time.” In order to comply with safety guidelines, the auction arena will be limited to bidders, consignors and their guests. That's why we will cover the event for you. Stay with us for all your Barrett-Jackson news. MUST READ: RAM TRX HORSEPOWER, PRICE & SPECS

By Andrew Nabors – November 02, 2020

2020 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction Results Defy Expe...

Despite the doom and gloom of the virus, the market for collectible and exotic cars is as strong as ever. We saw this firsthand last week, as the 2020 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction Results Defy Expectations. Our partnership with Craig Jackson and company allowed us to be front and center of the vendor tent. Precautions were extensive, ranging from open tents to spacing every car at least 6 feet apart. Nevertheless, the tally ended with $23.5 Million in sales from 442 vehicles: 2018 Ford GT (Lot #748) – $1,210,000 2012 Lexus LFA (Lot #749) – $440,000 2005 Ford GT (Lot #725) – $302,500 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe (Lot #763.1) – $286,000 2017 Dodge Viper ACR (Lot #757) – $229,900 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split-Window Custom Coupe (Lot #753) – $214,500 1970 Plymouth HEMI ’Cuda (Lot #740) – $209,000 2016 Lamborghini Huracan GT3 Race Car (Lot #726) – $198,000 2020 Jeep Gladiator Custom Demon Rubicon (Lot #760) – $198,000 1968 Pontiac Firebird Custom Coupe (Lot #698) – $187,000 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Convertible (Lot #771) – $187,000 2020 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Preview President Steve Davis said "“It was such a joy to be back on that auction block and watch enthusiastic bidders light up when their dream car crossed the stage. We proved that it’s not only possible to produce a live event where guests feel safe, but that the collector car community remains vibrant and the market is resilient and healthy.” A rising tide raises all ships, so next year's Barrett-Jackson events will be better than ever. Until then, click the button below to find the car of your dreams and stay with us for all your auction updates. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale " width="680">

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 Andrew Nabors – March 11, 2020

2020 Cinema Series Shelby Cobra Heading to Barrett-Jackso...

Bigger isn't always better. Having driven small and big-block versions of the iconic Shelby Cobra, I prefer the light & nimble 289 small block. Sure the 427 is a mean machine, but it is a handful in the corners. That's why we're thankful the 289 is poised to return. In the latest press release from Barrett-Jackson, we learned the 2020 Cinema Series Shelby Cobra will be unveiled at their Palm Beach auction. This limited run of continuation Cobras will start with CSX8198. It will be offered at no reserve and as a fitting tribute to Ken Miles. As seen in "Ford vs Ferrari", the car will include a cracked windshield along with the wrench used to crack it. Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach on duPont Registry Directory A modern aluminum 289 block is stroked to 331 cubic inches to offer 450 horsepower through a 5-speed Tremec transmission. Click the button below to find a Cobra for yourself and we'll see you at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach April 16-18. Browse All Shelby Cobra For Sale Related: Shelby 427 Cobra Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – October 09, 2019

Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2019 Recap

Auctions bring out the best inventory from our clients and fans, and Barrett-Jackson is a leader in their field. Their annual appearance in Las Vegas was one for the record books, as it was the first car & automobilia auction without one reserve price. Top 12 Sales: 2017 Ford GT ’66 Heritage Edition – $1,540,000 2019 Ferrari 488 Spider – $368,500 2013 Ferrari 458 Spider – $330,000 2005 Ford GT – $324,500 2006 Ford GT Heritage Edition – $324,500 1953 Chevrolet Corvette 235/150 Convertible – $275,000 1953 Chevrolet Corvette 235/150 Convertible – $220,000 1964 Chevrolet Corvette Custom Coupe – $203,500 1957 Dodge Power Wagon Custom Pickup – $203,500 1963 Chevrolet Corvette 327/360 Split-Window Fuelie – 187,000 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost – $176,000 2017 Dodge Viper ACR – $176,000 Without further ado, here is duPont REGISTRY Live at Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2019. Our booth was located on the main thoroughfare between the stage and the hotel, so we delivered a stunning display of classic & exotic models. First in was Celebrity Cars Las Vegas. Browse Celebrity Cars Inventory Their Ferrari 458 was front and center, flanked by a 1995 Ford GT with only 42 miles. A 1996 Shelby Series 2 was one of 60 Supercharged examples, and only 1 of 6 painted black. Ronald McDonald House is raffling a 2019 Callaway Corvette Z06, with all proceeds going to families in need. Wide Open Baja displayed an improved version of their Baja Challenge car, bringing back memories of Ensenada 2 years ago. Vanderhall displayed new versions of the Carmel and the Venice, both with quick-spooling turbos. The most curious questions regarded the smallest cars in the booth. Near Real Classics offers 2/3rd scale replicas of early Corvettes, and Jeeps. In total, Craig Jackson & company sold 677 cars dor over $33.3 Million, and 352 pieces of Automobilia for $855,000, both record-breaking numbers for Las Vegas. In addition, the charity lots pushed the auction total to $34.8 Million dollars. Above are a few of the more significant lots we thought you might like, so stay with us for all your Barrett-Jackson updates. https://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/2134987130143517/ Related: duPont REGISTRY Live at Orange County 2019 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2019 Preview

By Edward Jones – October 03, 2019

Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2019 Preview

Going on right now is the 2019 Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas auction in, you guessed it, Las Vegas, baby. Going across the block during this event is a large number of collector automobiles. In fact, there are over 650 cars going up for auction, and they're all being auctioned with no reserve. duPont REGISTRY Live is on-hand at the event at our massive booth. In our booth are a lot of incredible vehicles. This includes cars from Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Valley, Wide Open Baja, Celebrity Car Las Vegas, Vanderhall, Near Real Classics and more. Check them all out down below, as well as cars from around Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas 2019. To learn more about the event, be sure to click the button below. learn about this event

By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2019

Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2019 Preview

If you are in South Florida this weekend, come join us for the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2019 Collector Car Auction. Held at the South Florida Fairgrounds, we have gathered an ensemble inventory from our local dealers. For the 3rd consecutive year, we've partnered with Barrett-Jackson for a booth of strategic importance. We are located between the bidding office and the main event, making our booth a must-see for all attendees. We wouldn't do this without the support of our clients, so you will see a new Airstream Interstate as the largest vehicle in our lineup. Next to it will be Ronald McDonald House who will be promoting their December Corvette Charity Raffle. Vanderhall is back with the latest in American 3-wheelers, and Braman Porsche is bringing a German surprise. Here are a few that you will see: Our friends at Terradyne have a new Gurkha on display, along with the Nostalgia BMW motorcycle from Nmoto. The Raging Bull comes from our friends a Lamborghini Palm Beach, so it is shaping up to be a fun weekend. If you would like to join us, click on the link below for all the details on our directory. We'll see you there! Learn More about Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach https://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/10156318296553256/

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