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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

A large, colorful bird sculpture and Toys for Tots donations in boxes and piles are displayed outside a modern apartment building with palm trees.

By duPont REGISTRY – December 12, 2025

Driving Holiday Joy: Dimmitt Automotive Group’s Toys for ...

This holiday season, the automotive community comes together once again for a cause that goes far beyond the road. On Sunday, December 14, Dimmitt Automotive Group will host its annual Toys for Tots Exotic Car Rally, uniting exotic vehicles, charitable giving, and community spirit across the Tampa Bay area. Now celebrating its 101st year serving Florida’s Gulf Coast, Dimmitt remains a family-owned and operated business spanning four generations, with a long-standing commitment to giving back. This year, that commitment includes the donation of more than 100 bicycles and the collection of thousands of toys that will ultimately benefit children through the Salvation Army. All of Dimmitt’s business units are involved in the effort, bringing together both its Automotive and Powersports divisions in support of the mission. The rally also follows a milestone moment for the group, as Dimmitt was recently awarded a new Bentley Sarasota point, with the Sarasota location completing its Drive Event just one week prior. For those wishing to spectate, as the rally has reached maximum capacity for participants, the event begins at 9:00 a.m. at 3333 Gandy Boulevard in Pinellas Park. A curated procession of high-performance and exotic vehicles will depart for Marine Corps Headquarters in Midtown Tampa, the rally’s final destination. At its core, the event is about helping bring holiday joy to children in need. If you would like to donate directly to Toys for Tots, please click the button below. Visit ToysforTots.org Dimmitt Automotive Group Locations Clearwater25191 US Highway 19 NClearwater, FL St. Petersburg (Pinellas Park)3333 Gandy BoulevardPinellas Park, FL St. Petersburg3255 Gandy BoulevardPinellas Park, FL Wesley Chapel2500 Lajuana BoulevardWesley Chapel, FL Homosassa2431 S. Suncoast BoulevardHomosassa, FL Cycle Springs29703 US Highway 19 NClearwater, FL Sarasota Village Powersports1518 State StreetSarasota, FL

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By Jordan Aquistapace – August 21, 2023

Miller Motorcars Organizes An Impromptu Bugatti Hypercar ...

From Pur Sports to Super Sports, the Bugatti meet brought out the best of the Chiron lineup.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2021

Dimmitt Automotive Group's 2021 Toys For Tots Rally

Presented by Dimmitt Automotive Group - For nearly 20 years, the Dimmitt Automotive Group has hosted a Toys for Tots toy drive and exotic car rally. In 2020, over 130 exotic, luxury and supercars filled with thousands of children's toys made their way to the Toys for Tots Distribution Center in Tampa, FL. Facilitated by the United States Marine Corps Reserve, Toys for Tots distributes toys to the children of families who cannot afford to buy gifts for Christmas. Dimmitt Automotive Group The Dimmitt Automotive Group, with locations in St. Pete, Clearwater, Wesley Chapel, and Homosassa, will be collecting new, unwrapped toys at all of their campus locations now through December 4th. The organization, as part of its Dimmitt Cares community initiative, has also committed to providing 97 new bikes to commemorate the group’s 97 years doing business in the Tampa Bay area. The exotic car rally will depart at 9:30 a.m. on December 5th from the St. Petersburg campus located at 3333 Gandy Boulevard in Pinellas Park, FL. Led by the Hillsborough County Sherriff motorcycle motorcade, the rally will make its way to the Toys for Tots Distribution Center in Tampa. Dimmitt Automotive Group This year, the size of the rally participants will be limited, and registration is required in advance. To learn more, contact marketing@dimmitt.com. Discover The Dimmitt Toys For Tots Rally

By Edward Jones – April 13, 2021

Rally Point East x Manhattan Motorcars Rally Recap

Rally Point East teamed up with Manhattan Motorcars to hold their first charitable rally. Along with partners like Abushi, Berkshire Hathaway International Realty, The Baker House 1650, Diane Hendricks Catering and The MJS Groupe, the event aimed at helping raise funding for St. Mary’s Hospital for Children. With registrants entering both their vehicles’ and a donation into the roster, all participants gathered at the Manhattan Motorcars Porsche Dealership in New York and were greeted by Robert Marchhart, Director of Marketing for the dealership group, along with Rosco Abushi, owner of Abushi Automotive and Robert Heicklen, advocate for St. Mary’s. Following the welcome breakfast, attendees started their engines and began the 86 mile drive out east. Over 50 cars participated in the day’s rally event which included a few notable novelties like a 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, Lamborghini Huracan Performante & Aventador SV, Ferrari Testarossa, Custom Restored Ford Bronco, 2019 GT3 RS, Lamborghini Gallardo signed by Valentino Balboni and Roll-Royce Wraith along with several other Ferraris, Porsches and Aston Martins to name a few. The day wouldn’t have been complete with a member’s pre-rally happening in tandem which started from the Rally Point East location taking a more local route and having both groups convene back at the same time. Welcoming members, VIPs and friends of the club, guests were invited to view the 65 cars that were on display both inside and out as well as enjoy a brunch selection crafted by Chef Diane Hendricks. In total the members and attendees were able to raise just under 10k for the charity which will be part of an ongoing mission for the St. Mary’s advocate Robert Heicklen as well as the involved partners. Be sure to check out the galleries below by Jason Belsky and Ugur Dursun of the event. View Manhattan Motorcars Inventory

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 28, 2020

The Maserati MC20 and Trofeo Collection Presented By Mase...

The Maserati MC20 and Trofeo Collection The news of Maserati releasing a new supercar has created a lot of anticipation throughout the auto industry. The all-new Maserati MC20 is designed to be a successor to the 2004 MC12 supercar. The complete redesign features a Maserati patented motor named Nettuno, that uses the latest in engine technology to help produce 621 horsepower from a turbocharged 6-cylinder. The MC20 is so outstanding in fact, that it’s our November 2020 cover car. The Trofeo Collection was also on display, which includes the Ghibli, Levante, and Quattroporte models. the lineup has been traveling throughout the U.S. unveiling the new models for dealerships and clientele. View Maserati Fort Lauderdale Inventory The Event Recently, Maserati of Fort Lauderdale held a socially distanced launch event for the new MC20 and Trofeo Collection. Pulling up to the event, the excellent valet service was there to assist, parking supercars around the exterior of the dealership. A Maserati MC20 background was set up for guests to pose for pictures before entering the event. Once inside, complimentary MC20 face masks were given out to help maintain a safe and germ-free environment. The floor of the showroom was occupied up by exquisitely themed dancers dressed in sparkling outfits. Maserati themed beverages and hors d’oeuvres were served throughout the night. " width="680"> The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the new Maserati MC20, where both Garret and Patricia Hayim gave a meaningful introduction to the new supercar. Characters such as Darth Vader and his Storm Troopers were on scene to perform a choreographed dance number. A group of Maserati specialists circulated the dealership informing guests on the Maserati MC20 and Trofeo Collection.

By Andrew Nabors – December 05, 2019

Win A McLaren Track Day by Supporting a Great Cause

Winter has arrived, and there are many Americans in need of help. That's why our friends at O'Gara are auctioning a McLaren Track Day to support a great cause. Backed by the Sunset GT Cars & Coffee Show, the highest bidder will win a day at Thermal Club with a World Champion F1 Driver and 3 of your friends. Here are just a few of the details: Experience 1:1 professional coaching, challenge yourself on the timed autocross and wet skidpad. Indulge in premium accommodations including trackside hospitality and fine dining at The Thermal Clubhouse. Vehicle will be provided courtesy of McLaren Beverly Hills. Curated Video Capturing Experience At Track By Professional Videographer Hotel Accommodation at The Parker Palm Springs. Curated Dinner for Four. Booked Flight From LA to Palm Springs. Track Day Experience Will Consist Of: Check-In & Breakfast / Driver’s Brief Group Track Session With F1 World Champion Race Car Driver in McLaren Street Cars / Hot Laps Group Track Session / Autocross Lunch at Thermal Restaurant Group Track Session / Hot Laps Group Track session in GT4 Passenger Hot Laps with F1 World Champion Race Car Driver Event Conclusion / Driver's Debrief This is all possible thanks to O'Gara and McLaren Beverly Hills. All auction proceeds are going to the Los Angeles House of Ruth. "It is the mission of the Los Angeles House of Ruth (LAHR) to provide temporary and bridge housing for homeless families; 80% of whom are victims of domestic violence. It is the commitment of the LAHR community to provide a caring and supportive environment. We strive to empower the families that we serve to move from dependency and abuse to independence and successful futures. The only requirement to enter our program is homelessness and all our services are provided completely free of charge." Click Here To Bid The auction is live and will end on Sunday, December 8th at 11am Pacific Time. If you would like to support the L.A. House of Ruth, donations will also be accepted at the Sunset GT Cars & Coffee in West Hollywood this Sunday. " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – October 11, 2019

McLaren Newport Beach Hosts Supercar Show Orange County

Summer is over and Autumn has arrived. That is why our friends at McLaren Newport Beach added a theme to their monthly gathering: "FALL-ing"for supercars. Only a few minutes away was the Anaheim Autoshow, but I was too busy to make the trip. I missed a wild collection of exotics, muscle, and classics. Of course, McLarens are the preferred marque, but spectators were treated to everything. A Fiat Jolly and Autobianchi were chasing each other while a 1965 Lamborghini 330 GT took top honors. " width="680"> Dealer employees endowed several cars with Halloween decorations. Their newest inventory is too nice to defile, as it is comprised of five Aventador SVJ, a McLaren 600LT with MSO roof scoop, Ferraris, Ford GTs, and a Senna ordered by the owner of Giovanna wheels. Browse Inventory Next month's theme will be "Back in Time". And unless you have a time machine you need to register early. Click the button above to view their amazing inventory and be sure to join us Saturday, October 19th at Davis Island at 7AM.

By Edward Jones – April 02, 2019

Gumball 3000 North American Route Revealed at Prestige Im...

The route for the Gumball 3000 North American route has officially been declared at an exciting event at Prestige Imports. Gumball 3000 took over Prestige Imports' Exotics & Espresso to announce the route that the Gumball 3000 North America rally will take. Brett David, the CEO of Prestige Imports, even turned his Pagani Huayra, named Project Vulcan, into a Hot Wheels toy car for the occasion. The route will be as follows: Toronto (May 22-23) Indy 500 (May 23-24) Nashville (May 25) Atlanta (May 26) Miami (May 27) Havana (May 28-29) That's right, the Gumball 3000 will conclude in Havana, Cuba! Now that will be an exciting trip for sure and we can't wait to see all the wild antics and impeccable cars that will be a part of the rally. view prestige imports' cars for sale

By Edward Jones – March 05, 2019

Bullfest 2019 Recap

Lamborghini Miami Hosted a Fabulous catered breakfast and a Stellar Send-off for BullFest 2019. After breakfast, Over 100 Exotics, & Hyper-cars left Lamborghini Miami, with Biscayne Boulevard lined with enthusiastic onlookers, family and friends cheering them on as they headed down to Key Largo for lunch and an epic South Florida drive. VIEW DEALER INVENTORY

By Edward Jones – November 02, 2017

Supercars and Watches to Descend Upon Bal Harbour Shops

This Sunday is the main event of the 2017 Bal Harbour Shops Collectors Weekend, where fine supercars of all eras and exquisite watches will be on display at the Ball Harbour Shops. This event is being hosted by Ronald Vogel and John Temerian, and is being presented by Pagani Miami/Lamborghini Miami and CURATED.Last year, the inaugural year, was indeed a massive success for the Bal Harbour Shops Collectors Weekend. Rare cars like the SCG003 and Ferrari P4/5 by Pininfarina from James Glickenhaus were on display, and celebrities like Tommy Lee Jones were on-hand.For this year, the hosts are looking for an even bigger event and are bringing in cars like a 1993 Jaguar XJ220, 1981 BMW M1, Pagani Huayra and the iconic Mercedes CLK DTM. Of course, there will be many other cars attending, but you'll have to either attend to see them or check back with Autofluence for the recap.Supercars for Sale

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