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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 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 Edward Jones – October 26, 2020

RM Sotheby's Elkhart Collection Auction Sees Incredible R...

RM Sotheby's most recent Elkhart Collection Auction was held on October 23-24 as a live event in Elkhart, Indiana. We have been looking forward to this event for quite some time as there were some astonishing vehicle set to cross the block. Well, the auction is now over and the results are incredible. With over 240 cars crossing the block, the event grossed over $44,385,420 in sales. In total, there were no less than 2,500 bidders both in the auction and remotely from 53 countries. One of the most interesting facts is that 55 percent of the bidders were first-time RM Sotheby's clientele. Top 10 Sales 10. 1954 Fiat 8V Coupe by Vignale - $907,000 9. 1967 Toyota 2000GT - $912,500 8. 1969 Lamborghini Miura P400 S by Bertone - $1,160,000 7. 1955 Jaguar D-Type Continuation - $1,325,000 6. 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing - $1,495,500 5. 1963 Jaguar E-Type Lightweight Continuation - $1,710,000 4. 1955 Cooper-Jaguar T38 Mk II - $1,765,000 3. 1957 Jaguar XKSS Continuation - $1,985,000 2. 1953 Fiat 8V Supersonic by Ghia - $2,040,000 1. 1952 Ferrari 225 S Berlinetta by Vignale - $2,810,000 Kenneth Ahn, President and CEO, RM Sotheby’s, said: “We are extremely pleased with the results, especially considering the complexities and challenges of executing such a high-profile auction with multiple constituents in the current market environment. I believe this auction highlighted RM Sotheby’s key strengths and capabilities as a global market leader for achieving successful results for private collections. The Elkhart Collection auction was also another case study for the power of ‘no reserve’ collection auctions, with many of the lots seeing incredible results. The success of The Elkhart Collection auction joins previous court-authorized bankruptcy auctions that RM Sotheby’s has successfully conducted such as the 2016 Duemila Route sale in Milan, Italy on behalf of the Italian Government and the 2017 Level 5 Motorsports liquidation in Auburn, Indiana on behalf of U.S. Federal authorities, and further highlighting our company’s ability to execute complex sales successfully on a global scale.” 1954 Fiat 8V Coupe by Vignale

By Andrew Nabors – September 25, 2020

Ultimate Hypercar Faceoff: Chiron Sport, Huayra BC, Reger...

Automotive Mike produces amazing videos, so he is often invited to the world's best events. The Swiss Alps are the perfect backdrop for a supercar showdown, although the altitude leaves naturally aspirated cars at a disadvantage. Nevertheless, being the crossroads of Europe, it allows Italians, Germans, French, Austrians, and nearly every nationality to be represented. Here is a short list of attendees: Aston Martin Vanquish Zagato Bugatti Chiron Sport Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse Bugatti Veyron L'Or Blanc Bugatti Veyron Supersport Ferrari 488 Pista Ferrari 599 GTZ Nibbio Zagato Ferrari Enzo Ferrari F12tdf Ferrari LaFerrari Koenigsegg Agera R Koenigsegg Agera X Koenigsegg ONE:1 Koenigsegg Regera Lamborghini Aventador SVJ McLaren Senna Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Mercedes C63 S AMG Mercedes SLR McLaren Roadster Pagani Huayra BC Pagani Huayra Roadster Pagani Zonda Cinque Pagani Zonda F Pagani Zonda Unica Porsche 918 Spyder Weissach Porsche Carrera GT While each one can be a museum piece, we are thankful for drivers who enjoy their cars in action. The event went off without and issues, so a big thanks to Automotive Mike for sharing this with us. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 17, 2020

2021 Music City Grand Prix Confirmed for Downtown Nashville

From great weather to amazing history, there is nothing not to like about the Capital of Tennessee. Aside from the Grand Ole Opry and the Hermitage, we now have another reason to visit, That's because the 2021 Music City Grand Prix has been confirmed for downtown Nashville. The exciting course will cross the Cumberland River with the paddock located in the vast parking lot of Nissan Stadium. " width="680"> If you have never been to an IndyCar race, the sound and speed will have you addicted. Local News Channel 5 (WTVF) anticipates this event could bring over $20 million to downtown, an area that has been hit hard by the virus. Make plans to be there for the weekend of August 6th of next year, and come see us next month at the St. Petersburg Grand Prix starting October 23rd. IndyCar is making a comeback in a way, and we're looking forward to it.

By Edward Jones – September 11, 2020

Last Chance to Win a 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible From t...

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the 2020 edition of the Pebble Beach Concours will not be taking place. This, however, is not stopping the Pebble Beach Concours team from helping out a local charity. They have announced a partnership with Lexus for the 2020 charity drawing where they will be offering up a 2021 LC 500 Convertible. This drawing will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, with 100% of every ticket benefiting them directly. The virtual drawing will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2020, so this is your last chance to reserve your tickets. Reservation of tickets will close at 10AM on September 13. If you've been wanting to help out those in need, this is a great opportunity because your kindness may reward you with a new and incredible 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible! Reserve Your Tickets

By Edward Jones – August 12, 2020

Greenwich Cars & Coffee Season Opener August 16th

On Sunday, August 16th, join us at the Farmington Polo Grounds for our first in-person event from 8:00am - 12:00pm. The event will feature a Covid safe Cars and Coffee with F1 viewing raising funds for the Hometown Foundation. Spectators will be able to enjoy everything from the latest Hypercars to vintage classics. VIP Participants can enjoy breakfast from Chukker Cafe under the VIP Sperry tent while enjoying F1 on the Jumbotron. If you are interested in participating as a VIP car displayer and/or participant, please email info@greenwichcarsandcoffee.com We hope you can join us this Sunday! Visit GreenwichCarsandCoffee.com Photos by Ethan Haynes

By Edward Jones – July 09, 2020

Mecum Indy 2020 Preview: Ten Cars You Need to See

Mecum Auctions' upcoming Indianapolis 2020 event (July 10-18) is going to be jampacked with a massive list of lots that will blow your socks off. From the cars within the John Atzbach and Richard Welkowitz collections and more, there's going to be something for every car collector. out there. Below are ten cars that carry some serious prestige that just needs to be seen. Check them out down below and be sure to learn more about the event by clicking the button directly below. Learn About Mecum Indy 2020 23-Mile 2018 Bentley Continental GTC Supersports The Supersports convertible accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.7 seconds, all while en route to a blistering 205 MPH top speed. Any four-seat convertible that can do that is a rare thing, but this 2018 Supersports convertible is even more select with its miniscule usage of just 23 miles. Learn More 1964 Shelby 289 Independent Competition Cobra In 2013, CSX2487 was acquired by John Atzbach, who has lovingly maintained the Cobra in a climate-controlled environment along with the rest of its stablemates in his very impressive Shelby collection. This documented Independent Competition Cobra is accompanied by important historical artifacts and period photographs from the 1960s. Learn More 1967 L88 Corvette, Serial No. 21550 This 1967 L88 Corvette, Serial No. 21550, has an unquestionable pedigree as the best-documented example of its kind in the world. Documented with the original tank sticker, window sticker, order form, shipper copy, dealer invoice, factory inspection form, factory ID card, vintage photos, complete ownership history and a remarkable racing career, there is no other 1967 L88 Corvette with equally extensive or impressive documentation. This car is also the only 1967 L88 Corvette to retain its complete original engine, consisting of the original engine block, heads, crankshaft, rods, pistons, lifters and valve train. Learn More 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO w/168 Miles With the legendary GTO moniker, this special 168-mile Ferrari is one of only 599 produced worldwide. Finished in Rosso Corsa complemented by the distinctive Scuderia shields, the 599 GTO—one of 125 exported to the U.S. market—is a superb example of a state-of-the art front-engine V-12 layout from Maranello circa 2011. Learn More 1 of 4 1966 Shelby GT350 Convertibles Built In this collector car world where rare rag-top muscle cars command the most premium of prices, the four 1966 Shelby GT350 convertibles stand out as displaying a level of rarity and desirability that would be extremely difficult to match. In addition, though all four of the original 1966 GT350 convertibles remain in existence today, the balance of the other three cars outside of 6S2375 have now found homes in collections where it remains remarkably unlikely that these other three cars will trade hands any time soon, or ever again. Learn More 50th Anniversary Aventador Roadster w/88 Miles No. 22 of 100 produced worldwide and one of only 43 destined for the U.S., this arresting 2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP-720/4 Roadster 50th Anniversary has been part of the Richard Welkowitz Collection since new, and it’s being offered with a mere 88 miles on its odometer. Learn More Bill Holland’s 1949 Indianapolis 500 Winning Blue Crown Spark Plug Special After back-to-back close misses, Bill Holland won the 1949 Indianapolis 500 in this beautiful cigar-shaped No. 7 Blue Crown Spark Plug Special. While any Indianapolis 500-winning car is special, this example is one of a precious few that unquestionably qualify for an exclusive club. It is one of the most successful cars of all-time at the fabled Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In addition to winning the 1949 Indianapolis 500, Holland impressively finished second in the 1947, 1948 and 1950 races in this machine, making it quite simply one of the landmark cars in Indianapolis 500 history. Learn More Never-Titled 2018 Ford GT Never titled and sold on the MSO from the original Ford dealership, this stunning 2018 Ford GT has traveled 34 miles since new; the winning bidder will be the original and first registered owner of this car. Powered by a twin-turbocharged and intercooled 3.5L/647 HP DOHC 24-valve EcoBoost engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with paddle shifters, this Ford GT is finished in a red exterior with unique painted-on white stripes and Xpel paint protection film. Learn More 2016 Rolls-Royce Dawn w/ 9 Miles Not that you’re likely to get a chance to notice, but, even at its speed-limited 155 MPH, the Rolls-Royce insignias at the center of the 10-spoke alloy wheels stay upright, just as they do wherever you’re parked. With an MSRP of $406,520 and a mere 9 miles on its odometer, this Diamond Black example effectively promises its next owner a new Dawn. Learn More 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster w/ 113 Miles Sequence Build No. 1,373 out of a total limited production output of just 1,948 examples, this 2019 Porsche 911 Speedster is in “as-new” condition with just 113 original miles. Optioned with the Heritage Design Package, a $24,510 extra, it features two-tone leather interior appointment, black brake calipers with white “PORSCHE” script, gold “SPEEDSTER” badging, classic Porsche crests and silver-colored wheels. Learn More

By Edward Jones – June 30, 2020

2021 Geneva Motor Show is Canceled and For Sale

We learned in February of this year that the 2020 Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) had been canceled. We had assumed that it would be back in 2021, but we have now learned through a press release from the foundation that puts on GIMS that the 2021 has actually been canceled. This comes after they sent out a survey to exhibitors regarding next year's event. The results show that a majority of them would not participate due to concerns regarding the pandemic. After learning this, the foundation canceled the 2021 event. But this isn't all of the news that we've learned today. In March, after the cancellation of the 2020 event, the Foundation behind GIMS requested financial support from the Canton of Geneva in order to cover losses they accrued due to the canceled 2020 event. They were approved for a 16.8 million Swiss francs loan, but had to pay 1 million Swiss francs in June 2021 as part of the loan. This was all going well until the 2021 event was canceled, which would have been their source of funds for that initial repayment. Because of this, the foundation declined the loan and is looking to sell the show to Palexpo SA, the owners of the convention center where the GIMS is held. If this happens, the Foundation behind GIMS believes the event can run regularly without interruption. Source: GIMS.Swiss

By Edward Jones – June 19, 2020

See the Tesla Cybertruck at the Petersen Automotive Museum

You've seen the wild Tesla cybertruck online, but probably not in person as its only been spotted out in the wild a few times. If you have been wanting to see the angular, electrified truck in person, now is your chance. The Petersen Automotive Museum has announced that they will be displaying the Cybertruck as part of their reopening celebration starting June 20, 2020. The prototype Cybertruck will be displayed in public for the very first time since it was unveiled back in November 2019. You can buy tickets to the museum now, but you better visit quick because the Cybertruck will be leaving the museum after June 26th. Tickets can be purchased by clicking the button below. I will also say that if you do happen to go, be sure to add a vault to your ticket purchase. If you don't you will definitely regret not seeing the 250 cars on display in there! Buy Tickets

By Andrew Nabors – June 02, 2020

Top 10 Cars Sold at RM Sotheby's: Driving Into Summer

Car auctions are more than just money and metal changing hands. They are family friendly events that bring us together, no matter what you drive. Needless to say, many enthusiasts didn't know how to respond when the virus hit. That is why our friends at RM Sotheby's made a smart move by being the first auction house to announce an online-only event. We have partnered with them for decades to promote buying and selling of the world's most coveted rides, so here are the top 10 results from "Driving Into Summer" Bidding took place between May 21st to 29th, with 139 cars selling for a total of $16,385,737. Over 550 bidders tuned in from 35 nations around the world. Their clicks are evidence that the market for the world's best cars is hotter than ever, so without further superfluous statistics, here are the top 10: 10. 2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Sold For $308,000 9. 2019 Ferrari 812 Superfast Sold For $335,500 8. 2006 Ford GT Heritage Sold For $385,500 7. 1965 Shelby 427 S/C Cobra '4000 Series' Sold For $396,000 6. 2020 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Sold For $467,500 5. 2020 Ferrari 488 Pista Spider Sold For $605,000 4. 1958 Ferrari 250 GT Coupe Sold For $671,000 3. 2017 Ford GT Sold For $836,000 2. 1985 Ferrari 288 GTO Sold For $2,310,000 First Place: 2003 Ferrari Enzo Sold For $2,640,000 There you have it folks, Enzo wins again. We hope you can join us at an RM Sotheby's event in the near future. But in the meantime, use these prices to help negotiate your sale or purchase and click the button below for RM Sotheby's complete inventory. Learn More

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