Events

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 – August 21, 2018

Monterey Car Week 2018: Auction Previews

As you are reading this, the world's most desirable automobiles are arriving in California. If you have been looking to spice up your collection, the auctions are a great way to get a feel for the market. Our social media team has their marching orders, so we thought we would let you see what each auction has to offer. Mecum Monterey The first automotive auction to Simulcast on NBCSN and YouTube, Dana Mecum and company offer an experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From negotiating the reserve with the consignor to the vocal audience, the anticipation of the hammer is not for the faint of heart. Taking place at the Hyatt Regency from Thursday to Saturday, Mecum puts on a show unlike any other. Their primetime lineup will include exquisite Lamborghinis from Marshall Goldman's private collection, so be sure to tune in. Click Here For Mecum's Catalog RM Sothebys 1960 Ferrari 250 GT SWB Alloy Berlinetta Competizione by Scaglietti - ©2018 Courtesy of RM Sotheby's Guests of the Portola Hotel will be able to see 150 classics and exotics find new owners. Their primetime lineup includes a '65 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage (convertible), a LaFerrari, '66 Ford GT40, '68 Porsche 908 Short Tail, and Saturday night will culminate with a '62 Ferrari 250 GTO Click Here For RM Sotheby's Catalog Russo & Steele Located next to Fisherman's Wharf, Russo & Steele offers an exciting experience. Under their giant tents, the action plays out like theatre-in-the-round. You see the cars, and you can easily spot who is bidding against you. Much like high-stakes poker, whoever calls your bluff will go home with the car you wanted. Click Here For Russo & Steele Catalog Gooding & Co. The only auction to take place at Pebble Beach, Gooding is held at the Pebble Beach Equestrian Center. Look for the giant tent at the corner of Stevenson Dr. and Portola Rd. On Thursday, the Tour d'Elegance will begin there on Thursday morning, so be there at 7 am to see the cars line up. If you plan on previewing the auction, the 17-Mile Drive is one of the most scenic roads in the world. Click Here For Gooding & Company Catalog Bonhams Located at the Quail Lodge, Bonhams will offer 135 classics on Friday the 24th. Previews are available Wednesday and Thursday 9 am-6 pm, and Friday morning from 8:30 am until the auction starts at 10 am. The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering will be host to several new car unveilings, and we will be there streaming the event. Click Here For Bonhams Catalog If you plan on attending any of these, look for our red bags. Inside them will the September issue of the world's best car magazine, with a great incentive to renew your subscription. Stay with us for all your Monterey coverage. Look for this guy wearing green pants and a duPont REGISTRY hat.

By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2018

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee: August 2018

It has rained almost every day over the past two months. Summer in Florida means 5 minutes of monsoon weather followed by 100% humidity. But the skies were clear on Saturday, so our lots were packed by 7 am. Both of the local Corvette and Camaro clubs arrived before sunrise, along with our stalwart fans who never miss this show.The real treat was in meeting first-timers. Car lovers who had no idea we put on the biggest monthly car show in the Southeast. Every one of them asked us what time to arrive, and it has moved back our start time by almost an hour. Normal exotics were in seen in big numbers, and the quantity of customized Lamborghinis and Porsches blew us away.An Army Airborne veteran opened the hood on his yellow Stingray to show a gorgeous painting. The mural showcases Paratrooper history from WWII to Enduring Freedom. Across from him was a numbers-matching 1964 Impala that will soon get a makeover.Another high-profile machine was the off-road Dodge Charger from Furious 7. Built by Dennis McCarthy, it is an example of his work that can be seen across 5 of the Fast & Furious films. If your collection needs a movie star, click here for all the details.Our dealers lined up on both sides of our south lot, and we are always indebted to them for never missing a show. Next to a vintage Pinellas County Dodge Diplomat were: Reeves Import Motorcars, Crown Eurocars, Bert Smith, McLaren of Tampa Bay, and Ferrari of Tampa Bay. Their latest arrival is a new Portofino, and it was stunning to see in the morning light, 2019 Ferrari Portofino from Ferrari of Tampa BayT & T Coffee Roasters was here with their latest blends, and we couldn't do it without them. Our volunteers and fans that help out really make this event worthwhile, so our hats are off to you. By Evin PlantoInside our showroom, attendees could get up close and personal with a 2018 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Series and a dark gray LaFerrari. Under the spotlights was Pollie, Mr. duPont's flawless Porsche 356A Speedster.Moke America sent two new examples for visitors to see, and our team at BLVD customs had a packed house of guests viewing the progress of each build. We apologize for having to turn away so many great cars, including a purple GT3 RS and a few mean Pro-Street cars. If you want to start your weekend in an epic way, be sure to join us next month for another great show.

By Andrew Nabors – August 08, 2018

Shelby American Collection's Annual Party 2018

In the picturesque city of Boulder, Colorado lies the largest collection of Carroll Shelby’s creations. The Shelby American Collection will be hosting their annual car show and party this year on September 1st, from 3-8 pm. The winner for a new Shelby GT350R will also be drawn at the event. This year's honored guests include Carroll's grandson Aaron Shelby, designer of the Daytona Coupe Peter Brock, Shelby Team Drivers Allen Grant and Tom Yeager, and the President of Shelby American, Gary Patterson. Tickets are $75 each, and the amenities include dinner, an autograph signing, guest speeches, a 60's band, and an open bar. If you haven't seen this collection, be prepared to be awestruck by original Cobras, Mustangs, and Ford GTs. They have been preserved in a race-ready condition in the high altitude and low humidity Northeast of Denver. Click the link below and stay with us for all your Shelby updates. Click Here To Purchase Tickets

By Andrew Nabors – July 24, 2018

duPont REGISTRY Cars & Coffee: July 2018

Rain is in the forecast for this month, as we experience brief but torrential downpours on a daily basis. Saturday was not spared, and the storm arrived at 5am. Since our west parking lot has a tendency to become Lake duPont REGISTRY, we decided to set up our display in the garage. The fine folks at T&T Coffee rode the storm out, and surprisingly cars began to arrive.The sun eventually shined on our loyal fans, and it reminded us that some things are better when wet. Notable cars included a new Guards Red Porsche 911 GT3, the Green Hell Magno AMG GT-R, and a new 2019 Porsche 911 Turbo S Exclusive Manufaktur.Taking center stage and behind our stanchions are a Grigio Titanio LaFerrari and the first McLaren P1 GTR. Both of them are fully charged and waiting for you! The only force of nature that has ever canceled our event was a Hurricane last year. We have to thank the local Corvette and Camaro clubs, Sheriff Gualtieri and our neighbors at BIC for all the support and cooperation. So even if it rains next month, come to see us for a great start to your weekend.

By Andrew Nabors – July 17, 2018

Top 10 Cars From Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018

If you didn't catch any of the live streams this weekend, you missed some serious action from this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed.10. Toyota SupraThis car will sell like hotcakes as long as it looks and sounds like this. Developed by BMW and Toyota, it will also be the new BMW Z4.9. VW I.D. R Pike's PeakThe same car that won Pike's Peak also delivered a blistering run up a much smaller hill8. Ford Raptor It jumps because the Fox Racing suspension is made to handle the world's roughest terrain.7. Singer Porsche 911The ultimate 964 Series 911, this air-cooled beast has a 500 hp 4.0L from Williams. Singer represents everything that is right with the restoration industry. Their team will transform your 1989 to 1994 Porsche into the ultimate 911.6. Nick Mason's Ferrari 250 GTOOne of the most highly valued cars at the event, Pink Floyd's drummer Nick Mason has a collection that will knock your socks off. In addition to this pristine Ferrari, he also has a McLaren F1 GTR and a few helicopters.5. Koenigsegg RegeraWho needs a transmission? The Regera uses a magnetic torque converter and 2.73 gears to do it all without shifting. Using a twin turbo V8, the engine is directly coupled to the driveshafts over 80 mph.4. NIO EP9This one came out of nowhere to become the fastest production car on slicks. With 1,360 horsepower, it ran a 6.45.9 around the 'Ring.3. Ford RS200 Pike's PeakThe RS200 is an icon of rally racing history, unfortunately, this one suffered a failure of the rear bodywork. The loss in downforce made the car lose control, but thankfully the driver walked away.2. Formula Drift CarsGoing up Goodwood hill a little slideways was neat to see. Everything from Ford's Eagle Squadron Mustang to a Viper ACR left trails of burning rubber and smoke in their wake.1. Porsche's 70th AnniversaryThis compilation represents Porsche's seven decades in building amazing machines. Many examples were shipped from the Porsche Museum, and it is nice to see them in action once again.Tell us your favorite run of the weekend and stay with us for more Goodwood news.

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2018

ParkUpFront Exclusive Events

Last weekend was full of events. Here is a look at one of our favorites: ParkUpFront Restaurant Rally. Check out the Dallas Team's play-by-play of last weekend's event. Stay tuned for a Restaurant Rally coming to a city near you! EVENT SPOTLIGHT:RESTAURANT RALLY - DALLASOn Saturday we hosted our monthly Restaurant Rally. We started off at Cars and Cannoli at the APEX Hangar in Addison Airport and enjoyed kolaches and mimosas. EUROPA DALLASIf that wasn't enough, you could swing by Europa Dallas at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Center all weekend to check out our booth promoting the Supercar Expo in December!UPCOMING EVENT SPOTLIGHT:APEX KABOOM TOWN WATCH PARTYJoin ParkUpFront for an evening at Cars and Cannoli's Kaboom Town Watch Party. This event will take place inside of Addison Airport at the APEX Hangar on July 3rd.This unique and exciting evening will be filled with food, airplanes, an airshow, activities for the kids, exotic and ultra-luxury automobiles and the best fireworks show in the south. Register for this exclusive event using your ParkUpFront app.We are growing and constantly working behind the scenes on adding some really cool new features!Here are the latest features we recently rolled out. Make sure to download the most recent version of ParkUpFront in the App Store.Visit ParkUpFront.com

By Andrew Nabors – June 28, 2018

California Dealership For Sale by Rabin Worldwide

This July is an exciting event for Rabin Worldwide, as, after 60 years in the auction industry, the auction house will conduct their first car dealership auction. Located in Sonora, California, and formerly a Dodge Chrysler Jeep dealership, the auction will be on-site and online July 12th.At this auction, you’ll find a wide variety 2015-2017 of pickup trucks, sedans, and many SUVs. We’ll have Dodge RAM 1500’s, 2500’s, Laramie 2500 and Rebel Turbo Diesel. There will be several Jeeps available, including Grand Cherokee SRT’s, Summit’s, LTD’s, and Compass. Four 2016-2017 Dodge Durango and Journey SUV and Crossovers will be for sale, as well as three 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring LTD Mini-Vans. See the list of vehicles below, but I’ll highlight only a few more vehicles, such as our Batman vs. Superman edition Jeep Wrangler, as well as two 2016 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcats.The Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat has a 6.2 liter Hemi supercharged V-8 engine and rocks 707 HP, 6000 RPM, 650 Lb.-Ft. Torque, with 4000 RPM. A rear-wheel drive type, it also has a 19.2” turning radius. They have two colors for you to choose from, one red, which has a 6-speed manual transmission, and one black, with an automatic transmission. Also on hand will be a mango colored SXT Hellcat, with a 3.6 liter v6 24 valve engine and an automatic transmission, if the V8 is a little too hardcore.If the Hellcat doesn’t suit your fancy, one other interesting vehicle for all you DC Comic fans the 2016-2017 Renegade latitude 4x4—Batman vs. Superman Dawn of Justice Special Edition. Its features include a Carbon Black exterior, black deluxe cloth interior, and features a 2.4-liter multi air engine, a 9 speed 948TE automatic transmission. Sporting 18-inch black rims and gloss black wheels, power seats, and a remote start system, you truly will feel like the Dark Knight riding in this awesome Jeepmobile. Please see the list below, but make sure to check our website regularly for the complete list of vehicles.Learn About This Auction

By Andrew Nabors – June 26, 2018

Ferrari Cavalcade 2018 was a Dream Ride

If you have ever dreamed of touring northern Italy, we can think of no better way than in a Ferrari. That's why over 100 examples from around the world converged on Valle d'Aosta last week. For the 7th annual Ferrari Cavalcade, participants met up at Saint Vincent. The villagers were delighted in the display of Italian pride, and the drivers had an opportunity to enjoy the ancient town.Wildest Camo LaFerrari Revs Hard (RIP Ears) and Looks MeanOn Thursday, the tour kicked off en route to LaThuile and Little St. Bernard Pass. After the first hill climb run, they crossed the pass into France for lunch at Courchevel.Friday was another high speed run over Great St. Bernard pass, crossing briefly into Switzerland. Dinner was on Mont Blanc, with participants parking at the base of the Skyway cable car station. We have never seen so many LaFerraris in one photo before!My invitation was lost in the mail, so Ferrari apologized by publishing these photos for me to see. Tell us which car you would choose for an Alpine Attack in the comments below and stay with us for all your Ferrari news.Browse Ferrari For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 21, 2018

Barrett-Jackson Northeast 2018 Preview

If you happen to be near Connecticut this weekend, you should definitely check out the bidding frenzy at this year's Barrett-Jackson auction. Mohegan Sun is the perfect setting, as their casino, hotel and spa are world-class.For the last 47 years, enthusiasts from all over the world have flocked to Barrett-Jackson collector car auctions. Widely regarded as a barometer of the collector car industry, the auctions have evolved over the years into world-class automotive lifestyle events where hundreds of the world's most sought-after, unique and valuable automobiles cross the block in front of a global audience - in person and on live national and international television.Last year we were outside in the staging lanes because their new exhibit hall was under construction. This year we are thankfully inside, and our clients are with us. First in was AirStream with their latest Interstate. Utilizing the latest in Mercedes-Benz technology, they arrive loaded with every luxury imaginable. Our 3-wheeled friend from Utah are Vanderhall Motor Works. They built light and comfortable roadsters on their patented front wheel drive chassis. The inboard suspension allows for incredible grip and a smooth ride.The Acura NSX is a powerful hybrid V6 that competes with cars several times its price. If you would like to help families in need, Ronald McDonald House Charities are selling raffle tickets for a pristine Callaway Supercharged Corvette Z06. Not just any Callaway would do so, this one is also the Carbon 65th Anniversary Edition. And what would we be without a Ferrari 488?If you can't make it to the show, be sure to watch live coverage on Velocity and Discovery channel, and Barrett-Jackson also has two streams on their homepage. Click the link below for all the details and stay with us for all your Barrett-Jackson updates.Auction Details

By Edward Jones – May 21, 2018

SupercarSunday 2018: $50 Million Hypercar Gathering

Once a year at the TT-Circuit in Assen, a municipality and city in the Netherlands, hosts SupercarSunday. This event draws hypercars and supercars from around the world to the circuit where they can race around with each other. For the 2018 edition of the event, some of the world rarest cars showed up. Don't believe me? Check out the video below from Carspotter Jeroen.Get Chased by Hypercars on the Track"Every year the organization try's to get the best cars to the show. And also this year they stepped up the game big time," says Carspotter Jeroen. "A lot of the cars were from the German car dealer Esser but also manufacturers like Apollo joined the event."In the video, you'll see just how insane this event really is. When all cars were lined up, the front line consisted of a LaFerrari, Zenvo TSR-S, Apollo IE, Koenigsegg Agera RS and Rimac Concept_One. That is one hell of a lineup. And directly behind these cars are models like the Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghini Centenario, new Ford GT, Pagani Huayra and a Koenigsegg Agera R. Simply put, this event is heaven for any hypercar/supercar fan.While the event has passed, the video below will live on. Click play below to see and hear it all for yourself! And be sure to subscribe to Carspotter Jeroen's Channel for more awesome videos like this one!

Events

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe