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 – February 05, 2017

Ferrari's 70th Anniversary: By Tom duPont

Dear Reader, How special is it to have two of the five “70th Anniversary” Ferrari’s on the cover. Be sure to study all five versions of these special Ferrari’s in our “Uncovered” feature. There will only be 70 of each one in honor of 70 years of Ferrari. And, note that another Ferrari will most likely enter the record books this year because a 1962 record-breaking asking price of $56.8 million. Surely, it will sell for more to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of one of the most iconic brands in automotive history. “Wow!” Somewhere in the pages of this fabulous issue you will also find the introduction of the Limited Edition “Tommy Bahama” Airstream Sprinter. Another big “Wow” for another iconic motoring brand! The rest of this special February issue will help you focus, visualize, understand, meditate, negotiate and articulate on many, many facets of the iconic marketplace for classic, luxury, and exotic automobiles. No place better than right here in the pages of the duPont REGISTRYTM monthly/12 times a year in full color, no batteries included or needed. The duPont REGISTRYTM has always been a “print-centric” operation. Notwithstanding, the advent of the internet, our print circulation in terms of subscribers, has remained remarkably constant – even picked up in the face of the Great Recession, the digital revolution and a dramatic increase in automobile auctions. 2017 is already off to a roaring start and will most likely bring even more speed to an ever-changing marketplace. The duPont REGISTRYTM stands ready to out-run the competition by combining our 31-year-old print platform with our exciting internet presence (6 million+followers on Facebook; 1 million+ visitors on Autofluence; and 75,000+ autos for sale on dupontregistry.com) and our very active duPont REGISTRY/LIVE and duPont REGISTRYTM Cars & Coffee events. We will continue to provide new and improved print, electronic and event venues for our advertisers to reach readers and vice-versa. From products to distribution, to delivery, to brand expansion, you will find the next 12 months to be exciting. I promise. There was a time when the telephone was going to replace print. That was followed by radio, TV, and now the internet. But, in today’s world, the duPont REGISTRY and its integrated media platforms are ready to lead the continuing media revolution. Enjoy! Happy Motoring, Thomas L. duPont Publisher/Chairman

By Caitlin Duffy – October 26, 2015

Tom duPont & 1929 duPont Speedster at the 2015 Lake Mirro...

Saturday, October 17 was a big day in Lakeland, Florida. It was the 16th Annual Lake Mirror Classic, staged by Ford Heacock of Heacock Insurance.The Classic included “something for every auto enthusiast,” including a new car show; hot rod rally; special club meet areas for Model As, Corvettes, Mustangs and exotic cars; and The Lake Mirror Classic Concours d’Elegance.A new feature, sure to be repeated and replicated, was the “Auto-Biography.” Six classic cars were featured on Friday evening and at the Concours on Saturday. One of them was a 1929 duPont 4-Place LeMans Speedster owned by Thomas L. duPont, Publisher of the duPont REGISTRY™. As a part of the program, Mr. duPont drove his automobile onto the awards ramp on Saturday and was interviewed by Ford Heacock and Bill Warner, Chairman of the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. The other five classics were also reviewed, much to the delight of the enormous crowd of “car-crazy” guys and gals who had gathered around the Lake Mirror Park amphitheater.The final achievement of the day occurred when Mr. duPont’s 1929 duPont 4-Place LeMans Speedster was awarded “Best in Show – Classic.” The sleek dark-blue and black open roadster with red wheels made its third trip to the awards ramp to capture this prestigious award.Mr. duPont remarked later, “It was a fabulous day -- a true ‘Auto-trifecta’ that I will not ever forget. Congratulations to Ford Heacock and his team for putting on such a wonderful event. And, thanks for the opportunity for me – and my car – to be recognized in so many wonderful ways. A big thanks to all who came out on a warm, sunny Florida afternoon to enjoy another Lake Mirror Classic in downtown Lakeland, Florida. Happy Motoring!”About duPont REGISTRYFounded in 1984 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, duPont REGISTRY™ produces the leading luxury marketplace publications for automobiles, homes, and boats, as well as the yearly Exotic Car Buyers Guide. For more information, visit the duPont REGISTRY™ website at www.duPontREGISTRY.com

By Edward Jones – October 08, 2015

Monticello Motor Club Team Challenge: No Experience Required

Just about 90 minutes from New York City is a 4.1-mile race track that is more than just a place to race: it's a luxury destination offering amenities such as private race lessons, fine dining, race car rentals, an off-road course and much more. This is the Monticello Motor Club.One of the most exciting experiences that Monticello Motor Club (MMC) offers is their Team Challenge. This event is built for teams of 5 to 50 people, who will then go on to compete against other teams in multiple high-speed driving challenges on their race track and karting track.On the race track, participants will get a chance to race an awesome variety of cars, like the Jaguar F-TYPE Coupe and Porsche Cayman.The challenges include: Autocross: race around a course to get the fastest time. Points are awarded depending on the team's time. Launch and Stop: Points are awarded according to the teams' ratio of their 0-100 mph time to their stopping distance. Track Driving: Teams race through the track, gaining points for their official track time. Karting Enduro: Relay-style race, points are awarded based on finishing positions. Off-Road Driving: Drivers are actually blind-folded and directed through the course by their teammates. Teams work together to get the fastest time, while avoiding cones. Aside from these challenges, teams will also get hot laps with the MMC drivers in real race cars, photos, gift bags and meals prepared by their Culinary Institute of America-trained chef. All of these make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for drivers of all experience levels.Want to give your clients a day they'll never forget? MMC's Team Challenge is a great alternative to golfing, dinner or fishing when it comes to showing your company's clients a good time. Not only does it already include fine dining, it also offers them something they've never experienced before. There's no way they'll forget their time with your company after a day like this.What's more, the Team Challenge can be used by companies as a team building experience, allowing employees to work together and bond in a way they've never had the chance to before.Interested? It's only $1,900 per participant and no experience is required to take part. Space is limited for each event, so be sure to act quickly. Click the button below to learn more, or visit monticellomotorclub.com.More InfoGallery duPont REGISTRY

By Edward Jones – August 24, 2015

The Majestic Run 2015 Recap - Five Days of Automotive Bliss

The 2015 Majestic Run is a five day, all-inclusive road rally specifically designed for car and driving enthusiasts. It offers a chance to drive some of the most scenic roads in the Rocky Mountain West along with the shared experiences and camaraderie of new friends. The rally started on August 14 at Vehicle Vault, the premier automotive gallery and museum located in the Denver suburb of Parker, Colorado. The first day started fast, on a 160-mile cruise through the Arkansas River valley to the lunch stop in Salida, Colorado. Drivers then wove through forested roads, up and down the 12,000 plus feet elevation of Independence Pass, before descending into the mountain town of all mountain towns - Aspen - where rally drivers were treated to an incredible dinner and cocktail experience at Brexi Brasserie and a night’s stay in the ever luxurious St. Regis Hotel. Day two started at breakfast and one of the most Majestic valet car ports in Aspen. After a quick gas up, the rally was off through the mountains, over one incredible pass after another, up and down hills and valleys, through national forest and desert canyon, to lunch at the Wine Country Inn in Palisades, Colorado on the western slope. Fueled up from lunch, the rally decided to pick up the pace, driving 60 miles of perfect - and perfectly deserted - canyon roads to the Gateway Canyon resort. The Gateway Canyon is remarkable and unmistakable. It is truly a destination. Rally drivers spent the evening eating, drinking and on a private tour of the Gateway Colorado Auto Museum, and spent the night in one of the 10 best resorts in the world according to most travel experts. Day three was designed for serious drivers as curves were hugged on over 200 miles of twisty-turvy canyon roads and majestic mountain highways, with just enough well maintained straights and valleys to make sure top speeds were reached. The destination - back up into the mountains and south to Durango. Durango gave drivers a chance to chill for a bit. Lunch at Grassburger and cocktails at the famous Diamond Belle Saloon in the Strater Hotel were followed by a private 5-course meal, featuring fine wines and shockingly hilarious word games that made everyone blush just a little bit. After that night, everyone knew each other just a little bit more. After a cool night’s sleep in the luxurious Strater Hotel, rally drivers embarked on the longest day of driving in this year’s rally. Drivers were treated to more mountain passes and National Forest highways on their way from Durango to Taos, New Mexico, for a private lunch at a French fusion café and then on to Santa Fe. Mountain weather was in full change-mode as the rally participants experienced sun, clouds, wind, rain and even a little snow and small hail. No damage was seen, but stories were made and a few of the drivers were tested. Dinner and Hot-Wheels races were won and lost at the San Francisco Street Grill in Santa Fe before racking out at the famous La Fonda hotel on the Santa Fe Plaza. The last day began with some good natured hijinx, in the form of some unexpected car decorating from resident tricksters. The rally then took off on a beautiful cool day over the last few mountain passes, before crossing back over into Colorado and to the smooth roads home. Now all there is to do is clean off the bugs and plan for the 2016 Majestic Run. Get all the information at www.majesticrun.com and follow them on Facebook at @MajesticRun and Instagram at @majesticrun. Sponsored by:

By Edward Jones – August 14, 2015

The Majestic Run 2015 Sets Off - The Rally Designed for t...

Starting today is The Majestic Run 2015, a road rally designed with the automotive enthusiast in mind - those who want to drive on the most beautiful, scenic and remote roads in the Rocky Mountain West, and enjoy the company of like-minded individuals.The rally, which will conclude on August 18, will take its participants through some of the country's most breathtaking roads as they experience the exclusive resort hotels and dining experiences. When they aren't driving, they will be relaxing, dining and drinking at unique and exclusive venues, all with the company of other car enthusiasts. Posted by Team Family Wagon on Monday, August 10, 2015 Their route starts today at the Vehicle Vault, a premier automotive gallery and museum in the Denver area. Their destination, after venturing through scenic spots such as Aspen, Colorado, is Sante Fe, New Mexico.Stay with us for more information on The Majestic Run 2015 as it continues.Gallery

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2015

McLaren Ride and Drive Event by Isleworth Realty and McLa...

What happens when you combine two McLaren P1s along with fine jewelry at a Tuscan style villa? We asked ourselves the same question when we arrived at the exclusive event back on March 19. Our friends at McLaren Tampa Bay and Bay Hill Jewelers brought their finest offerings to a 7,221 square foot Golf Side Estate on display by Isleworth Realty, including the McLaren 650S and P1.Located on the 16th fairway, the property is listed at $5.3 million. “La Bellezza Dorata” has a heated saltwater pool with a white sand beach. To complement McLaren’s British roots, Chef Elijah Durham prepared Fish & Chips along with Beef Wellington. With over an acre of outdoor living space, it was the perfect venue to showcase such rare items.(Related: McLaren Automotive’s Headquarters Inside Look)We would like to thank our friends at McLaren Tampa Bay, Isleworth Realty, Chef Durham and the Isleworth Golf & Country Club for allowing this event to take place. For more info on the property, the address is 9905 Lake Louise Drive, Windermere FL, 34786. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more unique real estate and McLaren event coverage.Gallery

By Caitlin Duffy – May 07, 2015

duPont REGISTRY & Quantum Leap Farm Participate in Cut fo...

A haircut can make a world of difference, especially when it comes to raising money for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and select nonprofit organizations. From March through May, an all-star team of men, women and children shaved their heads for the 6th annual Veredus Hays Cut for a Cure Charity Challenge presented by Carrabba's Italian Grill.duPont REGISTRY’s Publisher Thomas L. duPont and General Manager Bucky Worboys, as well as duPont’s grandsons Tommy and Tyler Thiel and Worboys’ son Myking, all joined forces as members of Quantum Leap Farm’s team for the event.Donate to the Fight Against Pediatric CancerThis unique online fundraiser helps fund an entire Phase 1 Clinical Trial each year for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and enables the foundation to partner with other great charities. It challenges men, women, children and professional athletes to step out of their comfort zone and shave their heads for a good cause. Several head-shaving events took place throughout the campaign, with the main head-shaving event being held at TPepin’s Hospitality Centre in Tampa April 23.Quantum Leap Farm’s team was comprised of 11 two-legged members and one four-legged participant of the equine variety – Ben the horse. So far, their team has raised just over $6,640 of their $10,000 goal. Thomas L. duPont and his hairstylists.“Kids battling cancer help to shave heads and I'm always amazed at the strong bonds that are formed between these children and the participants,” says Nancy Crane, PCF’s Executive Director. “Most of all, I love the laughter and big smiles during each shave.”Team Quantum Leap Farm was just one of 19 teams and 14 individuals who participated this year."Tom duPont has shaved his head for the past three years to support Quantum Leap Farm and PCF,” Crane explains. “We are grateful for his compassion, dedication and leadership. Quantum Leap serves many of our local children who are currently battling cancer or have battled in the past. They love the farm, the horses, and the wonderful caring staff.” Bucky Worboys after his shave.Donations for this year’s fundraiser are still being accepted through May 15, and can be made through the organization’s website at www.PCFcutforacure.org. Be sure to find Quantum Leap Farm’s profile, and help fund the fight against pediatric cancer, or visit Quantum Leap Farm's website at www.QuantumLeapFarm.org.Sponsors included Veredus Hays, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Moffitt Cancer Center, USAmeriBank, Sport Clips Haircuts and WTSP Channel 10 News. These efforts helped raise more than $358,000 this year.Donate to the Fight Against Pediatric CancerGallery (Photos courtesy of the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Inc.)

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