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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 Andrew Nabors – November 05, 2019

McLaren Senna: Why to Buy

It might seem foolish to start over, especially if you build high-performance cars. McLaren Cars made a comeback in 2011 with the launch of the 12C. Their first street car since 1998 was followed by the 650S and 570S, along with Spider (Convertible) versions of each. The P1 was their hybrid hypercar meant to compete with the LaFerrari and the Porsche 918. As potent as it was, the P1 still shared chassis and aerodynamic influences with their other cars. In order to build a capable successor, engineers were forced to start over. Without regard to price, they started at the ground and worked their way up. Usually, you can have downforce at the expense of drag, or features at the expense of weight. Using a 720S as a test mule, they were sent back to the drawing board to cut weight and make better use of the airflow around the car. Browse McLaren Senna For Sale What resulted looked unlike anything before or since. Each 2019 McLaren Senna for sale is worthy of its name, as Ayrton Senna was their most prolific driver. Every component of the interior adds up to 132 lbs. Instead of normal carbon fiber seats, these hollow buckets are 7 lbs with provisions for a 6-point harness. Rear fenders are 6.3 lbs, and 1mm thick. In Race mode, the hydraulic suspension instantly changes from smooth to focused, along with steering response and the electronic wastegates. If you have anxiety, this is not the car for you. The car is capable of low drag to reach 208 mph, but if you want to push it hard into a corner, the active aerodynamics can aff 1,763 lbs of downforce at 155 mph. It makes use of more carbon fiber than the F1 or P1, and it results in a curb weight of 2,886 lbs. This is easily accelerated by the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. It sends 789 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. With a power-to-weight ratio better than any other production car, it easily surpasses the P1 at the top of their lineup. Each McLaren Senna for sale needs a minimum of 300 hours to build, and only 500 examples will leave the factory. Passing an opportunity to own one is like throwing cash into a woodchipper. The price only goes up from here, so click the link above to make the Senna a centerpiece of your collection. Click the button above to find a Senna near you and stay with us for all your McLaren news. " width="680"> These are not just words and pretty pictures, our dealers have the Senna for you. What you will see below is not for the faint of heart, so get ready to experience the Senna in person! View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listing View Listings View Listing Tell us your favorite in the comments below! Browse All McLaren Senna For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 22, 2019

2020 duPont REGISTRY Exotic Car Buyers Guide

September 23rd is a Monday, and it is also the Autumnal Equinox. It signals the end of Summer for most of the world, and it has a more significant meaning for everyone at the duPont REGISTRY. The 2020 Exotic Car Buyers Guide has been completed. This magazine is the culmination of late nights, fast cars, and investigative journalism. If you want information, we are the source. Don't put your trust in Julian Assange or Edward Snowden, ever seen them behind the wheel? Since 1985, we have been the leader of the exotic car world. That is why this guide is in addition to our monthly publications. My co-conspirators include Edward Jones & Amber Harrington, as we took turns writing these reviews. I can't tell you what is inside, because a preview of reviews would spoil the mystery. We can, however, contemplate the cars on the cover. No, they are not aligned with the Pisces or Virgo, but it might be considered a treasure map. If you have made it this far, we suppose you might want to know about 2020's hottest cars. All it takes is a click of the button to get this one in the mail. It will be on newsstands and in bookstores next month, but these are literally hot off of the press. Inside you will find satire, onomatopoeia, statistics, and a sliver of a simulacrum. That's all I can share about the pages, so let's look at the cover itself. Vanderhall Carmel GT This year's top spot goes to an American 3-wheeler from Provo, Utah. Each model is based on a patented chassis of aerospace alloy. A turbocharged four-cylinder offers 194 horsepower, and the six-speed automatic can be sequentially shifted. The front suspension uses pushrods to minimize un-spring weight, and the leather interior is crafted by hand. It is legal to drive in all 50 states, with fuel economy that will keep you smiling. Why didn't Detroit think of this? learn More BRABUS 800 Limited Edition Shadow Everyone knows that BRABUS means incredible power. What you might not realize is their team of engineers is just one part of the equation. Taking artistic license with the G36, the Shadow offers 800 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. It also includes the BRABUS WIDESTAR body, composed of the latest in carbon fiber technology. Aside from the obvious, the Shadow is also a showcase of old-world leatherworking. Every square inch of the interior is covered by the finest hides. From the floor, floor mats and even the roof, no fabric can be found. Learn More Pininfarina Battista Named for their founder, Pininfarina combines their evocative Italian style with the latest in EV technology. Working with Rimac, the 120 kWh battery powers an electric motor at each wheel. Combined, they offer 1,877 horsepower and 1,696 lb-ft of torque. Let that sink in...almost 10x the torque of a 2020 Toyota Camry. If you want something an order of magnitude more powerful than your cul de sac, it is coming soon! Learn More DeTomaso P72 The next Italian on the cover signals the return of DeTomaso. Built by the same engineers behind the Apollo IE, it is a V12 and a manual transmission. Only 72 examples of the P72 will be built on a carbon fiber monocoque. The notion of a big, naturally aspirated engine and three pedals definitely caught our attention! Learn More Ferrari SF90 Stradale It is hard to believe the LaFerrari is 5 years old. Hybrid technology has advanced by almost a decade since development began. That is why Ferrari is ready to build their first series-production plug-in hybrid. A twin-turbo V8 along with a 7.9 kWh battery offers 986 horsepower and 542 lb-ft of torque. With 16 miles of electric range, the front wheels are powered by a pair of electric motors. Not only are they capable of torque vectoring, reverse gear was eliminated from the transmission. Backing up is handled by the front wheels, saving space and weight inside the gearbox. Learn More Chevrolet Corvette Stingray General Motors is taking on the world. The 2020 Corvette is the realization that front-engine cars have become overpowered. Zora Arkus-Duntov was Corvette's Chief Engineer for three decades, and he pleaded with Chevrolet to build a mid-engine supercar. The LT2 V8 is a 6.2 liter with variable valve timing and direct injection. It is the first Stingray to arrive with dry-sump oiling and without a manual transmission. In launch mode, both sides of the dual-clutch transmission are engaged, allowing it to reach 60 mph in under 3 seconds. Learn More Porsche Cayman GT4 Meanwhile, in Stuttgart, the Porsche 911 is transitioning from the 991 to the 992 chassis. This takes time, as there are nearly 40 different flavors of 911 on the menu. In order to keep the showrooms spicy, the Cayman has been treated to big power and style. The Cayman GT4 offers 414 horsepower, 309 lb-ft of torque, and a manual transmission. This all-new flat-six is just behind the cockpit, keeping this monster glued to the track. Learn More Lotus Evija Colin Chapman would be proud to see his company enter the world of electric hypercars. Working with Williams Advanced Engineering, Evija's four electric motors are powered by a 70 kWh battery. Magnesium and carbon fiber are onboard to save weight and to reach 186 mph in less than 9 seconds. The name is a translation of "Eve", so this could be the mother of a new breed of English performance. Learn More

By Edward Jones – October 10, 2019

Discover the Cover: Lamborghini Sian

For the November 2019 issue of duPont REGISTRY, the new Lamborghini Sian is gracing the cover as the star of the month. This new supercar from the Italian automotive manufacturer is their first production hybrid car. Sián translates to ‘Lightning Bolt’ in their Northern Italian dialect. The name is appropriate because it uses their traditional V12 paired with supercapacitors. Smaller and lighter than any battery, capacitors can discharge all their power at an instant, adding 34 metric horsepower when needed. For an electrifying style, their central styling department (Centro Stile) partnered with Lamborghini’s Ad Personam department. The reason for the inclusion of their custom shop is because only 63 cars will be built. TO LEARN MORE AND SEE ALL OF THE INCREDIBLE CARS FOR SALE THIS MONTH, BE SURE TO PICK UP YOUR COPY BY CLICKING THE BUTTON ABOVE TO BUY OR BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE. subscribe now " width="680">

By Edward Jones – September 26, 2019

New duPont REGISTRY Digital Newsstand

duPont REGISTRY has launched a new platform for readers to pick up current and past issue of the magazine. Did you miss an issue and need to pick it up? You can purchase it at Gear.duPontREGISTRY.com. Want to pick up the latest issue or even subscribe? You can do that at Gear.duPontREGISTRY.com as well. shop now Buying an issue of duPont REGISTRY has never been easier. Be sure to click the button below to browse the magazines for yourself. visit gear.dupontregistry.com

By Edward Jones – September 09, 2019

Discover the Cover: Lexus LC 500

Discover the Cover: Lexus LC 500 For the October 2019 issue of duPont REGISTRY, the Lexus LC 500 is featured on the cover. This stylish and sporty car is a beautiful designed masterpiece that provides its driver with the ultimate automotive experience. Inside the LC 500 is a driver-centric cabin that features high-quality materials, such as fine metal, leather and Alcantara®. On the outside, the LC 500 has an exterior that will turn heads on the street. Altogether, it has a stunning aesthetic from the inside to the outside, but does so while also bringing about an abundant amount of performance and functionality. Also featured in this issue is the duPont REGISTRY 2019 Luxury Watch Guide. The cover for this section of the magazine features the Franck Muller Vanguard 45 SC DT Racing timepiece. Watches from other manufacturers like Angelus, Arnold & Son, Audemars Piguet, Corum, Cuervo y Sobrinos, Eberhard & Co., Hublot, and HYT can be found within this guide, plus more. BUY THIS ISSUE NOW

By Edward Jones – August 06, 2019

Discover the Cover: Arno XI Ferrari Racing Boat x LaFerrari

For decades, Ferrari’s have been considered the pinnacle of luxury automobiles. From the iconic 250 GTO to the new and groundbreaking LaFerrari hypercar, Ferraris are some of the most sought after vehicles across the globe. But did you know that Ferrari has conquered both land and sea? buy this issue now On land, Ferrari is known for its automotive prowess. One of their finest creations is the LaFerrari, their hybrid hypercar. For this month's cover, we have an impeccable example of the LaFerrari featured, one which is actually for sale through @wiresonly. It comes finished in a stunning Giallo Modena paint that contrasts against the black gloss roof. Inside the hypercar is a black Alcantara interior with black leather seats, yellow piping, and yellow deviated stitching. Photos of LaFerrari by Dirk. A Photography (SupercarFocus.com) Quite a few options have also been picked out for this LaFerrari. On the outside is the obligatory Scuderia Ferrari Shields, matching yellow brake calipers and carbon fiber body trim (mirror caps included). This is just one of the 120 U.S. spec’d LaFerraris created and it's a true beauty. learn more about this laferrari While Ferrari is known for their automobiles, they also created a record-breaking racing boat back in the 1950's. That boat, the Timossi Arno XI hydroplane racing boat, is the only boat they have ever put their name on. Enzo Ferrari was personally involved in the creation of this boat and even had a 4.5-liter Type 375m 12-cylinder Ferrari engine installed in it. Between the engine and the purpose-built hull, Achille Castoldi managed to break the 800kg classic record by hitting a top speed of 150.19 mph in the Arno XI. This is a world record that still stands to this day. Now, the current owner of this iconic boat is listing it for sale through duPont REGISTRY. You can learn more about this incredibly rare and significant boat in the following pages of the magazine. learn more about this boat

By Edward Jones – August 05, 2019

Exotic Car Buyers Guide 2020 Reader's Choice Award

This year, we're asking our readers to choose what car will be crowned with the Reader's Choice Award in the 2020 Exotic Car Buyer's Guide. Vote on one of the cars below and stay with us for the winner's announcement. The Winner is the Bugatti La Voiture Noire!Thanks for voting!

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2019

The Unbelievable Story of Raiti's Rides

If you have been to any of our events, you might have noticed Joe Raiti. His passion for all things automotive began with racing. After hanging up his helmet, he decided to become a High School teacher. He spent 18 years inspiring and educating and began the AP Psychology program at Ridgecrest High School, here in the Tampa Bay area. All the while, he would attend almost every automotive event his schedule would allow. His knowledge from the racing world needed a way to express itself, so he purchased a microphone and a gimbal and started a YouTube channel. At first, it was just a hobby, but fans around the world began subscribing. Now he has surpassed 99K, we need your help to get Raiti's Rides to 100k. This prolific popularity has become more profitable than the meager wages Florida pays their educators, so YouTube is now his full-time career. To see what makes his channel unique among automotive content creators is that he explains the most intricate details in a way everyone can understand. He combines his years of teaching experience with automotive knowledge to produce great videos. He does so without the quirks, idiosyncrasies, and manufactured drama that other channels seem to live by. Without further adieu, here is my favorite review. Thanks, Joe for the inspiration and for making our events even better. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – July 22, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: American Supercar Style

The Ford GT is one of the most iconic cars ever, let alone one of the most iconic cars to come from the powerhouse that is the Blue Oval. It's elegant, blindingly powerful, and just as classic as the GT40 it pays homage to. And the only way to complement that is with an outfit that's timeless, fresh, and All-American. We curated an outfit with pieces from some of the biggest and best names in fashion, from sea to shining sea. The Ride Ford GT Shop Now The Watch autodromo.com Autodromo Ford GT Endurance Chronograph - Heritage 66 Dial shop now The Bracelet miansai.com Miansai Chamber Cuff shop now The Shades nordstrom.com Tom Ford 140mm Shield Sunglasses shop now The Shade Savers miansai.com Miansai Cuban Link Sunglass Chain shop now The Jacket nordstrom.com John Varvatos Suede Bomber Jacket shop now The Shirt ssense.com Saturdays NYC White Xavier Shirt ShoP Now The Pants nordstrom.com rag & bone Fit 2 Slim Fit Jeans shop now The Belt mrporter.com Tom Ford Reversible Leather Belt shop now The Kicks mrporter.com Common Projects Track Classic Sneakers shop now The Bag Common Projects Black Saffiano Simple Backpack shop now

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 15, 2019

Wheels x Wardrobe: Godzilla Street Style

The R35 Nissan GT-R has spent the last decade making its "Godzilla" nickname more true than ever before, with unprecedented levels of power and driving dynamics. That bold and fierce nature is something that can only be matched by an outfit inspired by the streetwear and fashion culture from the GT-R's home country, Japan. The Ride Nissan GT-R Shop Now The Watch Source: Grand Seiko Grand Seiko SBGC229 shop now The Shades Source: SSENSE Yohji Yamamoto Black Square Wire Frame Sunglasses shop now The Jacket Source: SSENSE Name. Reversible Black Track Jacket shop now The Shirt Source: SSENSE Kenzo Blue Classic Logo T-Shirt ShoP Now The Pants Source: SSENSE Kenzo Off-White Jumping Tiger Lounge Pants shop now The Kicks Source: SSENSE Y-3 White Ren Sneakers shop now The Bag Source: SSENSE Maison Kitsuné Black ADER error Edition Layout Backpack shop now

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