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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 Tyler Rampersaud – February 27, 2023

Last Week's Most Popular Listings (2/20-2/26)

Meet your collection's next masterpieces.

By Sponsored Article – February 22, 2023

Highly-Optioned 2020 Mercedes-AMG G63 Listed for Sale

The Mercedes-AMG G63 remains one of the most sought-after high-power off-roaders currently on sale.

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 22, 2022

You searched, we tallied. These are the most sought-after cars of the year. This year marks a turning point in the automotive world, with manufacturers announcing that things are coming and going almost too quickly to keep up. Manufacturing is evolving, and that’s exciting news. When it comes to the models that people were most interested in finding and buying this year, cars with undeniable historical significance were at the forefront. Whether it be nostalgia, farewell, or optimism futuristic, change appears to be the driving force behind the most sought-after rides. These are duPont REGISTRY’s Top 10 trending cars of 2022, based on online activity including searches, views, and engagement. 10. C8 Corvette Chevrolet When - at very, very long last - Chevrolet debuted a midengined Corvette, the automotive world rejoiced. It not only represented a triumph for the American automotive industry, but it also unlocked even greater performance potential for the already world-class Corvette. People can't wait to get their hands on one to see just what it can do when put to the test. View All C8 Corvettes For Sale 9. Ford F-150 Raptor Ford Few things equal a performance pickup truck, and the Ford F-150 Raptor is a textbook example of why this style of vehicle is so special. With the Raptor, you have everything you need for endless off-road fun: large tires, advanced suspension, and high ground clearance, not to mention plenty of power. It's no surprise that this truck makes the list. View All F-150 Raptors For Sale 8. Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series Mercedes-AMG “Black Series” is a hallowed designation in the AMG world, representing cars with an uncompromising dedication to performance, free of many of the usual Mercedes-Benz creature comforts. With absolutely sinister looks, 720 horsepower, and the ability to reach 60 miles per hour from a standstill in just 3.1 seconds, the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series is a distilled AMG performance powerhouse. View All AMG GT Black Series For Sale 7. Lamborghini Urus Lamborghini Even after some time in production, the awe that the Lamborghini Urus commands is undeniable. While it might sound extreme, the term “super SUV” definitely applies. This combination of luxury, comfort, and Lamborghini- level performance is the automotive way of “having your cake and eating it too.” Who doesn’t want that? View All Lamborghini Urus For Sale 6. McLaren 765LT Spider McLaren McLaren’s LT models honor the brand’s racing legacy and pursuit for engineering excellence that pushes the envelope of performance. The 765LT Spider provides extreme and thrilling power that drivers can enjoy with the roof up or down — the combination of racing prowess and wind in your hair is a winning one for any car lover. View All 765LT Spiders For Sale 5. Ferrari SF90 Ferrari Ferrari’s flagship SF90 model defied convention with its V8-hybrid power, and its ability to outlap even the legendary LaFerrari around the Fiorano Circuit. The car ushers in a bold new era for the Prancing Horse brand, and drivers can’t wait to get a taste. View All Ferrari SF90s For Sale 4. Lamborghini Huracán STO Lamborghini Lamborghini’s V10-powered Huracán supercar has won the hearts of many car enthusiasts around the world, and its brasher, racing-focused STO variant is rekindling that all over again. With a nimble, lightweight design, more power, and a simply unmistakable engine note, the Lamborghini Huracán STO is quite the performance machine. View All Huracan STOs For Sale 3. Bugatti Chiron Bugatti When the Bugatti Chiron was introduced in 2015, it was faster than the earth-shattering Veyron. That was not just a high bar to clear but one of the highest ever in automotive history. Bugatti’s dedication and willingness to go to just about any length to achieve the ultimate combination of performance, luxury, and style makes a car like the Chiron simply impossible to ignore, and it’s hard not to love the fact that the Bugatti Chiron is over the top in just about every way. View All Bugatti Chirons For Sale 2. Lamborghini Aventador Ultimae Lamborghini The Lamborghini Aventador has officially bowed out as the Fighting Bull’s V12-powered flagship, and with it, the “pure” naturally aspirated V12 has also bowed out from the brand’s offerings. The Aventador Ultimae is both an incredible supercar on its own and the final car from a decades-long era of performance, and what’s not to want about that? View All Aventador Ultimaes For Sale 1. Porsche 911 (992) GT3 Porsche The Porsche 911 GT3 has always been the ultimate driver’s car among the Porsche 911 lineup, and that essentially makes it the driver’s car of driver’s cars. Its newest generation gestures more racing-focused innovation and unfettered performance than the car has ever had before, so it’s no wonder people want to get their hands on such a phenomenal machine. View All 911 GT3s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 05, 2019

Ferrari Spiders: A Guide to Soft Top Classics

When Ferrari introduced the 488 GTB, it was revealed alongside the 488 Spider. This broke the long tradition of offering the convertible after the coupe. Now that the F8 Tributo has arrived, it seems they are back to their old ways. If you have been considering a Ferrari convertible, allow us to save you a few dollars. There is nothing wrong with the 488 Spider or the 458 Spider. But summer will be here soon, and a pre-owned Spider won't break the bank. So what about the 360 Spider and the 430 Spider? They are traditional soft-tops without the heavy roof, and they were the last Ferrari models to offer a manual transmission. The reason we grouped both models together is because the 360 and 430 share a majority of their parts, the engine is the major difference. Introduced in 2000, the 360 Spider was the 20th Ferrari convertible. Unlike its predecessors, the aluminum chassis was significantly upgraded to offer predictable handling and a smooth ride. Ferrari 360 Spider For Sale Engineers at ALCOA used computer modeling to determine what needed reinforcements. By the time it was ready for launch, they had changed the rocker panels, floor pans, firewall, and shock towers. This made the Spider stronger than any Ferrari convertible, it beats the 996 series Porsche 911 in torsional rigidity. The 3.6L V8 offers 395 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque. It has a redline of 8,700 rpm and a top speed of 175 mph. It is a consistent 13-second car at the dragstrip. The timing belts require regular maintenance, but oil changes are easy. Ferrari F430 Spider For Sale Subtle improvements to the aerodynamics and more power arrived with the F430 Spider in 2006. Interior and exterior changes were few, but the engine was all new. Despite displacing 4.3 liters, it is physically smaller and only 8 lbs heavier. It offers 343 lb-ft of torque across a wide rpm range. You will have 483 horsepower at 8,500 rpm thanks to the heads and intake from the Formula 1 cars. For many, the single most important innovation was the use of timing chains instead of belts. The F430 Spider ended with the 2009 Scuderia Spider 16M. It was built to commemorate winning 16 Formula 1 Constructor Championships. It used the engine and interior from the F430 Scuderia, along with unique exterior styling. It offers 503 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque for a 0-60 run under 3.7 seconds. It is 176 lbs lighter than the F430 Spider, with a curb weight of 3,175 lbs. Tell us which one you prefer in the comments below, and have a great weekend. Ferrari scuderia Spider 16M For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – February 11, 2019

Pink, Purple and Red Exotic Cars to Buy Your Valentine

Valentine's Day 2019 is almost here and that means there are plenty of loved ones running around trying to figure out what to get their significant other. The mainstays in Valentine's gifts will always be flowers, chocolates and a nice dinner. Some people like the kick it up a notch and go big when it comes to Valentine's. Below are a nice selection of fitting purple, pink and red exotic cars to pick up for your Valentine for when you really want to go big for a Valentine's Day gift. view all purple cars view all red cars view all pink cars ♥ ♥ ♥ 1941 Cadillac Coupe de Ville Looking for a classic ride on Valentine's Day? Here you go. view listing ♥ ♥ ♥ 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS German engineering wrapped in a purple case. This is perfect for a track attacker. view listing ♥ ♥ ♥ 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante The Huracan Performante is red hot in this finish, just like your love. view price and listing ♥ ♥ ♥ 1970 Plymouth Cuda A purple powerhouse for the muscle car-loving person in your life. view listing ♥ ♥ ♥ 1987 Ferrari Testarossa Some people yearn for the 80's. Give them a taste of the 1980's with one of its most iconic cars. view price and listing ♥ ♥ ♥ 2014 Bentley Continental GTC Speed Convertibles are cars that keep on giving. What's better than a sunset cruise on the beach with the top down? view price and listing ♥ ♥ ♥ 1965 Backdraft Racing Roadster Let your love roar with this replica by Backdraft, powered by a 427 V8 engine. view price and listing ♥ ♥ ♥

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2017

Top Green Supercars for St. Patrick's Day 2017

Today we celebrate St. Patrick's Day by eating corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, and Shepard's Pie, as well as enjoying a few drinks. What exactly are we celebrating? It is believed that on March 17, St. Patrick was buried at Downpatrick, and on this day we celebrate his life. It's traditional to wear green on St. Paddy's Day, because the green in the Irish flag is associated with the Irish Catholics. Naturally, we decided we would find a few supercars that would be perfect to celebrate the holiday in.2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS View Price and More2016 Lamborghini Aventador SV View Price and More2017 Audi R8 View Price and More2014 Ferrari 458 Spider View Price and More2016 McLaren 675LT View Price and More2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage Zagato View Price and More

By Edward Jones – December 23, 2016

Santa's Supercar Sleighs for 2016

Santa travels the world every year, bringing toys and joy to children AND adults worldwide (come one, I still believe). He does this travelling via a sleigh, which, by today's standards, is a pretty ancient method. We suggest that instead of a sleigh and reindeer, Santa hooks himself up with a supercar to take himself around the neighborhoods. Of course, he'll need to figure out another way to travel across the seas.Below are ten red supercar sleighs that we think Santa would enjoy cruising around in, sipping on a hot mug of cocoa. And, if you find yourself playing Santa this year, maybe one of these cars could work for you! 2016 Ferrari 488 GTB View Price 2013 Bugatti Grand Sport Vitesse View Price2015 Porsche 918 Spyder View Price2016 Dodge Viper ACR View Price2005 Porsche Carrera GT View Price2015 Lamborghini Aventador View PriceLaFerrari View Price2012 Lamborghini Gallardo Super Trofeo Stradale View Price2017 Acura NSX View Price2005 Ford GT View Price

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