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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 28, 2021

JetPack Aviation Releases A $380,000 Flying Motorcycle

Take to the sky on a motorcycle with help from the team at JetPack Aviation. The thought of humans traveling through the sky by jetpack is a dream that many were introduced to through Hollywood and the movie magic of cinema, but a California-based turbine company is here to make it a reality. The turbine-powered micro VTOLs professionals at JetPack Aviation are proud to announce a new fleet of flying motorcycles with a focus on both recreation and safety. The all-new JetPack Aviation Speeder is constructed for personal transport with the ability of vertical take-off and landing. The sleek new design of the Speeder will be lighter than a traditional 125cc motorcycle, with a fully stabilized chassis for minimal pilot training needed. The new Speeder series features a Recreational model that can achieve 150mph and reach over 15,000ft with a maximum thrust of 705-pounds. Alongside the fun of owning a personal JetPack motorcycle, JetPack Aviation is also focusing efforts towards using its platform for military use. The Military Speeder and Cargo Speeder offer a faster and more efficient way to transport paramedics to emergency situations. The new Speeder Series from JetPack Aviation embodies forward-thinking for personal transportation while using the sky as new highways. The all-new Recreational JetPack Aviation Speeder model is currently available for pre-order for $380,000. JetPack Aviation JetPack Aviation

By Edward Jones – June 23, 2020

Check Out This Actual, Full-Size LEGO Ducati Panigale V4 ...

LEGO Italia and Ducati have joined forces to create a full-size, 1:1 Ducati Panigale V4 R Model built out of LEGO Technic pieces. The model was built by artist Riccardo Zangelmi who spent 400 hours putting it together. He also built the motorcycle and disassembled it eight different times until he came up with the perfect build. "Taking part in this project of LEGO Italia and Ducati was the most exciting professional challenge I’d ever faced," says Zangelmi. "It pushed me well beyond any limit and I succeeded by crossing the finishing line as part of a team." This full-size model comes just after LEGO unveiled the Ducati Panigale V4 R LEGO Technic set that's much more consumer friendly. Available on August 1, 2020, this new set is full of features and is incredibly detailed. One of the most notable features is the working 2-speed gearbox, which is actually a first for any LEGO Technic motorcycle. Click the button to shop the kit now. Shop Now

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By Andrew Nabors – June 05, 2020

Bosch Help Connect is Your Bike's Guardian Angel

Riding on the street is dangerous, nobody doubts that. But what many of us take for granted is the availability of emergency services. While automated emergency services have been in cars for years, so it is time for 2-wheel safety to catch up. That is why Bosch Help Connect acts as your bike's guardian angel. Over 25 crash tests were used to simulate the most common motorcycle accidents. Bosch Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Stability Control The details were announced in their press release along with a YouTube upload. Not only did Bosch produce the world's first stability system for Mercedes-Benz, but they also adapted it for motorcycle use. A logical extension of Motorcycle Stability Control, placing an emergency call is activated in an accident. The system constantly monitors steering angle, lean angle, G-forces, ABS, and throttle inputs. Once activated, it will use BlueTooth along with your phone to send out an SOS. Summer is here, but that isn't an excuse to not ride safely. Have a great weekend and stay with us for all your 2-wheel news. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 17, 2020

Ducati Panigale V4 R Lego Set Revealed

Ducati fans rejoice, as LEGO has just announced the new Panigale V4 R Technic set. Available on August 1, 2020, this new set is full of features and is incredibly detailed. One of the most notable features is the working 2-speed gearbox, which is actually a first for any LEGO Technic motorcycle. There's also working front and rear suspension, and steering. If you need to display it on your desk, there's also a kickstand that helps it stay up. The realistic features of this new set make it a must-have for any fan of Ducatis or motorcycles. If you're interested, its price tag will be set at just $69.99 and will be available for purchase on LEGO.com. Click the button below to add it to your wishlist now. Shop Now Source: LEGO.com

By Edward Jones – July 09, 2019

LEGO Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Kit Announced

Fans of Harley-Davidson rejoice, because you can now put a Fat Boy bike on your desk without crushing it. Just announced is the new LEGO Creator Expert 10269 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy motorcycle kit, which will be a hit for motorcycle and LEGO fans alike. This new kit comes with 1023 pieces inside the box, all of which combine to build a Fat Boy measuring in at over 7-inches high and 12-inches long. It comes in a red and black color scheme with printed logos. There's also a Milwaukee-eight engine with moving pistons that come to life when the rear tire is spun. LEGO will be selling this set on August 1, 2019, for $99.99. That sure is a lot cheaper than the real Fat Boy, but please don't try and sit on this one. see this kit on lego.com Source: shop.LEGO.com

By Edward Jones – October 10, 2016

Star Wars Inspired Motorcycle Helmets Announced

Star Wars: Episode VII The Force Awakens was released last year on December 18, and this year on December 16, almost exactly a year later, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story will be released in theaters. While we aren't seeing a new Star Wars movie this month, we at least have the release of three incredibly cool HJC motorcycle helmets inspired by the galactic saga.(Related - Ducati draXter Concept Bike of the Future)The first two that have been unveiled are modeled after Kylo Ren and Boba Fett, two fan favorite bad guys. Both of these helmets are modeled after the RPHA 11 helmets. The third Star Wars graphic has not been released to the public yet, but it will be modeled after the Death Trooper from the Rogue One movie and will be featured on the FG-17 fiberglass, full-face helmet.“We are thrilled to be working with the awe-inspiring brand that Lucasfilm has created. We anticipate great response around the world to the character graphics that we have chosen, said George Hong, President of HJC America, Inc. "In particular, riders and fans of Star Wars will love the RPHA 11 Kylo Ren’s special chrome and flat finish graphic design and the uniquely distressed graphic of the RPHA 11 Boba Fett. They are beyond cool!”View All Motorcycles For Sale

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