Industry Reports

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

Lotus Lineup 4Cars Comp03 RS 16x9 FinalArt(1)

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 28, 2024

Lotus Reports Strong Q2 2024 Delivery Growth Amid Financi...

Lotus Tech's Q2 2024 results reveal a notable increase in vehicle deliveries alongside ongoing financial challenges. The company reported a 128% year-on-year rise in deliveries, reaching 2,679 units for the quarter, which contributed to a 239% growth over the first half of the year. This performance highlights Lotus' steady shift from a traditional sportscar manufacturer to a key player in the luxury auto sector. The U.S. market played a significant role, accounting for 26% of total deliveries, reflecting the company's recent return to the region. Financially, Lotus Tech reported $225 million in total revenue for Q2 2024, marking a 103% increase compared to the previous year. However, the quarter also saw a net loss of $202 million, with gross margins slightly improving to 9% from 5% in the same period last year. The first half of the year showed an operating loss of $438 million, stressing the need for ongoing adjustments and cost management as the company navigates a complex market environment. Looking forward, Lotus Tech has adjusted its delivery target for 2024 to 12,000 units due to evolving market conditions and new tariff policies. The company's "Win26" plan aims to achieve positive EBITDA by 2026 through refining internal processes and product strategies. As Lotus Tech continues to expand into new markets and introduce bespoke services, it remains focused on balancing growth with financial stability. View all Lotus sports cars and SUVs for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lotus For Sale Source: Lotus

Lotus Technology Reports Unaudited Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2023 Financial Results

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 08, 2024

Lotus Tech Reports Strong Financial Performance In 2023

Lotus Tech marks significant revenue growth and record-breaking vehicle deliveries in line with its Vision80 strategy. Lotus Tech, a prominent player in the global luxury electric vehicle market, has reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2023. The sales figures highlight the Lotus brand's ongoing progress in accomplishing its Vision80 strategy, aimed at transforming into an all-electric, intelligent, and luxury mobility provider by Lotus's 80th anniversary in 2028. In its inaugural year of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) delivery, Lotus Tech recorded a remarkable revenue of $679 million with a gross profit margin of 15%. Notably, fourth-quarter revenue surged to $361 million, marking a substantial 92% quarter-on-quarter increase, fueled by the business model and accelerated BEV production and sales. Achieving a milestone in its 76-year history, Lotus Tech delivered a record-breaking 6,970 vehicles in 2023, with BEV models making up 63% of total deliveries. The momentum continued into the fourth quarter, detecting a nearly 110% quarter-over-quarter increase in vehicle deliveries to 3,749, driven primarily by the successful rollout of Eletre. Additionally, Lotus Tech expanded its global footprint with the addition of 46 stores, bringing its total to 215 locations worldwide by the end of 2023. Looking ahead to 2024, the Company expects considerable growth as it ramps up global deliveries, introduces new products like Emeya, its electric hyper-grand tourer, and expands its market presence, particularly in the U.S. With promising results in 2023 and a strategic vision, Lotus Tech is ready for continued success. View all Lotus models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Lotus For Sale Source: Lotus Tech

Lotus Technology Celebrates Public Listing On Nasdaq

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 26, 2024

Lotus Celebrates Its New Public Listing On Nasdaq

Lotus seeks to win a new race: the Nasdaq stock exchange. Lotus has long been known as one of the world’s favorite purveyors of nimble and athletic sports cars, with lightweight construction, head-turning design, and a storied racing legacy, but the past few years have seen Lotus transform in an incredible way. The introduction of the Evija, its incredibly powerful and first all-electric hypercar, the Emira, its final combustion engine sports car, the Eletre, its first electric luxury performance SUV, and the Emeya, its new electric four-door GT, Lotus has revolutionized its presence as a manufacturer and looks forward to a new, transformed era. However, the latest step that Lotus has taken is one of the most noteworthy in its renaissance, as Lotus Technology Inc. has officially been listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the ticker symbol LOT. The move serves to underscore Lotus’s efforts to become a purveyor of electric luxury performance mobility with cutting edge intelligence and technology under the brand’s Vision80 strategy, but it also highlights Lotus’s new and magnified presence in the automotive industry. Right before entering the Nasdaq, Lotus Technology combined with L Catterton Asia Acquisition Corp, an acquisition company made by affiliates of L Catterton, a global investment firm, which is anticipated to also prove strategically beneficial to Lotus as the acquisition company boasts a strategic relationship with LVMH, one of the most respected and established names in the luxury industry. With new and exciting business moves being made, Lotus is proud to enter a new era being on Nasdaq. View All Lotuses For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 07, 2022

Lotus Sales Jumped an Astounding 24% in 2021

Lotus continues to impress with sales. Lotus has just announced their sales figures for 2011 and they're the brand's best results since 2011. With 1,710 new cars being sold by retailers in 2021, Lotus saw a monstrous 24 percent increase in sales year over year. Leading the sales charge was the Elise, thanks to the Sport 240 Final Edition and the Cup 250 Final Edition. In terms of where Lotus was selling best, the USA took the number one spot while Japan holds number two and the U.K. in third. You can view the top markets down below. Matt Windle, Managing Director, Lotus Cars, said: “In difficult circumstances, our retailers have delivered what was asked of them and more. It’s testament to their hard work, and that of our manufacturing, marketing, sales, and distribution teams around the world. A huge thank you to everyone involved – what a way to move into the era of Emira.” See All Lotus For Sale Top 10 Lotus Markets Position Market 1 USA 2 Japan 3 UK 4 Germany 5 France 6 Italy 7 Australia 8 Belgium 9 Switzerland 10 China Source: Lotus Cars

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