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

Jaguar News

Jaguar news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks. We cover the brand's electric relaunch alongside the models that established its name, from the F-TYPE to the I-PACE. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, design developments and the auction results that shape collector values. Jaguar is midway through a complete reinvention, and we follow each decision as it is confirmed. The marketplace adds something most publications cannot offer. Jaguars covered here are frequently listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, so the reporting and a genuine asking price appear together. For Jaguar news today, and the luxury car news and sports car news around it, begin below.

1304 HPin Jag F type Drophead Fr34 v4b 5k

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 13, 2024

The Final Jaguar F-Type Will Enter Jaguar's Heritage Coll...

Jaguar makes history with its final F-TYPE example. For over a decade, the Jaguar F-TYPE has served as the historic British luxury brand’s sports car offering, boasting stunning looks, an available open top, the option for a V8 engine, and robust performance. However, as Jaguar prepares to become an all-electric luxury vehicle manufacturer, the Jaguar F-TYPE is being ceremoniously sent off, and Jaguar has announced that the final example will be preserved as a historic masterpiece in Jaguar’s Heritage Collection. Its placement in the Heritage Collection will be a milestone moment, especially because it will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the production of the final Jaguar E-type, one of Jaguar’s most legendary models that served as inspiration for the F-TYPE and a car that is still lauded today as one of the world’s greatest and most beautiful sports cars. The final Jaguar F-TYPE is a 5.0-liter V8-powered convertible finished in Giola Green, paired with a Tan Windsor leather interior and a black soft top. Not only does the configuration evoke the classic combination of a green exterior and tan interior, which British sports cars are well known for, but it also echoes the configuration of the final E-type from 1974, with its 5.3-liter V12. Both the E-type and F-TYPE are being sent off in similar ways, and just as the E-type gave way to the Jaguar XJ-S, the Jaguar F-TYPE is set to give way to a new all-electric model, a four-door GT that will be revealed in 2025, heralding the anticipated new chapter in Jaguar’s history. With its bittersweet and historic finale, Jaguar is ending the F-TYPE era as a true sports car icon, with something futuristic and groundbreaking coming soon to take its place. View All Jaguar F-TYPEs For Sale Image Source: Jaguar

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 16, 2024

Jaguar Sends Off F-PACE With New 90th Anniversary Edition

Jaguar sends off its SUV and celebrates 90 years of history. Starting next year, Jaguar is on the cusp of a new era. After 90 years as one of the most iconic and recognizable British manufacturers of sporty luxury vehicles, Jaguar is transitioning to become an all-electric vehicle manufacturer starting in 2025. However, before it does, Jaguar is sending off the F-PACE, its first SUV model, with a commemorative special edition that celebrates the influence of the F-PACE and the entire rich history of Jaguar as a manufacturer. Based on the R-Dynamic variant of the Jaguar F-PACE, the new Jaguar F-PACE 90th Anniversary Edition celebrates one of Jaguar’s most successful models yet, with special touches like diamond-turned wheels, privacy glass, a panoramic roof, aluminum interior trim, contrast stitching, and more. Of course, special badging distinguishes the special edition, as well. Alongside the 90th Anniversary Edition, which is available with mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, Jaguar is also sending off the supercharged V8-powered F-PACE SVR with the Jaguar F-PACE SVR 575 Edition, serving as the final iteration of the robust and bold high-performance luxury SUV. Both models are available for order starting May 16, and it marks a significant milestone in Jaguar’s first nine decades of history. View All Jaguar F-PACEs For Sale Image Source: Jaguar

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 09, 2024

Jaguar Land Rover Celebrates 25% Sales Increase In 2023

2023 marked a successful year for Jaguar Land Rover. By now, it’s no secret that the automotive industry has been challenged for the past few years by global circumstances, and many manufacturers around the world still seem to be plagued by many of these difficulties. However, with full-year results in for 2023, Jaguar Land Rover is happy to report that the family of historic British brands has emerged successful. Year-on-year, sales (totaling 431,733 units for the year) increased by over 20%, with a 16% increase seen in the fourth quarter alone. Within each brand, wholesale volumes increased for Range Rover by 22% in 2023 compared to the year before, with Defender increasing by 5%, Discovery increasing by 1%, and Jaguar increasing by a staggering 39%. Retail sales increased by the greatest percentage in the UK at 32%, with North America seeing a 21% increase, with a 16% increase overseas. Retail sales across the board increased by 22% between 2022 and 2023, totaling to 431,733 units, while wholesale sales increased by 35% at 401,303. With positive sales results across the board for the iconic group of British manufacturers, Jaguar Land Rover looks forward to embracing the future and continuing to succeed in the luxury automotive realm in 2024. View All Land Rovers For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 02, 2024

Jaguar Land Rover Sees Highest Quarterly Profit Since 2017

Jaguar Land Rover marks a major recent success. With a lineup of iconic, historic, and downright legendary brands and vehicles, it’s no surprise that Jaguar Land Rover enjoys success as a business, but just how successful it has been this past financial quarter is especially remarkable and noteworthy, as finishing its Q3 FY24, JLR is proud to announces its highest quarterly profit number since 2017. Before tax, the profit for the quarter came in at 627 million pounds. One of the most important pieces of this puzzle was the Range Rover, which broke its record for quarterly wholesales this past financial quarter, and in the limelight was the flagship version: the Range Rover SV. Even at an average price of over $250,000, sales have grown immensely, with the current year-to-date sales of 3,637 units already eclipsing FY23’s number of 1,909. The Range Rover is also at the center of the manufacturer’s electrification efforts, with the upcoming Range Rover Electric model already seeing 16,000 sign-ups to its waitlist. The prototype is being tested on the road, while other electric SUV prototypes, including Jaguar-branded models, are being developed. With a great third quarter behind it, Jaguar Land Rover looks forward to showcasing and evolving its automotive excellence in the future. View All Range Rovers For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – December 19, 2023

This Jaguar XJ220 For Sale Was Once The World's Fastest P...

Own one of the most notorious pieces of automotive industry. The Jaguar XJ220 is one of the most interesting supercars ever made. Anticipated to be powered by a V12 engine and sport four-wheel drive, its rear-wheel drive and V6 powerplant were quite controversial and would turn out to be arguably ahead of its time. Derived from Tom Walkinshaw Racing, the 3.5-liter engine was actually Jaguar's first V6. The twin-turbocharged V6 now powers some of the world’s greatest performance cars, and the Jaguar XJ220 briefly held the records of the fastest production car and fastest production car lap time on the legendary Nürburgring. It was a piece of automotive industry that is infamous yet revered, and if you want to own this rare retro icon, one is available for sale from Canepa in Scotts Valley, California through duPont REGISTRY. It’s finished the iconic and rare Silverstone Green color, and is number 223 of the approximate 281 cars made. Originally owned by a Swiss collector, the car eventually was brought to Germany before being sold to Bruce Canepa in 2021. A beautifully kept example of a car with severely underrated innovation, engineering, and performance technology, this car can be a stunning piece in any collection, whether as a beautifully kept classic or as a reminder of the pioneer of some of today’s performance technology. If you're interested in owning this incredible niche piece of automotive history, view the listing by clicking below. View Listing Image Source: Canepa

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 13, 2023

TWR Announces A New Revival Of The Legendary Jaguar XJS

TWR partners with designers Magnus Walker and Khyzyl Saleem to reimagine the classic Jaguar XJS, signaling a new era. TWR is set to revitalize its brand by collaborating with automotive design giants Magnus Walker and Khyzyl Saleem on a new project car based on the classic Jaguar XJS. This initiative marks the return of TWR after a hiatus of twenty years, with Fergus Walkinshaw at the helm, intent on preserving the legacy and innovation that once crowned TWR a leader in automotive engineering. The original TWR, renowned for its dynamism and determination, was built on the foundation of a skilled and passionate team. Fergus, with his fresh take on TWR, is holding true to that principle, banking on the right people to lead the way forward. The selection of the Jaguar XJS as the base for their first project is a tribute to TWR's illustrious history, a car closely associated with the brand's past achievements. Magnus Walker, internationally celebrated for his distinctive flair and love for classic cars, joins TWR as a Design Consultant. His journey from fashion to the forefront of the automotive world, propelled by his unique Porsche collection, has made him a respected name in the industry. Walker's involvement with TWR is a natural fit, reflecting a shared ethos of uniqueness and excellence. His role extends beyond design, encompassing every aspect of the project from the choice of suppliers to the driving experience. Accompanying Walker is digital artist Khyzyl Saleem, who has earned worldwide acclaim for his vehicle designs. Saleem, known for his popular Instagram presence and the founder of LTO, brings a contemporary edge to the project. His experience in reimagining supercars and working with prominent figures in the automotive world, like Ken Block and Travis Pastrana, gives him a unique perspective on creating vehicles with an undeniable x-factor. The combination of Walker's and Saleem's extraordinary talents promises to propel the reimagined Jaguar XJS into the limelight, showcasing TWR's ambition and commitment to excellence. Their approach is set to deliver a car that balances historical reverence with cutting-edge design and performance. Magnus Walker's enthusiasm is palpable as he shares his vision for the XJS, a car he believes has been misunderstood over the years. His goal is to craft a vehicle that's not only a joy to drive but practical for everyday use. Walker's comprehensive involvement ensures that the project is a reflection of his passion and dedication to automotive excellence. Khyzyl Saleem echoes this excitement, honored to be chosen by TWR and Walker for his design expertise. With TWR's rich heritage as his inspiration, Saleem is eager to contribute to the brand's resurgence and relevance in today's market. His move from digital conception to creating a fully functional, performance-oriented car is a dream come true for the young designer. This project is a bold statement of TWR's vision for the future, a fusion of respected heritage and innovative design, promising to captivate the automotive world once again. View All Jaguar XJSs For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 11, 2023

Jaguar Bids Farewell to Combustion Engine Sports Cars Wit...

The limited edition is inspired by the iconic 1960s E-type race cars, showcasing a blend of power and heritage. Jaguar has always held a prominent position in the luxury sports car segment, turning heads and winning hearts for over 75 years with their internal combustion engine marvels. And as they gear up to transition fully into the realm of electric luxury by 2025, they're commemorating their iconic journey with the F-TYPE ZP Edition – the grand finale of their combustion engine sports cars. Inspired by two legendary 1960s racing E-type vehicles, the F-TYPE ZP Edition isn’t just any swan song. This beast houses a 575HP supercharged V8 engine, showcasing the brand’s engineering prowess one last time. This exclusive edition is limited to just 150 units, making it a coveted piece for aficionados and collectors alike. The care and attention to detail are evident, with two meticulously crafted specifications by the maestros at SV Bespoke. Rawdon Glover, the Managing Director at Jaguar, captures the sentiment perfectly: “As Jaguar embarks on the boldest transformation in its history, to become a modern luxury all-electric brand from 2025, this is an unrepeatable celebration of Jaguar’s internal combustion sports car provenance." The F-TYPE has long been the modern embodiment of Jaguar's sports car heritage, captivating the world just as the E-type did half a century ago. True to its heritage inspiration, the F-TYPE ZP Edition comes in two unique colourways, mirroring the iconic ‘Project ZP’ E-type vehicles of the 1960s. Enthusiasts can opt for the Oulton Blue Gloss paint paired with a Mars Red and Ebony duotone leather interior or the Crystal Grey Gloss paint accompanied by a Navy Blue and Ebony duotone leather combo. The Porcelain White Gloss hand-painted racing-style roundels on the doors and grille surrounds add a touch of nostalgia. But the exclusivity doesn’t end there. Jaguar has introduced features not seen before on the F-TYPE. The Gloss Black exterior accents, brake calipers, and the 20-inch forged alloy wheels bring an element of modernity, perfectly complemented by the unique interiors, horizontal seat fluting, and the F-TYPE ZP Edition branding. Performance, of course, remains at the heart of this edition. With 575HP and 516 lb-ft of torque, combined with an all-wheel drive system powered by Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) technology, this car boasts a breathtaking 0-60mph in a mere 3.5 seconds. Jaguar's decision to transition to an all-electric brand signifies the ever-evolving landscape of the automobile industry. Yet, the F-TYPE ZP Edition stands as a testament to their rich legacy, a culmination of decades of passion, craftsmanship, and innovation. It's the glorious end of an incredible era. View All Jaguar F-Types For Sale Image Source: Jaguar

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 21, 2023

Jaguar & Tesla Collaborate On North American EV Charger A...

The deal gives electric vehicle customers access to 12,000+ Tesla Superchargers in North America. Jaguar is making electrifying strides in its all-electric journey, especially with its recent announcement of a landmark agreement with Tesla. The storied British automaker has forged a deal that will allow its electric vehicle customers in North America to access Tesla's vast Supercharger network. Comprising over 12,000 Superchargers, this network is a critical piece in the EV landscape, offering fast and reliable charging options for Tesla drivers. Now, Jaguar plans to extend these benefits to its own customers, starting with its next generation of luxury electric vehicles set to launch in 2025. The collaboration between Jaguar and Tesla isn't just a milestone for the two companies but also for the electric vehicle industry as a whole. Jaguar's next-gen luxury electric cars, earmarked for a 2025 launch, will come with a North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, removing the need for any extra adapters in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This seamless integration makes it more convenient than ever for Jaguar drivers to drive long distances with efficiency and confidence. Jaguar isn't stopping at vehicles alone. The company also plans to adopt the NACS connector in home charging stations. It will additionally source and supply Tesla-manufactured adapters for its I-PACE drivers, further solidifying the company’s commitment to customer convenience and a smooth transition to an all-electric future. This groundbreaking agreement is a crucial part of Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) Reimagine strategy, which aims to turn Jaguar into an all-electric modern luxury brand. The brand is investing heavily in creating a global EV ecosystem that supports the needs of its discerning clients. With an extensive, reliable Supercharger network at their disposal, Jaguar customers can now enjoy the same peace of mind that Tesla drivers have long appreciated. What’s more, Jaguar's in-house battery and power electronics technology have been optimized to work with both Tesla’s V3 and V4 Superchargers, ensuring maximum charging power regardless of the Supercharger type. Mark Camilleri, Director Electrification Services at JLR, summed up the significance of the partnership: "JLR is dedicated to helping our clients make the switch to electric vehicles and to our commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2039. Today's announcement is an important step as we deliver an outstanding charging experience for our all-electric Jaguar clients." Clearly, Jaguar and Tesla share a common vision of accelerating the shift to sustainable transportation, and this agreement marks an exciting chapter in that journey. By partnering with Tesla to offer a robust charging solution, Jaguar is not only enhancing its brand appeal but also facilitating a faster, more convenient adoption of electric vehicles across North America. View All Jaguars For Sale