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.

By duPont REGISTRY – December 03, 2024

Jaguar’s Type 00 Concept Teases A Bold Electric Future

Jaguar’s latest unveiling, the Type 00 concept, has stirred up conversations across both the automotive and art worlds. Showcased at Miami Art Week, the brand's bold design hints at what the electric future might hold for the age-old manufacturer. With a controversial silhouette featuring an elongated front end, fastback profile, and massive 23-inch alloy wheels, the Type 00 aims to represent a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Two colorways (“Miami Pink” and “London Blue”) highlight the concept’s playful connection to art. Whether it’s the glassless tailgate or panoramic body glazing, the design surely challenges automotive norms while trying to pay homage to Jaguar’s storied past. Underneath its dramatic styling, the Type 00 features Jaguar’s newest electric platform, JEA (Jaguar Electric Architecture), promising cutting-edge performance. While Jaguar's concept is purely a design test, it’s a clear preview that the electric four-door GT has plans to launch in 2025. That production car will hold up to 430 miles of range, rapid charging, and the kind of performance EVs are becoming known for. Inside, the Type 00 is a blank canvas for bold material choices, like brass accents and travertine stone, alongside innovative options like deployable screens and bespoke mood-tailoring features. This interior is about comfort and creating a cabin that feels as artistic as it is futuristic. All of these thoughtful design elements show that Jaguar is looking to redefine how drivers experience luxury in an EV. The Type 00’s reveal at an event like Miami Art Week feels symbolic of the brand’s ongoing transformation. As Jaguar continues its journey toward becoming an all-electric manufacturer, concepts like the Type 00 showcase its drive to remain relevant while trying to embrace its rich history. While it’s too early to tell how this vision will shape the production models to come, it’s clear that the brand is committed to pushing boundaries. View all Jaguars for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Jaguars For Sale Source: Jaguar

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 21, 2024

Jaguar Reveals First Teaser Image Of Vision Design Concept

Jaguar teases the next move in its rebrand. Recently, Jaguar unveiled a completely reimagined transformation of its brand, introducing new logos and an ethos of “Copy Nothing.” Along with showing its revamped branding, Jaguar has also announced that a new concept car, the Vision Design Concept, will be unveiled at Miami Art Week soon. The concept will preview the design language and innovations in Jaguar’s future vehicles. For those who are already curious about what the Vision Design Concept will look like, Jaguar has released the first teaser image of the new concept car. Showing off the rear design details of the concept, the teaser shows how the concept will approach its reimagination of Jaguar’s near-90-year heritage since 1935 and futurize it for the manufacturer’s new era. With its creative new rebrand and an interesting teaser image revealed of the new Vision Design Concept, Jaguar is drumming up anticipation and buzz for its upcoming renaissance as a manufacturer of all-electric luxury cars. The full reveal of the Jaguar Vision Design Concept is coming on December 2, which is when the next step in Jaguar’s transformation will take place. View All Jaguars For Sale Image Source: Jaguar

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 20, 2024

TWR Reveals New 1-of-88 V12 Manual Supercat

Classic legacy is the foundation of this new supercar. Jaguar is known and celebrated for its long legacy of British luxury cars, many of which boast sporty, high-performance driving character. A significant part of Jaguar’s racing and performance legacy was formed with the help of Tom Walkinshaw Racing, who secured victory for Jaguar race cars at tracks like Bathurst and Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Now, under the leadership of Tom Walkinshaw’s son, Fergus Walkinshaw, that legacy is being revived with the debut of the new TWR Supercat. Based on the iconic Jaguar XJS, a legendary sports car in Jaguar’s heritage, the new Supercat is a V12-powered Super-GT that modernizes the XJS’s appeal, and incorporated design elements from various legendary Jaguar cars, like the XJR-9, the XJR-15, and the legendary XJ220, which was in its time the fastest production car in the world. The supercharged V12 engine that lies underneath the new Supercat’s hood is developed entirely in-house by TWR, and boasts an impressive 660 horsepower and 538 lb/ft of torque. That power is sent to the rea wheels through a six-speed manual transmission. Despite adopting the XJS’s retro look and charm, the new TWR Supercat features modern engineering innovation for optimal performance, including carbon fiber body panels, available carbon ceramic brakes, programmable traction control, and more. Automotive legend Magnus Walker lent his talent to the Supercat’s design, as well. The cars are built to order, and only 88 examples will be made, with right-hand drive and left-hand drive examples available in markets like the UK, the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Prices for the new TWR Supercat start at roughly $285,000, and a limited number of build slots remain open for the incredible retro-modern supercar. View All Jaguars For Sale Image Source: TWR

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 19, 2024

Jaguar Changes Its Logo & Transforms Its Brand Identity

Jaguar unveils a radical brand transformation. Jaguar has been globally celebrated for its legacy of British luxury cars with elegant style, exciting driving character, and luxurious creature comforts for decades. Its models are some of the most iconic in their respective classes, like the XJ in luxury sedans, the F-Type in the performance car realm, and the F-PACE SVR among high-performance Super SUVs. However, Jaguar is opening a new chapter and delivering on its promise of transforming into an electric luxury car manufacturer, as it has unveiled a shocking revamp to its brand. A colorful new campaign has debuted, showing off Jaguar's new look, feel, and identity. It’s based on the ethos of Jaguar’s founder, Sir William Lyons, which is to “copy nothing.” The defining principle of Jaguar’s new brand identity, which includes a new logo, a new monogram, and a reimagined Jaguar “leaper,” is “exuberant modernism.” As such, the campaign showing off the transformed Jaguar is full of neon colors and avant-garde fashion, advocating for originality and artistic expression. The campaign features four messages: “delete ordinary,” “break molds,” “create exuberant,” and “live vivid.” Eyes will surely be on Jaguar’s next move after this radical revision of its brand identity. That next move will happen at Miami Art Week on December 2, where Jaguar will debut its new Design Vision Concept, previewing the unprecedented future of the historic British luxury manufacturer. View All Jaguars For Sale " width="680">

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 30, 2024

CALLUM Creates A New Roadgoing Bespoke Jaguar C-X75

CALLUM turns a stunning concept into a reality… again. Ian Callum led the team that penned one of the most beautiful modern supercar concepts: the Jaguar C-X75. The car, created in 2010, is inspired by racing and supercar icons from Jaguar from the past like the legendary Jaguar XJ220 and more. Despite remaining a concept, the C-X75 attained fame with its prominent appearance in the James Bond film Spectre. Callum describes the C-X75 as “the one that got away,” a supercar with incredible potential that never made it to production. However, the stunt cars used for the film production of Spectre provided an opportunity for CALLUM, founded by Ian Callum in 2019, to bring the Jaguar C-X75 to life. A new commission, the second customer commission of a Jaguar C-X75, has given the car the conclusion it deserves as a roadgoing supercar masterpiece, imbuing the concept with everyday practicality and comfort along with its stunning design and performance. The C-X75 Car 001 features a supercharged V8 paired to a 7-speed automatic transmission, which is made easily usable thanks to CALLUM’s in-house software and electronics. It has the ability to combine everyday comfort with thrilling performance, with active aero including an air brake function, Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, front-lift suspension, and more. Over 1,000 hours of painstaking craftsmanship was involved in creating the second Jaguar C-X75 customer commission, with stunning Willow Green paintwork and a variety of leathers upholstering the interior. Known for its growing list of bespoke and highly-exclusive automotive creations, CALLUM adds a stunning creation to its portfolio with the second Jaguar C-X75 commission. View All Jaguars For Sale Image Source: CALLUM

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 30, 2024

JLR Reports 29% Increase In Hybrid Sales In First Half Of...

Electrification is in demand for Jaguar Land Rover. Jaguar Land Rover is on the cusp of entering a new era, with new electric models on the horizon and hybrid models facilitating the transition to electrification. With a waitlist open for the upcoming Range Rover Electric, whose development is well underway, and a plug-in hybrid iteration of the Range Rover already available, Jaguar Land Rover is bounding towards the future with its British luxury lineup. The Range Rover Electric’s waitlist contains 48,000 clients, and it will be the first in a new lineup of JLR electric vehicles. With the first half of its FY25 in the books, Jaguar Land Rover is reporting that its efforts towards electrification have already proved a success. In the year’s first half, sales of hybrid vehicles have increased 29% compared to last year’s first half number. In addition, for the Range Rover brand alone, PHEV retail sales increased by 47 percent in the first half of the year. The same growth happened last year compared to the year before, as well. For JLR, the goal is to have a purely-electric version of each of its nameplates by 2030, with 2039 being the year in which the company plans to reach net carbon zero. Thanks to its new Modular Longitudinal Architecture, JLR’s lineup boasts the flexibility to offer ICE-powered and BEV variants to customers, with the current PHEV Range Rover boasting a 70-mile electric range, already offering commuters a way of relying on electric power. With electrification proving successful, Jaguar Land Rover is continuing down its path for the rest of its FY25. View All Land Rovers For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 29, 2024

Discover The Rare 1957 Jaguar XKSS Estimated To Sell For ...

The eight-figure Jaguar awaits its upcoming auction. While new cars are debuted to the world daily with updated design, tech, and performance, a fraction of them leave an everlasting mark and go on to be recognized as timeless icons. Pioneering creations like the Ferrari 250 GTO, McLaren F1, Lamborghini Miura, and Mercedes-Benz 300 SL have established legendary status as multi-million dollar gems thanks to their historical significance and continuous influence on modern-day car design. Showcasing a true piece of automotive history, the team at RM Sotheby's is proud to present this 1957 Jaguar XKSS as part of its upcoming London 2024 auction event on Saturday, November 2nd. Neil Fraser/RM Sotheby's Jaguar’s D-Type made racing history with three straight wins at Le Mans between 1955 and 1957, thanks to its advanced design led by Malcolm Sayer. With a sleek monocoque design, aircraft-inspired engineering, and cutting-edge aero, the D-Type quickly became a legend on the grid. After Jaguar left racing in 1956, a handful of D-Type chassis were converted into XKSS road cars, combining race car spirit with street-legal practicality. Neil Fraser/RM Sotheby's XKD 540 has enjoyed a colorful journey across continents and owners throughout its life. Originally painted British Racing Green, it was resprayed light blue by its first private owner, Phil Scragg, who entered it in hill climbs. It later found its way to Australia, where racing greats Jim Clark and Jackie Stewart famously took it for a spin. Over the years, the car has been maintained and restored with a light touch, keeping its original chassis, components, and unique character intact. Neil Fraser/RM Sotheby's This XKSS is a glimpse into Jaguar’s motorsport glory, with the soul of a racer and the practicality of a road car. Complete with extensive documentation and original spares, XKD 540 offers a rare opportunity for enthusiasts looking to own a car that’s as iconic on the road as it was on the track. With an astonishing sales estimate of $11.6 million to $14.3 million, you'll have to tune in to see what this 1957 Jaguar XKSS sells for at RM Sotheby's London 2024 auction event. View all RM Sotheby's inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All RM Sotheby's Inventory Source: RM Sotheby's

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 24, 2024

Jaguar Reveals 2 New Bespoke E-Type Commemorative Cars

50 years after the end of its production, Jaguar honors its sports car legend. Despite ending production in 1974, 50 years ago, the Jaguar E-type remains not only one of the most celebrated classic sports cars but is also often considered one of the most beautiful cars of all time. The E-type is a legendary chapter in Jaguar’s history and automotive history as a whole. Now, Jaguar is reviving the legend of the E-type with two ultra-exclusive commissions delivered to a Southeast Asian client. The cars, two Series I Jaguar Classic E‑type Commemorative examples, pay homage to the final 50 Commemorative Edition E-type examples from 1974. The hand-built cars feature stunning details and craftsmanship that involve over 2,000 hours of work. One is finished in Signet Green, while the other features Opal Black, both being original colors from 1974. Luxurious Bridge of Weir leather upholsters the interiors of both cars. The inclusion of jewelry from Deakin & Francis adds a unique, luxurious touch to both ultra-rare cars. The cars are adorned with 18-karat gold, mother-of-pearl, and hallmarked solid silver details. Reviving an incredible moment in its history, these two ultra-exclusive Jaguar E-type recreations are collector-grade automotive masterpieces that bring the past alive. View All Jaguar E-types For Sale Image Source: Jaguar

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 27, 2024

Jaguar Land Rover Announces $670M Investment In EV Factory

JLR makes another big investment in electrification. Recently, Jaguar Land Rover has been on a transformative journey of electrification. Jaguar retired the F-Type as its final combustion-powered sports car. Range Rover has opened the waitlist for a new model that will surely be a historic milestone for the legendary nameplate: the first-ever Range Rover Electric. Another important move has been made by the manufacturer in its electrification transition: an investment of over $670 million towards creating an EV factory in Merseyside, England. The factory is 61 years old, located in Halewood and built in 1963, originally to manufacture the Ford Anglia. Over $330 million has already been invested in the factory, and over a million hours of construction has taken place over the last 12 months. Expanding nearly 350,000 square feet will allow JLR to manufacture medium-sized electric luxury SUVs using the new EMA platform, standing for Electric Modular Architecture. New EV build lines, 750 autonomous robots, ADAS calibration rigs, and more mean that on the other side of this large investment and ambitious project, the factory will be the EV factory “of the future.” Part of the Reimagine strategy that JLR has recently set into motion, the ultimate goal of this investment, as well as the others Jaguar Land Rover has made recently, is to electrify its brands by 2030 and become carbon neutral across its supply chain and operations by 2039. With a big investment and lots of construction underway, the next chapter of Jaguar Land Rover’s history is nigh. View All Land Rovers For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 13, 2024

Jaguar Land Rover Brings Royal Family Cars & More To Mont...

Jaguar Land Rover arrives at one of the world’s most significant automotive events. Monterey Car Week is one of the most anticipated times on the automotive calendar. Its events combine earth-shattering reveals with record-breaking sales and award-winning historic displays. Manufacturers from all over the world bring their latest and greatest to be showcased at Monterey Car Week, and the newest announcement from Jaguar Land Rover says that it is doing the same. At the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Land Rover Classic is showcasing a curation of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s cars, celebrating Jaguar Land Rover’s historical impact. The collection showcases vehicles used by the Royal Family, both official cars and vehicles in the household fleet. Next to the vehicle display, a modern twist on the classic British Garden party will take place. In addition, the 70th anniversary of the Jaguar D-type will take place at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. Range Rover House, the luxury experience offered with the legendary Range Rover name and aesthetic, is also returning to the forest of Pebble Beach this year. This time, the new Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two will make its public debut, and Range Rover will also be revealing this year’s Range Rover SV Carmel Edition, limited to just 17 units. With its signature take on sleek, modern British automotive luxury and a celebration of its magnificent history, Jaguar Land Rover will form some of the cornerstones of this year’s Monterey Car Week splendor. View All Land Rovers For Sale

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