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 Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2020

New Jaguar Series Highlights Incredible Collections

We can't agree more with Jaguar and Land Rover's #keepitparked campaign. There is no reason to be on the road, so enjoy your time with a new YouTube series. Jaguar is going around the world to highlight their most-dedicated collectors. If you have ever been to a British car show, you know there are no casual owners. These men and women know the torque-spec of every bolt. Asking them if their Jaguar is for sale is truly insulting. Check Out Jay Leno's Car Collection Such is the case with their first installment, profiling Scott Holley. Play this video in slow-motion to view cars that you will never see in person. He lives in Indiana, and that's all we will tell you. Post your favorite car from this film in the comments below, and stay with us for more amazing collections. Browse Jaguar For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2020

2021 Jaguar F-Type Teasers

Our apologies in advance, as our news might follow a different format in the following days. The Swiss Government canceled the Geneva Motor Show at the last minute. This has sent ripples across the automotive world, forcing automakers to unveil their new cars online over the next few days. We assume these were planned to coincide with events at the show, so without further adieu here are the new 2021 Jaguar F-Type teasers. " width="680"> " width="680"> Jaguar F-Type SVR Review, Specs & Pics " width="680"> " width="680"> " width="680"> It is clearly evident that the new Jaguar F-Type will be a sensation. Engines range from a 2-liter Turbo with 296 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Mid-level cars receive a 3-liter V6 making 380/339 to all wheels, and the R Model also features AWD with 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. Click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your F-Type updates. Browse All Jaguar F-Type For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – December 02, 2019

New 2021 Jaguar F-Type Revealed With Refreshed Style

The new 2021 Jaguar F-TYPE has been unveiled with a new style and a list of enhancements. Obviously, the biggest change for the new F-TYPE is its new look. This fresh face is highlighted by the slim headlights, larger grille, new hood, and taillights similar to the I-PACE's. Inside, Jaguar has given the cabin a refresh, along with the pertinent technology. For example, a 12.3-inch HD instrument cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and software-over-the-air functionality is now standard. For power, Jaguar is releasing a few different options for the 2021 F-TYPE. This includes the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (296 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque), 3.0-liter supercharged V6 (380 hp and 339 lb-ft) and 5.0-liter supercharged V8 (575 hp and 516 lb-ft) engine options. Each of them is equipped with an eight-speed Quickshift transmission. The V8 model is actually the new F-TYPE R, which sees a 25 hp and 14 lb-ft of torque increase over the previous model. SEE ALL F-TYPES FOR SALE " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 11, 2019

Jaguar XE SV Project 8 For Sale

Sometimes the best motivation is telling someone it can't be done. Ever since Jaguar teased the world, we've encountered this beast at multiple shows. It is a formula as old as motoring. Take your smallest sedan and drop in your most powerful engine. After a few jabs by unnamed Automotive Journalists, they called our bluff. Only 100 cars were built for the world, so here is your chance to own a Jaguar XE SV Project 8 for sale. What is it? It is a production XE body with an all-new chassis. Under the hood is a 592 horsepower V8, the same supercharged monster found in Jaguar and Land Rover SVR models. View Listing View Listing View Listing It is tuned to its fullest potential and sends power to all wheels. The carbon-ceramic brakes are almost 16".Not only did it beat its own time at the 'Ring, it is also a record holder at Laguna Seca. This is the meanest cat Jaguar has ever spawned, and we have 3 of them to choose from. " width="680"> Related: Jaguar XE SV in Action: Proves its Worth Jaguar XE SV Smashes its own 'Ring Record

By Andrew Nabors – November 05, 2019

James Bond Jaguar C-X75 Spectre Film Car to be Auctioned ...

Villains and heroes alike should respect the work that goes into a Bond film. That's why fans of Agent 007 are heading to Abu Dhabi for Thanksgiving. That is where the first Jaguar C-X75 Spectre film car will be auctioned by RM Sotheby's. Ian Callum penned this iconic supercar in 2010 and it was given the green light for production. Sadly, Jaguar canceled it when the Hypercar wars began. It finally saw action on the big screen, driven by the evil Mr. Hinx. Played by Dave Bautista, this car was used for closeups and character interactions. Browse Jaguar XE SV Project 8 For Sale That is why it survived in pristine condition while the other three movie cars were beaten severely. After filming, Felipe Massa showcased its abilities at the 2015 Mexican Grand Prix. Williams completely restored the car and returned it to Jaguar, and it is being offered in like-new condition. If your collection needs a piece of James Bond & Jaguar history, click the button below for all the details. View Details Related: Jaguar C-X75 Caught Leaving Top Marques Monaco

By Edward Jones – October 25, 2019

All-Electric Jaguar Vision GT Coupe Revealed

Jaguar has just revealed their all-new, all-electric Vision GT Coupe. This is the first time the English automaker has created a virtual all-electric sports car. So, when will we be able to see this car in real life? Never, most likely. Jaguar designed this car specifically for the Gran Turismo Sport video game. The inspiration for the Vision GT Coupe came from the classic C-type and D-type race cars. Unlike those iconic cars, this car is jampacked with as much technology as possible. As for its propulsion, it relies on three electric motors that produce 1006 horsepower. This kind of power can propel the virtual car from 0 to 62 mph in less than two seconds. Inside the car, the driver can take advantage of an augmented reality digital ide glass that can highlight danger and obstacles. Gamers can take this car out for a spin in the end of November in the Gran Turismo Sport game for Playstation 4. see all jaguars for sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 24, 2019

Jaguar XE SV Project 8 Beat its own 'Ring Record

There is always room for improvement at Jaguar's Special Vehicle Operations. As we have learned in their latest press release, engineers fitted their fastest sedan with a new Track Pack. This removes the rear seats and adds a set of Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 R tires. Armed with these improvements, the Jaguar XE SV Project 8 beat its own 'Ring record. Back in November of 2017, they were able to set a sedan record time of 7 minutes, 21.23 seconds. Development driver Vincent Radermecker dropped the car into track mode. This lowers and firms the suspension in preparation to attack the Nordschleife. Adjustable aerodynamics front and rear were set for maximum downforce, and the fastest run of the day was a blistering 7 minutes 18.361 seconds. Jaguar XE SV Smashes Laguna Seca Record This is only a hair slower than the latest Porsche 911 GT3, and a fraction faster than a 2012 Corvette ZR1. To celebrate this achievement, Jaguar is building 15 examples for the world and each one is capable of 186 mph. Pricing starts at (£149,995), or $187,314. If need the ultimate Jaguar, click the link below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Project 8 updates. Browse Jaguar XE FOr Sale Related: Jaguar XE SV Project 8 Unleashed in Portugal Jaguar Smashes Electric Speedboat World Record

By Edward Jones – May 01, 2019

Jaguar and Land Rover Owners Will Be Able to Earn Cryptoc...

There are many ways to earn money while you drive, but this new way from Jaguar Land Rover is quite unique. The English automaker has introduced their new "Smart Wallet" technology, allowing drivers to earn cryptocurrency while they drive. Yes, I'm serious. According to Jaguar Land Rover, drivers will be able to earn credits if they share information about potholes, traffic jams and more. Well, the car will actually be doing the reporting automatically to navigation providers or local authorities. Currency earned can be rewarded for things like coffee, pay toll change, parking fees, and more. For the currency itself, Jaguar Land Rover teamed up with the IOTA Foundation. Through their distributed ledger tech, the payments require no transaction fees and they say that over time the transactions will get faster as it grows to a predicted 75 billion connected devices by 2025. Currently, the tech is just being tested but it looks quite promising. I could definitely do without having to dig for change when I come up to a pay toll. see all jaguars for sale Also Check Out: Jaguar Unveils F-Type Rally Cars For 70th Anniversary Jaguar F-Type SVR vs Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon New Infotainment from Jaguar Land Rover Classic

By Andrew Nabors – January 08, 2019

Evolution E-Types: Rebirth of a Legend

If you have the means to purchase a classic Jaguar E-Type, you must accept its quirks. The design is timeless, but the components and engineering were somewhat dated when they launched in 1961. The Evolution E-Type looks to bring the classic into the modern era. This allowed Uryk Dmyterko to make a name for himself. Known across the globe as the E-Type expert, his business grew from basic restorations into manufacturing the parts needed for a frame-off rebuild. The original Jaguar subframe & monocoque is flimsy by modern standards. So they started over with high strength steel. Every weld is gusseted before the entire assembly is acid dipped and treated to an epoxy primer. The enclosed spaces are coated in cavity wax for years of rust-free cruising. Now with a strong foundation, their attention turned to the engine. The straight six now has forged internals that are stronger and much lighter than the originals. A modern electronic fuel injection system has nearly doubled the torque output. This made them address the transmission's weak points. Their new aluminum 5-speed has triple synchros and a deep overdrive for the highway. Rusty body panels prompted Uryk to remake them in aluminum, using traditional methods in lieu of modern machine tools. He and his team realized they had almost every part needed to restore an E-Type, so they took a leap of faith. In a press release this morning, we learned that Evolution E-Types will be showing their all-new cars February 14th to 17th at London Excel. The rebirth of this legendary car is reason to celebrate, so perhaps it is time to experience one for yourself. If you want a classic example please click on the link below and stay with us for all your classic car news. View All E-Types For Sale https://vimeo.com/307063678 Related: Royal Wedding's E-Type Concept Zero E-Type Barely Misses Crashing Into Ferrari

By Andrew Nabors – November 12, 2018

Jaguar Unveils F-Type Rally Cars For 70th Anniversary

It has been 70 years since the introduction of the XK 120, so Jaguar has a few unique builds lined up. The first two were announced in a press release this morning, and they are ready to rally! With a long history in all forms of motorsports, they decided on a pair of feral cats that are ready to go offroad. Both cars are F-type convertibles powered by their 300 hp turbo-4, the pair were equipped with FIA-spec lighting and chassis upgrades ti be legal for competition. They are inspired by an XK 120 that completed three consecutive Alpine Rallies without a single penalty point. If you want in on the celebration, the F-Type "Chequered Flag Limited Edition" . They are white with black exterior accents, along with several race-inspired interior upgrades. The seats are Windsor leather with embroidered headrests, and the center console is brushed aluminum. Offered with the turbo-4 or the 3.0-liter supercharged V6. Click the link below to find our dealer near you, and stay with us for all your Jaguar news. Related: View All Jaguar F-Type For Sale Jaguar F-Type SVR vs Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon Jaguar XE SV Project 8 Smashes Laguna Seca Record

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