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 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

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 07, 2023

Jaguar Backs The Launch Of A Major EV Charging Hub With I...

Jaguar plays a key role in opening one of Europe's largest EV charging hubs, featuring 180 charging points and solar panel canopy.

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 23, 2023

Jaguar Land Rover Reuses Car Batteries For Renewable Energy

Used batteries from the Jaguar I-PACE can power 750 homes.

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 26, 2023

How Jaguar Preserved The F-Type's V8 Sound In The British...

As Jaguar transitions to electric vehicles, the iconic sound of the F-TYPE V8 finds a home in the British Library archives.

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 11, 2023

Jaguar Reveals New Facelift For The 2023 I-PACE

Jaguar’s all-electric SUV is refreshed and ready for 2023. As Jaguar’s all-electric luxury performance SUV, the I-PACE has been celebrated for its futuristic design, ample amenities, and impressive efficiency and performance. However, quite some time has passed, and the I-PACE is due for an update, which is just what Jaguar gave it. For 2023, the new Jaguar I-PACE boasts improvements all around, with revised design, improved efficiency and charging, exhilarating performance, and even new trim levels that boast increased levels of personalization. MUST READ: Jaguar Unveils Its New F-PACE Lineup With Upgraded Design, Technology, And Performance Starting with the obvious, Jaguar’s changes to the look of the I-PACE start at the grille, which is changed to feature a smooth Atlas Grey finish, while other body panels go from having a gloss black finish to being body-colored for a clean, sleek, minimal look. Customers are also able to opt for a contrast panoramic roof that is entirely black, whereas before, the rear portion before was body-colored. Also, modern satin-finish paint is available now in Eiger Grey and Carpathian Grey. A 292-mile range, paired with the I-PACE’s ability to go from 0-60 in just 4.8 seconds show off the I-PACE’s excellent all-electric powertrain and drivetrain. In addition, fast charging capability allows drivers to use 100kW DC chargers to add as much as 78 miles of range in 15 minutes. With the introduction of an R-Dynamic family of trims, the I-PACE is more configurable than ever. With a refreshed look, feel, and drive, the Jaguar I-PACE is ready to shock the luxury SUV world again. View All Jaguar I-PACEs For Sale Source: Jaguar

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 14, 2022

Jaguar Unveils Its New F-PACE Lineup With Upgraded Design...

While the market for luxury SUVs continues to grow in popularity, leading manufacturers are behind-the-scenes engineering new technology that will enhance design and performance. The innovative professionals at Jaguar are applying this forward-thinking to its line of F-PACE models, offering more compelling figures for future drivers. Jaguar is proud to announce a more simplified model line for the 2024 model year, featuring the P400e, R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE, R-Dynamic HSE, 400 SPORT, and SVR. As part of the re-design, Jaguar will present an ‘Enhanced Black Pack’ that adds a stealth-like appearance to the SUV. The desired package showcases gloss black finishes on the door mirror caps, grille, window trim, fender vents, rear valance, and rear badging, which is standard on specs from R-Dynamic SE onwards, including the SVR. Wheel options are also available with 19-inch sport-driven styles that are standard for R-Dynamic HSE models. MUST-READ: 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR Review: Pantomime In Spades Inside the spacious cabin of the F-PACE is more technology than ever, fitting specific models with a new TFT Digital Driver Display that offers two-dial configurations for media and navigation. Every model in the F-PACE range has the fast, intuitive Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering seamless connectivity through wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, integrated Alexa voice control, and what3words navigation. Of all the new Jaguar F-Pace SUVs, the SVR and P400e are the two to receive significant powertrain upgrades. The flagship SVR is driven by Jaguar’s 542 horsepower 5.0L Supercharged V8, accelerating from 0-60mph in just 3.8 seconds. The electrified F-Pace P400e incorporates a bigger lithium-ion battery pack that enables the hybrid to achieve a 40-mile range on zero emissions power, an increase of more than 20 -percent over the previous generation. All F-PACE’s use an intelligent all-wheel-drive system and eight-speed automatic transmissions, delivering the ideal balance, performance, agility, and responsiveness expected from a Jaguar. View all current Jaguar F-PACE examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking on the link below. View All Jaguar F-PACE For Sale Source: Jaguar

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 31, 2022

Jaguar Land Rover Partners With Wolfspeed On Silicon Carb...

Jaguar Land Rover isn’t driving into the future alone. As the entire auto industry is, Jaguar Land Rover is looking forward to a future with electric cars, and the group’s goal is to reach a net zero carbon footprint by 2039. In order to do this, gaining access to electric vehicle innovation is absolutely necessary, and Jaguar Land Rover has chosen the firm Wolfspeed as a partner for silicon carbide semiconductor technology. MUST READ: Rare “007 Edition” 2022 Land Rover Defender 110 For Sale This technology promises to increase the efficiency and range of the next generation of Jaguar and Land Rover electric vehicles, and the silicon carbide technology will specifically be implemented in the inverters of the vehicles where it will be used to help transfer the power from the battery to the electric motors as effectively as possible. With new technology from Wolfspeed, new electric vehicles from Jaguar Land Rover starting in 2025 will be better than they’ve ever been before. Land Rover Defender For Sale Source: Jaguar Land Rover

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 13, 2022

Two New Jaguar C-Type Continuation "70 Edition" Honor The...

To celebrate an important 70th anniversary, Jaguar brings an important piece of its history back to life. Jaguar has a very rich history in the automotive and motorsport world, with some incredible successes to its name in the 20th century. One of those is the Jaguar C-type, a race car that helped pioneer disc brakes, and dominated the 1953 24 Hours of Le Mans race nearly 70 years ago. To celebrate this incredible milestone, Jaguar has revealed two “70 Editions” of the Jaguar C-type continuation, a car that revitalizes the C-type from Jaguar Classic into a car that collectors can own, drive, and enjoy today. MUST READ: The New 2023 Jaguar F-TYPE 75 Special Edition Celebrates 75 Years Of Jaguar Sports Cars The first is a one-off, finished in Verbier Silver with a Cranberry Red leather interior. The car is specifically created to honor the Platinum Anniversary of the Jaguar C-type, and the color combination that it is featured in will never be repeated. The other 70 Edition C-type Continuation that has been revealed is finished in British Racing Green with a Suede Green interior. Each of these cars requires 3,000 hours of work to build at Jaguar’s Classic Works facility, and it shows that dedication to making and honoring automotive history can result in amazing things. View All Jaguars For Sale Source: Jaguar

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 11, 2022

The New 2023 Jaguar F-TYPE 75 Special Edition Celebrates ...

Jaguar celebrates 75 years of sports cars made by the brand and the beginning of something very different. The transformation of the automotive industry as electric vehicles begin to take over is upon us, and whether you like it or not, things are changing, and they’re changing fast. For Jaguar, that change is set to fully take place starting in 2025, and while that means we can be sure to look forward to some incredible electric luxury cars and electric luxury performance cars, it means that the current combustion engine-powered lineup is something we will sadly have to say goodbye to, including the F-TYPE model that has been a favorite from the brand for years. MUST READ: The Jaguar E-type 60 Collection Embarks On The E-type’s Legendary 1961 Geneva Drive The stylish and powerful sports car evokes the legendary Jaguar E-type model of decades ago, a car that helped define the rulebook for sports cars and luxury cars with its strong performance and undeniably beautiful design. In 2023, the F-TYPE will be the model that rings in 75 years of Jaguar sports cars, but soon after, it will have to give way to a new, all-electric Jaguar brand, which is why Jaguar is celebrating with special F-TYPE 75 and F-TYPE R 75 edition cars available in both the coupe and convertible body styles of the car. The special edition features unique design elements inside and out, with a special paint option of Giola Green metallic. The cars are available to order now, and deliveries for them will begin in January 2023, bittersweetly marking 75 years of Jaguar sports cars, and the end of an era in a very big way. View All Jaguar F-TYPEs For Sale Source: Jaguar

By Tyler Rampersaud – July 28, 2022

Christie's Is Auctioning Stunt Cars Featured In No Time T...

These cars with screen time are being auctioned to support a great cause. One of the most important and exciting aspects of the legendary James Bond films has always been the cars. Whether it be an Aston Martin or a BMW, the cars play a big role in creating a glamorous atmosphere and telling the story of the adventures of 007. The latest film, No Time To Die, features cars from Jaguar and Land Rover, namely the Land Rover Defender 110, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR, and the Jaguar XF. At Christie’s in London, these stunt cars will be sold by auction at an invitation-only sale on September 28, and they’ll be joined by the SV Bespoke-created Land Rover Defender 110 V8 Bond Edition. MUST READ: Land Rover’s New Custom Rally Defender Celebrates 60 Years Of James Bond Movies Each car will be sold to defend charity, with the Defender 110 that starred in the film being sold to benefit British Red Cross, the Defender 110 V8 Bond Edition being sold to benefit Tusk, a conservation charity, and the Range Rover Sport and Jaguar XF being sold to support charity, as well. The Defender 110 is incredibly special as it was not only one of the 10 stunt Defenders used for filming, but it also features a 007 VIN, and it was also used to promotion for the film before its release. The cars will also be on display at Christie’s headquarters from September 15 to the 28th when the auction will take place as part of a two-part charity sale with 60 lots, Sixty Years of James Bond with an online sale going from September 15 to October 5 which is James bond day, and 25 lots selling at Christie’s at the invitation-only auction on September 28. View All Land Rovers For Sale Source: Jaguar/Land Rover

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