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 – 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 Andrew Nabors – September 21, 2017

Jaguar Introduces 2018 Lineup In Detroit

If you have been considering a British luxury car, Jaguar has something for everyone. The Art of Performance Tour is taking place in Novi, Michigan to show the new models to the Detroit area. A litter of newborn Jaguars includes the all-new E-Pace, an XF Sportbrake, and a ferocious XJR575 sedan.Reviewed: 2017 Jaguar F-Type SVR Convertible The E-Pace is an elegant compact SUV with many features inspired by the I-Pace concept. Smaller than the F-Pace, it is also priced at only $38,600 for the base model. Station wagons are making a comeback and the XF Sportbrake will be offered in four-cylinder and supercharged V6 models. It offers almost 70 cubic feet of storage when the 2nd row is folded, along with perfect weight distribution.Saving the best for last, the engineers have somehow shoved the SVR 575 horsepower supercharged V8 into the XJR sedan. Their flagship model has been in production since 1968, but it has never had anywhere near this much power. It is the same engine found in the F-Type SVR and the insane XE Project 8.The 5.0-liter super sedan is the XJR575, and it starts at $122,400. Only available in long wheelbase, it is England's answer to the CTS-V. The video below explains the styling of the E-Pace, so let us know what you think of these new offerings and stay with us for all your Jaguar updates.

By Andrew Nabors – May 26, 2017

2018 Jaguar XE SV Project 8: Most Powerful of its Kind

We enthusiasts owe Tata Motors a pat on the back. They have transformed Jaguar and Land Rover from subtle and quirky into fast and reliable cars. It seems their engineers have a love affair with making incredible power, which has led to the SVR versions of the Range Rover and the F-Type. But in an unprecedented move, they have developed a new V8 that happens to be the most powerful engine in the brand's history. That's right, it outshines everything, including the XJ220.The Special Vehicle Operations team had a target of 600 horsepower, so they used a recipe that is gaining popularity among supercars. It involves 5 liters of V8 mixed with a few liters of supercharger. Rated at 600 metric horsepower, it makes 590 using the more common SAE standard. You might assume it would be going into a special edition of the XJ or a new supercar, but we were happy to learn they have crammed it into the compact XE. Big engine in a small car is nothing but fun, but it comes with a catch....Only 300 examples of the 2018 Jaguar XE SV Project 8 will be built. Not 300 for the US, but for the planet. And since Jaguar sells cars everywhere except North Korea, we will be lucky to get a dozen.Also Check Out - Jaguar C X75: By The Numbers Don't lament over the small numbers, they wouldn't go to such trouble to put a great engine back on the shelf. Cadillac did something similar back in 2004, and it really caught on! We'll probably see this monster motor it in other Jaguar and Land Rover models down the road. A new Jaguar XE is still as fun as a barrel of monkeys, so check them out at your local dealer.

By Edward Jones – July 05, 2016

Impossibly Rare Jaguar XKSS Reborn

Back in 1957, Jaguar was set to build a number of the XKSS to be exported to the United States. But disaster struck at the Browns Lane factory on February 12, 1957 as fire roared through the building, destroying nine of the XKSS models. Now, over half a decade later, Jaguar is building those nine lost XKSS' and selling them as continuation models to a "select group of established collectors and customers."(Also Read: 1994 Jaguar XJ220 With 446 Original Miles At Curated) “The continuation XKSS reaffirms our commitment to nurture the passion and enthusiasm for Jaguar’s illustrious past by offering exceptional cars, services, parts and experiences.” - Tim Hannig, Director of Jaguar Land Rover ClassicEach of these models will be handcrafted by Jaguar Classic technicians and will be built to the same exact specification as the ones lost in the fire. The price of these models is not known, but we do know that all nine continuation models are already sold and will be delivered in early 2017.The 2017 Jaguar XKSS comes after Jaguar's Lightweight E-type continuation models of 2015, which helped the company gather more expertise on how to recreate such historic cars. What's more, the recreated Lightweight E-type chassis number 15 will be making its racing debut at the Le Mans Classic Circuit de la Sarthe come July 9 with Chris Harris behind the wheel.View All Jaguars For Sale

Jaguar News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe