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 – December 06, 2017

Jaguar I-Pace Prototype Testing in LA

Jaguar has seen record sales for 2017, with one model outshining the rest. We love the F-Type and the mean SVR, but the F-Pace has been a runaway success. Sales of SUVs make up a large segment of the US market, so the engineers at Jaguar/Land Rover have something new arriving for 2018. The I-Pace is not simply an electric version of the F-Pace. It is England's first all-electric SUV, and it has two AC motors powered by the latest in lithium-ion technology.2018 Jaguar E-Pace Arriving In JulyWired was able to ride shotgun in the first production-ready prototype, and the video was uploaded to Dailymotion this morning. Details on the new model will be coming soon, and hopefully, it will match the concept we saw last year. It is predicted to have a 0-60 time of 4.0 seconds, thanks to a combined 400 horsepower. The body is built around a 90 kWh battery in order to provide a range of 300 miles. It will not be inexpensive as it is aimed at the Tesla Model X. Tell us what you think of the I-Pace in the comments below and stay with us for all your Jaguar news.http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6b4kmx View Jaguar F-Pace For Sale

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 Edward Jones – July 24, 2017

New Jaguar XJR575 Revealed During 186 mph Interview

Jaguar has unveiled their brand-new XJR575 in a most impressive fashion: a 186 mph reveal/interview.On a long strip of tarmac, TV presenter and racer Amanda Stretton interviews Wayne Burgess, Production Studio Director and SVO Projects at Jaguar, quizzed by TV presenter and racer Amanda Stretton in the back of the XJR575 as a driver takes them all the way up to 186 mph. " I have done plenty of short interviews in my time, but nothing quite like this! It might have been a bit of fun but doesn’t it just demonstrate perfectly the extreme performance of the new XJR575. I could barely finish answering those quick-fire questions before we hit 186mph and then it was all over! Can we go again?" - Wayne Burgess The new XJR575 is now Jaguar's flagship for the XJ range, upping the power from 550 hp to 575 hp, and has 517 lb-ft of torque at the ready. That's good for a 0-60 mph time of just 4.2 seconds, impressive for a four-door.When purchased, customers will be able to choose between two bespoke exterior colors for their new XJR575: Velocity Blue and Satin Corris Grey. Joining the bespoke colors are red brake calipers and 20-inch 5 Split-Spoke 'Style 5044' gloss-black wheels.

By Edward Jones – July 13, 2017

Jaguar E-PACE Does an Actual Barrel Roll

Jaguar unveiled the 2016 XF by driving it across a tightrope and unveiled the F-PACE by driving it around a loop. Now, Jaguar has unveiled the new E-PACE by making it do a barrel roll. A. Freakin'. Barrel. Roll.Yes, during the compact SUV's unveiling, the E-PACE pulled of a 50-foot long, 270-degree corkscrew-like "barrel roll." This stunt set an official Guinness World Record for the Furthest Barrel Roll in a Production Vehicle.The man behind the wheel during the barrel roll was stunt driver Terry Grant, who holds 21 Guinness World Records. “As far as I am aware, no production car has ever cleanly completed a bona-fide barrel roll and therefore it has always been an ambition of mine to perform one ever since I was a boy," says Grant in a press release from Jaguar. "After driving the Jaguar F-PACE in the record-breaking loop-the-loop, it has been amazing to help launch the next chapter of the PACE family in an even more dramatic dynamic feat.”If you're interested in getting your own Jaguar E-PACE, you can configure one now at JaguarUSA.com. The starting price is set at $38,600, barrel rolls not included.

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

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – June 27, 2016

Jaguar F-PACE Climbs Goodwood On Two Wheels

Last year's Goodwood Festival of Speed brought Jaguar a Guinness World Record for biggest loop-the-loop thanks to stunt driver, Terry Grant, and the Jaguar F-PACE. This year, Grant came back to perform again, this time, wowing the crowd with a two-wheeled drive.Taking the wheel of the Jaguar F-PACE, the company's first family sports car, Grant brought the four-wheeled vehicle up on two wheels and proceeded in climbing out of the passenger window, performing tricks and waving to the crowd from the exterior of the moving vehicle. Happy to work with Jaguar again, Grant stated,"When Jaguar gave me the opportunity to reunite with the F-PACE used to break the world’s largest loop record, I couldn’t say no. Its light, stiff aluminium body and precise controls make it the perfect wheelie vehicle, and it was great to have Lee Bowers along for company – even if he did climb out halfway through our run!"Grant's stunt involved hours of planning and practice, all of which paid off as the crowd was excited and captivated by his performance.Jaguar F-PACE for Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 17, 2016

2016 Jaguar XF: Price, Specs, Review and Photos

2016 Jaguar XF Specs Price: $51,170 Engine: 3.0-liter V6 Horsepower: 380 hp 0–60: 5.1 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic Already known for its blend of agility and old English style, the XF now bears an updated grille, larger front air intakes and re-molded bodywork. The base 2016 XF retains the previous 3.0-liter, supercharged 340 horsepower V6 and an eight-speed semi-automatic gearbox. The XF S, on the other hand, creates 380 horsepower, and is capable of launching the sport model from 0-60 miles per hour in 5.1 seconds. Inside, Jaguar’s touchscreen infotaintment system has been improved with InControl Touch Pro, which flaunts a 10.2 inch screen. The new XF builds upon its predecessor’s reputation of supreme handling and drivability to carry Jaguar beyond the competition. Buy Your Issue Now

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – January 31, 2016

2016 Jaguar XJR: Price, Specs, Review and Photos

2016 Jaguar XJR Specs Price: $116,995 (SWB) Engine: 5.0-liter supercharged V8 Horsepower: 550 hp 0–62: 4.7 seconds Top Speed: 174 mph Transmission: 8-speed automatic ReviewThe 2016 XJR receives a mild facelift with LED lighting and more aggressive air intakes, but the big changes are inside. The all-new InControl system uses touch screens and hard drives that interface with your smartphone. The Meridian sound system has been upgraded to an 825-watt, 17-speaker system that hopefully won’t overpower the soundtrack from the 550 horsepower supercharged V8, which sends 502 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic. ...this isn’t your Grandfather’s Jaguar For rear passenger entertainment, HDMI and USB ports are available to control the 10.2-inch screens. With more power and intelligence than any of its predecessors, this isn’t your Grandfather’s Jaguar.Jaguar XJRs For Sale Buy Your Issue Now

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By Caitlin Duffy – November 11, 2015

Jaguar Heritage Parts Add E-type Replacement Body Panels

The Jaguar E-type has been heralded as one of the finest cars the marque has ever created, with some, namely Enzo Ferrari, going so far as to call it the most beautiful car ever made. Now, owners of this stunning classic will be able to bring it back to a like-new state through Jaguar Heritage Parts.As a press release from the British marque today shared, all of the body panels for Series 1 E-types and many of the parts for Series 2 and 3 models have been made available to customers. Each panel is crafted using the latest state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, ensuring they'll last even longer than the originals."We've taken huge steps to ensure that we are now providing the highest quality E-type panels on the market," described Tim Hannig, Director of Jaguar Land Rover Heritage, in the release. "This has been achieved using the original factory drawings and designs of the E-type, combined with state-of-the art new tooling. In fact, you could say that our customers are now able to buy panels, even better than the originals."Jaguar Heritage currently offers more than 30,000 spare and replacement parts for vehicles that have been out of production for at least 10 years, ensuring that their classic models can be enjoyed and shared with future generations.Check out the process behind crafting these body panels in the gallery below, then find your own E-type for a restoration project from our exclusive listings.E-types For SaleGallery (via Jaguar) See More Jaguar News

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