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 – May 16, 2024

Jaguar Sends Off F-PACE With New 90th Anniversary Edition

Jaguar sends off its SUV and celebrates 90 years of history. Starting next year, Jaguar is on the cusp of a new era. After 90 years as one of the most iconic and recognizable British manufacturers of sporty luxury vehicles, Jaguar is transitioning to become an all-electric vehicle manufacturer starting in 2025. However, before it does, Jaguar is sending off the F-PACE, its first SUV model, with a commemorative special edition that celebrates the influence of the F-PACE and the entire rich history of Jaguar as a manufacturer. Based on the R-Dynamic variant of the Jaguar F-PACE, the new Jaguar F-PACE 90th Anniversary Edition celebrates one of Jaguar’s most successful models yet, with special touches like diamond-turned wheels, privacy glass, a panoramic roof, aluminum interior trim, contrast stitching, and more. Of course, special badging distinguishes the special edition, as well. Alongside the 90th Anniversary Edition, which is available with mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, Jaguar is also sending off the supercharged V8-powered F-PACE SVR with the Jaguar F-PACE SVR 575 Edition, serving as the final iteration of the robust and bold high-performance luxury SUV. Both models are available for order starting May 16, and it marks a significant milestone in Jaguar’s first nine decades of history. View All Jaguar F-PACEs For Sale Image Source: Jaguar

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By Tyler Rampersaud – June 01, 2022

The New Jaguar F-PACE SVR Edition 1988 Pays Homage To Jag...

SV Bespoke turns the Jaguar F-PACE SVR into a celebration of Jaguar racing heritage. The new Jaguar F-PACE SVR Edition 1988 has been created by SV Bespoke to celebrate the Jaguar XJR-9 LM, which won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 1988. Already imbued with Jaguar’s performance legacy, the F-PACE SVR features a 542-horsepower V8 engine, able to get from 0-60 in just 3.8 seconds, and up to a top speed of 178 mph, all while being a stunningly elegant luxury SUV. MUST READ: 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR Review: Pantomime In Spades The SV Bespoke Edition 1988 adds an array of unique touches that pay homage to its racing inspiration, like specially-formulated Midnight Amethyst Goss paint and Champagne Gold Satin 22-inch wheels, as well as other gold accents throughout the interior, including a unique gold Jaguar leaper and lettering at the rear, as well as Edition 1988 logos throughout the exterior. The interior features open-pore carbon fiber and Ebony leather, with special Sunset Gold Satin details and Edition 1988 logos throughout. Because the Edition 1988 will be limited to only 394 examples worldwide, the words “ONE OF 394” is featured on the SV Bespoke badging. The F-PACE SVR Edition 1988 is available to order now worldwide, and with only 394 available, they’re sure to go quick. View All Jaguar F-PACEs For Sale Source: Jaguar Related Video:

Jag F PACE SVR 21MY 29 Static DF2549 021220

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2021

2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR Supercharged Driven by Carfection

Henry + Boost = Fun Mr. Catchpole has a way with words, especially when it comes to English luxury. So grab a snack and let's watch him extol the virtues of the latest Jaguar F-Pace. Sharing the same chassis as the Land Rover Velar, it offers 550 horsepower at all wheels from their supercharged V8. Having the same firing order as big-block Buicks, it also sounds quite aggressive when provoked. It makes 516 lbs of torque (at all wheels) from idle to 5,000 rpm, so a foot-braked launch is truly impressive. Our dealers have great leasing options on them, so click the button to find your new Jaguar. Browse New Jaguar F-Pace SVR For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 02, 2020

New 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR Offers Unprecedented Abilities

Time waits for no one, especially when it comes to luxurious crossovers. Thanks to a clean-sheet redesign, the new 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR offers unprecedented abilities. Starting on the inside, the interior is awash in leather and machined metals. Centered around an 11.4" touchscreen, you can customize the menus and layout of all systems. Every switch and control is new, with many being specific to the SVR. Jaguar Land Rover Invests In Aerospace Technology For Future Models Perhaps the most important achievements are under the hood. A new steering rack is mounted lower than before, and the electrics impose varying levels of feedback depending on your driving mode. The shocks and struts are also new, offering a wider range of response in all modes. Brakes are much larger and they are cooled by dedicated ducts from the front bumper. " width="680"> These changes were necessary because the supercharged 5-liter now offers 516 lb-ft of torque and 550 horsepower. You will be at 60 mph in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 178 mph. Aerodynamic lift was cut by 35% to keep you stable at triple-digit speeds. Including 23.1 miles per gallon, this cat deserves your consideration. Click the link below for all the details and stay with us for all your Jaguar news. Browse Jaguar F-Pace For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 15, 2020

2021 Jaguar F-Pace Updated With New Styling & Connectivity

Innovation never stops at Jaguar/Land Rover. In an ongoing quest to give customers the ultimate in English luxury, the 2021 Jaguar F-Pace has been updated with new styling and connectivity. Starting at the most obvious, the new grille is flanked by slim LED headlights. The hood has been revised for improved aerodynamics, and every aspect of the exterior was studied for wind noise. " width="680"> Browse Jaguar F-Pace For Sale Inside you will find an 11.4" curved gauge cluster that organizes entertainment and energy systems. The latter is the real shocker, as all F-Pace models will feature Mild Hybrid assistance. Their V6 is offered in 340 and 400 horsepower, sent to all wheels via an 8-speed automatic. An electric supercharger along with a traditional turbo allow the 400 to reach 60 mph in 5.0 seconds, not bad for an eco-friendly SUV. Not only will you have the latest in active noise cancellation, but an ionizing cabin filter also traps even the smallest particles. Click the button above to learn more and stay with us for all your Jaguar news.

By Edward Jones – December 15, 2017

Jaguar Paints F-PACE in a Mesmerizing Way

Jaguar has celebrated the success of the F-PACE SUV in an absolutely mesmerizing manner. In a film called Blacklight, Jaguar covered the award-winning SUV in thousands of paint droplets and water. Then massive fans were turned on to force the paint across the sensuous curves of the F-PACE, resulting in a beautiful piece of automotive art.In the Driver's Seat: 2017 Jaguar F-PACE S Review"We set out to break the mold with our first performance SUV and everyone at Jaguar is thrilled with how well the F-PACE design has been received around the world," says Ian Callum, Director of Design at Jaguar. "After winning 70 awards we wanted to create a film that reflects both its critically acclaimed design and the engineering that underpins everything we do at Jaguar. The result is as dramatic as the vehicle itself."Luxury Cars for Sale

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 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 Caitlin Duffy – September 16, 2015

Jaguar F-Pace First Edition: Only 2,000 to be Made

It's a CUV capable of driving upside down while withstanding 6.5 gs of force, and only 2,000 lucky individuals worldwide will call one of its first edition models their own.Two years ago, in Sept. 2013, Jaguar introduced their C-X17 crossover utility vehicle concept to the world at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Now, at the same show two years later, its production version has been announced to the world. As Sept. 15 press releases from Jaguar Land Rover share, the F-PACE CUV is a new chapter for the English manufacturer, ushering in many positive new advancements."With only 2,000 units available globally, we expect the Jaguar F-PACE First Edition to sell out - we are receiving an incredible amount of interest from customers who want to be the first and who want the best," described Chief Marketing Officer for Jaguar Land Rover Gerd Mauser in one of the releases. This special First Edition run will offer a choice of two colors for the exterior - either the Caesium Blue seen in photos and videos shared with the world, or Halcyon Gold.22-inch Double Helix Alloy wheels with grey finish and contrast inserts will finish the exterior presence, with sharp accents coming in the form of red brake calipers, LED headlights and a standard S model body kit. The interior is set to feature Houndstooth embossed Windsor Leather Sports seats, special carpet mats and gloss black trim finisher. This final appearance was selected by Jaguar's designers, as they hand-picked the favorite features and tech options they had tested thus far.As the second release tells us, this aluminum model's unveiling has already led to massive doors opening for the marque; more than £120 million, or approximately $185,952,000 USD at time of publication, has been invested in Jaguar as a result of this model.(See Also: Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo Introduced)"This takes the total amount invested in Solihull's 'factory within a factory' to £620mn - the largest investment in the 70-year history of the Midlands based plant," states the release.The F-Pace is set to go on sale beginning in early 2016, and will be available to customers worldwide.Gallery (Source: Jaguar Land Rover, YouTube) See More News from Frankfurt

By Andrew Nabors – September 14, 2015

Jaguar F-PACE Drives Around Loop, Breaks World Record

Jaguar’s upcoming F-PACE is poised to be a power player in the luxury crossover market. To celebrate the 80th birthday of the brand, they chose unveil the F-PACE in a unique way: smashing a Guinness World Record. Not just any record would do, so they chose to build the largest ‘loop the loop’ in automotive history, according to a press release issued today by Jaguar Land Rover."The F-PACE is a family car that is fast, fun and full of charisma, so completing the world's largest loop the loop was the perfect reveal moment," said Fiona Pargeter, Jaguar Land Rover Global PR Communications Director, in the press release. "The F-PACE is packed full of innovative technology and features the world's most-advanced in-car entertainment system, matched with super-fast wifi connectivity. Customers are going to go loopy for the Jaguar F-PACE."Months of preparation went into building the reinforced loop and in conditioning the driver. Both would need to be capable of 6.5 gs of centripetal downforce through the loop. Obviously, the F-Pace is capable of over six gs of suspension load, but we advise you not to attempt this.Also included in the release are the details of the First Edition model. This special edition will be built in limited numbers and only available in Caesium Blue and Halcyon Gold. They will arrive fully loaded with LED headlights, 22-inch wheels and a panoramic roof. Windsor leather in Light Oyster adorns the interior, with an embossed houndstooth pattern.Stay tuned to Autofluence for more Jaguar news and full coverage of the Frankfurt Auto Show.Jaguars For SaleGallery See More Jaguar News, Pics and Videos

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