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 – January 19, 2021

2021 Jaguar F-Type Reims Edition Celebrates Historic Victory

Pushing their team harder than ever before resulted in first place, so the 2021 Jaguar F-Type Reims Edition celebrates a historic victory. It has been 67 years since the D-Type took top honors at the 12 Hours of Reims. Finished in French Racing Blue, 150 examples will arrive with the Exterior Black Pack and gloss 20" wheels. Although limited to 150 examples in the U.K., our dealers will be happy to replicate it for you. Click the button for great incentives and stay with us for all your Jaguar news. Browse Jaguar F-Type For Sale Image (C) Jaguar Land Rover

By Andrew Nabors – January 14, 2021

1952 Jaguar C-Type Reimagined By Ecurie Ecosse

It seems as if Scotland is becoming a powerhouse in the world of vintage racing. The new 1952 Jaguar C-Type reimagined by Ecurie Ecosse is a modern take on a race-winning classic. Much like their LM69, it arrived loaded with the latest suspension and technology. One of their most prolific racers, Ian Stewart visited the Jaguar factory in '52 and came home with a new race car. Ecurie Ecosse LM69 Asks “What if ?” To celebrate the 59 podium finishes they had with seven cars, Ecurie Ecosse is building an homage to each of the original cars. Wider, stronger, and lower, they are made of laser-cut aluminum and powered by a Jaguar straight-six. Stroked to 4.2 liters, it is fuel injected to offer 300 horsepower. No detail was overlooked, including the Tag Heuer stopwatch on the dash. Our dealers have great incentives on the new F-Type, so click the button to find yours. Browse Jaguar For Sale https://vimeo.com/500060308 Image and film (C) Ecurie Ecosse

By Andrew Nabors – January 11, 2021

Ecurie Ecosse LM69 Asks "What if ?"

In order to revive a groundbreaking Jaguar racer, the Ecurie Ecosse LM69 asks "What if ?". Built to dominate Le Mans, the XJ13 debuted in 1966. Not only was it their first mid-engine model, it arrived with a 5-liter V12 with quad cams. A last-minute change in the rules favored a certain Ford supercar, so Jaguar shelved this stunning supercar. 2021 Jaguar F-Type Heritage 60 Celebrates Six Decades Of The E-Type The Ecurie Ecosse team is a group of Scottish engineers and racers who won Le Mans twice in the 50's fielding the timeless Jaguar D-Type. Now they are offering 25 examples of the LM69. With all specs being FIA-compliant for 1969, These street-legal cars offer the latest in composites, and they will be built-to-order by coachbuilders in the West Midlands. Jaguar still builds amazing cars using time-honored methods, so click the button to find one for yourself. Browse Jaguar For Sale Images (C) Ecurie Cars Limited

By Andrew Nabors – December 09, 2020

2021 Jaguar F-Type Heritage 60 Celebrates Six Decades Of ...

Close your eyes and envision an English sports car from the 1960s. Those of you who chose incorrectly can leave now, because the 2021 Jaguar F-Type Heritage 60 celebrates six decades of the E-Type. Perhaps the most easily identifiable silhouette in the automotive world, Enzo Ferrari said the 1961 Jaguar E-Type was "the most beautiful car ever made". A car of firsts, it pioneered the use of a front subframe bolted to a unibody cockpit. Weighing in at under 2,900 lbs made it competitive against the best cars in the world. New 2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR Offers Unprecedented Abilities To celebrate this legendary model, your new F-Type has been built by hand at SV Bespoke. Their special operations division is slated to deliver 60 examples in Sherwood Green. Inside you will have Caraway and Ebony Windsor leather, embossed logos, performance seats, and badges. Available as a coupe or convertible, every example will have 575 horsepower from a supercharged V8 along with All Wheel Drive. Reaching 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, our dealers have great incentives for the new model year. Click the button below to find your F-Type and stay with us for all your Jaguar news. Browse Jaguar F-Type 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 – October 06, 2020

2021 Jaguar XF Combines Luxury With Tradition

You can't deny the appeal of the latest Jaguar F-Types. Now their styling and plush amenities can be had with room for a family. That's because the 2021 Jaguar XF combines luxury with tradition. Starting on the inside you will find open-pore wood, machined metal, and laser-etched details. Contrasting colors transition at the beltline, staying ever-present in your periphery. Their goal was to remind the driver of their attention to detail while staying focused on the road ahead. The logical way to do so is to combine all functions into an 11.4" touch screen. It houses their new Pivi Pro infotainment system that is updated over-the-air. 2021 Jaguar F-Pace Updated With New Styling & Connectivity On the outside the LED headlights have dual "J" shaped LED running lights. Exterior Design Director Adam Hatton says: “The significant new elements of the XF create a more dynamic stance for the car, but the small details are just as important. Bringing the heritage-inspired detailing to the grille and headlights adds that touch of depth and luxury with a link to Jaguar’s unparalleled past, while the Leaper emblem on the side vents is instantly recognizable and provides an added visual flourish.” " width="680"> Other goodies include the 2nd generation active key, a comfortable waterproof wristband that has all the functions of a traditional key fob. Two flavors of 2-liter turbo are rated at 246 horsepower in the XF P250 S & SE RWD models. If you need more, the 296 hp version in the P300 R-Dynamic and SE AWD is paired to active differentials to keep you safe. Click the button for all the details from our dealers and stay with us for all your Jaguar news. Browse Jaguar XF 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 Andrew Nabors – August 13, 2020

2021 Jaguar E-Type 60th Anniversary Debuts in March

Next year will mark six decades of an iconic English sports car. To celebrate their masterpiece in style, the 2021 Jaguar E-Type 60th Anniversary will debut in March. Jaguar Classic is hard at work restoring six matched pairs of 3.8 E-Types Each pair will consist of a "Flat Out Grey" ‘9600 HP’ coupe and one Drop Everything Green ‘77 RW’ roadster. Dan Pink is the Director of Jaguar Classic, and he had this to say: The Jaguar E-type is a genuine icon, as sensational today as the moment it was unveiled in 1961. It is a testament to the E-type’s advanced design and engineering that it can still be enjoyed and admired as passionately almost 60 years on. The E-type 60 Collection is a lasting tribute for E-type admirers, honoring the car’s legacy and the achievements of the team that created it – many of whom have descendants working for Jaguar Classic today, expertly restoring, maintaining and future-proofing enjoyment for generations to come.” Browse Jaguar E-Type For Sale As for now, all we have is an illustration, but they will be releasing teasers along the way. You will see them here first, so stay with us for all your Jaguar news. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – June 25, 2020

Eagle Lightweight GT is the Ultimate E-Type

When you think iconic Jaguar roadster, what comes to mind? Even if English cars are not your thing, everyone agrees that the classic Jaguar E-Type is a timeless work of art. Eagle started by restoring them one at a time. Customers begen inquiring about upgrades that have spawned the Resto-Mod movement, and it led the team to go all in. After completely reverse-engineering the entire car, the Eagle Lightweight GT is the ultimate E-Type. It has taken over 35 years to develop their own chassis, suspension, interior, and every body panel from aerospace aluminum alloy. Their 4.7-liter straight six makes use of an aluminum block and forged internals to offer 380 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. The cold air intake plenum is 3D printed carbon fiber, a work of art in its own right. After digitally scanning the internals of the transmission, it received carbon fiber synchros and cnc-machined internals so you can shift gears with one finger. Parts that were originally made of steel have been replaced by Inconel, titanium, and magnesium. This allows the car to weigh in at only 2,242 lbs with a full leather interior. No expense was spared, as their new floor pans and pedal box offer a relaxing driving position. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your classic Jaguar news. Learn More " width="680">

By Edward Jones – June 24, 2020

Jaguar is Bringing Back a Classic Engine and You Can Actu...

Some of the most coveted Jaguars of the 1950s and 1960s had one thing in common: their engine. That engine was actually the 3.8-liter XK engine block and it's being brought back after 50 years of being unavailable new. This engine was used in cars like the XK150, XK150 S, MkIX, Mk2, MkX, E-type Series 1 and S-type. Now, collectors of these cars can provide documentation to prove vehicle ownership and Jaguar Classic will actually sell it to them. The engine block is a direct replace and is completely brand-new. Each engine block will come with a minimum 12-months Jaguar parts and accessories warranty, as well as a certificate of authenticity. It's price is set at £14,340, which equates to around $17,800 USD. For more information, click here.

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