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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

By Sponsored Article – March 06, 2023

The Ultimate Jeep Lives Up To Its Name

There’s nothing like a Jeep, but this is even better.

By Andrew Nabors – April 30, 2021

Jeep Performance Parts Offers World's First Hybrid Lift Kit

The Wrangler 4XE rides on high voltage If you need 20 miles of battery range, the Jeep Wrangler combines a big battery with a six-speed manual. Keeping it in an optimal gear will allow you to maximize range, as you tower over everyone else. Lifting a Jeep is a rite of passage for all Jeepers. Now it can be done before delivery by your dealer. This new kit can be had with our without the 240v wall charger to keep your Jeep ready to rock. Should you push your range, the onboard 2-liter turbo offers several hundred miles on a full tank. The new Wrangler really is the state of the art, so click the button below to find yours. Shop Jeep Images (C) Stellantis

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2021

Jeep Magneto Concept Shocks Everyone at Moab

This year's Easter Jeep Safari offers high-voltage fun! Batteries would seem like an unnecessary weight when it comes to off-roading, but the future looks bright thanks to a few new concepts. Jeep Performance Parts is a division of Mopar, and their latest offering is truly unprecedented. The Jeep Magneto concept has shocked everyone at Moab by being the first battery-powered (life-size) Wrangler. It's time to put away your Power Wheels because this one is likely heading for production. The 4WD world doesn't know what to think of it. Starting with a custom-built axial-flux motor, engineers wanted to replicate the power of their 3.6-liter. Therefore it has a redline of 6,000 rpm and it is bolted to a SIX SPEED MANUAL transmission. Stop drooling, you will have 273 lb-ft of torque at almost any rpm, which means choosing a gear will translate into how quickly you leave everyone else in the dust. Four unique 70kW battery packs are designed to offer a very low center of gravity. Not only will it offer comfortable handling, you can tackle steep trails with ease. The 800-volt system also powers a 10kW heater for warm adventures once the doors are roof are removed. All components are sealed to handle 30" of water, and the 35" all-terrains get you to 60 mpg in 6.8 seconds. They wouldn't go to all this trouble for a one-off show queen, so tell us your thoughts of an electric Wrangler in the comments below. Shop Jeep Images (C) Stellantis

By Andrew Nabors – March 12, 2021

2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Has Arrived

We've waited a long time for this, so we're happy to tell you the 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer has arrived. Everyone seems to have fond memories of their most luxurious offering, and its ready to take on the world's best. Faux-wood paneling didn't make the cut, but we will have air suspension and the ability to tow 10,000 lbs. Grand Wagoneer will offer the 6.4 Hemi rated at 471 horsepower and 455 lb-ft, while the normal Wagoneer arrives with the 5.7-liter. Loaded with plush amenities you can't get anywhere else, McIntosh supplies 1,375 watts of audio. Amazon is onboard with Fire TV and Alexa, and they can be enjoyed across 75" of displays throughout the interior. No silly unibody here, you will ride in a steel body on a steel frame with over 120 safety features and system. Heads-up displays, lane keeping, hands-free driving, autonomous cruise, and parking can be handled by the computer. Room for the family and the ability to ford 2 feet of water makes for a grand adventure, so click the button to learn more from our dealers. Shop Jeep Images (C) Stellantis

By Andrew Nabors – February 24, 2021

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Launch Edition Price & Specs Re...

Forty years is a long time to wait, so we're glad to announce that the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Launch Edition price and specs have been revealed. Four decades ago the last V8-powered Wrangler left the assembly line. For those that need 470 horsepower and lb-ft at their command, the Launch Edition will arrive loaded with the best options and accessories. Starting with locking Dana 44s, you can control them from the dash. The hood scoop feeds their Hydro-Guide water extractor that allows the beast to ford almost 33" of water. You will be 2" higher than other Rubicons, and they will be envious of the active dual exhaust. Fox Racing supplies the suspension with push button front sway bar disconnects. Other goodies include leather, steel bumpers, LED lights, Advanced Safety Group, and auxiliary controls for all your toys. At $73,500 it is much cheaper than V8 conversions, and it has an unbeatable warranty. Jeep Wrangler For Sale Images (C) Stellantis

By Andrew Nabors – January 29, 2021

Jeep Celebrates 80th Anniversary At X-Games Aspen

Don't let Old Man Winter give you the blues, because Jeep is celebrating their 80th anniversary at X-Games Aspen. Every model in their lineup will be offered with an 80th Anniversary edition, even the wild Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. The first Jeeps were built by Ford, Willys, Bantam, and other automakers to fight in the 2nd World War. Eighty years later, they remain one of the strongest brands in the world. Everyone needs a Wrangler with a HEMI, so click the button to find yours. Browse Jeep For Sale Images (C) Stellantis

By Andrew Nabors – January 07, 2021

2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Arrives In Two Sizes

For those who need three rows, the Dodge Durango was the only Hemi-powered family hauler. Times have changed and SUVs are back, so the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee arrives in two sizes. The two-row model will continue for the time being, but we think it will get eclipsed by the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L. Essentially a plush version of the latest Dodge Durango, it retains their trusty 5.7-liter Hemi V8. 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Has Arrived A new chassis incorporates air suspension and real-time adjustable suspension. Inside you are treated to quilted Palermo leather, open-pore waxed Walnut, and 110 safety/security features. Composed of high strength steel, this is the first Jeep to anchor the front suspension to the engine block for crash safety, and it is also their first model to disconnect the front axles when cruising. Our Jeep dealers are waiting for you, so click the button below to find yours. Browse Jeep Grand Cherokee For Sale " width="680"> Image: (C) Fiat-Chrysler

By Andrew Nabors – December 24, 2020

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Hybrid Pricing & Specs Revealed

Adding electricity to your favorite 4WD is a recipe for fun, so we're happy to announce that the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Hybrid pricing and specs have been revealed. Starting with the Sahara 4xe, you will have 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque sent to an 8-speed automatic. First-Ever LEGO Jeep Wrangler Model Revealed In addition to Dana 44 axles, you will have 25 miles of electric range thanks to a 17 kWh battery. Looking at the torque specs, 470 lb-ft is the same amount of grunt offered by the new Hemi-powered Wrangler SRT 392. But you will have 50 MPG thanks to the thrifty 2-liter turbo. The Sahara starts at $47,995, and it arrives with a 2.72:1 Selec-Trac transfer case. If you want to hit the trails, the Rubicon 4xe Launch Edition has their 4:1 Rock-Trac full-time 4WD along with Uconnect, 9-speaker audio, and LED lights. All that can be yours for $51,695. Click the button to find our dealer near you and Merry Christmas from all of us at duPont REGISTRY. Browse Jeep Wrangler For Sale Interior of the 2021 Jeep® Wrangler Sahara 4xe includes standard 7-inch Uconnect screen.

By Andrew Nabors – November 17, 2020

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Has Arrived

Wrangler owners are the most vocal and loyal enthusiasts the world has ever seen. Although they abide by the Pentastar V6 for being economical, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 has arrived. The new video shows a production model nearly identical to the concept seen above. It was unveiled in July, with customers and investors demanding it be realized. So in a few months, the Jeepers in charge chose the perfect HEMI V8. The 5.7 and the 6.2 would be adequate, but they wanted a beast under the hood. That's why the 392 was borrowed from SRT. It offers 470 horsepower and torque to a hardened 4WD system. You will reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds with consistent 13.0 times in the quarter-mile. Needless to say, the 392 block and heads can easily accept Demon or Hellcat upgrades, so expect to see a brigade of boosted Wranglers in the near future. Stay with us for all your Jeep news. Browse Jeep For Sale https://www.facebook.com/jeep/videos/361078261620853

By Andrew Nabors – November 16, 2020

Jeep Confirms HEMI Wrangler

A rite of passage for any gearhead is swapping a V8 into a Jeep. Dealing with wiring and fuel is a pain, but thankfully its all in the past because Jeep has confirmed a HEMI Wrangler. Many Jeep purists remember the old days in terms of BC (Before Chrysler). When AMC owned Jeep, they offered several flavors of V8 Wranglers. They are fast and fun, and worth a small fortune. https://www.instagram.com/p/CHnoqhPFOPC/ We have been representing aftermarket Jeep builders since 1985, and their first aspect of each build involves a V8 from Ford, Chevrolet, or any other manufacturer. Care must be taken as you will undoubtedly double the torque and horsepower on tap. Having witnessed the aftermarket making incredible profits, this new Wrangler is long overdue. The launch will be live on YouTube tomorrow at Noon EST, so in the meantime click the button to find your next Jeep and stay with us for all the details. Custom Jeep Wranglers For Sale P.S. Wrangler 4xe Wins Green SUV Of The Year- Seen Above https://www.instagram.com/p/CHkuuT_FxQT/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=embed_video_watch_again

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