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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

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By Jordan Aquistapace – July 27, 2023

CURATED Showcases This Rare 1-of-2 6-Speed Manual Koenigs...

The coveted CCXR first made its debut in 2007 as the world's first "green"supercar.

By Edward Jones – April 04, 2016

Koenigsegg CCX and Agera R Revs and Accelerations Are Glo...

Lamborghini Newport Beach hosts a pretty large range of events, ranging from their Supercar Show to private drives through Laguna Beach. Their recent Supercar Show, the April 2016 edition, brought in supercars from all over California as well as hundreds of guests that came to enjoy the cars.Two cars specifically made the guests flock to them: a Koenigsegg Agera R and Koenigsegg CCX. Who wouldn't flock to these Swedish monsters? As the cars left the Supercar Show, with onlookers in tow, the drivers took the opportunity to show everyone what Koenigseggs are really about and laid down some power on the California streets.Check out the video below to hear these 'Eggs for yourself.Koenigseggs For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 01, 2016

Black on Black 2008 Koenigsegg CCX For Sale at Exotic Mot...

In 1994, Christian von Koenigsegg launched the Koenigsegg car company in order to create the ultimate car. It wasn't until 1996 that they launched their first prototype vehicle, the CC prototype. After the CC prototype stole the show at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival, the company garnered the momentum to go forward and create their first production vehicles.Their first production car was the CC8S, followed by the CCR and the side project known as the CCGT. It wasn't until the CCX, unveiled in 2006, that Koenigsegg was able to make their way to the United States. The CCX was the first model that enabled the Swedish manufacturer to use the most modern and technologically advanced tools. This was also the first car that was able to make its way to the United States, thanks to many precautions and modifications made by Koenigsegg.(Located at Exotic Motors Midwest)Instead of using the Ford engine, Koenigsegg designed their own twin-supercharged 4.7-liter V8 engine to install in the CCX. The result was an engine capable of 806 hp and 679 lb-ft of torque while running on 91 octane, fuel that's common in North America. The chassis of the supercar was crafted from carbon fiber reinforced with Kevlar and aluminum honeycomb, putting the total curb weight at just 3,210 lbs. With this amazing power-to-weight ratio, the CCX was an instant hit.In fact, Top Gear, an automotive show that needs no introduction, took the car around their circuit where it became the fastest car on their Power Lap leader board. And duPont REGISTRY isn't shy to the car, giving the CCXR variant the "Best Performing Green Exotic" back in 2009.It can be easily said that the CCX was and will continue to be one of the most important cars in Koenigsegg's history. It took them to new heights across the globe and showed the world what the automaker was truly capable of. This is why when a Koenigsegg CCX comes up for sale, it's kind of a big deal.At Exotic Motors South, a Factory Authorized Koenigsegg Service Center located in Clearwater, Florida, a pristine 2008 Koenigsegg CCX is ready for a new owner. It comes with a Metallic Black exterior that is contrasted only by the Koenigsegg emblem on the hood. Inside is a matching black interior, which finishes the sleek image given off by the Swedish supercar.Powering the supercar is a 4.7-liter V8, which is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission--a must have for the purist collector. And with only 1,475 miles clocked on the odometer, a perfectly clean title and a well-documented service history, you can bet yourself that it's a perfect fit for any car collector looking for a new addition for their garage.For more information, please call Danny Baker at 314-561-9600 and click the button below for more information. View Price and Info duPont REGISTRY

By Edward Jones – November 23, 2015

Koenigsegg CCX Scares Girl in Monaco

Exotics have a way of making their presence known, whether it's the exhaust a monster supercharged truck, or the drifting of an exotic car through snow.One car that showed off its ability to really turn heads was a Koenigsegg CCX driving through Monaco. While making its way towards the famous tunnel in Monaco, it decided to give some pedestrians a show via its twin-supercharged V8 engine. Grand-Est Supercars was on hand to film just how scared the engine made them. You can view it all right below.For those wondering what is behind that massive exhaust note, here is a little bit of info on the supercar. As I previously noted, the Koenigsegg CCX houses a twin-supercharged V8 engine and it's capable of 806 bhp and 693 lb-ft of torque. It can run 0-62 mph in just 3.2 seconds, which is a fantastic number considering the car came out in 2006.Koenigsegg For Sale (Source: YouTube)

By Andrew Nabors – July 09, 2015

2 Koenigsegg CCXRs For Sale at Fusion Luxury Motors

It is our mission to bring you the most exotic and most exclusive cars of all time, and these two are what we live for. If you long to experience the works of Christian von Koenigsegg outside the confines of your game console, our friends at Fusion Luxury Motors have two CCXRs, in one location, in the same showroom. This is the automotive equivalent of dividing by zero. First is the 2009 in black with a red interior. Because Christian invented and holds the patent for flex-fuel vehicles, filling up with a tank of E85 unlocks 1,004 horsepower and 782 lb-ft of torque.The 2010 is one of 3 “Trevita” models built, and this was the only US-spec car to be produced. Trevita (Swedish for Triple White) was built to show the world that carbon fiber is not limited to traditional carbon black colors. By impregnating the fibers with a diamond coating, the exposed carbon fiber has a sparkling finish. The original sale price was $4.850,000 making Trevita one of the most expensive production cars ever built. Power and torque are the same as the previous car, utilizing twin Rotrex centrifugal superchargers on a dual overhead cam 4.8L V8.(See Also: Miami Vice's Ferrari Testarossa Set to Cross the Block at Mecum)Even if you are not in the market for a twin-supercharged carbon fiber supercar, its worth stopping by Fusion Motors in Chatsworth CA to see their inventory in person. Stay tuned to Autofluence to see the rarest and most expensive rides ever built and the latest news on them.2010 Koenigsegg CCXR Trevita Buy Now2009 Koenigsegg CCXR Buy Now See More Listings For Sale

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