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

Land Rover News

Land Rover news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport, the Defender and the special editions built in limited numbers. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, off-road engineering and the values these vehicles hold over time. Land Rover sits at the centre of luxury SUV news, and the segment keeps expanding each year. Our marketplace supplies the element most publications leave out entirely. Many of these vehicles are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which places the reporting and a genuine asking price side by side. For Land Rover news today, begin with the stories below.

By Andrew Nabors – February 18, 2020

New Land Rover Defender Flies Into Action

Daniel Craig is committed to one more film as Agent 007. As an agent of MI6, he needs the best in British SUVs to fight for Queen & Country. That's why we are excited to watch the new Land Rover Defender fly into action. Our dealers have great offers on the new Land Rover Defender for sale, so click the button for all the info. Browse All Land Rover Defender For Sale " width="680"> Related: Land Rover Defender 90 Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – January 09, 2020

2020 Land Rover Defenders Have Arrived in America

What do the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and rugged 4WD have in common? The British Invasion during the 20th century was one of peace, music, and incredible automobiles. History is repeating itself, as the 2020 Land Rover Defenders have arrived in the U.S. In their latest Instagram post, we see 60 Defenders are en route to Land Rover's #4xFAR Music Festival in Coachella. They will be put to the test by prospective buyers over several days on purpose-built courses. Click the button below to order yours, and stay with us for all your Defender news. Browse All Land Rover Defender For Sale Related: Land Rover Experience Vermont Leaps into Fall

By Edward Jones – November 21, 2019

New Land Rover Defender Pricing Announced

The new Land Rover Defender 90 First Edition and Defender 110 First Edition have had their prices announced as they go on display for the 2019 LA Auto Show. The Land Rover Defender 90 First Edition will come with a starting price of $65,100 and the Defender 110 First Edition will have a starting price of $49,900. As for the availability, the Defender 110 will be available in Spring 2020, Defender 90 First Edition in Summer 2020 and entire Defender 90 range in Fall 2020. SEE ALL LAND ROVER DEFENDERS FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – October 31, 2019

Land Rover Announces 4XFAR Music & Adventure Festival

A new Defender is coming to save the day. The long-anticipated return of a legend, it will arrive January 18-19 in California. More specifically at the Empire Grand Oasis in Coachella. It looks to be a fun event, as Land Rover has announced the 4XFAR Music & Adventure Festival. The musical lineup is growing fast, and here are the confirmed artists so far: Anderson.Paak The Free Nationals Mark Ronson Q-Tip Sofi Tukker Young The Giant Mahalia Tijuana Panthers LP Giobbi Chappaqua Wrestling Browse All Land Rover For Sale Events will include Survival Training, Mountain Biking, Slacklines, Campsite Mixology, Rock Climbing, and courses in Wilderness Navigation. This will culminate with extensive displays of what the new Land Rover Defender is capable of, so it looks to be an amazing weekend. Tickets are on sale now at our Land Rover dealers, so click the button above before they're gone. " width="680"> Related: Land Rover Experience Vermont Leaps Into Fall

By Andrew Nabors – September 10, 2019

The New Land Rover Defender 110 Has Arrived

One of the most anticipated returns in automotive history is upon us. The new Land Rover Defender has arrived in time for the Frankfurt Auto Show. A press release this morning from Land Rover North America outlines the details of a rugged and capable luxury SUV. After testing each current model, they realized a new chassis was needed. Browse Land Rover For Sale The 2020 Defender 110 will be joined by a smaller Defender 90 on the new D7x platform. They went above and beyond SUV testing procedures to ensure it was worthy to wear the Defender name. The Defender 110 will arrive with optional 5+2 seating in four distinct "accessory packs". These trim levels start with Explorer. It has a roof rack, fender guards, side gear carrier, and spare tire cover. Adventure Pack is ready for camping. It has a 1.7-gallon pressurized water tank for showers along with an onboard air compressor. Also on board is a 6.3-gallon seat/backpack to hold your gear. Country Pack has scuff plates, fender guards, and a floor-to-roof partition from the cargo area. Finally, Urban Pack is sleek and bright, with brushed scuff plates and a plush interior. It can haul 1,984 lbs of cargo, with the roof rack capable of holding 661 of them. If you have toys, it can tow 8,201 lbs. Going deep isn't an issue, as the sealed powertrain and cockpit can handle 35.4" of water. Starting at $49,995 you have 2 choices for engines: a turbo 2.0L four-cylinder is rated at 300 horsepower. A hybrid 3.0L straight-six is rated at 400 horsepower for a few dollars more. Wheels range from 18" to 22", and the list of factory options probably weighs 20 lbs. This includes a remote-controlled winch, D-ring shackles, snatch block, tree trunk protector and two sets of leather gloves. Should the weather turn foul, an inflatable waterproof awning will keep your camp dry. A pet pack is made to keep your dogs clean and entertained along the way. As always, click the link above to find our Land Rover dealer near you, and stay with us for all your Defender updates. " width="680"> Related: Brabus G V12 900 Limited Edition Unveiled 2020 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Coupe & Cabriolet Revealed

By Edward Jones – August 29, 2019

Land Rover Teases New Defender Ahead of Debut

HEads up: a new Land Rover Defender model is coming soon. To get us all ready for the SUV's debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show (September 10), the English automaker has provided us with a bit of a tease. The tease comes to us in the form of a video, found above, and a photo that's found below. Land Rover has put the new Defender through its paces, but it will now embark on what they call "Expedition 001." This expedition will take the new Defender from the Valley of the Castle in Kazakhstan to its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. Be sure to check back with us for more information as it's released. see all land rover defenders for sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2015

2 Millionth Land Rover Defender Sold, Most Expensive Ever

Back in June, we took you inside Land Rover’s assembly plant in Solihull, England as the final Defenders came down the line. The sadness of losing a loyal friend was offset by celebrity guests along with the promise of a new Defender for 2017.In a press release dated December 16th, Bonhams announced that the last production model sold for $600,000 at auction. This was the 2,000,000th Defender built, and all proceeds from the sale are going to Land Rover’s Humanitarian charities. The winning bidder resides in Qatar, so hopefully it will see a few sand dunes before a life of storage and rare appearances.Land Rover also issued a press release stating that it was the most expensive Defender ever sold. It will be much safer in Qatar, since Homeland Security loves to seize and crush them. Land Rover Special Operations have an eye for detail, and every aspect of this model had ties to its predecessors. Even the license plate “S90 HUE” is a reference to the first Defender ever registered “HUE 166”.Development of the new Defender is underway, but so far all we know is that it will meet our DOT safety standards and sold alongside their other US models. As soon as more information becomes available, you will see it first here on Autofluence.Defenders For Sale (Sources: Bonhams & Jaguar/Land Rover)

By Caitlin Duffy – November 06, 2015

2 Millionth Land Rover Defender Shown in Dubai

The Defender has been one of Land Rover's most reliably popular models since its first introduction in the early 1980s. Tough, versatile and damn good looking, it's a model that sticks to Land Rover's core principles in every way.On June 22, the British marque announced the creation of Defender number 2,000,000, a one-off Defender 90 Station Wagon combining heritage design cues with modern touches. This specific model is set to go on sale at Bonhams' auction in early December, but prior to its official sale, it took a trip to Dubai.As a press release issued Nov. 5 shares, this special Defender was joined by a Series I Land Rover and the Defender pedal car, a $15,000 model designed for the youngest Land Rover enthusiasts. The three appeared together at the Dubai International Motor Show as an exclusive preview ahead of the December sale.Check out the photos from this trio's trip to the United Arab Emirates in the gallery below, then find your own Defender for your collection from our exclusive listings.Defenders For SaleGallery (via Land Rover) See More Land Rover News

By Caitlin Duffy – October 06, 2015

$15,000 Land Rover Defender Pedal Car for Kids

Just because your little ones are still more than a decade away from having a drivers license, that doesn't mean they need to wait to enjoy a drive in luxury. Defender Pedal CarLand Rover has created the perfect model for tots in the form of their Defender Pedal Car. It's a tribute to the Defender's final production phase and an almost perfect replica sized specifically for kids, and as a Sept. 14 press release tells, it's set to go on sale in Spring 2016."This is both a wonderful collector's piece and children's toy," described Lindsay Weaver, Director of Branded and Licensed Goods for Jaguar Land Rover, in the release. "It demonstrates our ability to produce goods with world class quality and attention to detail that can emulate our world class Jaguar and Land Rover cars." Defender Pedal CarThe interior features a leather finish with trimmed seats and steering wheel, as well as "an authentically styled dashboard" and "a working hooter," or for us Americans, a working car horn. The pedals work forwards and backwards, and a spring suspension brings that classic Land Rover driving experience to a smaller scale. It includes working brakes as well, including a parking brake.(See Also: Land Rover Range Rover Evoque Convertible Begins Testing)Pricing is set to begin at £10,000, or approximately $15,231 USD at the current exchange rate. Check out the photos below to get a good look at this new children's car, and find your own adult-sized Defender from our exclusive listings.Defenders For SaleGallery (Source: Land Rover) See More Land Rover News

By Edward Jones – July 27, 2015

Startech Sixty8 is a Farewell to the Land Rover Defender

In order to say farewell to the Land Rover Defender, Startech, a member of the BRABUS Group, has created a limited edition model known as the Sixty8.Based on the iconic Defender, this exclusive off-road SUV comes with a "Corris Grey Metallic" exterior with a roof in a contrasting "Santorini Black" color. Adding to the Sixty8's exterior is the newly designed front end, which includes a black radiator grille, bumper and air intakes. To further enhance the front's aesthetics is an aluminum underride guard with a laser-engraved "Sixty8" logo.(Related: BRABUS Rocket 900 Exhaust & Acceleration Sounds)Powering the car is a combination of a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine, six-speed transmission and permanent all-wheel drive. All three of these combine to create the off road experience that made the Defender famous.Grabbing the dirt for the Sixty8 are a set of size 265/65 R 18 BF Goodrich All-Terrain A/T tires wrapped around 18-inch alloy wheels.Its cabin was tastefully customized by Startech's upholstery shop, who created an exclusive "Tan Light Brown" and "Ebony Black" all-leather interior. They also added an Alpine multimedia system, complete with 3D navigation and a backup camera.Only 68 examples of the aptly named Startech Sixty8 will be created. They come with an MSRP of €67,990 (approx. $75,485 USD*) for the five-seater version and €69,900 (approx. $77,606 USD*) for the seven-seater. Prices include a 19 percent VAT.BRABUS G-Classes For SaleGallery *according to exchange rate at time of publication (Source: Brabus) See More Brabus News

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