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 – 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

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By Andrew Nabors – October 29, 2019

Land Rover Experience Vermont Leaps into Fall

Yesterday the thermometer topped 91 degrees across Tampa Bay. Saturday night, the temperature will drop to freezing across the Green Mountains. That is where you will see the Land Rover Experience Vermont leap into Fall. Owners and prospective customers have been invited to the Equinox Resort in Manchester to learn about their favorite 4WD luxury machines. The leaves are changing and it won't be long until the Terrain Response systems sense snow. This intuitive system is found on every late-model Range Rover, and it knows how to deal with fresh powder. Even the classic Land Rover Defender 90 has locking differentials, making tough situations look easy. Browse All Range Rover Sport For Sale These images speak for themselves. Land Rover has carved demanding trails through the wilderness to test and teach drivers how to handle an off-road outing. It isn't over yet, so click the button above to find your local dealer. They will have complete packages from half-day to family vacation & everything in between. Related: Land Rover Defender Dealer Competition Attacks Asheville Range Rover Velar Prices & Specs Revealed

By Edward Jones – September 11, 2019

Live Look at the New Land Rover Defender 110 at Frankfurt...

The new Land Rover Defender 110 has been revealed and it's a stunner. Its new styling and overall design give the rough and rugged SUV a breath of fresh air. Those who are buying the Defender 110 have a few incredible options to pick from to make it even more functional than before. This includes the 1.7-gallon pressurized water tank for showers in the Adventure Pack and even the optional 5+2 seating. Overall, the Defender 110 delivers on many aspects. see all land rover defenders for sale That being said, how does it look in person? We'll say this much: incredible. We happened to see the new Land Rover on the floor at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2019 and snapped some pics of it. You can view the images in this article in two different color schemes. Also Check Out: BRABUS at IAA 2019 in Frankfurt Live Look at the Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 at Frankfurt Motor Show 2019 Live Look at the New Porsches at Frankfurt Motor Show 2019

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

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By Andrew Nabors – August 07, 2019

2020 Overfinch SuperSport Limited to 25 Examples

Many luxury automobiles are built for a global market. For that reason, styling and performance are aimed at the status quo. Land Rover introduced the Range Rover Sport model for those who needed something invigorating and unique, but it has far exceeded their expectations. Introducing the 2020 Overfinch SuperSport, a luxury SUV that will be limited to 25 examples. This is the 2nd generation of the SuperSport, and it is the ultimate example of an English SUV. Overfinch says all 25 will have their gorgeous carbon fiber hood, but no two examples will be the same. Based on the Range Rover Sport SVR, their first improvement are forged 22" wheels and 8-piston Brembo brakes. A full titanium exhaust and carbon fiber intake allow the supercharger to make more power and provide an impressive soundtrack. If you deserve a SuperSport, click the link below to contact Overfinch North America, and tell them where you saw this. Stay with us for all your Overfinch news. Browse Overfinch North America Inventory " width="680"> Related: Overfinch's New Refined Range Rover Sport 2018 Overfinch Unveiled at Polo Match

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By Andrew Nabors – July 31, 2019

Overfinch Unveils Enhanced Land Rover Discovery

It is hard to believe the Discovery is celebrating its 30th birthday this year. Introduced as a smaller alternative to the Range Rover, the "Disco" has a hardcore fanbase around the world. The 3rd generation arrived in the US two years ago, but Land Rover has yet to offer a proper level of customization to their clientele. Thankfully, our friends at Overfinch have unveiled an enhanced Land Rover Discovery. They began in 1975 by reverse-engineering the Land Rover. Building a more robust 4WD involved big brakes, air suspension, new wheels, aggressive tires, and a new Corvette engine. Needless to say, their products really caught on, and it led them to open two U.S. locations. As their latest creation, the Discovery has been treated to carbon fiber in many areas. Their trademark Herringbone pattern can be found on the grille and spoilers, along with interior touches. One of our major gripes was that North American license plates are off-center from the factory, and Overfinch has rectified that with a new tailgate. Choose between several styles of their 22" wheels, and then comes the hardest decision. The hood and tailgate letters are available in Gold, Rose Gold, Bright Chrome, Bright Chrome/Black, Black Chrome, Bright Chrome, or paint to your sample. Don't forget about the accessories, as Overfinch has everything that Land Rover overlooked. Your baby deserves a leather seat to ride in, and a carbon fiber umbrella makes a statement while saving weight. A cashmere scarf is available in three colors to match your wardrobe, and these are only the tip of the iceberg. Tell us what you think of the ultimate Discovery, and click the link below to browse Overfinch's other creations. Browse Overfinch Inventory " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 13, 2019

New Land Rover Range Rover Sport HST Unveiled

Adding a turbocharger is a great way to improve an engine's efficiency. So, what could go wrong with adding a turbo to a turbo? That was the motivation behind the new Land Rover Range Rover Sport HST. It will arrive with a new 3.0L straight six that will eventually replace the V6 in their lineup. " width="680"> This might seem like a step backwards, but the inline six has quietly made a resurgence throughout the industry. Chevrolet, Mercedes Benz, and Fiat Chrysler are all realizing the potential. The primary benefits of impressive torque and smooth running are enhanced by turbocharging. But turbos only make power once they spool up. This problem was solved by adding a 48-volt electric supercharger to get things moving. Land Rover's first mild hybrid system is rated at 30.5 mpg, and it has significantly cleaner exhaust than its V6 predecessor. You will have 395 hp and 405 lb-ft of torque along with variable lift and duration of the intake valves. This is one of the biggest engine innovations in the brand's history, so click on the link below to find our dealer near you. Shop All Range Rover Sport Related: 2020 Range Rover Evoque Debuts In Chicago Range Rover Velar SVautobiography Edition

Jaguar Land Rover Debuts New Range Rover Evoque At Chicago Auto Show

By Edward Jones – February 08, 2019

2020 Range Rover Evoque Debuts in Chicago

Were you looking to buy a Range Rover Evoque? How about the new 2020 Evoque that was just debuted at the Chicago Auto Show. Land Rover announced that the SUV will be available in five different trim levels: S, SE, R-Dynamic S, R-Dynamic SE and R-Dynamic HSE. Additionally, they are offering a First Edition model that's available for the first year only. Alongside the Evoque's new design, Land Rover is offering the Evoque in a new hybrid powertrain option. This new powertrain will "harvest" lost energy during deceleration and store it in a battery that's found underneath the floor of the SUV. <> Jaguar Land Rover debuts new Range Rover Evoque at Chicago Auto Showat McCormick Place on February 7, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Another new bit of tech that's included is "ClearSight Ground View," which allows the driver to view through the hood and under the SUV's front-end via a 180-degree view that can be seen on the touchscreen. The new 2020 Range Rover Evoque will have a starting price of $42,650. view all range rovers for sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – February 05, 2019

Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition: Fastes...

Introducing the new Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition, a new model that will be purchasable for one year only. Talk about exclusivity. So, what exactly is this new, special model? It all starts with a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine that produces 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque. That's enough power for a 0 to 60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. What's more, it hits that kind of acceleration with the ability to still go off-road. Range Rover notes that this is the fastest and quickest Velar ever. Range Rover also added in a few new visual enhancements for the Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition. The new pieces include the front bumper, grille, lower side mouldings, rear bumper and more. " width="680"> Inside is a cabin filled with luxury. Range Rover has curated a number of trim finish and upholstery combinations specifically for the Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition. There's even the double-stitched, perforated and quilted Windsor leather that's unique for this model. Other special touches to the interior include a unique sports steering wheel, optional carbon fiber pack, 20-way adjustable heated/cooled performance front seats, knurled finish for the center console features and a 12.3-inch Interactive Driver Display. The new Land Rover Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition is available now in six exterior colors: Firenze Red, Santorini Black, Eiger Grey, Fuji White, Indus Silver and, by special order, Satin Byron Blue. A price has not been given just yet. View all range rovers for sale

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