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 Jordan Aquistapace – March 26, 2024

Land Rover Teases The Defender OCTA As Its Most Powerful ...

Explore the fusion of V8 twin-turbocharged mild-hybrid power & 6D Dynamics in the Defender OCTA Since its inception into the automotive world with its first rolling chassis in 1948, Land Rover has been at the forefront of the 4x4 evolution that has taken the industry by storm. And while its lineup of SUVs focuses on dominating every terrain from mud to snow, performance has also been a high priority for the UK-based manufacturer. Taking the title as the most powerful Defender vehicle ever, Land Rover is proud to announce the reveal of the all-new Defender OCTA. The new flagship model promises to be the toughest, most capable, and luxurious model in the pack. The name OCTA is inspired by a diamond's unmatched strength and rarity. This theme is carried throughout in its design, featuring diamond motifs and titanium accents. With its powerful twin-turbocharged mild-hybrid V8 engine and innovative 6D Dynamics air suspension, the Defender OCTA is setting new standards for versatility and functionality across all terrains. It's a first for the Defender line by incorporating 6D Dynamics to offer unmatched performance, comfort, and stability, whether you're cruising city streets or navigating undiscovered roads. What really sets the Defender OCTA apart is its hydraulic Dynamics system that ingeniously controls pitch and roll to ensure the vehicle stays nearly level during intense off-road maneuvers. As the Defender OCTA undergoes extensive testing, from the icy grips of Sweden to the heat of the Dubai desert, we patiently await its arrival on U.S. soil. View all Defenders for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Land Rover Defenders For Sale Source: Land Rover

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 19, 2024

The New Range Rover SV Arete Edition Celebrates Range Rov...

Range Rover’s new limited edition exudes après-ski style. Whistler, Canada is one of the greatest ski destinations in the Western Hemisphere, and it’s the site of the latest Range Rover House, a luxurious, invitation-only experience that brings Range-Rover’s signature luxury to coveted destinations all over the world. Taking inspiration from the Range Rover House, and the stunning alpine environment around it, Range Rover has created the new Range Rover SV Arete Edition, a bespoke and exclusive limited edition that exudes alpine luxury. Various bespoke touches throughout showcase the attention to detail that the SV Bespoke team gave to the Arete edition, including a triangular pattern that evokes mountain peaks, and the “A” in Arete, as well as the SV Bepsoke Special Effect gloss blue paintwork. As for the interior upholstery, Liberty Blue leather is paired with Ebony Kvadrat textile accents. Illuminated treadplates display the fact that the SV Arete Edition is one of only 8 examples that will be made, exclusively available as a long-wheelbase model with the 606-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 engine. In addition to being a stunning, exclusive Range Rover, the Range Rover SV Arete Edition also comes with a set of custom snowboards and skis from Prior. With a new Range Rover House showcasing the luxury and splendor of Whistler as an alpine destination, the new Range Rover SV Arete Edition revels in the beauty of the mountainous region. View All Range Rovers For Sale Image Source: Land Rover

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 02, 2024

Overfinch Launches New 1-of-8 Dragon Edition Range Rover

A beautiful bespoke Range Rover rings in the Year of the Dragon. The Lunar New Year is one of the most important and vibrant celebrations in Chinese Culture, with a fascinating group of icons and traditions making the celebration the spectacle that it is, and in 2024, it’s the Year of the Dragon. To celebrate, Overfinch is doing what it does best: customizing the iconic, unmistakable, luxurious, and capable Range Rover, and giving its signature Overfinch Range Rover an opulent Lunar New Year twist. The new Dragon Edition Overfinch Range Rover is an edition of only eight ultra-exclusive examples, and it’s inspired by the majesty and reverence of the Chinese Dragon, with special details throughout referencing and beautifully depicting it with the excellent level of artisan craftsmanship that Overfinch is known and celebrated for. With a dragon scale-like pattern on the seats, a dragon embroidery that goes across the entire row of seats, and other beautiful details, the Dragon Edition Overfinch Range Rover is both exclusive and exquisite. The exterior is just as opulent, with Overfinch introducing the new Vortex wheel design for the Dragon Edition, a 24-inch wheel with a special self-leveling dragon center cap. The Overfinch Range Rover Dragon Edition is offered as a conversion for existing Range Rover owners, specifically for the 2024 Range Rover SV and Autobiography, and it’s available worldwide. Priced at $250,000, this custom Range Rover is a sumptuous, bespoke, and iconic celebration of the Year of the Dragon. View All Range Rovers For Sale Image Source: Overfinch

By Tyler Rampersaud – January 08, 2024

Jaguar Land Rover Increases Global Sales In Q3

Jaguar Land Rover reports improvements in its third quarter. The third quarter of Jaguar Land Rover’s FY24 is now in the books, and the automotive luxury manufacturer is proud to report that the quarter has been a success. The results of the quarter are proof of the manufacturer’s ability to rise above the supply issues the have plagued the automotive industry for years, as wholesale volume has increased by an incredible 27 percent compared to the same period of last year. However, retail sales for the quarter improved even further, by 29 percent. With 109,140 units sold, sales by region increased across the globe, with the UK having the biggest increase at 55 percent. At the end of the quarter, an order book with over 148,000 orders means that performance is bound to remain strong through the end of the fiscal year and into the future. That number is down from 168,000 at the end of the second quarter, which Jaguar Land Rover says represents its increasing ability to fulfill those orders. Land Rover’s highly capable and luxurious SUVs are among the most popular of Jaguar Land Rover’s products. Range Rover, Range Rover Sport, and Defender together represent 76 percent of Jaguar Land Rover’s expansive order book. With increased sales and orders to continue its success as it transforms its product line in the future, Jaguar Land Rover looks towards a successful finish to its financial year. View All Land Rovers For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 08, 2023

Range Rover's 'FORCE OF NATURE' Exhibit Revealed at Miami...

As Miami Art Week prepares to unfold its vibrant tapestry of culture and creativity, Range Rover is set to make a grand entrance with its exclusive 'FORCE OF NATURE' installation. This immersive sensory experience is designed to showcase the new Range Rover Sport SV EDITION ONE MIAMI. From December 8th to 9th, Range Rover, in collaboration with CHASE, will welcome guests to this unique experience at the CHASE Sapphire lounge, Loews Miami Beach Hotel. This event, exclusive to CHASE Sapphire cardholders and Range Rover clients, promises an uplifting journey that intertwines the power of the natural Miami environment with the essence of Range Rover's newest model. Renowned air master and designer Daniel Wurtzel has been brought on board to create an atmosphere that embodies Range Rover's DNA of performance, modernity, and sleek design. Guests will be surrounded by an ambiance that balances between power and serenity, highlighted by a floating silky wave installation, mimicking the ocean's rhythm and matching the Maya Blue SV Bespoke exterior of the Range Rover Sport SV EDITION ONE MIAMI. This exclusive model, limited to just seven units, is a testament to Range Rover's commitment to innovation and luxury. Priced at $225,000, it boasts a 626hp Twin Turbo V8 mild-hybrid engine, 23-inch Carbon Fiber Wheels, and Carbon Ceramic Brakes, among other high-end features. The 'FORCE OF NATURE' installation is more of an interactive journey. Ambient sounds and a bespoke music composition by SOOSKI guide visitors through a sensory exploration of the Range Rover Sport SV EDITION ONE MIAMI. By day, the installation serves as a hub for conversation and inspiration, while at night, it transforms into a lively nightclub, complete with performances, curated food, and cocktails. This event at Miami Art Week showcases Range Rover's values: Serenity, Control, Power, and Liberation. View all Range Rover SUV models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Range Rover For Sale Source: Land Rover

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 21, 2023

One Owner All-Original 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 Listed...

Time machines don’t exist, but this gets pretty close. “Defender” is one of the most preeminent and respected names in the world of off-roading, let alone the “Land Rover” name that precedes it. The classic Land Rover Defender is one of the most revered and iconic off-roading vehicles, and that means that it’s difficult to get your hands on an original example in good condition, as collectors and enthusiasts passionate about the Defender make demand quite high. However, the rare opportunity to own a beautifully maintained example of the classic Land Rover Defender has appeared, with this stunning example listed for sale at Fort Lauderdale Collection South in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 features a two-door body style with a fabric roof and plastic windows, evoking nostalgic off-roader charm. The vehicle has only had one previous owner and was only driven for 3,809 miles. One of only 2,800 classic Land Rover Defenders delivered in the US, it’s one of just 250 in Beluga Black, with a complementary gray interior in equally stunning condition. With accessories like the original window sticker still remaining with this pristine vehicle, buying this Land Rover Defender is a rare opportunity to own one of the most respected off-road classics in its purest form. If you’re interested in this vehicle for sale, view the price and listing by clicking below. View Price and Listing Image Source: Ted7

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 04, 2023

Land Rover Announces 2nd Annual Destination Defender In T...

Luxury adventure, community service awards, and the showcasing of new 2024 Defender models will be highlights of the event. The highly anticipated Destination Defender festival is back! This weekend adventure festival, hosted by the Defender brand, is slated to take place from November 10th through 12th at the picturesque Iron Horse Ranch in Somerville, Texas. It promises a roller-coaster of emotions, adrenaline-pumping activities, and a first-hand experience of the brand's emblematic adventure spirit. First launched in Saugerties, NY in 2022, Destination Defender has cemented its place as a cornerstone event for celebrating the vehicle's adventurous lifestyle and fostering connections among Defender aficionados. This year, the event takes a leap further into the wild heart of Texas, sprawled over 2,400 acres of lush woodlands, serene lakes, and sprawling meadows. This setting, in essence, is a testament to the Defender vehicle's design ethos – legendary, intrepid, and raring to explore. Outside, Interactive Inc., Defender's partner for the event, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure an authentic Defender lifestyle experience for the guests. Participants can look forward to pushing their boundaries with a plethora of activities. Be it high-intensity workouts with the world-renowned Katrin Davisdottir, guided trail runs with ex-NHL star Brooks Laich and his canine sidekick, Koda, or savoring gourmet outdoor cooking sessions with the talented Ashley Rodriguez – there's something for everyone. For those seeking a more laid-back vibe, kayaking, paddleboarding, and mountain biking are on offer. And what better way to end an eventful day than grooving to live music and cozying up in luxury glamping spots, premium hotels, or personal campsites? But that's not all! A special highlight of the weekend is the Defender Service Awards. This award ceremony celebrates the heroic essence of the Defender legacy by honoring nonprofit and charitable organizations from the US, Puerto Rico, and Canada. These organizations embody the indomitable Defender spirit by relentlessly serving their communities. The top award? Six custom Defender 130 vehicles and a hefty cash prize to further their noble endeavors. Speaking of vehicles, attendees are in for an automotive treat. The festival will showcase the unveiling of the much-anticipated 2024 Defender 130 Outbound. This model is the epitome of a modern-day adventure companion, boasting seating for five and ample cargo space. Also stealing the spotlight will be the powerful 493hp Defender 130 V8 and the heritage-inspired County Exterior Pack for the Defender 110. These showcases are not just a nod to Defender's rich history, but also a testament to its ever-evolving nature in the 21st century. The Destination Defender festival is where modern luxury adventures, community spirit, and automotive excellence converge. And for those who live and breathe the Defender lifestyle, this is an event not to be missed. View All Land Rover Defenders For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 25, 2023

Jay Leno's Garage Welcomes Raglan Motors And Its Tesla-Po...

Joe goes over the finer details of the Raglan Defender and shares the story of his company, before Joe and Jay take the Defender for quick spin. Being the well-rounded car collector and gearhead he is, comedian and TV personality Jay Leno shares a love for all things automotive. Jay Leno's Garage serves as an informative series that welcomes past, present, and future automobiles, giving Jay's 3.54 million subscribers insight into some of the industry's most coveted creations. On the newest episode of Jay Leno's Garage, Jay joins Raglan Motors' co-founder and former U.S. Marine Joe Comiskey to check out one of the brand's Telsa-powered Electric Land Rover Defender builds. Raglan redefines the iconic Land Rover Defender by paying homage to classic design while integrating cutting-edge, eco-friendly technologies, serving as a gateway to new adventures and untapped experiences. Along with holding a stock of Defender inventory for future builds, Raglan Motors also invites customers to send their own Defender models for full recomission projects. The Raglan Motors' build brought to the Jay Leno's Garage stage is a two-door Defender equipped with an extended bed for extra seating and storage. Powering the electrified Land Rover Defender is a lithium-ion 85-kilowatt battery pack from previously-enjoyed Tesla single-motor powertrains, producing over 600 horsepower and a max range of 200+ miles. Focused on maintaining its heritage both inside and out, Raglan designs a period-correct interior by upgrading its factory dash and cabin elements with modern materials that create an aesthetically pleasing space. The team of military veterans at Raglan Motors have worked countless hours to develop an experience that bridges between classic and modern. After a full walk-around, Jay and Joe take the Raglan Motors Land Rover Defender out for a spin on the open road. Enjoying both the Tesla-powered Land Rover and the ethos of Raglan Motors, it's safe to say that the electrified Defender gets the stamp of approval from Jay Leno himself. Learn more about Raglan Motors and its lineup of modernized Land Rover Defenders by clicking the link below. Discover Raglan Motors Source: Jay Leno's Garage YouTube

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 18, 2023

Defender's 3rd Annual Service Awards Celebrate Humanitari...

The winners of the 2023 Defender Service Awards will be announced on November 11, at Destination Defender. If ever there was an automotive brand synonymous with taking on impossible challenges and engineering new horizons, it's Defender. The iconic brand and manufacturer recently announced the 25 finalists for its third annual "Defender Service Awards," sponsored by CHASE. This highly anticipated event puts the spotlight on U.S. non-profits and Canadian charities that demonstrate Defender's spirit of community service. The six winning organizations get to take home a fully customized Defender 130, along with a $25,000 cash prize from their category sponsor. The Defender 130 is designed with three rows of seating for up to eight passengers and an impressive load capacity, tailored to meet each organization's unique mission-related challenges. On top of that, CHASE will donate an additional $5,000 to each of the five finalists in every category, totaling $150,000. Warner Bros. Discovery joins as a Premier Sponsor, contributing $75,000, and other prominent sponsors include Outside Interactive Inc., ei3, Pelican, Hearts & Sciences, and Animal Planet. Mark your calendars for November 10-12, when the Defender Service Awards ceremony will unfold at Destination Defender in Somerville, Texas. View all Land Rover Defender 130 examples currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Defender 130 For Sale Source: Land Rover

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 21, 2023

The $370K 2024 Range Rover SV Carmel Edition Echoes Monte...

The ultra-luxe SUV pays homage to coastal California's most exclusive automotive event.

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