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 – March 30, 2021

Land Rover x Virgin Galactic Inspires Future Astronauts

Sir Richard Branson loves the Range Rover Astronaut Edition Today marks a new era for spaceflight as Spaceship III was unveiled this morning. Instead of being towed out with something plebian, the official support craft for Virgin Galactic is the new Range Rover Astronaut Edition. Sir Richard has penned a new deal with Land Rover for three more years of collaboration. Not only for logistics and hard work, the posh 4WD will also be the limousine for their Future Astronaut corps. This is a group of over 600 people who have booked sub-orbital travel from Spaceport America in New Mexico. These bespoke Autobiographies wear Zero Gravity Blue paint inspired by the night sky. The interior has references to pioneering spacecraft in embroidery and in carbon fiber. Under the hood is their supercharged 5-liter offering 525 horsepower to all wheels. Here's to Virgin Galactic for making space tourism a reality. You too can experience the Astronaut Edition at our dealers, so stay with us for all your Land Rover news. View All Range Rover For Sale Images (C) Jaguar Land Rover

ECD Automotive Design Chicago Delivery Event 02

By Jordan Aquistapace – March 17, 2021

Inside E.C.D. Automotive Design, The Creators Of The Tesl...

The Team Started as a casual late-night conversation over a few drinks, Tom Humble, Scott Wallace, and Elliot Humble discussed the possibility of creating custom one-of-a-kind Land Rover Defenders and turning it into a full-time business. Not long after, E.C.D. Automotive Design was up and running out of a single storage garage. Fast forward eight years, the operations grew into a 45,000 square foot facility with over 50 full-time employees, where all stages of customization are completed on-site. As the passion for automobiles runs in the genes, E.C.D. headquarters is run by a blend of family members and dedicated employees who aim to provide the highest quality product and customer service. E.C.D. Automotive Design The process of designing each chassis is done in-house with a knowledgeable team of expert graphic designers who walk you through each step. Once the configuration is complete, the mechanics and paint specialists work efficiently together to keep the ever-growing schedule of E.C.D. builds moving. It is true to say that a product is only as good as the people who make it, and for E.C.D. Automotive Design, its team treats each vehicle as if it was their own. The Facility The now 30,000 square foot facility began as a single bay garage without a car lift, and as success continued, E.C.D. began acquiring the open spaces around it to relocate certain areas of the build process. While the front of the building houses offices for graphic design and warranty, the back is laid out as if it was a well-oiled assembly line, with each department lead by a detailed order schedule. E.C.D. Automotive Design The idea behind the E.C.D. is to eliminate the need for third-party work, which allows the company to operate under its own high-quality standards. From the shipment of internationally sourced vehicles to the delivery stage, the Defender or Range Rover of your dreams starts and stays with E.C.D. Automotive Design. The Defender E.C.D. Automotive Design work off of the Land Rover Defender 90, 110, and 130 platforms as well as Range Rover RRC vehicles. The ground-up build begins with a configuration process that allows the consumer to choose from six different powertrains, from Chevy LS engines to the recently unveiled option of a Tesla motor. The interior and exterior are completely customizable with endless options for color, materials, and added amenity options depending on the consumer’s lifestyle and future plans for the vehicle. E.C.D. Automotive Design When it comes to off-road and performance upgrades, E.C.D. Automotive Design offers an array of bumper to bumper add-ons to completely change the look of the 4x4. While the pre-purchase design and delivery stages are important, the true customer service lies within the after-sale, where the team continues to assist customers with all their needs. The Tesla-Powered Range Rover E.C.D. is proud to announce its newest venture, fitting the first classic Range Rover RRC with an electric Tesla drivetrain. Enlisting help from the specialists at Electric Classic Cars, the mere idea of launching the classic model into the future became a reality. The inspiration behind the idea is to blend modern EV technology with the classic styling of 90s automotive design. E.C.D. Automotive Design Holding 100KWH of power, the Electric Range Rover has a 5-hour three-phase charge-time and an estimated driving range of 220 miles. In total, the job of successfully transplanting the Tesla drivetrain took over 3,000 man hours. Once inside the electrified RRC, the experience of driving a classic Range Rover is put on hold while the immediate torque from acceleration sinks you into the back of your seat. After a few moments to adjust your mind and body, the Tesla powered Range Rover RRC begins to show its historic roots with firm mechanical steering and period-correct interior components that have been modified to comfort any enjoying the one-of-a-kind experience. If you are looking for the ultimate custom Land Rover Defender or Range Rover RRC, look no further than E.C.D. Automotive Design.

By Andrew Nabors – March 09, 2021

Land Rover Launches 'Defender Above & Beyond' Awards to S...

Look around your neighborhood or office. Our communities require hours of unsung work and support from countless volunteers, and that is why Land Rover has launched "Defender Above & Beyond' awards to support local charities. From now until July 27th, you can submit a video to nominate your favorite 501(c)(3). Here are the categories: 1. Search and Rescue 2. Coastal and Marine Conservation 3. Animal Welfare 4. First Responders 5. Environmental 6. Urban Improvement 7. Fire Services The winners of each category will receive a new Defender loaded with equipment to help their efforts. This is truly a noble task given the number of esoteric projects we see from other automakers. The Defender is a comfortable daily driver that can pull double duty as a work rig. Or embarrass your 4WD friends in the new Defender V8! The deadlines of the competition are below, and our dealers have all the details. Shop Land Rover Defender Categories Submissions Open Submissions Close Finalists Selection Public Voting Winners Announced 1. Search & Rescue 2. Coastal and Marine Conservation March 9, 2021 April 7, 2021 April 8 – 16, 2021 April 21 – May 3, 2021 Sep. 2, 2021 3. Animal Welfare 4. First Responders May 3, 2021 June 1, 2021 June 2-11, 2021 June 16 – 28, 2021 Sep. 2, 2021 5. Environmental 6. Urban Improvement7. Fire Services June 28, 2021 July 27, 2021 July 28 – Aug. 6, 2021 Aug. 11-23, 2021 Sep. 2, 2021 Images (C) Jaguar Land Rover

By Andrew Nabors – March 04, 2021

Land Rover Launches 'Landy and Friends' Writing Competition

March 4th is World Book Day, so let's get our youngest 4WD fans on the same page. Land Rover has launched the 'Landy and Friends' writing competition to children around the world. The two groups consist of ages 5-6 and 7-8, so get their imaginations ready for adventure. Stories should be no longer than 500 words, and the winners will receive an original illustration by Veronica Lamond along with a half-day at a Land Rover experience. Second place will get an autographed set of hardcover Landy & Friends books, and 3rd place will get paperbacks. Your own adventure begins in the new Defender V8, so click the button below to find our dealer near you. Shop Land Rover Images (C) Jaguar Land Rover

By Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2021

2022 Land Rover Defender V8 Arrives With 518 Supercharge...

Wait, we thought electricity was the only way forward. Batteries are fun, but we're glad the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 arrives with 518 supercharged horsepower. The same 5-liter found in the SVR and Autobiography has now been stuffed into their most-capable 4WD. As a result, the new 90 and 110 V8 models are the fastest Defenders of all time. Nothing was overlooked here. Starting with chassis reinforcements, the transmission, axles, suspension, and driving modes have all been revised to handle incredible power. As such, you will reach 60 mph in 4.9 seconds thanks to 461 lb-ft of torque. Inside you are treated to an 11.4" screen, 60% bigger than this year. Atop the lineup is the Carpathian Edition. Finished in 2-tone grey/black, it has matte black vinyl accents with all options included. The XS Edition takes over for the Defender First Edition with 20" wheels, leather, and 3-zone climate control. Now we know why the Defender Works V8 was treated to a party! Click the button for all the details from our dealers. Land Rover Defender For Sale Images (C) Jaguar Land Rover

By Andrew Nabors – February 10, 2021

Land Rover Unveils Defender Works V8 Trophy Limited Edition

Eastnor Castle will be host to a resurrection. Slated for an off-road competition later this year, Land Rover has unveiled the Defender Works V8 Trophy limited edition. What once was old is new again thanks to their restoration experts at Land Rover Classic. Built of new-old stock parts, all 25 examples will feature V8 power. The Rover V8 is the final evolution of the Buick 215, and it offers 405 horsepower with 380 lb-ft of torque. A healthy mix of 90 and 110 station wagon bodies will be offered, all painted Eastnor Yellow & Narvik Black. Riding on 16" steelies, they all will arrive with 4WD equipment including a winch, body armor, skid plates, and LED lighting. The graphics will be personalized to the owner before the event, so the price is a bit more than a classic Land Rover Defender for sale. £195,000 is around $270,000 and it includes your entry into the 3-day event. The Land Rover Defender 90 price and specs will amaze you, so click the button to learn more. Land Rover Defender For Sale Images (C) Jaguar Land Rover

By Andrew Nabors – February 08, 2021

Land Rover Celebrates 1 Million Range Rover Sports

Something new appeared at dealers in 2005, and now Land Rover can celebrate 1 million Range Rover Sports. This smaller and more capable 4WD offers buyers a chic alternative to the full-size models, without sacrificing the rugged architecture. Perhaps the best way to experience the differences in the Range Rover lineup is when driving their most powerful models. The SV Autobiography offers every possible luxury while the Sport SVR was designed to dominate the world's fastest tracks. Our friends at Overfinch will build one to your heart's content, so they are a great alternative to the Top 10 American Supercars. Range Rover Sport For Sale Image (C) Overfinch North America

By Andrew Nabors – December 22, 2020

2021 Land Rover Defender 110 To Support Dakar Rally

At the Winner's Circle for the first Dakar Rally was a Range Rover. In order to show the world just how capable their latest 4WD truly is, a pair of 2021 Land Rover Defender 110 will support this year's Dakar Rally. They will serve as crew transport, logistics, and a respite for team Bahrain Raid Xtreme. Land Rover Defender 90 Price, Specs, Photos & Review The P400e models have six-cylinder power along with a hybrid system. With an electric range of 27 miles and a payload of 1,985 lbs, the team will have fuel-efficient and practical transportation across the desert. This year debuts their first configurable Terrain Response system. With the ability to fine-tune the parameter for sand, mud, and pavement, your Defender is only limited by your imagination. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Land Rover news. Browse Land Rover Defender For Sale Images (C) Jaguar Land Rover

By Andrew Nabors – December 08, 2020

Behold The Range Rover Classic Electrified By Lunaz

Battery-powered SUVs are the future of family mobility, so what will happen to iconic 4WDs? If you want the ultimate English off-roader, behold the Range Rover Classic electrified by Lunaz. You might recall that David Lorenz and his team of engineers have offered high-voltage versions of Rolls-Royce, Jaguar, and Bentley models. In-keeping with their attention to detail, the first run of 50 Range Rovers will be offered in two flavors. Country models will arrive with modern suspension, connectivity, and exquisite upholstery. A new cargo compartment behind the seats has room for refreshments and equipment for field sports. Town models are focused on urban comfort, in either short or long wheelbases. Their interiors feature a bar area where chauffeurs can offer the passenger's drink of choice. After each original is taken down to the bare metal, the Lunaz team replaces all compromised areas with new panels. Only the latest in electronics, climate control, and entertainment is used to offer an unprecedented experience. Pricing will start at £245,000, or roughly $327,000, so stay with us for more shocking updates from Lunaz. Browse Range Rover For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 18, 2020

2021 Land Rover Lineup Receives Plush Updates

A modern luxury SUV with dated technology is destined to fail. In order to stay ahead of their competitors, the 2021 Land Rover lineup has received plush updates to safety and entertainment systems. A trio of press releases arrived this morning outlining why you should consider a Union Jack for your driveway. Jaguar Land Rover Invests In Aerospace Technology For Future Models Next up is the Range Rover Velar. As seen above, the popular midsize has received a new hybrid system for the straight-six engine to offer 395 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to a 48-volt battery, the start/stop features and city driving demands are offset by electricity. All-wheel drive and air suspension are standard equipment, as is the new Pivi Pro system mention above. Active noise cancellation and 3D surround cameras join the mix, along with a chic steering wheel. The 3-spoke tiller has a capacitive touch and it will be shared across the lineup. All this can be yours for $76,900. Now on to a very anticipated new model, the Range Rover Evoque is all new. As you can see, the outer dimensions are familiar, but the wheelbase, styling, interior, and electronics are a clean-sheet design. You will have more legroom for all passengers and improved ergonomics for a relaxing experience. The new control system is known as "Pivi Pro". Based around a new screen it has intuitive menus to keep functions and apps close at hand. No matter what system is on display, the home screen is two taps away. A dual-modem sim card allows updates over the air, including engine and transmission firmware. You will have 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque for $53,400. Finally, the Discovery Sport will offer the same infotainment system and powertrain as the Evoque. Apple Car play and Android Auto are now standard, as are a host of new safety features. Traffic Sign Recognition, Lane Keep Assist, and Driver Condition are all there to keep you safe. The turbocharged four offers 246 horsepower and 269 lb-ft to all wheels for $46,950. Optonal content on all three models is somewhat disheartening. In addition to the base prices listed above, buyers will have to pay more for the connectivity pack. This means that dual bluetooth, wireless charging, and signal boosting add to the bottom line. What's more, the advanced cabin filtration system is an option for the already optional cabin ionization system. Browse Land Rover For Sale " width="680">

Land Rover News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe