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 – November 04, 2020

Land Rover Defender Classic Gets New Lease On Life

We saw the last example of the original Defender come to life in 2016. Since then, the new Defender has been making waves around the world, but it shares only its name with the old ones. That is why the Land Rover Defender Classic has received a new lease on life. In their latest press release, we've learned that Land Rover Special Vehicle Operations has given a license to Bowler to build new versions of the classic. Jaguar Land Rover Acquires Bowler, The Famous Off-Road Specialist They have been building offroad and racing versions of the Land Rover lineup since 1985, and they have been continually been brought under the control of Jaguar-Land Rover. As such, Bowler customers will benefit from lessons learned from the SVO team along with the ability to test the new Bowler in the SVO world-class facilities. It will be a Defender 110 Wagon with an integrated tubular roll cage. Using Bowler's CSP chassis and the latest supercharged V8 from SVO it will be a beast in any situation. In a combined statement from both companies, the director of SVO said: "We’re excited to announce the first major project since our acquisition of Bowler. The ‘CSP 575’ will combine Supercharged V8 performance and four-seat practicality with Bowler’s rally raid-proven CSP platform, broadening the appeal of the brand. This high-performance road-going model will sit alongside Bowler’s evolving range of rally raid models, which continue to enjoy success in the world’s toughest motorsport events." MICHAEL VAN DER SANDE-MANAGING DIRECTOR, JAGUAR LAND ROVER SPECIAL VEHICLE OPERATIONS. We will stay on top of this as it evolves, so in the meantime click below for great deals on all Defenders. Browse Land Rover Defender For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 22, 2020

Jaguar Land Rover Invests In Aerospace Technology For Fut...

Weight is everything when it comes to fuel economy. That is why most big automakers have replaced steel with aluminum in many places. The problem is that aluminum is not sustainable, and mining it is very bad for Mother Earth. It takes an incredible amount of electricity to extract the element from its ore, and often the voltage comes from coal or gas power plants. That's why one of the major factors of the EV revolution is synthetic and sustainable materials. For what its worth, building cars from carbon fiber actually traps carbon in a way that it can't be easily released. That is just one of the reasons Jaguar Land Rover are investing in aerospace technology for future models. " width="680"> This 2-year test will involve samples of their future materials placed on several sensors. Their aim is to monitor how the samples react to galvanic corrosion, humidity, dirt, seawater, hot weather and driving below zero. Scheduled to endure 249,000 miles, its the equivalent of driving to the moon. Being proactive will lessen their need for steel and aluminum to offer impressive MPG and EV ranges. Click the buttons for great offers on 2020 models because the 21's are arriving soon, and stay with us for all your Jaguar Land Rover news. Browse Jaguar For Sale Browse Land Rover For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 01, 2020

2021 Overfinch Sandringham Edition Celebrates Their 5th A...

Over the past five years we have been proud to represent Overfinch to North America. They have been building equisite Range Rovers for decades on their home soil, and now they have dedicated customers across the nation. That is why the 2021 Overfinch Sandringham Edition celebrates their 5th-anniversary in the U.S. Starting with a LWB Autobiography, their coachbuilders take the body down to bare aluminum to be covered in Nebula Black. Inside you are treated to Capiz White leather on their Lumière seats. It wouldn't be Overfinch without carbon fiber trim and diamond-cut 22" wheels. Other amenities include their knurled alloy touch pack and the throaty variable exhaust system. Their own bodywork hides additional heat and sound insulation. The purple metal flake sparkles in any situation while your occupants are treated to a powered rear center console. Diamond stitched leather throughout is found on the 24-way heated and cooled front seats. The rears are Executive Class with hot-stone massage, heated center console, armrests, and calf rests. The passenger has a heated footrest and both headrests have 8 settings. Learn More “It is a pleasure to present the Sandringham Edition created at the home of Overfinch North America,” commented Alex Sloane, VP Overfinch North America. “This is a statement vehicle that is confident in its luxury and elegant in its execution. The overall aesthetic is unique and stunning – a genuine special edition. It’s a tasteful but striking example of a truly exclusive Overfinch.”

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 09, 2020

The Atlantic and Land Rover Present "John Mayer Goes Outs...

Automobile companies usually take a fast-paced and complex approach when marketing the release of a new vehicle. Using everyday scenarios combined with high budgeted production to get the best expression of the message. Land Rover has taken a polar opposite approach with the release of the all-new Defender. The marketing team at Atlantic teamed up with John Mayer to create the YouTube video titled “John Mayer Goes Outside” presented by Land Rover. The thought behind the project is simply to get outside and drive, with no expectations. The Land Rover Defender was created to enjoy the outdoors regardless of the climate or conditions in its way. John Mayer knows all too well how well Land Rover performs, as he has owned older body style Defenders as well as the most recent. Throughout the video, the key message is to slow down and take a look around because the Land Rover Defender can get to some remarkable areas. From the deep woods where the redwoods grow to the bank of the perfect fishing spot. In the case of Land Rover, simplicity outmaneuvers complexity. To learn more about the new Land Rover Defender, click the link below. Learn More " width="680">

By Edward Jones – August 27, 2020

Laird Hamilton Uses the Land Rover Discovery as a Surfmobile

If you're a fan of surfing or fitness, you've more than likely heard of Laird Hamilton. It was Hamilton who innovated big wave surfing in a way that it could continue to grow without limitations. Growing up as a surfer, I've seen him catch some of the biggest waves imaginable and still think of him as one of the most legendary big wave surfers. With such an incredible background, Hamilton knows what vehicles to use for surf trips, whether its a watercraft of vehicle. Land Rover recently posted some images of Hamilton showing what the Discovery does best: adventuring. In the images, we see some of the options and features the Discovery offers for surf trips. This includes the crossbars and powered inner tailgate. Other options that I'd suggest for the perfect surf-mobile would be the rubber mats, loadspace organizer, activity key, and protective seat covers. See All Discoverys for Sale Source: Land Rover USA Facebook

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By Andrew Nabors – August 21, 2020

Overfinch Teases a Wild Defender for Their 40th Anniversary

What began as a Land Rover accessory business has evolved into a full-scale coachbuilding empire. For the past 4 decades, Overfinch has redefined what a Land Rover can be. Swapping Corvette engines into classic Rovers made them a hit around the world, and their attention to wood and leather are unmatched. That is why we're glad they have teased something wild for their 40th Anniversary. In their latest Instagram post, we see brushed metal and hand-stitched seats. Even the differential shifter is CNC machined with the classic locking pattern. The dash plaque and the headreasts are emblazoned with their anniversary logo, so perhaps they have taken inspiration from the past. Could we be looking at a V8 Defender? You will see it here first so stay with us for all your Overfinch news. Browse Overfinch For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 30, 2020

2019 Land Rover Discovery Trek Edition For Sale

Back in January, Land Rover invited dealers from around the world to converge on Palm Springs, California. Their goal was to compete in an off-road test of endurance, logic, and the abilities of the new Land Rover Discovery for sale. No less than 53 teams arrived from dealers around the world. When it was all said and done, the team from Land Rover Roaring Fork in Glenwood Springs, Colorado won first place. Not only does this allow coworkers to build trust and have fun together, it is camaraderie unmatched in the automotive world. To celebrate this year's competition, 55 new Discoveries were fitted with the identical gear that was offered to the teams. No need to hit up your local outfitter, as you have tools, lights, rock sliders, and a meaty brush guard. Other goodies include a Hi-Lift jack, and every Discovery accessory offered by Proud Rhino. Warn supplied their Zeon 10 winch, and you have two 20-liter Jerry Cans for water or fuel. A full-size spare completes the package, in addition to the fully-loaded HSE model. This example is #31 of 55, so click the link below for all the details. Stay with us for more great offers from Jaguar/Land Rover of Chantilly View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – June 23, 2020

Land Rover & Autohome Unveil Defender Tent

Overlanding is steadily taking over the aftermarket. Having fun off the grid is made even better when you have the world's most capable 4WD, so the Italian outfitters at Autohome have worked with Land Rover engineers on a co-branded roof tent. Opening automatically, it is supported with dual gas struts that have been tested in hot and cold weather. The fiberglass shell was sculpted to optimize the aerodynamics of the new Land Rover Defender 110 for sale, unfortunately, it will not fit the Defender 90. Their AIRTEX synthetic fabric offers heat and sound insulation, the rain won't keep you awake at night. In addition to storage for the ladder, you will have three pillows, LED lighting, and a high-density mattress. Click the button below to learn more, and stay with us for all your Land Rover accessories. Shop Now

By Andrew Nabors – June 10, 2020

Wild 1993 Land Rover Defender For Sale

Starting a complete restoration is nerve-wracking. The issues of where to find NOS parts and the itch to resto-mod can and will complicate your build. That is why Osprey Custom Cars specialize in late-model Defenders. Taking them down to every nut and bolt allows each build to be better than new. Such is the case with this wild custom Land Rover Defender for sale. Once the body was off, the frame was not worthy of modern performance. Therefore they started with a new frame made with the latest in high-strength steel. Galvanized just like the original, it is gusseted and welded where rivets would normally be found. Terrar Firma suspension includes double-cardan driveshafts, poly bushings, twin-tube shocks, and an adjustable Panhard bar. While the interior was completely stripped, everything was updated to the newer Puma style for ultimate comfort. The hood and all 5 doors are new, as are the bumpers and all body hardware. Seven leather seats are entertained by speakers hidden throughout. The latest in sound and heat insulation allow the new A/C to keep everyone cool while staying connected. USB charge ports are located throughout because we know how stressful a dead battery can be on family road trips. Apple Car Play and Android Audio are fed to a 10-speaker JL Audio system. Chevrolet Performance supplied a new LS3 crate engine (conservatively) rated at 525 horsepower. Backed by a 4WD version of the 6L80E automatic, power is sent to new TDCI axles. Kahn 18" wheels are wrapped in BFG KO AT rubber and stopped by the largest brakes available. Click the link below to see all the details and stay with us for all your Osprey Custom Car updates. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – June 08, 2020

Want A New 2020 Defender? You Can Buy Them Here Now

Nothing stops a Land Rover Defender. I will admit that I was not a believer until we added a crew cab Defender 130 to the collection. Locking the differentials allows the TD5 engine to spool and climb, or pull the less fortunate out of the mud. Now it is time for a new chapter. New Land Rover Defender Flies Into Action After years of design and relentless testing, the 2020 Defender 110 was supposed to be here last month. It will take more than a virus to hold back the world's most anticipated SUV, so do you want a 2020 Defender? You can buy them here now. Black With Leather Interior View Listing Stone With Cloth Interior View Listing These two have only been available for a few hours, and they won't last long. Other dealers have inbound deliveries or being prepped for the showroom. Click the button below often, as the list is updated constantly. Browse All Defenders For Sale " width="680">

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