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.

Own The Luxury SUV Icon: The Best Range Rovers For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – June 18, 2026

The Best Range Rovers You Can Buy Today

Seen and mentioned throughout pop culture, whether it's in music, film, or on television, it's clear that the Range Rover is quite a well-known car. Roads everywhere will show you that Land Rover's luxury lineup is a favorite choice for many luxury SUV drivers for its commanding presence, powerful capability, elegant style, and sumptuous luxury. For the 2023 model year, Land Rover has made the new Range Rover even better, with new powertrains, a new look, and more luxury than the model has ever had before. While it's still one of the newest and hottest luxury SUVs for sale, keep scrolling to check out the best 2023 Range Rovers for sale below. View All Range Rovers For Sale 2024 Range Rover Sport View Listing 2023 Range Rover SV View Listing 2019 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR View Listing 2026 Range Rover Overfinch L460 View Listing 2025 Range Rover SE View Listing 2023 Range Rover SV Carmel Edition View Listing 1995 Land Rover Range Rover View Listing 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Westminster View Listing 2023 Range Rover SV Carmel Edition View Listing 2025 Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two View Listing What Range Rover models are available? The Range Rover Evoque is the entry-level, compact version of the Range Rover, while the Range Rover Velar is a step above the Evoque. Above the Velar is the Range Rover Sport, and the flagship model is the Range Rover. What does SV stand for? SV stands for Special Vehicle Operations, responsible for special ultra-luxurious and performance-oriented creations like the Range Rover SV, the top-of-the-line iteration of the Range Rover, and the Range Rover Sport SV, the performance-oriented version of the Range Rover Sport with 626 horsepower. Can I finance a Range Rover for sale? Yes, and with dR Finance by duPont REGISTRY, powered by Westlake Financial, financing your dream Range Rover for sale is easier than ever. View some of the listings below to see flexible payments and financing options. Buy Searching for a Range Rover to buy? duPont REGISTRY has hundreds of Range Rovers for sale right now, including some of the rarest ever created. To view them all, click the button below to shop all Range Rovers for sale. Shop Best Range Rovers For Sale Sell Do you own a Range Rovers and are interested in selling it? duPont REGISTRY is the number 1 source for private sellers to list and or sell their Range Rovers. Click the button below to view listing options. Learn How To Sell Your Range Rover

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 18, 2024

A Legacy of Adventure: The Best Vintage Land Rover Defend...

The Land Rover Defender has carved out a legendary reputation over the decades, becoming an icon of adventure and rugged exploration. Originally launched in 1948 as the Land Rover Series I, this no-nonsense 4x4 was built to tackle the toughest terrains, from the wilds of Africa to the remote corners of the Australian Outback. Its utilitarian design, with flat panels and simple mechanicals, made it easy to repair in the field, contributing to its status as a go-to vehicle for explorers and adventurers. The Defender, introduced as its own model in 1983, continued this legacy, with early examples still admired and sought after by enthusiasts who appreciate its blend of simplicity and capability. As time has passed, the market for Land Rover Defender resto-mods has exploded, with many turning to modern upgrades to improve the driving experience while preserving the Defender's iconic looks. These resto-mods often feature powerful new engines, updated interiors, and advanced off-road capabilities, making them as capable on the highway as they are on a rugged trail. Restoration companies have made a name for themselves by delivering bespoke Defenders that combine the vehicle's classic charm with modern-day comfort and performance. Whether it's a vintage Defender brought back to life with a fresh coat of paint and a new powertrain or a fully customized build, these resto-mods continue the Defender's legacy as a vehicle that's as at home in the city as it is in the wild. Today, Land Rover's current generation of Defenders reflects the evolution of the brand, blending its adventurous spirit with modern needs. The latest models have transformed into family-friendly 4x4s, offering ample space and storage for everyday life while still retaining the rugged DNA that made the original Defender a legend. This evolution shows that while the Defender has grown up, it hasn't lost its adventurous heart. But until you're ready for a newer design and more tech, we at duPont REGISTRY have carefully curated a list of the best vintage Land Rover Defenders for sale. Check out our list of vintage Land Rover Defenders for sale by clicking the links below. View All Land Rover Defenders For Sale 1986 Land Rover Defender 130 Hi-Capacity Pickup View Listing 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 View Listing 1987 Land Rover Defender 110 View Listing 1994 Land Rover Defender 90 View Listing 1983 Land Rover Defender 110 View Listing 1995 Land Rover Defender 90 View Listing 1998 Land Rover Defender 90 View Listing 1998 Land Rover Defender 110 View Listing 1995 Land Rover Defender 90 View Listing 1997 Land Rover Defender 90 View Listing 1993 Land Rover Defender 110 View Listing 1995 Land Rover Defender 90 View Listing 2004 Land Rover Defender View Listing 1985 Land Rover Defender 110 View Listing 1999 Land Rover Defender 110 View Listing Buy Searching for a Porsche to buy? duPont REGISTRY has hundreds of Land Rovers for sale right now, including some of the rarest Defenders ever created. To view them all, click the button below to shop all Defenders for sale. Shop Best Land Rover Defenders For Sale Sell Do you own a Land Rover Defender and are interested in selling it? duPont REGISTRY is the number 1 source for private sellers to list and or sell their Land Rovers. Click the button below to view listing options. Learn How To Sell Your Land Rover Defender

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 15, 2024

1-of-17 2023 Range Rover SV Carmel Edition Listed For Sale

Range Rover is an undeniably iconic name in the luxury SUV world, with a legendary model that combines an unmistakable silhouette with luxurious features and off-road capabilities. However, the 2023 model year saw the Range Rover enter a new generation, introducing a refreshed design and more luxury than ever before, especially in the prestigious SV trim level. Offering head-turning finishes and sumptuous details, the new Range Rover SV gives the iconic Range Rover elevated luxury character. View Price And Listing However, in celebration of Monterey Car Week in 2022, one of the most prestigious, anticipated, and exclusive events on the automotive calendar, Range Rover decided to take the SV’s luxury a step even further with the ultra-exclusive Range Rover SV Carmel Edition. Limited to only 17 examples, the SV Carmel Edition is one of the most coveted Range Rovers made. With only 17 made, it’s not easy to find one of these luxury SUV masterpieces for sale, but one is available right now at John Scotti Automotive in Kirkland, Quebec. It features the Carmel Edition’s stunning Satin Bronze exterior, along with wheels that feature matching Satin Bronze accents. However, the most marvelous luxury is displayed inside, with a bespoke two-tone interior that pairs Liberty Blue front seats with Caraway rear seats, in an opulent four-seat configuration that treats rear seat passengers to first-class comfort. In addition, Carmel Edition embroidery, SV Bespoke treadplate and SV Bespoke puddle lamps remind the owner of the exclusivity of the Range Rover SV Carmel Edition, with only 17 examples ever made. If you’re looking for an ultra-exclusive and sumptuous luxury SUV to add to your exotic or luxury car collection, the Range Rover SV Carmel Edition is a great candidate. View the price and listing for this 1-of-17 for sale by clicking the button.

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 – July 31, 2023

World's First New Land Rover Defender 6x6 Model For Sale

An off-road legend gets the Apocalypse treatment.

7 beautifully restored defenders at e.c.d. automotive.jpg

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 16, 2023

7 Modernized Defender Restorations For Sale At E.C.D. Aut...

These historical off-roaders come with modern comfort, high performance, classic Defender capability, and bespoke looks.

land rover defender 75th anniversary edition.jpg

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 23, 2023

Trio Of 75th Anniversary Edition Land Rover Defenders For...

These Land Rovers celebrate the beginning of a long story for the brand.

2021 land rover defender 110 0 553305093

By Tyler Rampersaud – November 02, 2022

This UNDEFEATED x Galpin Motors Land Rover Defender 110 F...

Own an epic and rare collaboration that’s off-road capable to boot. The Land Rover Defender has a long and legendary legacy of being one of the most dependable vehicles on the planet when it comes to traveling off the beaten path, and the decades of legacy the Defender has built up have placed it in moments of pop culture and style through the years. The collaboration between the Land Rover Defender, Galpin Motors, and streetwear brand UNDEFEATED resulted in the creation of two Land Rover Defender builds that featured unique custom design, retro appeal, and highly adventurous capability. MUST READ: UNDEFEATED x Galpin Motors Unveils Two New Adventurous Land Rover Defender Builds In a rare opportunity, one of these builds, the UNDEFEATED x Galpin Motors Land Rover Defender 110 P400 SE is available for sale from a private seller through duPont REGISTRY. It features charming retro-inspired teal paintwork with white “Steelie” Forgiato wheels, paired with a funky interior that features embossed UNDEFEATED logos in the leather-upholstered headrest, as well as navy houndstooth inserts in the seats. Designed for those who want to go far and have a vehicle with everything they need, the Defender build also comes equipped with things like a slide-out kitchen, awning, storage, and even a refrigerator. If you want a unique custom Defender that’s as clever as it is quirky and cool, this car is for you. View the listing on duPont REGISTRY by clicking below. View Price And Listing

1988 land rover defender 110 249995 278636759

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 21, 2022

This 1988 Land Rover Defender 110 Restoration Is A No-Com...

Drive a timeless classic that refuses to age. The Land Rover Defender has always been known and loved all over the world for its iconic looks and presence and of course its legendary off-road ability. However, driving one now can feel impractical with the notoriously Spartan vehicle’s lack of modern convenience and creature comfort. However, a restored Defender can offer you a vehicle that has the charm, appeal, and capability of the original, but also with the modern finishes and amenities of today’s best in the automotive industry. If that sounds like a vehicle you want, it’s a vehicle you can have. MUST READ: The Best 2023 Range Rovers You Can Buy Today This 1988 Land Rover Defender 110 for sale is a custom restoration done by ECD Automotive Design, and it’s called Project Alpaca. It’s finished in stunning Super White gloss paint and powered by a 6.2-liter LS3 V8 engine. With custom wheels, air suspension, a roof rack, and a winch, the SUV is ready for you to drive so you can experience all the Defender’s glory and even more. Completing the no-compromise ethos of the ECD-restored Defender is the interior, with leather upholstery featuring a white diamond stitching pattern. A JL Audio sound system, a Sony infotainment system with Sirius XM, and even a wireless charging pad give this Defender modern capability and classic charm. If you’re looking to make this incredible Defender yours, you can view the price and listing by clicking below. View Price And Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – July 19, 2021

1990 Land Rover Defender 90 For Sale

Presented By Private Seller - Recently completed build project blends old-world heritage with modern-day automotive engineering. Originally conceived on the heels of multiple ground-up restorations, this custom Defender 90 takes all of what was learned from LS and Cummins builds, to create a sweet spot of both power and practicality.Equipped with an LV3 V6 mated to a 6L80 automatic transmission. The engine has received a full hand-made stainless exhaust system that encompasses custom-designed headers, specially designed for equidistant header lengths which optimize performance. The current tune setup provides a lively 325hp with snappy pedal response, whilst being able to make it more than 2 city blocks between fill-ups.The GM drive-train provides a level of reliability not typically found in Land Rover products, but also improves drivability. For those new to the Defender family, Land Rover's veritable workhorse has been synonymous with having the ability to go pretty much anywhere. What's left out of the small print is it doesn't do it particularly quickly, or with any level of modern-day comfort. In regards to comfort, this vehicle has undergone a full restoration with no detail left unaddressed. Basic comforts such as air conditioning and modern electronics suite have been added, but it's important to note that these items are just the tip of the iceberg. A multi-step process to insulate and seal the original design requires several different steps, from adding ceramic coatings to interior panels, Dynamat insulation, custom sewn carpets, and soft finishes all add to the effectiveness of heating and cooling systems, as well as being able to have a conversation with your passenger without shouting or reverting to using sign language. The exterior of the vehicle was envisioned to be just as comfortable being valet parked at your local eateries or evening venues, as much as it is still very much at home off-road climbing mountains, or roaming the ranch. The exterior paint is a Dupont product that is Kevlar infused to provide extreme durability and ruggedness, while still having a visually appealing finish.Modern adds like a backup camera, ancillary lighting front and rear, custom-designed bumpers, and step bars all add to the look and practicality of this vehicle. A Safety Devises front roll cage has been added to an additional level of protection. All exterior lighting has been converted to LED, providing much better visibility and a much lighter draw on the electrical system, and the ancillary lights are a smoked finish that has a more muted appearance that works with the envisioned aesthetic. 1990s Land Rover Defender Prices and Specs The interior was finished with beautiful custom leather hides and looks feels and smells every bit as good as you would imagine. The dash setup is from a 2007 or newer style Defender (known as Puma) and has also received custom leatherwork, all being wrapped in black, with a tasteful red accent stitch. The center console and seats all have diamond stitch incorporated into their design, and the front power seats are extremely comfortable. The headliner is finished in black suede and feels soft and smooth. Door cards are also wrapped in leather, finishing the interior details in a cocoon of tasteful luxury.Technology has not been overlooked in this build. The interior audio system sounds fantastic and integrates with your Bluetooth devices and phones. Dash gauges are custom and continue the red them, emitting a tasteful red glow at night. All the things that you do not touch and feel on a daily basis have not been overlooked. The behind the scenes elements of braking systems, suspension, chassis, wheels, tires, etc are all fully restored and built to a much higher standard than originally spec'd from Land Rover. The red accents can be seen in the smaller details like brake calipers and suspension components, and it really adds to the fluidity of this build. Typical build times for projects similar to this will run into multiple months, if not years. Here is your opportunity to own and drive an iconic piece of British motoring history right here in the United States, with upgrades in all the right places. Timeless and ready for delivery. View 1990 Land Rover Defender 90 Listing

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