McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

Land Rover News

Land Rover news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport, the Defender and the special editions built in limited numbers. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, off-road engineering and the values these vehicles hold over time. Land Rover sits at the centre of luxury SUV news, and the segment keeps expanding each year. Our marketplace supplies the element most publications leave out entirely. Many of these vehicles are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which places the reporting and a genuine asking price side by side. For Land Rover news today, begin with the stories below.

By Andrew Nabors – October 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 Andrew Nabors – March 13, 2020

Land Rover Builds Custom SV Autobiography for Boxing Cham...

An epic battle is planned for June 20th. Kubrat Pulev is a Bulgarian boxer looking to unseat the 4x Heavyweight World Champion. Because the incumbent is fighing for Queen & Country, Land Rover has built a custom SV Autobiography for boxing champ Anthony Joshua. Much in the same way they did in 2017, Land Rover pulled out all the stops. To make sure the Champ arrives in style, each headrest is embroidered with his signature. A badge on the B-pillar is engraved with his family crest along with his four titles. Represented are the IBF, WBA, WBO and IBO. It was formally revealed at the Finchley Boxing Club, where he began his journey to the top. Land Rover will build anything your heart desires, so click the Browse All Land Rover For Sale

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By Andrew Nabors – October 29, 2019

Land Rover Experience Vermont Leaps into Fall

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

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By Andrew Nabors – August 07, 2019

2020 Overfinch SuperSport Limited to 25 Examples

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

By Andrew Nabors – February 13, 2019

New Land Rover Range Rover Sport HST Unveiled

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

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

By Edward Jones – February 08, 2019

2020 Range Rover Evoque Debuts in Chicago

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

By Edward Jones – February 05, 2019

Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography Dynamic Edition: Fastes...

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

By Edward Jones – July 16, 2018

Range Rover Smashes Two-Wheel Record at Goodwood

Want to know something I wasn't expecting to see during the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2018? A Range Rover SVR driving on two wheels. What's more, I was definitely not expecting on seeing a Range Rover SVR driving on two wheels for one mile in the quickest manner ever.(View the record run below)Yes, the luxury SUV set the Guinness World Record for the fastest one mile to be traversed on two wheels by a car. Behind the wheel of the Range Rover SVR was Terry Grant, who previously drove both the Nissan Juke RS NISMO and Jaguar F-PACE on two wheels and did a barrel roll in a Jaguar E-PACE. His run took was clocked in at 2:24.5, which was about thirty seconds fastest than his 2011 record. To date, he has 25 Guinness World Records to his name and this is just his latest.Luxury Cars for Sale

By Edward Jones – February 14, 2018

A World-First: Range Rover Drives Up 999 Steps to Heaven'...

After 99 turns and climbing up 999 steps, Jaguar Racing's own Ho-Pin Tung completed the world's first attempt at the Dragon Challenge. His attempt was completed in the Land Rover Range Rover Sport PHEV.Land Rover is no stranger to extreme challenges that promote their vehicles, but this one is definitely one of the craziest. The 45-degree staircase not only had a steep incline, it also looked quite slippery. As a safeguard, it looks like the SUV had safety wires that would prevent it from sliding backward, an event that would be most disastrous. However, Land Rover did state in the video of the attempt that the wires did not aid in the vehicle's performance.Ho-Pin Tung said, “I’ve experienced Formula E, Formula 1 and won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans but this was without doubt one of the most demanding driving challenges I’ve ever faced.”Land Rover Announces Limited Run of V8 DefendersBravo to the Land Rover team and Ho-Pin Tung for completing the world's first attempt at the Dragon Challenge! Will we now get to see others take up the challenge for fasters speeds?

By Andrew Nabors – June 15, 2017

Land Rover's New SVO Design Pack Adds More Luxury

Dealers and custom shops make nice profits customizing new cars. Land Rover has an image to uphold, so for a long time they have limited the number of bespoke builds coming from the factory. The full-size Range Rover model has several parts that are often changed to suit the owner's taste, so the Special Vehicle Operations is responding to the trends. A press release last night outlined the enhancements to the body. Before we give you the details, think about how many Sport model you see in comparison to the Full Size? We think the little brother might be outshining the elder.Starting at the front, a new grille and aggressive front bumper make the fog lights stand out and the splitter makes it look ready for LeMans. New fender vents flow down into sleek rocker panels running the length of the cabin. Those lines follow into a new rear bumper with quad exhaust tips. The pipes are separated by a diffuser that will hopefully make better use of air under the body. The SVO Design Pack was engineered and aero-tested at the new Jaguar/Land Rover SVO Technical Centre in Coventry, and they have made sure it fits all short wheelbase Full-Size Range Rovers back to 2013. We know what you're thinking...This is not a trick to get you into the dealership so you will check out a new Range Rover for sale. It's proof that Land Rover is keeping its finger on the pulse of the industry. If you are interested in this new option, find your closest dealer here and stay with us for all your Land Rover news.

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