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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

By Andrew Nabors – December 15, 2020

Lexus LFA 10th Anniversary Paper Models Make A Great Stoc...

This month marks a decade since the delivery of the first cars, so that's why the Lexus LFA 10th anniversary paper models make a great stocking stuffer. A supercar nearly 10 years in development showed the world what Toyota is capable of. The machines and processes needed to form the carbon fiber body didn't exist, so they were just a few of the patents and innovations the LFA left in its wake. Lexus LFA Price, Specs, Photos & Review Only 500 examples were built for the world, so if you missed the opportunity they are offering a second chance. These templates will allow you to build your LFA from paper and glue, as a perfect holiday activity while social distancing. Available in white, orange, blue, the Gazoo Racing LFA livery is a nice bonus. If you want the real thing, click the button below and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus LFA For Sale Images (C) Lexus (GB) PLC

By Andrew Nabors – November 12, 2020

2021 Lexus LS Receives Suspension & Performance Updates

No matter how much testing is done, automakers often make a few changes after the first model year. Such is the case with the largest Japanese sedan offered in the U.S. While last year saw the debut of the 5th Generation, the 2021 Lexus LS has received suspension and performance updates. Their latest press release starts with a more comfortable ride. Realizing how strong the chassis is in real-life situations, engineers have dialed back the spring and shock firmness. This had an added bonus of killing more road noise before it reaches the interior. The LS 500 is rated at 416 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque thanks to twin turbos on a 3.5-liter V6. Unfortunately, the 10-speed automatic was shifting early to preserve the silky-smooth nature their customers demand. To access such chunky torque, the shift points and part-throttle mapping is all new. Larger wastegates hold boost longer in any situation, and even the pistons were revised for smoother running in cold climates and decreased pollution from the exhaust. The LS has been a benchmark for luxury since 1989, so click the button below to learn why. Stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus LS For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 30, 2020

2021 Lexus UX Black Line Combines Stylish Upgrades With H...

Small SUVs often sacrifice good looks for practicality. Numb handling and mediocre mileage are also common attributes, but this one breaks the mold. That's because the 2021 Lexus UX Black Line combines stylish upgrades with hybrid power. Lexus Announces the 2021 RC F Fuji Speedway Edition Limited to 1,000 examples, it is the combination of their customer's most requested options along with fancy extras to sweeten the experience. First off, you can only order it in Pearl White, Caviar, or Grecian Water. Color-matched fender flares are accented by unique 18" black wheels. The headlights, mirrors, and roof rack are also blacked out for an impressive appearance. Inside, your choice of interiors is limited to Black or Birch NuLuxe seats with blue contrasts. Each example will arrive fully loaded with heated steering wheels, powered rear hatch, wireless charging, and parking assist. As with their other Black Line models, Lexus has commissioned a 2-piece luggage set from Zero Halliburton. The 22" carry-on and 26" continental cases are laser etched and lined in their best materials. Deliveries are slated to begin this spring, so click the button to reserve yours and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Find Your Lexus Dealer

By Andrew Nabors – July 23, 2020

2021 Lexus NX Hybrid F Sport Unveiled With Black Line Pac...

Given how 2020 has gone so far, many new car shoppers are opting for dark accents instead of chrome. Lexus keeps their fingers on the pulse of the American luxury market, so they have unveiled the 2021 NX F Sport with hybrid power and the optional Black Line package. This is the first NX to offer a hybrid system, and it will be badged as the NX 300h F SPORT Black Line. Discover the Cover – August 2020: Lexus LC Convertible The special edition will debut in three colors: Grecian Water, Ultra White, and Obsidian. The 18" black chrome "Dark Sputter" wheels are a perfect match for the color-matched fender flares. The interior is awash in blue contrasts for the soft touch surfaces. The safety systems have gained a low-light pedestrian sensor and a bicycle alert warning. Park Assist and Power Tailgate are still optional, but we suppose dealers won't leave them out when ordering. Perhaps the most attractive standard equipment is 2-piece luggage set by Zero Halliburton. "The Edge Lightweight Collection for Lexus" is comprised of a 22" Continental Carry-on and a 26" Medium Travel Case. The chrome logos are laser etched, and both are lined in their softest material to protect your valuables. Our dealers have all the details, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus NX For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – July 07, 2020

2021 Lexus LS Arrives With new Styling & Suspension

Refinement never stops at Lexus. Back by the world's largest automaker, their engineers in the U.S. and in Japan strive to deliver the best luxury cars on the market. The 5th generation LS arrived in the 2018 model year, but they have already found ways to improve it. Starting with ride quality, the active suspension's control solenoids react faster to changes in the road. Once that was done, the motor mounts were tuned to eliminate more vibrations at idle, and harmonics at higher rpm. This was needed because the engines have been revised across the lineup. Increased regenrative braking in the ybrid allows more torque when the acceleration resumes. This greatly reduces brake wear and CO2 emisissions in city driving. For the normal LS 500, low RPM torque has been increased even with decreased engine noise. Safety has been increased with a digital HD rear view mirror along with incredible high-beam headlights. the Bladescan system uses a high-rpm motor to spin a mirror in the shape of a blade. Timed precisely with a series of pulsing LEDs, it illuminates the road ahead in a brilliant fashion without annoying oncoming drivers. What they will notice is that the grilles and headlights are larger to evoke confidence and help cooling. Chrome accents front and rear are now Piano Black. A new sonic paint process allows for larger flakes in the metallic paint colors. All New Lexus IS Arrives This Fall To summarize how important these innovations are, Lexus International President Koji Sato says: "The LS, as a flagship, has constantly pursued innovation and has provided new technologies and value for its customers. In developing the new LS announced today, we furthered the evolution of the exceptional quietness and comfort that has been a steadfast constant since the model's first-generation, and, by employing the advanced driving assist technologies of Lexus Teammate, we aimed for a mobility experience that is much safer and more secured than before. This means reduced driver burden from the operation of the accelerator, brakes, and steering, allowing the driver to focus more on overall driving. Also, as can be accomplished precisely because we are an automobile company well-versed in the relationship between car and driver, driving assist that achieves riding comfort as if an expert driver was behind the wheel and a human-machine interface (HMI) that enables the car and the driver to converse and to constantly and correctly grasp each other's condition create a sense of security. Furthermore, in the process of developing such, we drastically enhanced and evolved fundamental vehicle performance. Lexus, based on its human-centered approach, will continue to take up challenges, and we intend to keep on delivering experiences that bring abundance to the lifestyles of each and every one of our customers." As always, our dealers have all the details, so click the link below to learn more and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 01, 2020

2021 Lexus IS Teased

Many luxury brands think front-wheel drive and a comfy interior is all we need. That is why Lexus dares to build cars for true enthusiasts. The first IS 300 arrived in 1999 with the legendary 1JZ straight-six. College isn't cheap so I managed the fleet of them as Service Loaners from Lexus of Orlando. A small & nimble sedan with rear-wheel drive is a ticket to amazing cornering, often sideways. Now that we are on the verge of something new, its time to make space for a new daily driver. That's because the 2021 Lexus IS was just teased. The new car will be revealed on June 9th at 7pm Eastern time on their Facebook page. Until then, I can give you my honest opinion that the IS 200 is hard for me to turn down. They offer plenty of turbocharged power along with leather and whisper-quiet interior. Perfect after a long day, especially if you are caught in gridlock. Click the link below to find our Lexus dealer near you and stay with us for all the details after the unveiling. Browse All Lexus For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 08, 2020

Lexus Culinary Masters Cook & Deliver For Those In Need

COVID-19 has had an impact of many, so Lexus has chosen to lend a helping hand. A specially trained team of product specialsts are also amazing Chefs, so the Lexus Culinary Masters are cooking and delivering for those in need. The corporate headquarters gave each member a donation of $50,000 with no strings attached. It had instant results around the nation. Dominique Crenn, a Michelin-starred chef, heads up the prestigious Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, and she is donating time and amazing meals to the doctors and nurses at UCSF Medical Center. Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo are the co-owners and chefs of Animal, Son of a Gun, Jon & Vinny’s Fairfax and Brentwood, Helen’s Wines Fairfax and Brentwood, and their full-service catering company, Carmelized Productions in Los Angeles. When learning of Lexus' donation, Jon said "We can’t be more thankful. It’s more than anything we could ask for,” says Shook. “It’s unbelievably difficult in this industry as a whole. We don’t know how COVID-19 is going to affect the restaurant and the industry. It’s uncharted territory". The Lexus team is also making a difference in Miami, NYC to support first responders and the unemployed. Thank you Lexus for this unprecedented generosity, from all of us at duPont REGISTRY.

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2020

Lexus Unveils 2021 GS 350 F SPORT Black Line

Just when we thought their best car could not be improved, they did it again. Pulling out all the stops to build the perfect blend of luxury and performance, Lexus has unveiled the 2021 GS 350 F SPORT Black Line. This stunning sedan is limited to 200 examples, available in rear, or all wheel drive. Offered in Caviar or Ultra White, the interior is awash in 2-tone leather and carbon fiber. Top 50 Best Sports Cars Of All Time The grille, wheels, mirrors, and unique rear spoiler are gloss black. Each car will also arrive with a 2-piece luggage set by Zero Halliburton. The Edge Lightweight Collection for Lexus incorporates styling elements of the car along with embossed logos. The 22" Continental Carry-On and a 26" Travel Case are both finished in gloss black. Pricing will be announced when production begins later in the Summer, so until then stay with us for all your Lexus news. Browse Lexus For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2020

2021 Lexus LC 500 Offers More Comfort & Capabilities

Every other luxury automaker would be wise to take notice of this. You don't need to wait for a new model to improve the ones you have. While most brands withold upgrades for years, Lexus never stops innovating. That is why the 2021 Lexus LC 500 offers more comfort and capabilities. Starting with the most obvious, Flare Red leather has replaced the darker Rioja Red. Once you are seated, you will notice a new operating system for the infotainment. It is much faster and now supports Android Auto. Moving outside we see new 20" forged wheels in Dark Graphite. They are much lighter than last year, offering a combine loss of 22 lbs in un-sprung weight. While a dozen pounds of interior or exterior wont make much difference, even an ounce removed from the whee/tire/hub assembly adds incredible comfort. Now that the suspension has less weight to deal with, the shocks and springs were softened. Not only will this make it more capable in the corners, it will offer a much smoother ride. This wasn't good enough for them. Digging deaper, they increased the diameter of the rear sway bar to allow easier turn-in and increased grip in the corners. While this would have been fine with us, Active Cornering Assist was programmed into the revised suspension parameters. Now with a completely new ride, the transmission has been re-mapped to hold gears longer when you get aggressive. While it might look the same, the 2021 LC 500 does not compare to its predecessor. Click the button below to find out why and stay with us for all your Lexus news. Lexus LC 500 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 21, 2019

2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible Unveiled in L.A.

This time next year, you could be cruising top-down while staying warm & comfortable. The 2021 Lexus LC 500 Convertible was unveiled in L.A., and it has everything you could ask for in a drop-top. Starting with a reinforced chassis, engineers made sure to optimize the weight distribution to match the coupe. Reinforcements were made to steering and suspension mounting points, even including a die-cast rear suspension cradle. Lexus LFA: Why to Buy The 4-layer cloth top mimics the lines of the coupe, and it disappears in 15 seconds (up to 31 mph). An active Climate Concierge surrounds you with warmth or cooling from the seats, neck, dash & floor vents. With a full tank, the LC Convertible tips the scales at over 4,500 lbs, but the cloth top allows for a lower center of gravity than the coupe. Under the hood is their bulletproof 5.0L V8 offering 471 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission offered is the 10-speed automatic. Browse All Lexus LC For Sale Pricing was not mentioned in the release, but we imagine it won't be much more than a Lexus LC 500 Coupe for sale. Click the button above as our dealers have all the info, and stay with us for all your Lexus news. " width="680"> Related: 2020 Lexus LC 500 World-Class Luxury Coupe

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