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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

Celebrate the 40th Anniversary Issue with a collection of 80 automotive-themed magazines from duPont REGISTRY, showcasing an array of cover images featuring sleek cars and iconic models, all artfully arranged in a grid pattern.

By duPont REGISTRY – February 18, 2025

Join Us As We Celebrate Our 40th Anniversary Issue

For four decades, duPont REGISTRY has been the definitive marketplace connecting the world’s most affluent buyers with the pinnacle of luxury. From exotic automobiles to high-end real estate, from fine watches to bespoke lifestyle experiences, our platform has curated an unparalleled ecosystem where prestige meets exclusivity. Since our inception, we have upheld a legacy built on trust, sophistication, and results—offering brands direct access to an audience that demands nothing but the best. Now, as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary, we invite you to be part of this historic milestone by advertising in this commemorative issue. For advertisers, this is a rare opportunity to position your brand within the pages of an iconic publication that has defined the industry standard for decades. Why Advertise in Our 40th Anniversary Issue? Unmatched Prestige – Align your brand with a trusted icon that has shaped the luxury market for 40 years. Exclusive Audience – Reach a discerning readership of high-net-worth individuals who are passionate about quality, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Proven Success – Our publication has consistently delivered for advertisers, fostering relationships between elite brands and affluent buyers worldwide. Multichannel Impact – While our legacy is rooted in print, our reach extends beyond the magazine, with digital and social platforms amplifying your message to a global audience. Learn More 40 Years of Excellence From the moment duPont REGISTRY launched as the first luxury classifieds magazine, it redefined how buyers and sellers connect over premium assets. It quickly became the gold standard for showcasing exclusivity. While we have embraced digital transformation, the magazine remains the heart of our brand—a trusted resource for the elite seeking the extraordinary. 475+ Total Issues Published 300+ Dealer Advertisers 500+ Luxury Brands Featured As we celebrate this landmark anniversary, we are not just reflecting on our history—we are shaping the future. Be a part of the next chapter. Don’t miss your opportunity to position your brand within the pages of an issue that will be remembered for years to come. Let’s elevate luxury together. Secure your space in duPont REGISTRY’s 40th Anniversary Issue today.

By duPont REGISTRY – December 31, 2024

A Look Back At duPont REGISTRY's 2024 Issues

For a limited time, you can save 25% on all single issues of duPont REGISTRY magazine published in 2024 by using the code "HOLIDAY25" at checkout. Whether you’re a long-time reader or discovering the premier publication for luxury cars, yachts, and lifestyle for the first time, this offer is the perfect chance to dive into the world of extraordinary living at a fraction of the cost. Every 2024 issue of duPont REGISTRY is packed with stunning photography, in-depth features on the latest exotic and luxury vehicles, and insider access to the best in high-end living. From exclusive supercar unveilings to bespoke lifestyle pieces, each edition is a collector’s item. Now, you can complete your collection or catch up on missed issues while enjoying significant savings. Don’t let this offer race past—secure your discounted issues today and bring the world of luxury into your hands. Shop Now - Use Code "HOLIDAY25" View Each Individual Issue January 2024 February 2024 March 2024 April 2024 May 2024 June 2024 July 2024 August 2024 September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024

By Edward Jones – February 15, 2023

duPont REGISTRY No. 453 – February 2023

duPont REGISTRY No. 453 – February 2023 Driver's Seat. Off-road supercars are now a thing. Does their existence mean we’re approaching the end times, or will the term “crossover” come to represent the coolest combinations of vehicle types that off-kilter engineers can think of? Don’t look now, but we think it’s the latter. In fact, this month’s cover features what may be the first-ever crossover: the all-new Lamborghini Sterrato (page 12). Part Huracán and part WRC rally car, the Sterrato literally elevates Lamborghini’s supercar game — by 1.7 inches. It also features off road tires, a Rally driving mode for low-trip surfaces, and a V12 engine making 602 horsepower. In fact, Lamborghini has confirmed the Sterrato is its last pure-combustion car. Hot on the Sterrato’s heels is the new Porsche 911 Dakar (page 22), an homage to the brand’s 1984 Paris-Dakar rally win. While less powerful than the Lamborghini with only 473 horsepower, the 911 Dakar sits even higher off terra firma with an adjustable suspension that adds up to 3.2 inches of ground clearance. It also features two separate off-road driving modes, an optional rooftop tent and cargo rack, and a special commemorative paint job that takes 34 hours to complete. Speaking of paint, there is perhaps no color more recognizable in all of autodom than Ferrari’s Rosso Corsa (page 32). Reserved exclusively for cars from Italy and used primarily by Ferrari and Abarth, its name literally means “Racing Red.” Though not the only shade of crimson that can be found on Ferraris over the years, Rosso Corsa is certainly the most iconic. We also have two BMW test drives to share thanks to the recent BMW Test Fest event. Held annually, it’s an opportunity for top automotive journalists to drive every one of the Roundel’s automobiles in one place. Read our driving impressions on page 38. Formula 1 also experienced its annual reshuffling of drivers. Who’s in and who’s out for 2023? We introduce three fresh new faces joining the grid on page 48. This month’s LIVE section helps you keep your New Year’s resolution to travel more with a report on three destinations that can’t be missed (page 72) and a trio of world time watches that will help you keep track of your day wherever you are in the world, with just a glance at your wrist (page 66). We’ve got a lot of great features inside that we can’t for you to read, so let’s get started! Previous Next How To Get The duPont REGISTRY Magazine. There are many ways to get your hand on an issue of duPont REGISTRY and depending on how you get one determines what cover you get. If you opt for subscribing online or through a physical subscription leaflet, you'll get a more minimalist and artistic cover. This cover is perfect for display on a coffee table and makes for a great collector's item. For those who purchase a single copy through our online store, Amazon, or multiple newsstand locations (Hudson News locations in airports and train stations, Paradies locations in airports, and all bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Books a Million), there is a separate cover. This cover describes what's inside each of the four separate sections of the magazine. Newsstand Ver. BUY NOW Subscriber Ver. SUBSCRIBE NOW

By Edward Jones – January 09, 2023

duPont REGISTRY No. 452 - January 2023

duPont REGISTRY No. 452 – January 2023 Driver's Seat. January is when we celebrate the hits and misses of our last 365 and hope the next batch of days brings nothing but bull’s-eyes. This month’s issue is all about looking forward and back. Our cover vehicles represent the highest hopes for the year to come: parking an Aston Martin DB11 next to a matching ACH130 Aston Martin Edition helicopter in your combination hangar/garage. We love high-end brand collaborations like these, especially when they go airborne. Read more on page 12.We stick to the skies in this issue with our annual “Aviation Guide” (page 66), designed to help you navigate private aviation companies vying for your dollars with the most luxurious, accommodating, and fastest air travel that money can buy. A banner 2023 may put you in a position to purchase the very first electric vehicle from Rolls-Royce (page 26) or one of six other highly anticipated automotive releases on deck to be delivered this year (page 20). We’re not just looking forward this month. Last year was an amazing one for new cars, and we reviewed the best of the best. We reveal our favorites on page 32. Likewise, 2022 was the end of an era in Formula 1 with the retirement of Sebastian Vettel, who is not only one of the sport’s best drivers but also one of its nicest, most generous, and well-liked ambassadors. Vettel’s popularity and success is proof one not need be the villain in order to win. Take a look back at his storied career on page 46. The world of watches finished the year strong as well, culminating in the annual Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève award ceremony in Switzerland. It’s where the industry’s best brands and master watchmakers come together to honor the most celebrated timepieces of the year. Find a few of the winners on page 94.We also found a service that lets one look farther back in time than just the last year. There’s a new website that lets owners of classic Porsches trace the origin of their car through the decades. On page 37, we take it for a test run in the hopes that every owner will do the same to catalog their car’s history. We’re not big on resolutions, so we chose this issue to share our reverence for the past and forecast for the future. With hard work, perseverance, and a little luck, we’ll all be looking back on 2023 from the cockpit of our limited-edition helicopter and cabin of our private jet.Happy New Year, and good fortune to you and yours. Previous Next How To Get The duPont REGISTRY Magazine. There are many ways to get your hand on an issue of duPont REGISTRY and depending on how you get one determines what cover you get. If you opt for subscribing online or through a physical subscription leaflet, you'll get a more minimalist and artistic cover. This cover is perfect for display on a coffee table and makes for a great collector's item. For those who purchase a single copy through our online store, Amazon , or multiple newsstand locations (Hudson News locations in airports and train stations, Paradies locations in airports, and all bookstores like Barnes & Noble or Books a Million), there is a separate cover. This cover describes what's inside each of the four separate sections of the magazine. Newsstand Ver. BUY NOW Subscriber Ver. SUBSCRIBE NOW

By Edward Jones – January 03, 2023

duPont REGISTRY's New Premium Publication Recap

duPont REGISTRY's New Premium Publication Recap We take some time to look back on 2022 and the new design for our magazine. 2022 was a momentous year for duPont REGISTRY as a company. It was this year that duPont REGISTRY became part of the Motorsport Network, launched a new website and a whole new design for our iconic magazine. In March 2022, we introduced a new modern design for our magazine that truly enhances the reading experience. The first difference that readers will notice is found on the cover or covers. Now, we offer our magazine with two separately designed covers, one for subscribers and one for newsstands. For our subscribers, they receive a cover that is more minimalistic and artistic, making it a publication you would want to display. For newsstands, we offer a completely different magazine that tells readers what they can find inside. Above: In our April 2022 issue, we featured a special foldout that displayed every single duPont REGISTRY cover since the first publication in 1985. Once picked up, readers will notice that our magazine is much more substantial than before. The new duPont REGISTRY magazine cover and pages are now of higher quality material, providing readers with a more premium and substantial reading experience than ever before. Inside, the duPont REGISTRY magazine is broken up into four distinct sections: BUY, DRIVE, LIVE, and SELL. These follow along with the exotic car ownership experience and feature original editorials. The BUY section is all about the buying experience, providing readers with the latest offerings from the world's most prestigious automakers as well as editorial that revolves around new vehicles for sale. Next up is the DRIVE section which is, as you can guess, all about driving the cars you own and ownership. From aftermarket brands to road trip editorial, this section is one that will move you, literally. In the LIVE section, we provide readers with offerings from the most luxurious brands and the subject of this section's editorial is based on the most luxurious of lifestyles. Each of these sections is signified by specific colors and full-page covers so you know exactly where you are in our magazine. You can see each of 2022's new premium publications down below. March 2022 Buy This Issue April 2022 Buy This Issue May 2022 Buy This Issue June 2022 Buy This Issue July 2022 Buy This Issue August 2022 Buy This Issue September 2022 Buy This Issue October 2022 Buy This Issue November 2022 Buy This Issue December 2022 Buy This Issue

By Edward Jones – March 04, 2022

dR | NO.442 | MAR2022

Introducing the new look for the duPont REGISTRY magazine. The March 2022 issue (No. 442) will change the way you shop for exotic cars forever. This issue of the duPont REGISTRY features a larger size, thicker pages, and a more luxurious feel than ever before. Within the pages, readers will be greeted by a new layout that follows the exotic car ownership experience from the purchase to the sale. Starting with duPont REGISTRY No. 442, each issue will be divided into four sections: BUY, DRIVE, LIVE, and SELL. Each section includes captivating editorial features, the latest offerings from the most exclusive brands, and, of course, the finest cars available for sale. The BUY section is all about the latest exotic cars for sale, as well as how to purchase them. For the DRIVE section, the pages are dedicated to the ownership experience and how to truly enjoy your exotic car. As all exotic car owners know, the ownership experience comes with a lifestyle filled with the finest good and the pages of the LIVE section are dedicated to this. Once to the SELL section, readers will see hundreds of pre-owned vehicles for sale by owners and dealerships from across the country. Down below, you'll see what's inside the new issue and be able to view the digital counterparts to the print editorial. COVER CAR: FERRARI 296 GTB Both groundbreaking and beautiful, the new Ferrari 296 GTB offers an electrifying drive that points to an exciting future in Maranello. READ MORE WHY TO BUY THE NEW PORSCHE 911 GT3 A look at one of the most anticipated cars of 2022 and why it’s a good buy. LAMBORGHINI HURACAN EVO RWD SPYDER REVIEW The Lamborghini Huracán EVO RWD Spyder reminds us that there's more to fun than a strong spec sheet. READ MORE FORMULA 1 COMES TO duPont REGISTRY Introducing our new F1 content partner: GP Racing magazine. (Image: Motorsport Images) 2022 PALM BEACH CAVALLINO CLASSIC Dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Ferrari. AMALGAM'S FORD GT40 1:8 SCALE MODEL This perfect 1:8 scale model of the Ford GT40 is based on the chassis #1075, which was victorious at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1969. READ MORE STAR ISLAND MASTERPIECE Just four short months after it was listed, the Star Island property known as Villa Lourdes sold for $75 million. READ MORE WATCH COLLECTING GONE CRAZY It’s an exciting time to delve into the world of watch auctions, where bidding is at an all-time high. READ MORE (Image: Phillips Auctions) FERRARIS FOR SALE View Listings HYPERCARS AND SUPERCARS FOR SALE View Listings SUBSCRIBE NOW. Click Here BUY NOW. Click Here

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