Nissan

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 – February 07, 2020

2020 Nissan GT-R NISMO Filmed by a GT-R Camera Car

Trying to film a 600 horsepower car is not an easy task. That is why Mauro Calo uses a potent machine as the basis for his films. If your target has All Wheel Drive and 481 lb-ft of torque, you need to fight fire with fire. If you're in the market for affordable luxury, Nissan's really stepping up their game lately with more infotainment and the e-4ORCE drivetrain. Browse All Nissan GT-R For Sale Related: Nissan GT-R Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – July 15, 2019

Grand Seiko's Stunning Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Watch

In April of this year, Nissan announced the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. Making it a special edition vehicle is a livery that pays homage to GT-Rs of the past. More specifically, the two-tone paint consisting of Bayside (Wangan) Blue and white stripes mimic the liveries from the Japan GP series. Grand Seiko is also celebrating the GT-R's 50th Anniversary with the new Spring Drive 20th ＆NISSAN GT-R 50th Anniversary Limited Edition watch. Yes, Grand Seiko is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of their Spring Drive movie as well. It's a beautiful combo that results in an incredible watch. Each of these watches features the Bayside Blue color found on the GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition. The white crocodile strap and silver-white on the dial combine to create a racing stripe visual, just like the car. As for the Spring Drive movement, it can be seen through the sapphire crystal case back. You just have to love a visible movement. Through the case back, the GT-R anniversary emblem in 18K yellow gold can also be seen on the oscillating weight. Only 200 examples of this watch will be created, so be sure to talk to your boutique for more information. visit grand-seiko.com for more info

By Edward Jones – July 08, 2019

2020 Nissan GT-R Prices Announced: NISMO, Track Edition, ...

Pricing for the 2020 Nissan GT-R models has finally been revealed, including the NISMO, Track Edition, Premium and Premium w/ 50th Anniversary. As you can see, the Pure model is gone and the closest you will get to a "base model" would be the GT-R Premium. For the GT-R NISMO, turbochargers are sourced from the GT3 race car, a carbon fiber roof and hood are fitted, the suspension has been revised and braking relies on carbon ceramic brakes. For this, buyers will have to drop just over $200k. Full pricing is as follows. GT-R Premium $113,540 USD GT-R Premium with 50th Anniversary Edition $122,040 USD GT-R Track Edition $145,540 USD GT-R NISMO $210,740 USD see all nissan gt-r's for sale

By Edward Jones – April 17, 2019

Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition Revealed

Just unveiled is the new 2020 Nissan GT-R 50th Anniversary Edition, which celebrates a half of a century of the GT-R. Making it a special edition vehicle is a livery that pays homage to GT-Rs of the past. More specifically, the two-tone paint consisting of Bayside (Wangan) Blue and white stripes mimic the liveries from the Japan GP series. The original GT-R was actually created to take on the Japan GP series way back when. Nissan notes that the blue paint in the livery of the GT-R 50th Anniversary is making a comeback since it was retired on the R34 GT-R. Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition Unveiled in NYC The interior also features a unique color scheme, made up almost entirely of gray. Special steering wheel and shift knob trims are also included, as are embossed seats and plenty of Alcantara. If you're stopping by the New York International Auto Show, be sure to see this new GT-R in person. view all nissan gt-r's for sale

Nissan to make special GT-R celebrating partnership with Naomi O

By Edward Jones – December 19, 2018

Special Nissan GT-R Created to Celebrate Naomi Osaka Part...

Naomi Osaka became the first Japanese tennis player to win a women's singles Grand Slam championship back in September 2018. Shortly thereafter, she joined Nissan as a brand ambassador. Now, Nissan has gone ahead and created a special edition Nissan GT-R based on the Premium Edition model to celebrate the partnership between the automotive maker and Osaka. This new special edition GT-R will be available in three different body colors: Midnight Opal, Brilliant White Pearl and Meteor Flake Black Pearl. Osaka actually helped pick out the overall color schemes for that match the three body colors. The model also comes with high-mount LED stop lights on the carbon spoiler and a golden plate signifying the car's model number. Nissan is currently planning on building just 50 examples of this special edition GT-R and they will be sold only in Japan. Pricing has not been announced yet. Related: Nissan Unveils Production Version of Italdesign GT-R50 2019 Nissan GT-R Pricing & Updates 3500 Horsepower Nissan GT-R: World’s Most Powerful

By Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2018

Nissan Unveils Production Version of Italdesign GT-R50

We were surprised when Nissan announced pricing for the 2019 GT-R would not increase. And now we know why. What was first seen at this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed is the ultimate example of Nissan's supercar. Working with the skilled coachbuilders at Italdesign, they have transfromed Godzilla into a work of art. It represents the 50th anniversary of the GT-R for model year 2019, and a half-century of styling success by Italdesign. As such, only 50 examples will be produced. The Nissan press release this morning mentions a starting price of 990,000 Euros, or only $1,126,478. For that amount, you will receive a 720 horsepower 2-seater built to your specifications. Kudos to Nissan for keeping the GT-R on the cutting edge, so click the link below for great offers from our dealers. Nissan GT-R For Sale " width="680"> Related: Nissan 50th Anniversary GT-R50 by Italdesign 2019 Nissan GT-R Prices

By Andrew Nabors – December 06, 2018

2019 Nissan GT-R Pricing & Updates

If you are looking for a twin turbo Japanese supercar, Nissan is celebrating 11 years of the GT-R. Minor updates to styling and options have happened along the way, but Nissan hasn't done anything drastic because sales show no signs of decline. Another automotive blog criticized the brand for gradual price increases over the years. It is true that the 2008 base model had a sticker price of 69,850. You need to consider the Dollar is much stronger than the Yen, and a decade of inflation has not been kind to us. Nevertheless, Nissan chose not to change the base price for the 2018 model year. The GT-R Pure is their entry level, and it remains at $99,950. That includes all-LED lighting, leather, Apple Carplay, 565 horsepower, and 467 lb-ft of torque. If you need Bose Audio and Titanium exhaust, the Premium model is $110,540. If you need more grip, the Track Edition is $128,540. The ultimate monster is the GT-R Nismo. It arrives with 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque for a cool $175,540. Click the link below to find your new Nissan and stay with us for all your GT-R updates. View All Nissan GT-R For Sale Related: 3500 Horsepower Nissan GT-R Loud Nissan GT-R Banned from Nurburgring

By Edward Jones – June 20, 2018

Racers Beware: Japan Just Got a Nissan GT-R Police Car

A wise man once said: "Police cars are only factory tuned. Can do better than 180k, they can't catch you...So they don't even try." That man was Han Seoul-Oh from the legendary film "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift." However, it seems he spoke too soon because a Nissan R35 GT-R police car has been delivered to the Tochigi prefectural police in north Tokyo.The car was unveiled during a ceremony in front of media, Nissan officials and prefectural police. It comes with the sirens and lights that you'd expect on any police car and that's because it's actually going to in future enforcement of traffic safety. When you consider the car has a powerful twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine (565 hp and 467 lb-ft of torque) and quick transmission, it's a perfect fit for a fast police car.Nissan also created a GT-R police car last year, but it wasn't planned on being used in active patrol.

By Edward Jones – June 01, 2018

You Can Now Buy the '18 Nissan GT-R Nismo GT3

The R35 Nissan GT-R has been out for longer than expected for some, but it still stands out from the crowd thanks to its heritage, design and power. For some, the GT-R is a perfect starting point when it comes to creating the ultimate dragstrip monster. For others, it's also a great track car and for these people, I have some great news. Nissan has announced today that the 2018 GT-R Nismo GT3 is available for sale. Alpha Logic Nissan GT-R Sets New World Record The 2018 MY GT-R Nismo GT3 is said to have significant advancements that have been made thanks to "lessons learned from accumulated actual race data since the 2015 model was released." Nissan has optimized the car's weight distribution by mounting the engine six inches further back when compared to the 2015 model. With a newfound center of gravity, the newly designed suspension and torsional improvements make this a better-handling car all around. Here is the total breakdown of the improvements made to this new model: Lowered center of gravity and optimized weight distribution New suspension Better balance between downforce and drag Front and rear rigidity improvements Dry sump implementation Newly designed transmission Strengthened brakes Exclusively design A/C system Nissan is currently offering the car for ¥60,000,000 (approx. $547,000 USD). Deliveries will behind around January 2019.

By Edward Jones – November 06, 2017

2018 Nissan GT-R Pricing Announced

The pricing for the 2018 Nissan GT-R has been announced for the Pure, Premium, Track Edition and NISMO variants. Along with the pricing, the refreshed look for the 2018 model year GT-R was unveiled, as was the announcement of the new Pure model and black "Kuro Night" color for the Premium Interior Package. What's missing from the Pure model, when compared to the Premium, is the 11-speaker Bose® audio system, Active Noise Cancellation and Active Sound Enhancement systems, and Titanium exhaust system. Also, the top-of-the-range NISMO trumps the 565 horsepower rating of the Premium with its 600 horsepower output.Remote-Controlled Nissan GT-R Hits 130 MPHBelow is the pricing for each different GT-R variant. GT-R Pure $99,990 USD GT-R Premium $110,490 USD GT-R Track Edition $128,490 USD GT-R NISMO $175,490 USD

Nissan

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe