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

Pagani News

Pagani news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Utopia, the Huayra in its many forms, and the Zonda that made the marque's name. Our reporting takes in reveals, first drives, bespoke builds and the auction results that set collector values. Pagani finishes fewer cars in a year than most makers build in a single day, so each sale sets a benchmark. That is where our marketplace becomes useful to readers. Paganis covered here are sometimes listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which puts the reporting beside a real figure. For Pagani news today, and the hypercar news and exotic car news around it, start below.

By Edward Jones – October 13, 2015

New Pagani Huayra SE Spotted on Racetrack

If we've learned anything about Pagani from the Zonda, it's that they love to make variants. So, why shouldn't we expect the same of the Huayra?Recently, Simone Misseroli posted up at the San Martino del Lago circuit in Italy, only to spot what looks to be a revised version of the camouflaged Pagani Huayra SE, which the marque unveiled in July, taking laps. Aside from the disguising wrap, it also sported a slew of new body pieces. He recorded the event and published the video to the PurePerformance YouTube channel Oct. 9. This video can be viewed below.(Also Read: 1,500 Horsepower Koenigsegg Regera Flies Down Runway)In the front of this mysterious Huayra is a new splitter, a characteristic of more radical vehicles. The sides remained relatively untouched, aside from a small piece along the side skirt, located right behind the front wheels. In the rear is where the most changes have been made. A large fixed carbon fiber rear wing rests prominently atop the trunk, and a massive rear diffuser with multiple channels is located right below.Unfortunately, there is no official word from Pagani about this exact Huayra as of yet, but we expect news in the near future. So, be sure to stay with us for more information as it's released.(Source: YouTube) Pagani Videos, News and Pics

By Edward Jones – October 06, 2015

How to Load a Pagani Zonda Revolucion

The Pagani Zonda Revolucion was introduced back in 2013 as the last Zonda model the Italian automaker would create. We now know that more Zondas have been created in its wake, but that still doesn't discredit the Revolucion.It comes packing a lot of heat, courtesy of a 6.0-liter V12 engine that produces 800 hp and 538 lb-ft of torque. What's more, it only weighs 2,358 lbs thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber.(See Also: Porsche 918 Spyder vs. Lamborghini Aventador Pirelli Edition)With only a reported five models produced, this car is as rare as they come. So, how do you ship one of these gems? Carspotter Jeroen was on hand to watch the loading process of one Zonda Revolucion and uploaded a video of the event to YouTube Oct. 5. How long did it take? In the description he notes that "they drive it up to the trailer in 15 minutes." When you watch the video, you can see why it took so long.View Pagani For SaleCheck out the video and let us know if you could load it up quicker in the comments below!(Source: YouTube) See More Pagani News, Photos and Videos

By Edward Jones – October 01, 2015

One-of-a-Kind Pagani Zonda Anija Spotted in Japan

The automotive aftermarket scene in Japan has piqued the world's interest for years. From the abundance of LED lights to massive widebody kits, their modified cars are both unique and eye-catching, to say the least.Yesterday, we posted a video of a Ferrari 360 from Japan that had been modified to the nines. Today, we are brining to you a video of a Pagani Zonda S that has been modified to look like a completely different vehicle.(See Also: Bugatti Chiron Test Car Leaked)In a video uploaded today by , we see the what has been referred to as the Pagani Zonda Anija. This car started its life as a Zonda S, complete with a 7.0-liter AMG engine, according to an Aug. 28, 2014 article from TheSupercarKids.com. Since then, the car has swapped owners multiple times. But, in 2010, the owner decided to turn the car into something unique. They accomplished this through a new rear wing, front and rear body kits, wheels and a fighter-jet style exhaust.Check out the video below to see the car for yourself.Pagani For Sale (Source: YouTube) See More Pagani News, Pics and Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – June 22, 2015

New Pagani Zonda 760 LM Roadster Revs and Performs a Symp...

One of the most notable reasons Paganis are such incredible vehicles comes from their splendid sounds. They aren't only designed to be visually stunning, but aurally as well, and not a single Pagani created has ever proven otherwise.The Zonda 760 LM Roadster is no exception. A video shared on YouTube June 15 by NM2255 Car HD Videos captures this particular Zonda and its breathtaking 7.3-liter AMG V12 stealing the eyes and ears of a crowd during Vanishing Point 2015, and the resulting symphony will stop you in your tracks.Watch the video above, pull it into full screen on high definition, turn your speakers all the way up and prepare for a minute and 52 seconds of goosebump-inducing revs after the engine starts up, warms up and then drives off. (Source: YouTube via Carbuzz) See More Pagani News

By Caitlin Duffy – June 03, 2015

Lewis Hamilton's Pagani Zonda 760LH by Melanie Meder

Article and photos by Melanie Meder, Melanie Meder PhotographyThis was the first shot I had ever taken of the purple Pagani Zonda 760 LH, back in summer 2013. Yes, LH stands for Lewis Hamilton, but aside from its famous owner, this car is just a piece of art. It's awesome. Imagine: 760 hp combined with a manual gearbox. I mean… There are no words to describe the awesomeness of this car. Then there's its sound… I don’t know if there’s anything that sounds better than this beast, but the first time I heard it, I knew that it was #betterthanbeethoven.But let’s do it all over again: I do remember that night very well. It was the time when people use to go home after partying or when they were already sleeping. The streets of Monaco were dead empty, and it was very quiet. I had been at the harbor-platform on the sea, which is a bit ‘outside’ of Monaco, but with a nice view at the whole city, and was walking towards my car when I suddenly heard a very strange engine noise reaching me with every big wave.The Zonda has been parked perfectly – with spotlights on it and in the middle of the parking lot. “Beautiful,” was all I thought. After admiring the car for a while I started to take some pictures of it and that’s how this shot was created.To see more of Melanie's work, including a video of the Zonda 760 LH, be sure to visit and "like" her Facebook page here: Melanie Meder PhotographySee More Photographer's Perspectives

By Edward Jones – May 11, 2015

Pagani Zonda C12 GR Racing and Track Sounds

Everyone knows of the Pagani Zonda, a car that I can see becoming an ultra-rare collectible in the future. But, have you heard of the Zonda C12 GR? This car was meant for the track and the track only.Downforce is bountiful on the Zonda GR thanks to the large rear wing and redesigned body panels. And the massive amount of downforce is needed because this race car only weighs 2,420 lbs and its 7.0-liter V12 puts out 590 hp and 580 lb-ft of torque. That's a pretty solid power-to-weight ratio.(Related: Pagani Engines Revving Loud in Monaco Tunnel)Today, MotorsportsHome uploaded a video to YouTube of this very car taking on Hockenheim. What's best about this video is that it features purely engine sounds, giving us the opportunity to hear the V12 in action.And, I could be mistaken, but this also looks like the same Zonda C12 GR that was involved in a nasty accident back in 2012. Check out the video above to see this amazing car in action.(Source: YouTube) See More Pagani News

By Edward Jones – March 25, 2013

Most Expensive: Pagani Huayra Bolt Set

Horacio Pagani with one of the famous bolts. (Source: MotorTrend)For an everyday repairman, bolts are a dime a dozen. They are used in construction and repairs every day, and are pretty darn cheap. One quick look on Amazon.com shows a 347pc set of steel bolts and washer selling for $10.80. What a bargain, right? So, now that you know the price of a 347pc set of steel bolts, how much do you think a single Pagani Huayra bolt costs? Mind you, there are 1,400 bolts throughout the entire car as well.First, you have to consider that each of them are handcrafted from grade-7 titanium, and every single one of them has the Pagani logo etched on them. Horacio Pagani went to extreme lengths to make sure every component of this hypercar was of the highest quality, even down to the nuts and bolts.So lets look at the facts; each bolt is worth $80 (8 times more than a 347pc set of steel bolts) and the car is assembled with 1,400 bolts. That means that the cost of the entire bolt set used in the Pagani Huayra comes out to a staggering $112,000. Yes, you read that correctly. For the same price of the Huayra's bolt set, you could buy a used Ferrari 575 M Maranello.

Pagani News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe