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 Jordan Aquistapace – February 21, 2022

Horacio Pagani Invites Automotive Design Icon Giorgetto G...

Two automotive legends underneath the roof of Pagani Automobili. The history of Pagani Automobili stretches back to its beginning in 1992 with Horacio Pagani, an Argentinian with a dream of manufacturing modern-day sports cars. After three successful decades, Horacio continues to humble himself and his brand through the appreciation of pioneering designers that lead the way for supercar development. On February 1st, Horacio and Pagani Automobili were pleased to welcome world-renowned Italian automotive designer Giorgetto Giugiaro and his son Fabrizio to its Atelier in San Cesario Sul Panaro. Giorgetto is responsible for leading the designs of some of the world’s most iconic vehicles like the 1977 BMW M1, 1981 DMC Delorean, 1959 Ferrari 20 GT ‘Berlinetta SWB Speciale Bertone’, and many more. MUST-READ: New Pagani Huayra Roadster BC Delivered to The Triple F Collection Horacio expresses his excitement and respect for Giorgetto, explaining that he views the former designer as a motivator driven to achieve success as a team leader. The three men toured the facility while reminiscing on old and modern examples that continue to elevate performance within the automotive industry. A humbling experience turns into a dream, as Horacio Pagani was able to showcase some of his best work beside a mentor of his. The Pagani Automobili brand is built off the dream of a single man and lives on through the high-horsepower hypercars that roll off the Atelier showroom floors each day. View all the current Pagani examples for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more luxury lifestyle releases and Pagani Automobili news. View All Pagani Automobili For Sale Source: @paganiautomobili

By Edward Jones – December 23, 2021

Pagani Puro Program Announced, Will Certify and Authentic...

A new way for Pagani owners to care for their vehicles. Pagani Puro has just been announced by the automaker as an extensive program that will authenticate and certify their vehicles. This new service will be available for every Pagani vehicle, and it will certify each component that makes up the car and state the general condition of them. The process involves over 400 checks that can be accomplished by Pagani-certified mechanics. During the process, the mechanics will check over each component with the help of Pagani's database. This database includes all data on each car to come out of Modena, including the history of each component, serial numbers, photographs, and the mechanics who worked on the vehicle. When completed, each owner will receive a Puro book that Pagani creates at their headquarters. Each of these books acts as a diary for the cars, documenting its history over the years and it even includes a certificate of authenticity signed by Horacio Pagani. View Pagani Huayras For Sale Source: Pagani

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 01, 2021

Pagani Raduno 2021 Ends With Huayra R Laps On The Circuit...

The group celebration event of Pagani Automobili comes to an end...until next year. Earlier this year, we covered the exclusive gathering of Pagani Raduno 2021: Vanishing Point, as the group of 20+ multimillion-dollar hypercars travel throughout the world. The finish line ends in Austin, Texas at the iconic Circuits of The Americas racetrack, where the world of motorsports meets the United States tarmac. Coming to a bittersweet end, Pagani Raduno 2021 completes its event on track in classic hypercar style. MUST-READ: Top 25 Most Expensive Cars in the World For the very first time, the Pagani Huayra R made its U.S. debut setting lap times on the 3.4-mile circuit. All owners on the scene are given the show of a lifetime watching and listening to the 838-horsepower 6.0L V12 screaming to 9000-RPMs. Closing out the celebration of Pagani Automobili excellence, the $3.1 million Huayra R continues the brand’s legacy towards creating the ultimate automobile. Check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily for more information on the next Pagani Raduno for 2022. View all current Pagani models for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Pagani For Sale on duPont REGISTRY View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pagani Automobili Official (@paganiautomobili) Source: @paganiautomobili IG

By Edward Jones – September 08, 2021

Pagani Huayra R's Insane Revs and Flybys Caught On Camera

Turn those speakers/headphones/earbuds up. The Pagani Huayra R's naturally aspirated V12 engine was developed for maximum performance without limitations. Thanks to this freedom, Pagani has created a track monster with an absolutely terrifying scream. Recently, Automotive Mike traveled to the Supercar Owners Circle 2021 in Croatia where an example of the Huayra R showed up. He managed to capture footage of the track-focused Pagani being unloaded, revving, and flying by at insane speeds. While the Huayra R's revs sound great, it's when the hypercar is opened up on the road and flies by where you can truly hear the high-pitched exhaust note of the engine revving up to its redline of 9,000 rpm. Check it out for yourself in the video up above. Source: Automotive Mike/YouTube

By Edward Jones – September 07, 2021

Pagani Huayra Price, Specs, Photos & Review

Pagani’s Huayra (pronounced “why-ra”) borrows its name from the Andean god of wind, Huayra-tata. Huayra-tata is well-known for its hurricane winds and rains and is especially fond of whirlwinds. If you read into it as much as we have, you could draw the conclusion that the Pagani Huayra specs are unprecedented in the automotive world. Pagani Pagani Huayra Engine A glance at the spec sheet will amaze you. The Huayra specs include 720 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque along. A featherweight body of Carbotanium makes it a force to be reckoned with. The fact that the standard Huayra can nearly match the astonishing figures of its racing predecessor is proof that company founder Horacio Pagani has indeed advanced the game with this new model. He grew up watching Mercedes dominate tracks around the world, so he turned to their AMG division for a hand-built V12. The Pagani Huayra engine's block and heads are Pagani’s own design, made thick enough to support the rear suspension, much like an F1 car. One man, one engine is what he demands, so one master engine builder is responsible for everything from the turbos to the oil pan. That is why the Pagani Huayra horsepower is consistent and composed. Pagani Huayra Review Construction is largely composed of advanced materials-namely carbon fiber and titanium. Together, they grant the Huayra, a dry weight of just 2,970 pounds. Add in a few more for the likely U.S.-spec-curb weight, and you’re still left with a car that tips the scales at about the same weight as a Lotus Evora S, just with double the horsepower. A car that blurs the definitions of art and automotive design, each one is a unique build. Thanks to the inboard suspension and rigid chassis, the ride is quite smooth in traffic. The suspension parts are forged in a light and strong aluminum alloy, nothing is cast, and no weight was left on the table. Everything that Pagani has engineered, designed, created, and implemented for the Huayra comes together to create a hypercar that is truly unforgettable. Pagani Pagani Pagani Pagani Huayra Design While the performance specs are harder-edged, the styling is anything but. The Huayra exaggerates the best features of its predecessor, but the shape is far softer, more mature, and more feminine. The Huayra soothes with its gently contoured flanks and friendlier face. Where aerodynamics previously relied heavily on sharp creases and right angles, active aero measures now allow for a more organic shape that’s more modern and pleasing. Open the hood, doors, and the rear deck lid and move back. The Pagani Huayra has a design as beautiful as a lotus blossom, along with a clear view of all its formidable hardware. No matter if the Huayra is opened up or closed, it looks beautiful no matter what. If you see one in person, you'll understand. Pagani Pagani Huayra Interior The Pagani Huayra interior is as intricate and lavish as you’ve come to expect, but more technology, including a touch-screen center stack, has been seamlessly integrated into the artsy surroundings. The Huayra is a leap forward for Pagani into the new-school supercar era of lightweight, high-efficiency turbo technology. Every part of the interior is crafted by hand. From the hand-stitched leather on the seats and 5-piece luggage set, even down to the headlight switch. The instrument cluster and even the gauges themselves are sculpted & brushed alloy. You won’t find an ounce of plastic anywhere, instead, you'll find titanium, aluminum and carbon fiber. Storage space in the cockpit is decent among supercars, but several hidden compartments will blow your mind. Behind each door jamb, is a carbon fiber storage box that can only be accessed with the deck lid raised. If you opt for the matching luggage, each of the 5-piece sets has its own dedicated storage compartment. Pagani Huayra Brakes Conventional brake wisdom tells us that 90% of the braking effort is done by your front rotors. Well, that was in the old days when cars would nose-dive during panic stops. One of the best specs is the balanced nature of the suspension. Because of the immense capabilities of the car, Mr. Pagani made a smart move to fit the largest Brembo Carbon Ceramic rotors at all corners. Each one measures 15″ x 1.3″ thick, with six pistons up front and 4 on the rear. Why can’t all cars be this way? Even at the Pagani Huayra top speed of 238 mph, the pads are held close to the rotor to make sure your pedal gives you instant feedback. If your Pagani Huayra 0-60 is faster than 2.8 seconds, you will have Brembo's best to slow you down. Pagani Huayra Specs: Price: 1,600,000 MSRPEngine: Twin Turbo 6.0L V12Horsepower: 730Torque: 738 lb-ft0-60: 2.8 seconds1/4 Mile: 10.9 @ 139 mph Pagani Pagani Huayra Transmission At power levels like these, a manual transmission would explode after a few miles. So another great Pagani Huayra feature is the 7 sequential gears of the Xtrac transmission. Sure a dual-clutch gearbox would have worked, but the disadvantage would be 154 lbs in extra weight. Driving a sequential on the street is a thrill like none other, and the final drive symphony as you go through the gears is better than any audio system. The differential is computer-controlled along with a mechanical locker, and they offer a nice overdrive for highway cruising. A proper gated Italian shifter makes all the right sounds and mechanical feedback. Pagani Huayra Price Here is where the laws of supply and demand come into play. The agreement between Mercedes-AMG and Pagani was predicated on 100 engines. This includes all the special editions and the Roadster models. Because they are built to order, only a few cars are built each month. Once 100 examples are built, the Huayra's successor will be well into development. Without any options, the Pagani Huayra price is $2.4 Million to start the process. We have never seen a Pagani without options because if you can afford it, you can also splurge for unique colors or the wild Tempesta Package. Pagani Pagani Pagani Pagani Huayra Standout Features If you are looking for an all-out track car, the Pagani Huayra includes an optional Tempesta package. It can only be installed at two locations in the US. This $181,000 crate arrives with a new front splitter, rocker panels, and a new rear clip. They are the products of extensive 3d modeling and wind tunnel testing to increase the downforce at every corner. Also included are new Ohlins coil-overs specific to each corner. One of the most exquisite examples is the Pagani Huayra BC. This track-focused car was named for Benny Caiola, Pagani's first customer, and collector. The Pagani Huayra BC price was $2.4 Million each, and all 20 sold out in an instant. View All Pagani Huayras For Sale " width="680">

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 02, 2021

Check The Spec: Pagani Huayra BC Roadster

This Pagani Huayra BC Roadster is spec'd perfectly for any track or road. The Pagani Huayra BC Roadster is one of the most powerful hypercars on the market, with its Mercedes-AMG twin-turbocharged 6.0L V12 making 764-horsepower. Alongside the impressive performance, the Huayra BC Roadster also features the best build quality, with every inch of the vehicle handcrafted to present itself as a work of art. This Pagani Huayra BC Roadster is finished in Grigio Clement and Verde Firenze with tons of exposed carbon throughout the exterior. MUST-READ: Pagani Raduno 2021: Vanishing Point While the interior highlights the aggressiveness of the multi-million dollar hypercar, the interior design features a sophisticated feel. The sport-style seats are finished in white and grey leather with light blue Alcantara accents. Staring down at the instrument cluster will pull you into a race state, as every inch of the view is filled with exposed carbon fiber and performance switches. It's clear that the Huayra BC Roadster is an extremely limited production hypercar, which is why we love seeing Pagani owners creating head-turning specs like this example from Pagani Miami. View all of the current Pagani Huayras for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Pagani Huayra For Sale Media Sources: @paganiofmiami @jgpv.speed

By Jordan Aquistapace – August 30, 2021

Pagani Raduno 2021: Vanishing Point

The only time you will see 20+ Pagani examples on the road in unison. The world of Pagani Automobili is made up of passionate owners who all share the same interest in hand-crafted exclusive hypercars. As a celebration of the brand, Mr. Pagani assembled a record-breaking event named Pagani Raduno. This year, Pagani is proud to announce Pagani Raduno - Vanishing Point after its two-year silence. Starting through the beautiful landscape of Italy, a group of more than 20 Paganis was welcomed into the ancient town of Rieti with a parade. While the rally ventured through the ancient city, sights were on taking the Pagani Huaryas and Zondas to its day two destination of Rome for the perfect sunset. Pagani Raduno - Vanishing Point is the best culmination of acquiring some of the most exclusive Pagani examples for an epic drive throughout the landscape of which the brand was born. For more coverage on the next days of Pagani Raduno - Vanishing Point, check back into duPont REGISTRY Daily. View all of the current Pagani models for sale through DuPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Pagani For Sale Media Source: Pagani Instagram

By Edward Jones – August 20, 2021

Saudi Arabia's PIF Acquires Minority Stake in Pagani

This announcement will aid in Pagani's long-term vision. Pagani has announced that they have signed onto a long-term partnership with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) out of Saudi Arabia. When this transaction is completed, PIF will have a minority stake in Horacio Pagani S.p.A., joining existing minority shareholders Nicola Volpi and Emilio Petrone. Additionally, the Pagani family will stay in control of the company as the majority shareholder and Horacio Pagani will stay in his current leadership position. This exciting announcement will allow Pagani to pursue more innovative advancements for their hypercars, as well as expand their presence as a lifestyle brand. Horacio Pagani, Founder, CEO and Chief Design Officer of Pagani, commented: "PIF represents the ideal partner to further consolidate Pagani positioning as an iconic brand in the hypercars segment as well as to support its expansion strategy in the lifestyle segment." This is fantastic news for both the Pagani company and fans of the automaker. Expect to see more exciting announcements from the Italian automaker in the future. See Paganis For Sale Source Pagani Automobili

By Edward Jones – August 06, 2021

Pagani Huayra BC Pachetto Tempesta Revealed

To be debuted at Monterey Car Week 2021. Pagani Automobili is set to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Huayra at Monterey Car Week 2021 with a parade of Huayras at the Laguna Seca raceway and the debut of the new Huayra BC Pachetto Tempesta. This new package for the Huayra BC includes a list of upgrades that allow the hypercar to unleash its "true racing attitude," according to Pagani. The package includes a new front splitter, new dedicated front air intake, new rear wing, new six-pipe exhaust system, new suspension and an 8% increase in power to 827 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. Pagani has also included an all-new "Soft Driving" mode with this package. If you'd like to learn more, be sure to see all of what Pagani has to offer at Monterey Car Week, including "Pagani Island." See Paganis For Sale Source: Pagani Automobili

By Edward Jones – June 11, 2021

Pagani Huayra R Makes Appearance at the Milano Monza Moto...

Pagani is bringing a 1:1 scale model of the hyped-up hypercar. Making an appearance at the Milano Monza Motor Show is a group of Paganis that you don't want to miss. They include the Pagani Imola, Roadster BC and a Huayra R 1:1 scale model. These cars can be found in the Piazza Duomo. If you head over to the Piazza Scala, there's a Zonda F waiting for guests. This is millions of dollars in Paganis waiting to be seen and it's the first time to see the Huayra R, though it's a scale model. Still, it's a glimpse into what we can expect from a production version when the time comes. The Milano Monza Motor Show is running from June 10 to 13 as an open-air event. See All Paganis For Sale https://www.instagram.com/p/CP77afQoArN/?utm_medium=copy_link Source: Pagani/Instagram

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