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.

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By duPont Registry – May 08, 2023

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By Tyler Rampersaud – May 04, 2023

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By Jordan Aquistapace – March 24, 2023

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By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2020

2021 Pagani Huayra Tricolore Revealed: Most Powerful Paga...

To celebrate six decades of aerobatic expertise, the 2021 Pagani Huayra Tricolore is ready for takeoff. Three examples of this special edition are an homage to Italy's 313th Aerobatic Training Group. They have been the pride of the Italian Air Force since the 1920's, with a goal of showing the world the three colors of the Italian flag. " width="680"> Ten years ago, Horacio Pagani and his team built the Zonda Tricolore, and he has this to say about their latest effort "In a year, 2020, which has put our country to the test like never before, we are proud to be able to celebrate a symbol of unity and national pride such as the Frecce Tricolori, a milestone that has emerged from an era of values and passion, and a long period of time in which men and machines were able and had to surpass themselves, day after day. For all of us, the Frecce represents an example of determination, a demonstration of what the strong desire to move forward and overcome obstacles can achieve. We hope that Huayra Tricolore will be a worthy tribute" In order to offer unprecedented performance, the aerodynamics are sculped to increase downforce along with cooling the engine. The rear spoiler is now integrated into the decklid to increase strength and save weight, both are common themes with this trio. A pitot tube in the hood feeds airspeed to the machmeter, letting you know how close you are to Mach 1. In order to give them incredible power, a new Pagani 6-liter V12 has been boosted to 840 horsepower with 811 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 5,600 rpm. With a curb weight of 2,799 lbs, it is the most potent Pagani to-date. This is possible thanks to an all-new chassis formed of Carbo-Titanium HP62 G2 and Carbo-Triax. The increased torsional rigidity holds ideal suspension geometry in hard corners. The 7-speed sequential transmission has a triple-disc clutch and it is 35% lighter than the previous dual-clutch gearbox. Pricing starts at € 5,500,000, or roughly $6.74 Million + tax, so it is also the most expensive car they have offered. If you want to experience what the Huayra is capable of, click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your Pagani news. Browse Pagani Huayra For Sale Images (C) Pagani Automobili

By Andrew Nabors – December 15, 2020

Pagani Teases Something Fast For December 17th

Sometimes there is a thin line between driving fast and flying slow. Taking inspiration from fighter jets, Pagani has teased something fast for December 17th. Two clips were uploaded to their social media accounts earlier today, and the most evocative aspect is the analog machmeter. Displaying indicated airspeed as it relates to the sound barrier will allow the driver to stay safe at trans-sonic speeds. Tell us what you would like to see in the new Pagani and stay with us for the full reveal. Browse Pagani For Sale https://www.facebook.com/PaganiAutomobili/videos/479593239676135

By Andrew Nabors – October 13, 2020

2021 Pagani Calendar: Arte En La Pista

As a true Renaissance Man, Horacio Pagani is an equally adept artist and automotive engineer. His amalgamations of both have changed the motoring world ever since he began sweeping the floors at Lamborghini. At 17 years old, Mr. Lamborghini saw something in him that could not be verbalized in Italian. Much like the 25th Anniversary Countach, all of his cars speak for themselves. That is why the 2021 Pagani Calendar is inspired by the racetrack. https://www.instagram.com/p/CGP9OH3BvSA/ Mr. Pagani went home to find three incredible artists at the Argentinian School of Painting. Over the next year, you will be mesmerized by the works of Alfredo De la María, Jorge Ferreyra Basso and José María Villafuerte. Each one has a different technique and vision for supercars in action. To summarize their work he says: "We have transformed our calendar into a timeless masterpiece. I have always had the highest regard for the work of De la María, Ferreyra Basso and Villafuerte. For us, the 2021 Calendar project was a special occasion since it gave us the chance to visually convey our values through a very interesting and expressive genre of painting. We decided against the usual collector item and opted for an idea that went beyond the simple calendar. In other words, something able to transmit emotion and provide unforgettable thrills, just as our cars do." Our dealers will be taking reservations for the calendar starting November 1st, so click the link below to for all the information. Browse Pagani For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2020

Horacio Pagani Shows Off His Personal Car Collection

One of the attributes of a true artist is respecting all forms of art. While many people are loyal to a single brand or model, the father of the Zonda and the Huayra has a diverse collection at home. In his latest YouTube upload, we get a look at Horacio Pagani's car collection. No matter how much you want to hit the open road, the hashtag #stayinyourgarage is featured prominently in the film. It was a Jaguar E-type that began his love of cars as a child in Argentina. He uses it to teach us that a car is not intrinsically ugly or beautiful, it creates emotions in the eye of the beholder. It is those feelings that are often more important than the car itself. That is why he has an extensive devotion to the Porsche 917. Pagani Huayra Specs, Price, Photos & Review Then it is on to a "Huayra BC Roadster to "create some commotion". Another significant car he didn't mention was a white 25th Anniversary Lamborghini Countach. It was his last project as Chief Engineer before Chrysler purchased the brand, and it is a timeless icon of Italian perfection. As he instructed, show us your collection in the comments below and stay with us for all your Pagani news. Browse All Pagani For Sale " width="680">

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