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 – January 25, 2019

New Pagani Huayra Roadster Sports Wicked Acid Green Trim

A new Pagani Huayra Roadster has been created for a client, and the spec they designed is unreal. Ordered through Pagani Newport Beach, this example of Pagani's open-top supercar features the company's new composite called "Carbo-Triax." This composite is lighter than what was previously used and also stronger. But enough about that, let's talk about what makes this specific Huayra Roadster so special. The owner is no stranger to exotic cars, having a Porsche 918 Spyder in his collection. His love for the "Acid Green" paint used on the 918 Spyder led him to spec his Huayra Roadster with acid green paint as its trim color. Green trimming across the supercar is easily noticeable as it contrasts in extraordinary fashion against the exposed carbon fiber body. Even on the inside, this black and green color scheme continues, down to the stitching. Across the car, black and green can be seen, until you get to the engine bay. This is where the Huayra Roadster's massive Mercedes-AMG V12 engine rests. A shade of gold is visible on the various engine components and suspension components, as is a taste of blue. When the engine is put to the test and on display, it can push out 764 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. Power like this combined with a light weight of around 2,800 lbs results in a blindingly fast Italian supercar. Be sure check out all of the images in this article, courtesy of the photographer, Tyler Lee. Also check out Pagani Newport Beach's inventory by clicking the button down below. view pagani newport beach's inventory

By Andrew Nabors – October 29, 2018

2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster For Sale

Recently, we had an opportunity to experience this Pagani Huayra Roadster in person. When you tell someone it is a roadster version of Mr. Pagani's masterpiece, it provokes a few different reactions. First, only a trained eye will see where the top separates from the cockpit. Others have bad memories of convertibles with cowl-shake and rough suspension. What if we told you a secret: Pagani builds such a solid car that it needs no roof! Let your Carbonaium shine! The genius is in the very molecules of the body panels. You might think you are looking at carbon fiber. As Lamborghini's Chief Engineer, Horacio Pagani was inspired to build the world's best supercar. But Lamborghini was bought by Chrysler which wanted nothing to do with the future of composites. It was 1990, and he had been working there since he was 17, it was time for a change. Pagani left his only career and changed the world. He invented and patented a way to weave titanium thread into carbon matte before it is infused with his secret resin. The result is 'Carbotanium' this super-composite makes up the one-piece Monocoque chassis & body of the Huayra. What does this mean to a prospective owner? The Huayra Roadster's chassis is stronger than a Semi Truck. Since it is so rigid it allows the suspension to be relaxed, and even quite comfortable. Idling behind you is a beast in every sense. AMG supplies a 6.0-liter V12 that is built to Pagani's specifications. Even though it isn't needed, the engine block acts as a tuned part of the suspension. This allows the unsprung weight to be incredibly low compared to anything else on the road. Another factor in making this car such a smooth ride. In fact, the curb weight of 2,820 lbs is less than every other V12 car in production. A slight tap of the accelerator allows for 764 horsepower and 740 lb-ft of torque to send accelerate with a better power-to-weight ratio than an F-18 fighter. Thanks to Pagani Newport Beach for allowing us to experience it in person. If you own a Zonda or a Huayra coupe, consider yourself fortunate because of their rarity. The factory has capped production of the Roadster at only 100 cars. It is not because of a lack of materials or because of any corporate agreements. It is because each example is built by artisans who are not in a hurry. Only a handful have been allotted for the USA, so this opportunity won't likely appear again. If you want to drive something that will change your perceptions of performance, click the link below and stay with us for more pristine Paganis. Click Here To Learn More

By Edward Jones – July 23, 2018

Pagani Huayra L'Ultimo Delivered to Pagani Miami

Pagani Miami is setting the bar high in terms of Huayras, because their latest delivery may be the ultimate example of the hypercar. Why do I say that? Well, its name is Huayra L'Ultimo and it has been delivered to the dealership's owner, Brett David. Watch the Koenigsegg Agera FE Thor Race Up Goodwood Hillclimb This Huayra was created through a collaboration between Brett David and Pagani Automobili Spa. It's a perfect example of what's possible through Pagani's new virtual technology, which allows clients to customize their cars in a virtual 3D realm. In order to make that happen, Pagani Miami's showroom had a live connection to the Pagani factory in San Cesario, allowing Brett to see the car in 3D from the USA. Pagani Huayra L'Ultimo is a complete one-off hypercar that is unique in so many ways. Be sure to check back with us for more information on this one-of-a-kind Pagani. View Prestige Imports' Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – July 11, 2018

Pagani Huayra: By The Numbers

Pagani’s Huayra (say “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 is something unprecedented in the automotive worldPagani Huayra EngineA glance at the spec sheet will amaze you. The Pagani 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 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. Pagani Huayra ReviewConstruction is largely composed of advanced materials-namely carbon fiber and titanium. Together, they grant the Huayra, which is longer and taller than the Zonda, 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.Pagani Huayra DesignWhile the performance specs are harder-edged, the styling is anything but. The Huayra is still recognizably a Zonda, but the shape is far softer, more matured, and more feminine, and 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.Pagani Huayra InteriorThe interior is still as flamboyantly Pagani 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 anywherePagani Huayra BrakesConventional brake wisdom tells us that 90% of 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 Pagani Huayra 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?Find Your Pagani Here LIST PRICE$1,600,000ENGINE6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V-12HORSEPOWER720 hpTORQUE737 lb-ftTRANSMISSION7-speed automated manual0–602.8 secTOP SPEED230 mphWEIGHT2,980 lbs dry / 3,741 lbs wet

By Andrew Nabors – June 28, 2018

Pagani Huayra Roadster Delivered in Connecticut

If you are in the market for a new supercar in New England, Miller Motorcars has what your heart desires. They have sold everything from Alfa to Zagato and everything in between. Their most recent news comes via Pagani's Instagram page. One lucky customer received a new Pagani Huayra Roadster, #96 of 100 to be built. If you haven't experienced a Pagani in person, no detail is too small for perfection. The body is made of Carbotanium, a material patented by Pagani. The weave is book-matched perfectly at 90 degrees down the centerline of the body, inside and out. He invented the process to infuse carbon fiber with titanium, and it is the basis for his other company, Modena Design. The big V12 is hand built to Mr. Pagani's specifications by AMG. Horacio Pagani Receives Honorary Masters In Vehicle Engineering A new, breathtaking Pagani Huayra Roadster has just won over the East Coast! Thank you @millermotorcars for delivering this marvellous beauty to its new home! #pagani #huayra #huayraroadster A post shared by Pagani Automobili Official (@paganiautomobili) on Jun 27, 2018 at 8:52am PDT His creations have raised the bar for automotive design and engineering, so he was bestowed with an honorary Master's Degree in Automotive Design from the University of Modena. Our friends at iLusso allowed me to drive a Huayra coupe to the Orange County Auto Show, and it is the most impressive vehicle I have ever encountered. Click on the link below to find one for yourself, and stay with us for all your Pagani news. View Pagani For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 21, 2018

Horacio Pagani Receives Honorary Masters In Vehicle Engin...

Yesterday at the University of Modena, the Enzo Ferrari Faculty of Engineering was the site of a celebration. Automotive engineers joined with academia and the employees of Pagani Automobili. Together they bestowed the man himself with a Master's Degree in Vehicle Engineering. The scene was one of the ancient traditions.Mr. Pagani was given a Laudatio by Professor Francesco Leali: “A technician whose merits go far beyond mechanical engineering and composite material technology, of which he has been a visionary pioneer, inspired by that Reinassance concept fully developed in Leonardo Da Vinci’s thoughts and works, that he kept maniacally studying and loving.”Also in attendance were his wife and children, friends from his Argentine hometown, his former employees at Lamborghini, and even Maurizio Ferrari. The top brass from Daimler, Mercedes-AMG (his engine supplier) and Bosch executives all believed in his vision for the Zonda. The car that launched his brand the first Zonda C12 is almost 20 years old, and it launched the age of the hypercar.The Pagani Huayra Project Vulcan: Created by DedicationThe Rector of the University also recalled the significance of such an honor, saying that it can only be awarded to "People who, due to their works or publications, gained fame for the profound expertise achieved in the subjects for which the Honoris Causa Degree is conceded"He knew his small town in Argentina could not provide a proper education, so he visited Italy. After meeting with Lamborghini's Chief Technical Director Giulio Alfieri, he was hired to sweep the floors in 1982. By the age of 20, he was Lamborghini's Chief Engineer. When Chrysler bought Lamborghini, they didn't believe the future was in carbon fiber, so Horacio left to build his masterpiece. Our publisher and Mr. PaganiOur magazine and website would be much less interesting without his cars, so here's to you Mr. Pagani- From all of us at the duPont REGISTRY.Find Your Pagani Here

By Andrew Nabors – June 08, 2018

Pagani Zonda Revolución Caught At Imola

What good is a sword that never leaves the scabbard? That is what we ask ourselves when we see cars like the Pagani Zonda collecting dust. Thanks to our friend 19Bozzy92, we now have inspiration for how to properly leave work on a Friday. As the final version of the Zonda, Mr. Pagani made a host of improvements. The Pagani Huayra Project Vulcan: Created by Dedication First off, he went to his engine supplier (Mercedes-AMG) and asked for more. The result is 789 horsepower and 540 lb-ft of torque. Then he went to the transmission experts at Xtrac. Their transverse 6-speed sequential was revised to offer shift times of 20ms. Bosch supplied the traction control/ABS with 12 settings. Horacio Pagani and Tom duPont The grand finale was DRS. The Drag Reduction System is controlled by a steering wheel button, and when activated, it changes from maximum downforce to maximum speed mode. Only 5 examples were built, each one with a price tag of 2.2 Million Euros. Pagani Miami is the best place to find your next car, so click the link below and have a great weekend!

By Andrew Nabors – April 10, 2018

"L'Ultimo" Pagani Huayra Project

All Paganis are tailor made to reflect client’s visions. Brett David, CEO of Prestige Imports, wanted to go beyond this and create a bespoke project drawing inspiration from Lewis Hamilton’s Formula one car. While Mercedes-AMG isn’t totally abandoning production of their twelve-cylinder designs, the time has come to revise the V12 to keep up with emissions and fuel economy laws. The Pagani V12 might sound and perform like other Mercedes-AMG designs, but the block, heads, and almost every component are built to Horacio’s and his team demanding tolerances. Prestige Imports: Hypercar and Supercar Heaven “L’Ultimo” Huayra is heading to Pagani’s Miami dealership. It’s a collaboration between Brett David and Pagani Automobili Spa and an example of Pagani’s technology that allows clients to render their car in a virtual realm. Pagani Miami’s Showroom has a live 3D connection with the factory in San Cesario. It took Brett and Horacio quite a while to work out the details, and its location on Biscayne Blvd will blow your mind. “L’Ultimo” will arrive in June. It will wear the livery of Lewis Hamilton’s F1 car, which is also a testament to AMG’s racing dominance. Are eight months to build one car too long? If you have ever seen a Pagani in person, you will understand that perfection can’t be rushed. Attention to detail can be found in every titanium bolt being marked after final torque was applied. The Pagani Huayra Project Vulcan: Created by Dedication It can be seen in the symmetrical carbon fiber body. Typical carbon fiber wouldn’t cut it, so Pagani patented a way to weave titanium into the material used for the monocoque. Prestige Imports has been a fixture in our magazine since day one. Brett’s father Irv David took a gamble on our new car magazine in 1985, and now his son has transformed the famous company into an empire. Stay with us for production updates and all your Pagani news and tell us what you think will power the next Pagani in the comments below. Buy a Pagani Huayra Now

By Edward Jones – December 14, 2017

Pagani Huayra Lampo Takes Inspiration from Old Fiat

Pagani and Garage Italia Customs have teamed up to create the Pagani Huayra Lampo, which translates to "lightning" in Italian. This one-of-a-kind supercar was inspired by the 1954 Fiat Turbina Concept, and the inspiration is clearly visible in the two-tone color scheme that borrows the red and white visual of the concept car. As for the hardware, the Huayra Lampo has the Tempesta Package installed, which adds new visual cues to the exterior that make it more aggressive looking all around. Inside is a glorious cabin that is unlike any we've seen in a Huayra. The seats and dashboard feature a checkered pattern, which is separated by aluminum and carbon fiber inserts. This interior is Italian design at its finest. For power, this supercar relies on a the famed Mercedes-AMG twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine that's capable of 730 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque.

By Edward Jones – September 06, 2017

Pagani Zonda Barchetta Arrives in Miami

Horacio Pagani, the man behind Pagani Automobili, has recently shipped out his personal Zonda HP Barchetta to the United States. Now, it has landed in Miami, Florida at Prestige Imports | Pagani Miami.This new model was unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance just a couple of weeks ago. This new Speedster-style supercar was designed to celebrate Horacio Pagani's 60th birthday. It was built with a blue carbon fiber exterior, with silver finish wheels on one side and blue wheels on the other.https://www.instagram.com/p/BYqsLH-AM5n/Pagani has said that only three examples of the Zonda HP Barchetta will be created, meaning the world will see only two other Barchettas.As of right now, the car is currently sitting in the Prestige Imports | Pagani Miami showroom. What It's Like to Own a Ferrari FF

Pagani News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe