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 – December 29, 2020

This Purple, Green and Red Pagani Huayra BC Roadster is a...

On the official Pagani Automobili Instagram account, images of an exquisite Huayra BC Roadster have been shared. This specific Huayra BC Roadster utilizes three different types of visible carbon fiber. Up top is a Morgana purple bare carbon fiber, while the middle is Smeraldo green and the bottom is Acero red. The result is a stunning combination of colors that's made possible through Pagani's craftsmanship. While I've seen Paganis with all different colors of bare carbon fiber, I believe this is the first time I've seen such a trio of colors used on one vehicle. Check it out for yourself in the gallery down below. See All Pagani Huayras For Sale Source: Pagani Automobili/Instagram

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

2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster "Rosso Dubai" In Action

Every aspect of a Pagani is designed to take your breath away. From matched luggage to machined titanium, here is a rare opportunity to see the 2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster "Rosso Dubai" in action. A change in the seasons prompted our friends at Pagani of Greenwich to excercise this roadster before hibernation. " width="680"> Under the paint protection film lies Rosso Dubai, a stunning metallic that can only be found on a bespoke Pagani Zonda. Along with a contrasting interior of Vermiglio & Medici, the Autumn leaves provide the perfect backdrop. Nothing on a Pagani is overlooked, as even the leather straps that secure each opening are cut from world-class hides. The matching luggage is also made to order, and it is an option that few have experienced. This 6-piece set is stitched by hand, and shaped to hide in plain sight. Contrary to popular belief, the Huayra Roadster is quite practical for a weekend getaway. This is the only such Pagani Huayra in existence, and we are happy to offer it to you. The team at Miller Motorcars only deals in the world's best automobiles, and this one can be yours. View Listing

By Edward Jones – November 30, 2020

Pristine Pagani Huayra Roadster in Black Mamba Carbon Fib...

The Pagani Huayra Roadster is a truly unique hypercar. Its power is undeniable and style unmatched. What takes the Huayra Roadster to even greater heights is Pagani's ability to customize their vehicle to each customer's preference. What we have here is a 2017 Huayra Roadster that's a perfect example of Pagani's ability to personalize to the extreme. With a Black Mamba carbon fiber exterior, it's downright one of the sleekest vehicles I've ever seen. Open the doors of this Huayra Roadster and you'll be greeted with a grand interior comprised of a tan and black color scheme. Carbon fiber trim that matches the exterior is used in the perfect amount while beautifully stitched tan leather contrasts against the darker tones. Miller Motorcars is currently selling this 2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster with just 185 miles. If you'd like to see and learn more, click the button below to see its listing on duPontREGISTRY.com. View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – November 25, 2020

Pagani Huayra Roadster BC Configurator Offers Endless Pos...

Horacio Pagani and his team of artists rarely deny a customer's demands. As long as the finished product is in the best interests of art and performance, your wishes will become a reality. In order to offer a starting point for their latest hypercar, the Pagani Huayra Roadster BC configurator offers endless possibilities. Jay Leno Drives Keith Urban’s Pagani Huayra On Saturday we were honored to display the first Huayra Roadster at Cars & Coffee Tampa. All 100 examples sold out immediately, with the final cars being delivered a few weeks ago. As is normally the case, Mr. Pagani compiled a series of improvements that could make it better, but they would be best executed with a new foundation. https://www.facebook.com/PaganiAutomobili/videos/382082316393975 As a race-ready roadster, this new model starts with a stronger chassis. Instead of titanium infused carbon fiber, the entire car is carbon-triax. The patented material is 50% lighter and 20% stronger than its predecessor. Working with AMG, horsepower is up to 755 with 811 lb-ft of torque. Xtrac developed a new 7-speed sequential to handle the power. No detail was overlooked, as exhaust flaps open to fill the aerodynamic voids ahead of the diffuser. All this was done to pay respect to Pagani's first customer. Benny Caiola believed Horacio could conquer the world, so his full deposit was given in cash to help the artist build his first car. Only 40 examples of the Roadster BC will be offered, so strike while the iron is hot. Configure Your Pagani

By Andrew Nabors – November 10, 2020

Final Pagani Huayra Roadster Delivery Is The End Of An Era

Rome was not built in a day. Perfection demands patience, a virtue that seems to be disappearing from modern life. That is why the final Pagani Huayra Roadster delivery is the end of an era. Over three years and many late nights were spent transforming customer ideas into reality. A proprietary composite of carbon fiber and titanium is the result of decades around the autoclave. Pagani Huayra Roadster Driven 3,000 Miles Across the USA Our friends at Pagani of Newport Beach allowed me to get behind the wheel of a Huayra Roadster after the Orange County Auto Show concluded. From Anaheim to the beach I was in command of a masterpiece. No silly features or confusing infotainment. Just a massive Mercedes-AMG V12 with twin turbos sending power to the rear wheels. Every shape inside and out is pleasing to the eye. The car reacts to each input with confidence, and everything you touch was carved or shaped by someone who loves their craft. It is my opinion that Mr. Pagani could charge more for his cars while customers wouldn't question him for doing so. Such sentiments are echoed by everyone who experiences a Pagani, and that is why they are rarely sold secondhand. But when they are, they are listed with us. Browse Pagani For Sale https://www.facebook.com/PaganiAutomobili/videos/1080499065741926

By Andrew Nabors – October 07, 2020

Jay Leno Drives Keith Urban's Pagani Huayra

With his unmistakable Aussie accent and upbeat lyrics, Keith Urban has four Grammys so far. Married to another Australian, he and wife Nicole Kidman split their time between L.A. and Nashville. Living in the fast lane requires decent transportation, so he decided to make a stop in Burbank with an Italian masterpiece. In the latest upload from CNBC, we can watch Jay Leno drive Keith Urban's Pagani Huayra. Jay Leno’s Car Collection This pristine 2011 example has the coveted Tempesta package. This series of upgrades were engineered and styled by Mr. Pagani to evoke a more aggressive nature for select clientele. That could be you, so click the button below to learn more from our Pagani dealers and stay with us for more great clips from Jay Leno's Garage. Browse Pagani For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 01, 2020

New Pagani Huayra R Coming on November 12

Have you been asking yourself: "When will Pagani release a new car?" Well, I have fantastic news for you and every other automotive fan that didn't have that very specific thought pop into their head. During the Autostyle design Competition 2020 video, Horacio Pagani himself revealed that the new Huayra R will be unveiled on November 12. The most important aspect about this announcement is that the new Huayra R will be powered by a new aspirated engine. We're used to Pagani Huayras being powered by twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12 engine, so an engine without the turbos will more than likely have less power on tap. That being said, Pagani may have some tricks up their sleeve. So, be sure to check back with us on November 12 for more information. See All Pagani Huayras For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 22, 2020

Pagani Huayra BC Roadster Smashes Lap Record At Spa

Leaving the only career you have ever had is probably not easy. But when Horacio Pagani learned that Chrysler would be buying Lamborghini, he left the company he had worked for since age 17. Working his way up from sweeping the floors to becoming Chief Engineer, his decades of supercar knowledge would empower him to build his own brand of supercar. With the ideas and sketches of the Zonda, he was encouraged by his friend Benny Caiola to follow his dreams. Once the first production Pagani was ready, Benny became the first Pagani owner. It is for him that their latest supercar was named. And it is a fitting homage to a friend that the Pagani Huayra BC Roadster has smashed the lap record at Spa. Horacio Pagani Shows Off His Personal Car Collection One of the fastest tracks in the world, Spa-Francorchamps is home to endurance racing of all types. Since the test drivers and engineers had amassed nearly 218,000 miles on streets and on the track, Spa was their final validation program. With a fresh set of Pirelli tires made specific for Pagani, the boss aquiesed to his team for a record attempt. Andrea Palma crossed the finish line in 2.23:08. Nearly 2 seconds faster than the previous record set by a McLaren Senna is quite an achievement. Here's to everyone at Pagani, Pirelli, Mercedes-AMG and everyone involved. Pagani Miami (Prestige Imports) is ready to take your reservation, so click the button to learn more. Browse Pagani For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 18, 2020

Pagani Duo on Display at the Petersen

Many travels involve Los Angeles. Skip your connecting flight to visit the immaculate Petersen Museum. You will see displays of Americana, European car culture, and even a bike or two. Their latest exhibit is a lesson on automotive history, as a Pagani Duo is on display at the Petersen Museum. Pagani Huayra Price, Specs, Photos & Review Would you like specifics? A new Pagani Imola is positioned next to a Huayra Roadster BC. Nothing we can say can add or detract from this pair, other than you should drive them. You will reevaluate your thoughts of a street legal car, so click the button below. Browse All Pagani For Sale

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