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 Andrew Nabors – March 12, 2020

Pagani's Geneva Lineup Filmed at the Factory

As Italy is in the midst of a virus lockdown, Mr. Pagani and his team will continue to build amazing supercars. Two new models were en route to Switzerland when the show was canceled, so Pagani's Geneva lineup was filmed at the factory. As we previewed last month, it was to be the European debut of the Imola alongside the new Huayra Roadster BC. Only 5 examples of the Imola will be built, with each offering 827 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. The Roadster BC is their first body to incorporate Carbo-Titanium HP62, along with carbo-tanium woven in 3D by a triple-axis loom. Enough about the details, let's hear it from the man himself. Click the button below to find your Pagani and stay with us for all your Pagani news. Browse All Pagani For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 17, 2020

2021 Pagani Imola: Lighter & Faster

Only 5 To Be Buil & Already Sold 827 Horsepower& 811 lb-ft of Torque 2,747-lb Curb Weight Horacio Pagani values form and function equally. Disregarding the power and performance of his cars, their styling speaks for itself. That's why we found this press release almost apologetic. He asked his team to incorporate the latest technologies for 5 valued customers, the new 2021 Pagani Imola for sale is lighter & faster. "The aerodynamic technology behind the Pagani Imola is evident in three of its key features. The general outline, the internal aerodynamics and the external aerodynamic details, such as the fins, winglets and deflectors. We can’t say that it’s an elegant car. We wanted an efficient vehicle, and just as you’d expect if you were looking at an F1 single-seater, this led us to design a car with additional aerodynamic features." Mr. Pagani. To us, there is no such thing as an ugly Pagani. This is their first car to integrate the suspension, brakes, aerodynamics, and throttle response into one computer. Nearly 10,00 miles of testing at Imola have ensured these cars are ready to take on the world. Could they be a test-bed for the Huayra's successor? It is a distinct possibility. That's why you should stay with us for all your Pagani news. Browse All Pagani For Sale " width="680"> Related: Pagani Huayra Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – January 02, 2020

Pagani Looks Back on 2019

Two decades ago, Horacio Pagani created the hypercar. Patenting new composites and solving problems with elegant solutions are just a few of his talents. Last year began with a new partnership with Piloti, culminating with the ultimate Roadster Driving Boot. Then it was on to Geneva for a unique display of past & present. The Goodwood Festival of Speed saw 30 examples in one spot, another record broken. Horacio Pagani & Mr. duPont The Pagani Raduno West was a convoy from SoCal to Monterey to attend Pebble Beach. While the Pagani Raduno East was an Appalacian adventure that ended in Manhattan. It was there on the floor of Grand Central that Mr. Pagani celebrated the long road to success. Here's to another 20 years from all of us at duPont Registry. Find Your Pagani Here " width="680"> Related: Pagani Huayra Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – October 21, 2019

Pagani Huayra Roadster Driven 3,000 Miles Across the USA

There's a Pagani Huayra Roadster owner, @1slocrx, who isn't afraid to drive his prized automobile. In fact, he's driven his Huayra Roadster all the way across the United States. His trip started in Half Moon Bay, California, well-known for its famous surf spot Mavericks. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3hVbY-l5hO/ Along the way, he saw some incredible scenery. First up was Arizona with its beautiful desert roads. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3jA-gzFCox/ As with any road trip, you have to stop to get some grub. One thing just about everyone can agree on is that nothing cures a sweet tooth like a McDonald's soft-serve cone. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3lhgdalnKP/ For day two of the trip, he made it to the big state of Texas. If you've ever driven through Texas, you know that this state goes on forever. For this Instagram update, he posted pictures of the Cadillac Ranch in Texas and the Stafford Air and Space Museum in Oklahoma. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3lizYJlmgY/ From Oklahoma, he entered Arkansas and drove over to the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3m9ctllcvZ/ Next up was Tennessee. I wonder if he took the Huayra Roadster through the Tail of the Dragon on his way out of the state... That's would definitely be exciting. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3oC16bF8aI/ Finally, the Huayra Roadster landed in Folly, Beach, South Carolina after a 2,936-mile trip. Mission success. https://www.instagram.com/p/B3pRQKhlvcP/

By Andrew Nabors – October 11, 2019

Horacio Pagani: My Story & My Inspirations

This year's Anaheim Auto Show featured two Pagani Huayras in our booth. Endless questions about who, what, and why they existed could take hours to answer, so it is proper that Mr. Pagani describes his motivation an innovations in his own words. So here is Horacio Pagani's story and inspirations by Carfection. My Italian is decent enough to perceive the emotion behind his story, so here is a quick timeline: Born in Argentina to Italian parents, he opened a small garage to fix and modify whatever he could get his hands on. A self-taught genius, he presented himself to Mr. Lamborghini asking for whatever job opening they had. Mr. Pagani & Mr. duPont From sweeping the floors, his brilliance was quickly realized. He became Chief Engineer by the mid-80s. He saw the rise and fall of the company, which eventually was purchased by Chrysler in 1988. He fought Lee Iaccoca tooth & nail to allow Lamborghini to be the first Carbon Fiber supercar. Chrysler demanded fiberglass to keep costs low. Browse All Pagani For Sale He resigned with an ace up his sleeve, a new way to manufacture composites. Carfaction caught the master in his own words, so click the button above to find a Pagani near you and stay with us for all your Pagani updates. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – July 31, 2019

Pagani Huayra Roadster BC is Automotive Perfection

We knew Horacio Pagani and his team was building something amazing. It has been seen testing around the world wearing intense camouflage, and now we see their latest creation. In a press release just a few minutes ago, we see the Pagani Huayra Roadster BC is automotive perfection. As an all-new design, it shares only a few parts with the previous Huayra models. Starting with a stronger foundation, the monocoque chassis is woven from their new Carbo-Triax and Carbo-Titanium. Lighter and stronger than other composites, these materials are decades ahead of what the competition is capable of. It allows this masterpiece to arrive with a curb weight of 2,775 lbs. Only 40 examples will be produced, each one with a base price of 3,085,000 € + VAT. At current exchange rates, you are looking a slightly under $3.5 Million. You will receive a hypercar capable of 1.9G in the corners, and powered by an all-new V12. Because the car is an homage to the first Pagani customer, the boss decided it was time for a new engine. Mercedes-AMG delivered a 6.0L V12 with three valves per cylinder. Combined with twin-turbos, you will have 800 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque. Maximum torque arrives at only 2,000 rpm and it hangs on across the tachometer. Not only will it launch the car unlike any Pagani before it, but you could also probably tow a 3-car trailer with ease. This launch coincides with the car being available on the world's most popular Drag Racing game. Zynga's CSR Racing 2 offers incredible graphics and realism, and their Vice President offered praise for their collaboration. If you want to see it in the real world, pack your bags for Monterey Car Week. It will be unveiled at The Quail, and also be a prominent feature on the Concept Lawn at Pebble Beach. We will see you there! Browse All Pagani For Sale " width="680"> Related: Pagani Huayra Roadster BC Teased

By Andrew Nabors – July 29, 2019

Pagani Huayra BC Roadster Teased

It took a leap of faith to leave the only company he had ever worked for. Horacio Pagani was hired to sweep the floor at Lamborghini when he was 17. When the company was bought by Chrysler in 1987, the writing was on the wall. The American owners refused the leap into carbon fiber, so he left to form Pagani Automobili in 1992. The idea of a carbon fiber Italian supercar seemed far off, but Horacio had a friend that believed in him. Benny Caiola had one of the largest Ferrari collections in the world, and he encouraged Pagani to chase his dreams. Not only did Benny become a close friend, he took delivery of the first Pagani production car. That is why Horacio has named his latest creation in his honor. The Pagani Huayra BC Roadster was teased on their latest social media posts. It is the successor to the Huayra BC coupe, a track-proven version of the Huayra. The roadster will probably improve on the abilities of the coupe, which are already potent. Only 20 coupes were produced, with each one being sold before completion. Working with their engine suppliers at AMG, the 6.0L V12 was massaged to offer 745 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. Compared to a "normal" Huayra, the BC coupe is 291 lbs lighter thanks to an innovation in the material. Pagani Huayra Specs, Price, Photos & Review "Carbon Triax" is 50% lighter and 20% stronger which gives the car a dry weight of 2,685 lbs. Instead of a 7-speed single-clutch automatic, the Huayra BC uses a race-ready 7-speed sequential from Xtrac. If the Pagani Huayra BC Roadster is anything like the coupe, prepare to be amazed. Click the link below to find a Pagani near you and stay with us for all your Pagani news. Browse Pagani Huayra For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 30, 2019

Pagani Huayra Test Mule Hot Laps

Between Milan and Verona lies the Franciacorta Autodrome. It is an FIA sanctioned track located away from the auto spied who lurk around Modena and Sant'Agata. That is how 19Bozzy92 was able to film a Pagani Huayra test mule hot laps around the track. He proposes that it might be an even more potent version of the Huayra BC, and the aerodynamics support this hypothesis. Horacio Pagani has no reason to rush the development of a new model. Anyone who gets close to one of his cars instantly realizes the time and effort that goes into each build. Pagani Huayra BC Macchina Volante The air intake behind the cockpit looks very similar to the Huayra BC Macchina Volante, a one-of-one build for a wealthy collector. Intakes in the rear quarter panels are also much taller, and their lines extend to the base of the spoiler. A spine running between the roof scoop and the rear spoiler looks like a ramjet, but it is an obvious Venturi duct. This could funnel air into the rear spoiler, eerily similar to Lamborghini's patented ALA system. Tell us what you think of this prototype in the comments below, and click the link to find a Pagani near you. Browse Pagani For Sale Related: Updated Pagani Huayra BC Macchine Volante Revealed Before Geneva Prestige Imports Delivers Beautiful Pagani Huayra BC

By Andrew Nabors – May 10, 2019

Now Is Your Chance to Own a Pagani Huayra

Nothing hurts worse than a missed opportunity. Hindsight is 20/20, so don't pass up a chance of a lifetime. We could plug in a thousand appropriate idioms here because we are the #1 source for exotic cars. Therefore, we thought you might be interested in these Pagani Huayras for sale. These Italian masterpieces combine the latest in composites with twin-turbo AMG V12 power. Only 100 or less of each model will be produced, so we're glad to offer these to you. The Huayra is the successor to the Zonda, the first creation of Horacio Pagani. After being the Chief Engineer at Lamborghini, he parted ways when the company was sold to Chrysler, as they had no interest in carbon fiber. After buying his on giant autoclave, he patented a way to infuse titanium into the substrate, and Carbotanium was born. Not only can it be manufactured in any color, it is several times stronger than conventional carbon fiber. For a quick overview of the Huayra lineup, all cars are powered by a 6.0L AMG V12. It is twin turbocharged and built to Pagani's specifications. The block is twice as rigid as its predecessor because it is used to form the basis of the rear suspension. The coupe is rated at 720 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. All 100 examples have been produced. After allowing Dallara to revise the exterior, Pagani developed an upgrade kit known as Tempesta. It could be ordered in advance and installed on the assembly line, or by the factory trained technicians at Pagani Miami. For $180,000, the car received new body panels, lighter wheels, more downforce, and 4 new Ohlins coil-over shocks. They are tuned to cope with the increased downforce while also preventing roll in the corners. The Huayra Roadster is lighter and more powerful. It has a removable glass roof and 754 horsepower. Torque remains unchanged, but it only has to move 2,820 lbs around. Finally, the Huayra BC was built to honor Benny Caiola. He was Horacio's longtime friend who encouraged the development of the Zonda. He was also the first Pagani customer. Benny passed on, but the car named for him has 745 horsepower and a whopping 811 lb-ft of torque. Needless to say, its very fast. The entire car is made from a new form of Carbotanium known as "Triax". It is lighter and stronger, yielding a curb weight of 2,685 lbs. Take a look at these listings and tell us which one you would drive in the comments below: 2016 Pagani Huayra View Listing 2014 Pagani Huayra View Listing 2017 Pagani Huayra BC Macchina Volante Only 20 limited edition cars were sold globally. Intended for top clients of the Pagani brand. View Listing 2014 Pagani Huayra Tempesta View Listing 2014 Pagani Huayra Tempesta View Listing 2016 Pagani Huayra BC View Listing 2014 Pagani Huayra View Listing 2017 Pagani Huayra Roadster View Listing 2016 Pagani Huayra Coupe View Listing 2014 Pagani Huayra View Listing Everyone needs to experience the power and perfection that is Pagani. Tell us your favorite example and stay with us for all your Pagani updates! Horacio Pagani & Tom duPont

By Edward Jones – March 04, 2019

Pagani Bringing Two Very Special Cars to Geneva

The 2019 Geneva Motor Show is just about here and that means automakers are coming out left and right with what they're bringing to the show. Pagani Automobili is one of the automakers that's going to be showing off their masterpieces and they've just unveiled what will be on display. Starting off is the very first chassis of the Zonda that has been perfectly restored. Pagani notes that this will be the world premiere of this car. https://www.instagram.com/p/BulvWSzBi5K/ Next up is a stunning example of the Huayra Roadster. It's heading to the show in a beautiful exposed Blu Tricolore carbon fiber body in a matte finish, with contrasting Bianco Malta white accents. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bul1Bf6hduO/ Be sure to check out their display at the event!

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