Pagani News

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

By Edward Jones – August 21, 2017

Pagani Zonda HP Barchetta Breaks Ground at Pebble Beach

Pagani brought a special guest to the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the new Zonda HP Barchetta. It seems as though Pagani never really did stop making the Zonda, but maybe this model will finally be the last. Maybe... Although, I can't complain considering these are some of the coolest cars in the world, and loudest. The Zonda HP Barchetta takes the form of a speedster-type car, with a short windshield and no signs of a roof. This unique car was created by Horacio Pagani and team to celebrate the founder's 60th birthday (happy birthday!). https://www.instagram.com/p/BYCHgMUFYnV/ Blue and black naked carbon fiber make up the car's body panels, while the wheels are another story entirely. On the left side are of a silver finish, while the right side has blue wheels. It's definitely an interesting visual. Pagani Newport Beach Officially Opens Up https://www.instagram.com/p/BYAnoq-F_xn/ Pagani is planning on only creating three examples of the Zonda HP Barchetta, and I can't wait to see how the other two will turn out. https://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/10155664419918256/

By Edward Jones – August 02, 2017

Delivery of Kris Singh's New Pagani Huayra BC Macchina Vo...

Kris Singh has collected quite a few vehicles in his days, including one Lamborghini Veneno, a Koenigsegg Agera XS and many others. Back in May of this year, he took delivery of a new Pagani Huayra BC that is called the Huayra BC Macchina Volante.The name comes from the inspiration Horacio Pagani has drawn from Leonardo da Vinci over the years. Macchina Volante translates from Italian to flying machine in English. One of da Vinci's most famous creations was his flying machine, an invention that would be a source of inspiration for centuries to come. Singh notes in the video below that he chose the name Macchina Volante because his new Huayra BC has flaps and a massive wing like the original flying machine.The delivery of his car is all documented in the video below by Prestige Imports Miami. The CEO of the dealership, Brett David, was able to help Singh obtain his dream Pagani and ultimately bring one of the finest automobiles in the world to the United States.https://www.facebook.com/dupontregistryautos/videos/10155608262168256/

By Edward Jones – July 20, 2017

New Custom-Made Pagani Zonda Fantasma Evo Unveiled

Just today, Pagani has unveiled their latest creation on their Facebook page, and it's not a Huayra. The new car is a custom-made Zonda Fantasma Evo, which is a complete one-off model. The car is essentially a Zonda Cinque mixed with a Zonda Revolucion. From the Cinque comes the headlights, front fascia (with an added pair of canards), and rear wing. From the Revolucion comes the air ram above the cabin and the centrally-located fin place in front of the rear wing. Other design cues include the tricolore pattern on the front boot, red striping and red brake calipers. As the body overall, its crafted out of red-tinted carbon fiber with exposed natural carbon fiber. Check out the images below to see the new supercar for yourself.

By Edward Jones – May 26, 2017

Red Carbon Fiber Pagani Huayra BC Delivered to @sparky18888

It seems as though the past couple of weeks have been filled with hypercar deliveries. We've seen a blue Pagani Huayra BC being delivered in Miami, a blue Lamborghini Centenario being delivered in Newport Beach and a red Centenario delivery in New Jersey. Now, we have the delivery of a red Huayra BC. This new Italian hypercar was delivered to @sparky1888, through Miller Motorcars. This particular Huayra BC has exposed carbon fiber that has a deep red tint to it. One secret that can be found on the car are 24 karat gold crowns that are hidden underneath the rear flaps. These weren't ordered by @sparky1888, but they were actually a surprise birthday gift from his friend @lamborghiniks. Check out the pictures below from the owner's Instagram page and his son's, @vtm_theking_4. By @vtm_theking_4

By Edward Jones – February 22, 2017

The Pagani Huayra BC: The Italian God of Beauty and Speed

The name of the car comes from Benny Caiola, a man who the company says inspired Horacio Pagani over the years. He was also the first customer to ever buy a Pagani Automobile. The Huayra BC is not the normal Huayra. It comes in as the most technologically advanced one yet, welcoming a fine selection of new features that will be used in future Pagani vehicles. On the outside, the Huayra BC is easily recognizable in a crowd from other Huayras. Pagani notes that it “has been completely redesigned and except for the roof does not share a single body panel with the Huayra Coupé.” Changes include exposed carbon fiber, new front end, side skirts, rear diffuser and massive rear wing.Of course, the inside of the is just as impressive as you’d expect from Pagani. Powering the car is a twin-turbo V12 engine that has been exclusively developed for Pagani by Mercedes-AMG. It creates 789 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to a seven-speed automated manual transmission (AMT). Pagani states that the weight of the gearbox, including a brand new electronic active differential, is just about 40 percent lighter when compared to the dual-clutch of the current generation Huayra.While the power is most certainly there, so is a drive that handles well. A new bespoke suspension system was installed, which Pagani says is the lightest and most effective suspension ever utilized in a “high-performance vehicle.” A savings of 25 percent in weight was accomplished through HiForg, a lightweight aeronautic aluminum alloy. Along with the suspension, the Brembo brakes, Pirelli P Zero Corsa tires and Bosch ESP system (“Comfort”, “Sport” and “Track” driving modes”) work together to create a ride that will deliver both on the track and road.Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 20, 2017

Jay Leno Drives David Lee's Pagani Huayra

Artists and engineers are usually like oil and water. Some of the biggest battles in automotive history have been between styling and production, which is why Horacio Pagani left Lamborghini to build his own car. Titanium doesn't like to play with composites because it likes to hang out with oxygen. But Mr. Pagani patented a way to infuse it into carbon fiber, and the result is Carbotanium. The wonder material is what the Huayra is made of, and his artisans bookmatch the entire body down the centerline. Jay Leno's Garage is the best way to learn the history of exotic cars, so grab a snack and an Italian translator.Related - Jay Leno Surprises Wounded Veteran With a New FiatFor the discerning collector, Pagani will update your car to the latest specifications and technology. The Tempesta Package was released last year with a healthy bump in power and performance. Pagani Miami recently installed the $181,000 package that includes new wheels, tires, suspension, exhaust and aggressive spoilers. Our friend David Lee likes to keep his collection on the cutting edge, and he explains the transformation in detail. Apparently all you have to do is text Mr. Pagani to get the process started. One person in this building has his cell number, so if you want your Huayra to be more unique, our Publisher would be glad to make it happen. So stay with us for all your Pagani updates.Supercars For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 02, 2017

Before and After of Pagani Tempesta Package Installation

To push the Pagani Huayra even further into the insanely gorgeous hypercar range, the Italian automaker created the Tempesta Package. This package includes new four-way adjustable Ohlins shock absorbers, new carbon fiber diffuser and front splitter and forged aluminum alloy wheels that are drop the weight by around 15.8 lbs.Prestige Imports, located in South Florida, recently installed this $181,000 package on a customer's car. To show the difference that this package can make, YouTube channel Mike Supercars TopSpeed filmed the car before and after. Check out the video below to see the before and after shots of the hypercar.All Pagani For Sale

By Edward Jones – September 02, 2016

Redesigned One-off Purple Pagani Zonda 760 RS Spotted

It's always nice to give your car a wash in order to keep its appearance up. Sometimes it's even worth it to give your car a new coat of paint. But to completely rebrand your car? Well, that's left to the hypercar owners, like this Pagani Zonda owner.(Related: New Pagani Zonda by Mileson Revealed)What was once the Zonda 760 RSJX, a teal and black Italian monster, is now the purple and black 760 RS. YouTube channel TheTFJJ managed to capture this car at Pagani UK before it was locked up in a garage. He notes in the video's description that the car was redesigned by Horacio Pagani himself. It may look similar to Lewis Hamilton's Zonda, but they are definitely different.Powering this car is a glorious 7.3-liter V12 AMG engine. This engine can put out around 760 bhp, creating a top speed of over 220 mph and a 0-60 mph time of around 3.3 seconds.View All Paganis For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 16, 2016

New Pagani Zonda by Mileson Revealed

The Pagani Zonda will never die and that's not a bad thing. A while ago, it was said that the Zonda would not be created anymore but as the new Zonda by Mileson shows, the model is still alive.https://www.instagram.com/p/BI2GvCRBJgh/?taken-by=something_guoThe car was caught on camera by the YouTube channel VIRAGE and in photos by Instagrammer @something_guo, who spotted it testing at Pagani's factory in San Cesario sul Panaro, Modena, Italy. Titled as "Pagani Zonda 760 by Mileson and Huyara BC," we are led to believe that this new Zonda is based around the 760, which looks to be true. Visible modifications made to the car include a new blue finish, front wheel arches, a revised 760 rear wing and more.https://www.instagram.com/p/BI69SorhUpu/?taken-by=something_guoAlso included in the video, found below, is the new Huayra BC. This new model is regarded as being the most technologically advanced one yet. Powering the car is a twin-turbo V12 engine that has been exclusively developed for Pagani by Mercedes-AMG. It creates over 750 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque.Check out the video below to see the cars for yourself.View Paganis For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 15, 2016

Biggest Pagani Gathering, Ever: The Vanishing Point 2016

Every year Pagani puts on a little gathering they like to call the Vanishing Point. Okay, so maybe this event isn't little and this year, in fact, is the biggest Pagani gathering, ever.At their headquarters in San Cesario sul Panaro in Modena, Italy, 19 Paganis came together for a display of Italian supercars that is second to none. Zondas, Huayras and more showed up to their facility, creating euphoric automotive scenery that every automotive fan dreams of.(Also Read: Pagani Huayra BC Takes Over New York City)After meeting up, the Paganis left Modena and headed to the Dolomites. During this trip they covered incredible passes, like the Falzarego, Pordoi and Sella passes. To finish off the rally, the group spent two relaxing days in Venice.So, let's get this straight: Pagani owners met up at the factory where the cars are created, drove through some of the world's most beautiful passes and then rested for two days in Venice. I assume everyone, including me, is envious of the participants. But, while most of us weren't able to attend, Pagani has uploaded an incredible teaser video, found below.View All Paganis For Sale

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