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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 Tyler Rampersaud – March 07, 2024

Rivian Reveals New $45K R2, R3, & Performance-Oriented R3X

Rivian is growing its lineup of adventure-ready electric vehicles. Rivian made waves when it introduced the R1, which showed off a rugged, off-road-capable take on electric vehicles as both a pickup truck and an SUV model. Since then, the manufacturer has continued to solidify its presence in the EV world, making important contributions to electric vehicle innovation, not just when it comes to passenger vehicles but also commercial vehicles. However, Rivian is now announcing three new additions to its lineup of vehicles: the R2, the R3, and the R3X. These new models deliver on an earlier promise to expand Rivian’s lineup with a new midsize platform, which is what underpins all three vehicles. All of them adhere to the design language that the R1S and R1T introduced, while occupying a smaller footprint and starting at a lower price point. With five seats and an R1S-esque silhouette, the R2 promises everyday usability and practicality, with flexibility for cargo, adventuring, and even car camping. Meanwhile, the R3 is a smaller crossover, with a more sloped rear portion. It preserves Rivian’s off-road capability, and the R3X has been introduced as a performance-oriented version, enhancing both on and off-road performance. With two available batteries, the larger 4695-cell one promises 0-60 times under 3 seconds and a driving range of over 300 miles. Fast charging promises a 10% to 80% charge in under 30 minutes. With 11 cameras and 5 radars, Rivian promises state-of-the-art autonomous driving capabilities, as well. Available drivetrains are single-motor rear-wheel drive, dual-motor all-wheel drive, and a tri-motor with two motors in the rear and one in the front. Deliveries of the R2 are set commence in 2026, with the R3 and R3X to follow after. The R2 is available to reserve now in the U.S. for a refundable $100 deposit, with an expected starting MSRP of roughly $45,000. Being the smaller, entry-level model, the R3 is expected to be more affordable than the R2. With three new models added to its lineup, Rivian is cementing itself further as one of the EV world’s most important trailblazers. View All Rivians For Sale Image Source: Rivian

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 23, 2023

Rivian Opens New Chapter With Atlanta Showroom & Georgia ...

Rivian opens its seventh public space at Atlanta's Ponce City Market. Rivian, the American all-electric automaker that has been catching the industry's eye, took the wraps off its newest public space at Ponce City Market in Atlanta. But this was not just another venue for car enthusiasts to fawn over. The company used the platform to share some eagerly-awaited updates on its forthcoming manufacturing facility in Georgia. Since launching its first public space in June 2023, Rivian has been on a nationwide blitz, connecting communities with its brand and the burgeoning world of electric vehicles. The Atlanta location marks the seventh in this ambitious journey, bringing the Rivian experience right into the heart of the Peach State. This public space allows visitors to delve into the world of Rivian’s electric adventure vehicles. Not just a showroom, the space is geared to be a hub of community involvement, complete with demo drives, unique merchandise, and even off-beat programming like gardening workshops and bicycle repair events. RJ Scaringe, the CEO and Founder of Rivian, finds the location to be particularly special. The proximity to their future R2 manufacturing campus makes Atlanta a strategic locale. It's a way for Rivian to build rapport with the local community, essentially serving as the brand’s most public face in Georgia while the main facility is under construction. The upcoming manufacturing unit is situated at Stanton Springs North, about 40 minutes away from Atlanta. Once fully operational, this facility will boast an annual production capacity of a staggering 400,000 units. Georgia state authorities and the Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton & Walton Counties have been in cahoots with Rivian for months, prepping the site for construction. As it stands, the upper pad is 95 percent graded and nearly shovel-ready. A formal groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for early 2024, with vertical construction to follow. Apart from this, Rivian has further anchored its presence in the state with a new office in Covington, a mere stone’s throw away from its future factory. The company also announced the appointment of Tony Sanger as Vice President of Facilities-Georgia, solidifying its commitment to a streamlined and innovative construction process. Rivian is pulling no punches in making Georgia a focal point for its expansion. The new public space at Ponce City Market not only brings Rivian’s state-of-the-art electric vehicles closer to the public but also serves as an intriguing prelude to the company's larger ambitions in the region. With a mammoth production facility on the horizon and community engagement at the forefront, Rivian's latest moves show it is not just accelerating on the roads, but also in the fast lane of industry growth. View All Rivians For Sale

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 08, 2023

Rivian & Polestar Collaborate On A Report On EV Sustainab...

EV pioneers become partners in environmental change. Especially since the introduction of the brand’s first SUV, the Polestar 3, it’s safe to say that in many ways, Polestar and Rivian are competitors. Both produce luxurious all-electric vehicles that aim to enhance the everyday lifestyle, but when it comes to Polestar, Rivian, and just about every other manufacturer of electric vehicles, they all share one common goal: going green. To this end, the two brands came together to initiate a report and share good news about the way in which electric vehicles are working to combat the impact that vehicle emissions have on the environment. MUST READ: Polestar 3 Now Available With LiDAR, Polestar 5 To Follow In 2024 Often when it relates to the environment, we hear that the clock is ticking, and that change needs to happen with urgency. The IPCC, short for Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, has stated that greenhouse gas emissions, for which passenger cars currently account for 15%, need to be reduced by 43% by 2030. The bad news in the report is that things are not currently heading in that direction. However, the good news in the report is that Rivian and Polestar both see a way to rectify the issue, which is by producing electric cars instead of gasoline-powered cars, making use of renewable energy in power grids, and making the production process and supply chain itself more sustainable, as well. With a shared goal, Polestar and Rivian’s report shows the way to a brighter and greener future. View All Rivians For Sale View All Polestars For Sale Source: Rivian

By Andrew Nabors – April 03, 2020

Rivian Factory Is Nearing Completion

America's newest EV brand will be based in Normal, Illinois. That is where workers are putting the finishing touches on a 2.5 Million square-foot factory. With backing from Ford, the R1T pickup and the R1S SUV will forge a bold trail into the future of battery-powered vehicles. So we're glad to see the Rivian factory is nearing completion. Rivian R1T With Optional Electric Kitchen Their latest YouTube upload shows construction workers collaborating on 44 tasks simultaneously. Almost all tasks will be performed on-site. This includes several reinforced chambers for hot & cold endurance testing, a paint shop, and corporate offices. Their goal is to offer affordable vehicles with 400 miles of range, so stay with us for all your Rivian updates. Browse Sports Cars For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 06, 2020

Rivian Integrating Alexa Directly Into Future Electric Ve...

Not only did Lamborghini announce that they will be integrating Amazon Alexa into their new Huracan EVO, but Rivian has also announced the integration of the smart assistant into their upcoming models. Today, Rivian announced that their upcoming R1T pickup and R1S SUV will come packing Alexa integration. Rivian says that owners of these new electric vehicles will be able to use Alexa in a multitude of ways. They will be able to control the AC system, windows, opening and closing of the "frunk", and a lot more. One interesting feature is that owners will be able to check on their vehicle by accessing the bed camera through Echo Show or Fire TV. "Rivian's vision is to enable exploration without compromises and provide our owners the best digital experience, no matter where their adventure takes them," said Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe. "We want this to be the most comprehensive, most seamless Alexa integration in the market." Source: PRNewsWire.com

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