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

Rolls-Royce News

Rolls-Royce news from duPont REGISTRY News, updated as each story breaks, covering the Phantom, the Ghost, the Cullinan and the electric Spectre, alongside the Coachbuild commissions built in single figures. Our reporting takes in reveals, bespoke builds, first drives and the auction results that set values for the earlier cars. Rolls-Royce builds to order more than it builds to a model year, so each commission tells you where the brand is going. This is where our marketplace becomes useful. Many of the Rolls-Royces covered here are listed for sale on duPont REGISTRY, which places the reporting and a genuine asking price side by side. For Rolls-Royce news today, and the luxury car market news around it, begin below.

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 03, 2021

Drake's New 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan By Chrome Hearts Ex...

Recently, we covered the virtual launch of Canadian rapper Drake’s newest Roll-Royce design featuring a collaboration with Los Angeles luxury brand Chrome Hearts. Although build information is limited, Chrome Hearts shared a galley of photos to its @EndTheChromeWars Instagram to highlight some of the detailed work that went into the customization of Drakes 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Throughout the exterior and interior of the six-figure luxury SUV, hints of Chrome Hearts are incorporated using premium materials just as Rolls-Royce would have done from its factory. Inside, the interior makes a statement with a completely customized leather diamond-stitched seat pattern, featuring Chrome Hearts logos and silver accents. The attention to detail is highlighted as it seems that no area of the Rolls-Rolls Cullinan was left untouched, from the key holder to the spirit of ecstasy, every piece is meant to separate it from all others on the road. Drake’s luxury Rolls-Royce Cullinan build by Chrome Hearts is currently available to see on exhibition at the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, as well as in a virtual setting through its dedicated webpage. Check out Drake’s 2021 Rolls-Royce Cullinan in collaboration with Chrome Hearts by clicking the link below. Drake x Chrome Hearts Rolls-Royce Image Source: @endthechromewars

By Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2021

Rolls-Royce x Hermès Yields A Stunning Phantom Collabora...

Haute Coture meets English luxury Old world coachbuilding rarely intersects with high fashion, but when it does, the results are stunning. For one discerning Japanese customer, the need to incorporate Hermès was the impetus for the build. Yusaku Maezawa sought to have craftspeople from Rolls-Royce travel to Paris and vice versa. After a few months and many late nights, what emerged is truly spectacular. For a quick refresher, the 2021 Phantom offers 627 lbs of torque and 563 horsepower. That's enough for you and your driver to reach 60 mph in 5.15 ticks. The heaviest production car to offer consistent 11's in the quarter-mile can be built to order. As such, this example is finished in a 2-tone MZ Oribe Green and cream motif. The interior and exterior were ordered to match his new private jet, a life goal for many eastern entrepreneurs. Tell us what you think of this build in the comments below and click the button to find your new Phantom. Browse Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale Images (C) Rolls-Royce

By Andrew Nabors – April 26, 2021

Rolls-Royce Recruits Volunteer Beekeepers

More bees please Occupying a massive footprint, the House of Rolls-Royce strives to build cars while being at peace with the rolling countryside. Keeping the plants pollinated is just as important as the stitches in each piece of leather. Director of Public Relations and Chief Beekeeper Richard Carter had this to say: “The Rolls-Royce Apiary has proved tremendously popular and rewarding since we established it three years ago. Thanks to media interest around the world, our bees have become minor celebrities, and their progress is monitored closely by our customers and followers worldwide. With Spring now upon us, and the wildflowers and blossoms appearing across our site and the surrounding countryside, we're inviting colleagues to act as volunteer beekeepers for the new honey-making season. It's a wonderful opportunity to get directly involved in bee conservation, which is so critical in supporting a healthy, sustainable ecosystem and human food production. Plus, colleagues can take pride in helping the bees to create a natural product that's available in even smaller quantities than our renowned motor cars!" You already knew that every new Rolls-Royce for sale is a sweet ride, so click the button to find yours. Browse Rolls-Royce For Sale Images (C) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2021

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Recommended Reading: Making A Legend

Hardcover light reading If your coffee table needs an infusion of post-opulence, Rolls-Royce just released "Making A Legend". This book takes us behind the scenes at Goodwood, detailing a few of the steps needed to craft every new Rolls-Royce for sale. It is 296 pages showing us a glimpse at what it takes to build them. The foreward was provided by CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös: “When the authors approached us with their proposal for this book, we welcomed them with open arms. Simon and Harvey are both distinguished writers with great perceptiveness, integrity, and enthusiasm. They joined us at the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex, where we gave them our full support, granting access to whatever and whoever they wanted to see and talk about. Their words, combined with the images captured by Mariano Vilarós, make this a definitive history of the marque, right up to and including, the present day. Its publication represents a worthy addition to the literature of Rolls-Royce, a fine celebration of our unique products and people, and a perfect book with which to acknowledge World Book Day." Buy Now Images (C) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Andrew Nabors – April 22, 2021

One-Off Rolls-Royce Dawn Commissioned By Tokyo Developer

A great way to invite new tenants "The Kita" is a new luxury residence in downtown Tokyo, and its the brainchild of designer Kengo Kuma. Needing a new way to invite prospective homeowners, this gorgeous Rolls-Royce Dawn was built with white gloves in Goodwood. Now on the other side of the Earth, it is the centerpiece of the Kita Tea House. This comes on the heels of the Shanghai Auto Show where Rolls-Royce unveiled three wild one-off builds. Gavin Hartley is the boss at Rolls-Royce Bespoke Designs, and he had this to say about the build: “It was an honour to collaborate with Kengo Kuma to create a serene and timeless motor car for a serene and timeless building. From the inception of the marque over 100 years ago, Rolls-Royce has transcended the automotive field, taking the tangible entity of a car and delivering its patrons the intangible: a truly unique experience. As this project demonstrates, through the authentic application of unique designs and materials, we can provide rare sensory experiences that reflect and enhance our owners’ multi-faceted lifestyles.” Browse Rolls-Royce Dawn For Sale Images (C) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Andrew Nabors – April 19, 2021

Rolls-Royce Unveils Three Wild Builds in Shanghai

Creativity is the spice of life To give potential customers a starting point for their imagination, Rolls-Royce has unveiled three wild builds in Shanghai. Starting with a Black Badge Cullinan, the others are a new Ghost Extended, and a Wraith Black Badge, all wearing snazzy colors. The Wraith was named "Pop Explosion". Finished in Muscari Blue and Arctic White, the Koi Red pinstripes were painted by hand. Mid-Century Modern takes inspiration from the Fender Stratocaster and the Eames Rocking Chair, it shows how bright a Black Badge can be. The long-wheelbase Ghost Extended is the "Urban Sanctuary" it is loaded with intricate woodwork inspired by wooden window shutters are the Yu Yuan Gardens. They dug into Chinese culture big time to pull this off, so tell us which one you would drive in the comments below and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news. Shop Rolls-Royce Images (C) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2021

2022 Rolls-Royce Phantom Tempus Collection Unveiled

Shanghai saw it first. China is a big market for luxury cars, and that's why they received the latest member of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Collection. CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös describes the car as: "a motor car for those who shape the world as they seek their own place in the universe. They understand that whatever our individual gifts, talents and opportunities, we are all gifted time – and it is up to us to make the most of every precious moment. With Phantom Tempus, we have created a space in which the strictures of time no longer apply – as illustrated by the deliberate absence of a clock. Rolls-Royce clients are not bound by time; the outside world with all its pressures and demands are forgotten.” The Tempus Collection debuted yesterday along with "Journey of Time". It is an interactive experience using the brand's WeChat account. It allows fans to enjoy the collection while social distancing while also configuring their car. Only 20 examples have already been sold. Tell us how you would option yours in the comments below and click the button to find your new Phantom for sale. Sell My Rolls-Royce Phantom: Get a Cash Offer Browse Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale Images (C) Rolls-Royce

By Andrew Nabors – April 12, 2021

See How The Rolls-Royce Cullinan Recreation Module Accent...

How the world's most comfortable SUV is now the most capable Enjoying a perfect beverage with friends is a great way to make memories. Hosting them with cocktails in a remote location takes that experience to the next level. Doing this in style is how the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Recreation module accents your lifestyle. Behind the 2nd row is a cabinet that offers 12.6 gallons of space. In it are elegant glassware, flatware, and bartending apparatus. Should you need to tailgate the next game in style, the Viewing Suite contains two chairs and a cocktail table that easily foldaway into the tailgate. Designed for the Cullinan Black Badge, our dealers have all the specs and pricing. Click the link below for all the details! Shop Rolls-Royce Cullinan Images (C) Rolls-Royce

By Andrew Nabors – March 12, 2021

You Deserve a Rolls-Royce Phantom Privacy Suite

Reaching the top has its benefits. You've worked up the ladder, closing deals and building an empire. That's why you deserve a Rolls-Royce Phantom Privacy Suite. Aimed at power brokers and dealmakers, it begins with twice the level of sound insulation. Aimed to negate the most common frequencies of human voice, your driver won't hear your complaints. The partition glass is electro-chromatic, and you are surrounded by powered curtains for complete privacy. A secure aperture can be opened by the passengers to pass documents or small objects to be passed up front, and it has LED lighting to make the transfer easier. You will be treated to twin 12" screens, 20GB of storage, HDMI, USB, and Bluetooth integration. Our dealers stand ready to make your dreams a reality, so stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce updates. Shop Rolls-Royce Phantom Images (C) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Andrew Nabors – March 01, 2021

How To Buy The New 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Selecting the right luxury sedan can keep you awake at night. You need not worry about making a bad decision, because we're here to show you how to buy a Rolls-Royce Ghost. Although every new Ghost can be built to order, the brand now offers six starting points. What these cars represent are the most popular colors inside and outside. Begin your journey by choosing from: PURE: A monochromatic interpretation of Essence that reflects the purity of Ghost. Finished in Arctic White. Commanding and captivating in its simplicity. ESSENCE: A contemporary, self-assured specification combining the modernity of Tempest Grey with detoxifying Grace White leather. Subtly accented with Tailored Purple. A combination that is poised to be driven. Its inspiration? The agile essence of Ghost. OPTIC: Optic enchants with its color combination of iconic Salamanca Blue and refreshing Cashmere Grey. The interior harmonizes with the exterior through subtle applications of Cobalto Blue. Pure elegance. SPIRIT: Spirit is a dynamic interpretation harnessing Ghost's athletic characteristics. It merges an Arctic White and Black interior with striking Forge Yellow. The exterior features 21" part-polished shadow wheels. Our most refined yet engaging drive. REFLECTION: Reflection's mesmeric Charles Blue interior evokes a still, crystal clear lake. The Gunmetal exterior is a reference to the impressive stone façades often found surrounding iconic bodies of water. Cleanse your soul. EMINENCE: Eminence is an elevation of stature. The exquisite Premiere Silver exterior is combined with a Tan and Navy interior eliciting commanding elegance. For those with an appreciation of contemporary beauty. With that out of the way, the exterior customizations range from a dozen optional wheels with several paint schemes for each. The Spirit of Ecstasy can be had in gold or silver, and the waterfall grille can be backlit. Perhaps the most contentious details are the pinstripes. Offered in any color, they can include a monogram unique to the driver and passenger. The most expensive Rolls-Royce Ghost exterior option would be a 2-tone paint-to-sample. Not only does it involve several samples, and an artist from the House of Rolls-Royce must also consider the daylight color temperature of the car's new home. Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith Interior Inside, your choices begin with three interiors. Horizon is the normal rear bench with three seats. Signature replaces the middle seat with a center console, and Atmospheric is open to your imagination. Massaging seats and 3-tone leather are at the top of the list. The most expensive options here are the shooting star headliner, rear refrigerator, and personalized seatback tables. A good rule of thumb is more wood. Choosing the right species of wood is critical, as is how far it reaches. The open-pore timber is locked in a battle with leather for supremacy. Both are sustainable, but choosing no wood allows 20 dyed hides to adorn your motorcar. What you should look for are signs of wear in the deep pile carpets or the scratches of a jeweled hand against the polished metal handles and buttons. Even more important is looking up. The shooting star headliner can be ordered with the constellations visible from any date. Wedding days, birthdays, or corporate achievements are the most popular choices. The Sky Is Not The Limit! Personalization is such a big part of any new Rolls-Royce Ghost for sale, that it can also work in your favor. Pre-owned cars with such details are inherently harder to sell, so you could save a few dollars and have them removed later. With millions of possible combinations, our dealers stand ready to find the Ghost you have been waiting for: Dimmitt Automotive View Listings Fort Lauderdale Collection South View Listings Cleveland Motorsports View Listings Bespoke Motor Group View Listings Holman Motorcars Fort Lauderdale View Listings Fusion Luxury Motors View Listings Wires Only View Listings Manhattan Motorcars View Listings

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