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 Andrew Nabors – August 14, 2019

Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith Collection Celebrates 10th Anniv...

It is hard to believe that the production of the Rolls-Royce Ghost began a decade ago. It was inspired by their 200EX concept car, and it has been a great success for the brand. To commemorate this achievement, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Zenith Collection celebrates the 10th anniversary. Limited to only 50 examples, each one will have engraved blueprints of the 200 EX on the dash. CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said: "The Ghost Zenith Collection presents an entirely forward-looking study of the unique characteristics that have seen Ghost ascend to the status of the most progressive super-luxury saloon ever conceived. This unique Collection provides patrons of the marque with a rare opportunity to own a motor car truly evocative of our time. Ghost is the most successful Rolls-Royce ever created and the Zenith Collection marks an important milestone in our modern history.” We hope a few of these special cars make it across the pond, and we need you to make it happen. Click the link to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news. Browse Rolls Royce Ghost For Sale " width="680"> Related: Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge Price, Review & Specs Rolls-Royce Wraith Black Badge Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – June 17, 2019

2019 Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII Collection Honors Tran...

The world became smaller 100 years ago. John Alcock and Arthur Brown climbed into a bomber from WWI and took off from Newfoundland. Their goal was to complete the first non-stop transatlantic flight. The pair encountered almost every type of failure, from instruments, the intercom, and freezing rain. Their only saving grace was a pair of 360 HP Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines. To celebrate 100 years of building amazing engines the 2019 Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII Collection honors their transatlantic flight. It took them 15 hours and 57 minutes to make the crossing, at an average speed of 115 mph. To put that into perspective, an SR-71 Blackbird did the same run 55 years later in 1 hour 54 minutes. “I do not know what we should most admire - their audacity, determination, skill, science, their aeroplane, their Rolls-Royce engines - or their good fortune”, commented Sir Winston Churchill. This quote is on a gold plaque just below the inner door handles. The grilles for the speakers are engraved with 1,880 miles, and the dash is a view of the Earth along their flight path. The House of Rolls-Royce is capable of building the car of your dreams, so click the link below to find a Wraith near you and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce updates. Browse Rolls-Royce Wraith For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – May 23, 2019

Breathtaking Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII Collection Rev...

Unbeknownst to many, Rolls-Royce does more than just make some of the most luxurious cars on the road today. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc has been around for 104 years and was the 16th largest defense contractor in 2018. This is because Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is the second-largest manufacturer of aircraft engines. I mention this because Rolls-Royce Motor Cars are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the first non-stop transatlantic flight with the new Wraith Eagle VIII Collection. Why? Because it was powered by two Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines, hence the special edition car's name. It was in June 1919 that Captain John Alcock and Lieutenant Arthur Brown took to the skies for the historic flight. Their vehicle was a World War I Vickers Vimy bomber, fitted with the twin Rolls-Royce engines. The Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII Collection that was unveiled today celebrates both the flight and the aircraft itself. Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII Side On its exterior, the special edition Rolls-Royce Wraith is finished in a two-tone paint scheme that consists of Gunmetal with Selby Grey. In between the two paint choices is a brass line. Rolls-Royce notes that this exterior is meant to pay homage to "Alcock and Brown’s compelling nighttime adventure." Even the black grille veins mirror the Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engine cowling. Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII Dashboard Inside, a Selby Grey and black leather color scheme mimics the exterior. Brass accents are also quite abundant in the cabin. In front of the driver and front passenger is a very unique dash comprised of Smoked Eucalyptus wood that has been vacuum metalized in gold and inlaid with silver and copper. The result is a unique design that imitates what pilots would see looking down to Earth from the night sky. Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII Clock Being Rolls-Royce, they went above and beyond for this special edition and even had a unique clock crafted by Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective for the cabin. Rolls-Royce notes that Alcock and Brown encountered a frozen instrument panel during their flight, which was the inspiration for the clock. The result is a clock with an "icy" background effect that has a faint green glow to it during the night time. Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII Starlight Headliner One feature that's synonymous with Rolls-Royce is the starlight headliner. The Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII not only has one of these headliners, but the 1,183 starlight fibers are laid out in a very particular manner. Each of the fibers glow to represent the exact pattern of the stars that the pilots saw the night of their flight in 1919. Rolls-Royce even embroidered clouds among the stars on the headliner. Only 50 examples of the extraordinary Rolls-Royce Wraith Eagle VIII special edition are planned for creation. See All Rolls-Royce Wraiths For Sale Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII Door Handle

By Edward Jones – May 16, 2019

Rolls-Royce Champagne Chest: Most Luxurious Way to Carry ...

Fancy parties always require one thing: champagne. Think about it. All of the high-end soirees you've been too typically involve at least one bottle of the bubbly stuff. Now, Rolls-Royce is letting you take the bubbly with you in the most luxurious way possible. Introducing the new Champagne Chest from Rolls-Royce. This is the company's latest addition to their Accessories Collection. From the inside to the outside, this delightful piece is just as meticulously made as a Rolls-Royce motor car. The "chassis" of the chest is crafted from machined aluminum and carbon fiber, which is covered in Natural Grain black leather. Tudor Oak wood is also included in the chest's construction, mirroring trim you'd find in a Rolls-Royce cabin. With just a touch of a button, the chest opens up and a serving tray is revealed. Beneath the serving tray are four hand-blown crystal champagne flutes that are illuminated. Rolls-Royce also offers a caviar configuration, something I never thought I'd type out. This configuration includes two thermal caviar caissons (each coming with a tin), two blini caissons and Mother-of-Pearl spoons. Rolls-Royce is offering the Champagne Chest through Rolls-Royce dealerships with a starting price of £37,000.00 excluding local taxes (roughly $47,000 USD). This would be the perfect complement to any Rolls-Royce motor car, like the Cullinan or Phantom. See All Rolls-Royces for Sale

By Edward Jones – May 07, 2019

Rolls-Royce is Celebrating Their 115th Birthday With a On...

Rolls-Royce will be celebrating their 115th birthday with a very special, one-of-a-kind Phantom. The English automaker announced the new one-off luxury car during an exclusive dinner at Sotheby's in New York City. This special Phantom will be offered up through an online-only auction that will occur this Fall. The design of the Phantom itself has yet to be revealed, but there are initial sketches of the car available. Rolls-Royce says that whoever wins the car will take delivery of it through one of their 44 retail partners in the Americas. “While Roll-Royce motor cars have a history of crossing the block at RM Sotheby’s, tonight we are looking to the future of the brand," said Martin Fritsches, President and CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Americas, at the event in NYC. "The eight generation Phantom will carry the longest running name in luxury motoring into a new era. Built on the ‘architecture of luxury,’ this new Phantom commission offers one special owner the chance to enjoy a motor car that is bound to be a classic over the next 115 years." see all rolls-royces for sale Also Check Out: Rolls-Royce Miami Awarded American Dealer of the Year for 2018 Rolls-Royce Cullinan Powers Through the Snow of Sun Valley Why You Should Buy a Rolls-Royce Cullinan

By Edward Jones – February 08, 2019

Three Rolls-Royce "Year of the Pig" Editions For Sale

The Chinese New Year has passed and we are now in the Year of the Pig. Looking to celebrate the year in a special way? How about picking up one of these three Rolls-Royce "Year of the Pig" editions from Rolls-Royce Beverly Hills? You can pick from the Dawn, Ghost or Wraith, each of which was commission by Rolls-Royce Beverly Hills. The three luxury cars have a fitting color scheme that consists of Diamond Black with Aurum and Black with Mugello Red. They are truly a sight to behold. Check them out below and if you're feeling extra festive, you can buy all three at once. view rolls-royce beverly hills inventory 2019 Rolls-Royce Dawn "Year of the Pig" Edition view listing 2019 Rolls-Royce Ghost "Year of the Pig" Edition view listing 2019 Rolls-Royce Wraith "Year of the Pig" Edition view listing

By Andrew Nabors – January 18, 2019

Rolls-Royce Reports Record Sales of Bespoke Builds

There is nothing ordinary in a Rolls-Royce automobile. Each example is loaded with features and quality unparalleled by competitors. The master coachbuilders at the House of Rolls-Royce are capable of building their cars using traditional methods. Since they are not tied to an assembly line, it allows them to fulfill almost any request from their customers. Since their salespeople encourage buyers to think outside of the box, Rolls-Royce reports record sales of bespoke builds in 2018. As we told you last week, the factory in Goodwood hired 200 new workers to keep up with demand. The press release this morning highlights their expertise. Based on the new 8th Generation Phantom, 'Whispered Muse' was inspired by the original sketches of the Spirit of Ecstasy. An impressive Dawn was built to commemorate the Check & Slovak squadrons who volunteered to join the Royal Air Force in WWII. Google's VP of Engineering ordered a Dawn Black Badge in a wild yellow and blue motif. Along with Michael Fux' Phantom, the Silver Ghost Collection consists of 35 unique examples inspired by the past. Click the link below to find your local showroom, and they will transform your dreams into automotive reality. View All Rolls-Royce for Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 10, 2019

Rolls-Royce Reports Record-Setting Sales for 2018

Charles Rolls and Henry Royce agreed to join forces on December 23rd of 1904. Their first car had 10 horsepower and they sold 16 of them. A few advancements and strategic moves over the past 114 years have led to a significant press release this morning. Rolls-Royce delivered 4,107 cars last year, which makes 2018 their best year so far. Growth was seen in all regions, and the US remains to be their primary market. Many lucky customers received their Cullinan for Christmas thanks to increased production at the Home of Rolls-Royce. To meet the unprecedented demand, the factory in Goodwood hired 200 new employees with 23 being accepted into the highly competitive apprenticeship program. P.J. Tucker's Rolls-Royce Cullinan & Matching Shoes! CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös looked back on the year saying: “2018 was a most successful, record-breaking year for Rolls-Royce. We have seen growth in all our regions around the world. At Rolls-Royce we are deeply focused on each and every one of our customers and are delivering on their demanding expectations. The Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood is acknowledged and celebrated as a global centre of luxury manufacturing excellence, where our skilled, dedicated team create the world’s finest, most sought-after luxury products. We set a formidable mark in 2018: I am confident it will prove the spur to even greater success in 2019.” Check Out The Sultan of Brunei's Collection It was also a year of innovation. The 8th generation of the Phantom arrived on a new aluminum spaceframe. It is much lighter and stronger than the steel it replaces. The modular design had major help from their cousins at BMW, and it will become the basis of all future Rolls-Royce models. Of course, these record sales would not be possible without the best dealers in the world, so click the link below to find a Rolls-Royce showroom near you. Find A Rolls-Royce Dealer Near You " width="680">

By Edward Jones – December 04, 2018

$38 Million Penthouse Comes with Rolls-Royce

Shopping for a house can be quite tiresome and tedious, as there are many different features and aspects you have to search for. Is it in a good neighborhood? How many bedrooms does the house have? Bathrooms? Does it come with a Rolls-Royce Cullinan? If that last question is in your checklist, I think I've found the house for you. Well, it's actually a penthouse. The Mansions at Acqualina in Miami, Florida are offering up a $38 million penthouse that comes fully furnished with a multi-million design by Luxury Living/Fendi Casa, and a Rolls-Royce Cullinan out front. Yes, the luxury SUV comes with the penthouse when you buy it. “People who buy a $38 million penthouse want to walk in the door and not have to do anything but enjoy it,” said Michael Goldstein, President of Sales for Acqualina Realty. Ain't that the truth. And with this property, the enjoyment doesn't end when you walk out the door because you have a new luxury SUV waiting for you. Not a bad life. " width="680"> Also Check Out: Post Malone’s Rolls-Royce Gets Wrecked, Buys a Bigger One Google Exec’s Bespoke Rolls-Royce Delivered in Style Lamborghini Urus and Rolls-Royce Cullinan Compared

By Andrew Nabors – October 23, 2018

Rolls-Royce & Fabergé Unveil the 'Spirit of Ecstasy' Egg

Placing a work of art inside a work of art only happens once in a great while. The creations of Peter Fabergé are amongst the most valuable objects in the world. He only created 50 Imperial Eggs before the Russian Revolution in 1917, and since then his legacy has been the subject of intrigue and oligarchs. Until today, only one Imperial Class egg had been commissioned in over a century. So a wealthy Rolls-Royce and Fabergé collector decided to ask for a modern...eggsample.Stefan Monro and Alex Innes are designers at the House of Rolls-Royce. They visualized their iconic hood ornament surrounded by blossoming leaves of crystal. It was then finalized by Fabergé lead designer Liisa Talgren.The task was given to their Master Jeweler Paul Jones, and it will leave you speechless. The Spirit of Ecstasy Fabergé Egg is unprecedented, and it is destined to be sought after by wealthy patrons of both brands. Tell us what you think of this collaboration in the comments below, and click the link to find a Rolls-Royce for yourself. Find Your Rolls-Royce Here

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