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 Edward Jones – August 31, 2018

Rolls-Royce EW Phantom Gets "Privacy Suite"

Rolls-Royce is taking privacy to a new level with the addition of a "Privacy Suite" in their Extended Wheelbase Phantom. This new feature will allow the rear passengers to have the utmost privacy without compromising their space or luxury.The new Privacy Suite starts with a separator made of Electrochromatic Glass, which can be transformed from glass to opaque with the touch of a button. Rear passengers also have sole control a space that can be opened in order to pass objects from the rear to front, or front to rear. A light shines on the opening so passengers can see what's being passed through.There's also increased acoustic insulation that prevents any sound made in the suit from making it to the front cabin. If the rear passengers need to communicate with the front cabin, they can use the intercom system that Rolls-Royce has implemented.2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – August 27, 2018

Google Exec's Bespoke Rolls-Royce Delivered in Style

Saturday night at Pebble Beach was a frenzy of owners preparing their cars for the morning. It was also the venue for Rolls Royce to unveil the latest Black Badge. This bright yellow Dawn was commissioned by Google VP Ben Sloss, who fell in love with the Wraith back in 2014. After buying one of the first examples, his wife Christine purchased a Dawn as a daily driver.2014 Foreign Cars that are Illegal in the USA "My Dawn has over 13,000 miles on the clock because both Ben and I drive it regularly, and we enjoy its open-air experience so much that Ben decided he wanted one too." So her husband began the search for a Dawn unlike any other. The Black Badge Edition caught his eye thanks to incredible performance and dark details. Because many cars in their collection are inspired by the flag of Modena, the Home of Rolls Royce in Goodwood turned to their Bespoke Collective. The artists rendered the car in 3D and Ben was elated at their concept. "The first time I saw the livery the Rolls-Royce team had created for the Dawn, I burst out with 'O my God, that's unreal, I love it!!' It's outrageous, its over the top... it's perfect. I still grin every time I see it." The custom finish was named 'Superflare', and it is contrasted by 'Pike's Peak Blue' leather on the inside. The dark blue leather even covers the cowling above the rear seats for a perfect finishing touch. If you are ready for the Dawn of your new collection, click the link below and stay with us for all your Rolls Royce news. Browse Rolls Royce Dawn For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 16, 2018

Rolls-Royce Pebble Paradiso Heading to Pebble Beach

If you are heading west for Monterey Car Week, get ready for something new from Rolls-Royce. They are bringing a trifecta of their latest Black Badge models, all with custom touches. The Black Badge appeals to a younger audience thanks to carbon fiber wheels, black chrome exterior trim, and a unique interior. Uploaded to Instagram earlier today, we see the Pebble Paradiso or Paradise.Rolls-Royce Wraith For SaleThis trio consists of a Dawn, Wraith, and a Ghost wearing the same exterior finish. Inside we are treated to 2-tone leather along with the composite dash. Aerospace aluminum is woven into the carbon fiber to give it a silver gloss.Rolls-Royce Dawn For SaleIt looks like the Dawn has received a locking tonneau cover, a perfect accessory for a quick trip. We will see them in person at The Quail, so stay with us for complete coverage of Monterey 2018.Rolls-Royce Ghost For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 10, 2018

Rolls-Royce Ghost With Surf Racks Stars in France

Rolls-Royce is returning to the Mediterranean coast again for a summer display of their finest creations. In Cannes, on the French Riviera, Rolls-Royce will be showing off their entire lineup, including the new Cullinan SUV. One of the most exquisite cars on display is a bespoke Ghost that comes equipped with a surf rack.Lamborghini Urus and Rolls-Royce Cullinan ComparedIt's not every day you see a Rolls-Royce with a surf rack, but the board this car is carrying is quite exquisite. The board was commissioned by a Rolls-Royce customer. It was created by Woodpop, a contemporary marquetry studio out of the U.K. The nine-foot longboard is crafted out of American Walnut, Ripple Sycamore, Figured Anigre and Birch veneers. This board also comes with 24-carat gold leaf highlights. You can see it for yourself if you're in the French Riviera until August 12, 2018.

By Andrew Nabors – June 13, 2018

Rolls-Royce Dawn: The Sky Is Waiting For You

One of the best features of any recent Rolls-Royce has to be the Starlight Headliner. It is an option for the Rolls-Royce Wraith that uses hundreds of fiber optics to simulate a starry night. But our friend Henry at Carfection wished the same technology could be integrated into the convertible top of the Rolls-Royce Dawn. So he took a trip to Cornwall to experience what the handmade automobile has to offer. We won't spoil the highlights; so click the link below to find our Rolls-Royce dealer near you and experience the Dawn for yourself.Browse Rolls-Royce Dawn For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 29, 2018

Rolls-Royce Dawn That's "Inspired by Music"

Sometimes, automakers get carried away when testing. That's probably what happened with Rolls-Royce was measuring the sounds of the Dawn. In my humble opinion, the Wraith and Dawn earn top honors for eliminating the noise of an urban Florida setting.Michael Fux’s Custom Rolls-Royce “Dawn in Fuxia”, Inspired by a FlowerTo test even the slightest acoustical emission from their cars, Rolls-Royce has a giant anechoic chamber. This is a room surrounded by the same nose-absorbing tiles as a music studio. So a few jazz-inspired engineers decided to allow the Dawn to make its own soundtrack.Rolls-Royce Unveils the Dawn Black Badge Before GoodwoodFrom the door locks to the umbrella, every sound is rewarding. That's because there are no expenses spared when engineering or building these cars. Even the soundtrack of the Big V12 is carefully managed by the exhaust. Even this footage barely conveys the quality of the Dawn. So click the link below and schedule a test drive, you won't be disappointed.Browse Rolls-Royce Wraith For Sale

By Edward Jones – May 08, 2018

Very First Look at the Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV is set to be revealed on Thursday, May 10, but we'll be seeing little bits of the vehicle before then. Today, the English automaker has unveiled a sneak peek of the SUV, giving the world the first look at the production version Cullinan.Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV Shown in Action for First TimeAlong with today's preview, Rolls-Royce will also be showing off more tomorrow, May 9, ahead of the broadcast of the last chapter of The Final Challenge. This can be seen here. The Final Challenge is documented journey headed up by National Geographic photographer Cory Richards. During his adventure, he takes a camouflaged Cullinan across Scotland, the United Arab Emirates and parts of the United States of America.Be sure to check back with Autofluence tomorrow for more preview pics and Thursday for the official unveiling.

By Andrew Nabors – May 04, 2018

Rolls-Royce Phantom With Gold Skis Taken Up Mountain

If you have ever wondered how an Oligarch travels, Top Gear has answered the question. First you need the latest in luxury, the Rolls-Royce Phantom. The eighth generation of their flagship is the first Phantom to be designed with help from BMW. It is also the first Phantom to have an aluminum spaceframe.This allows the car to be stronger and more composed than the unibody chassis of the Phantom 7. Having a spaceframe allows engineers to tune out any naughty harmonics or vibrations that plague cars of this size. It is the first Rolls-Royce with active sway bars and active shocks. The car scans the road ahead to look for changes in the pavement, and the shocks are instantly prepared to hold the body steady. This means you won't spill your champagne flutes that are stored between the rear seats.Other features Rolls-Royce introduced are 4 wheel steering and Silent-Seal tires. Developed in cooperation with Continental, they are filled with sound-absorbing foam that cancels out road noise. We could go on in more detail, but we'll save it for another day. Allow the cheeky Brits at Top Gear to show you how it all adds up to an amazing experience. Our dealers are ready to help you find your new Phantom, so click the link below and stay with us for all your Top Gear updates.Browse Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 24, 2018

Rolls-Royce Unveils The Adamas Collection

The House of Rolls-Royce has been responsible for many stunning models over the past few years. By far the most popular have been the Black Badge editions, so now they have taken that theme even darker. A press release this morning says "Adamas" in Latin means an imaginary stone of incredible hardness. Something untameable and with the physical traits of a diamond.CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös said: "Adamas is a Collection that fuses the extraordinary competence of our Bespoke craftspeople from the Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex, with the rebellious spirit of Black Badge. The result is a motor car for those who seek more than the definitive of engineered luxury conveyance. This is a motor car for the risk-taker who is not afraid to embrace a bold and progressive statement of true and modern luxury, in its darkest form.” Rolls-Royce Black Badge Dawn & WraithStarting at the most prominent feature, the Spirit of Ecstasy has lost her Sterling silver attire. She now rises from the black chrome grille as 294 layers of aerospace carbon fiber. Not just any hand-laid process would suffice, so she takes 68 hours to be woven at precisely 25 degrees. She stands on a titanium base that has been vapor-blasted to a dark motif. Rolls-Royce Black Badge Dawn & WraithOn the inside, you will instantly be drawn to the clock. It features 88 black diamonds to form the infinity symbol, machined aluminum accents and it is mounted in a carbon fiber back plate. Look up and you will see 1,340 fiber optic lights, configured as the molecular structure of carbon as it is arranged inside a pure diamond. For the first time, the starlight headliner is color-coordinated to the interior.Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV Shown in Action for First TimeThe first black-badge cars to have color choices, the two versions are Aphrodite Red over Black and Morpheus Blue over Black two-tone. Only 40 examples of the Wraith and 30 of the Dawn will be produced, so click the link below to find our dealer nearest you and they will have all the details. Stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news.Browse Rolls-Royce For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 13, 2018

Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV Shown in Action for First Time

The new Rolls-Royce Cullinan SUV is set to debut in a few months, but before then we'll be getting little tastes of is. Rolls-Royce may be handing out little teasers here and there, but the main course is the videos created during a massive road trip. The road trip takes the SUV across multiple countries and the entire experience is being covered by National Geographic and photographer Cory Richards.Rolls-Royce has been and will be uploading videos of the journey to their YouTube channel. The videos show the Cullinan pull off some off-road maneuvers while looking classy as can be while doing so. Below are the videos uploaded by Rolls-Royce in ascending order. Check them out and get ready for the Cullinan's full reveal in the coming months.

Rolls-Royce News

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe