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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 duPont Registry – April 11, 2023

1985 Rolls-Royce Silver Spur Limo Listed For Sale

It's listed with a $32,000 asking price.

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 – February 08, 2021

Rolls-Royce Celebrates 110th Anniversary Of The Spirit Of...

She protects your travels and guides the brand into the future, so Rolls-Royce celebrates the 110th anniversary of the Spirit of Ecstasy. Based on a bronze statue named "Whisper", the world's most coveted hood ornament was trademarked on February 6th, 1911. Charles Sykes was commissioned by a prominent Rolls-Royce collector "Lord Montagu". His secretary Eleanor Thornton became his mistress, and he wanted the world to see her at the front of his most favorite cars. She lost her life en route to India in 1915, drowning after a torpedo attack from a German U-Boat. Resolved to never forget her, the brand embraced her as a 7"x 3/4" mascot. Every new Rolls-Royce for sale protects her in an armored box while the engine is off, entrusting her to future generations to inspire greatness. That is just one reason why Rolls-Royce is part of the Top 10 production cars with the most torque. Rolls-Royce For Sale Image (C) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Andrew Nabors – January 13, 2021

Rolls-Royce Inspiring Greatness Episode 11: Levison Wood

For those who wish to see the headwaters of the Nile, an inconspicuous vehicle is needed. This adventure is documented by a published author and explorer in Rolls-Royce Inspiring Greatness Episode 11: Levison Wood. Rolls-Royce Bespoke Commissions Set New Records In 2020 Like a modern-day Dr. Livingstone, Levison enjoys highlighting cultures and places isolated to the developed world. His latest adventure lasted nine months, traveling 4,200 miles along the Nile. A new Rolls-Royce will inspire your greatness, so click the button below. Browse Rolls-Royce For Sale Also: These Rolls-Royce Boutique Accessories Are Amazing " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 13, 2021

Rolls-Royce Bespoke Commissions Set New Records In 2020

Lockdown was a time to reflect and focus on what's important. For those who value individuality and craftsmanship, Rolls-Royce bespoke commissions set new records in 2020. The artists and coachbuilders at the House of Rolls-Royce delivered an unprecedented number of unique models, addressing and surpassing the owner's wishes. Rolls-Royce Inspiring Greatness: Gennadiy Golovkin Their latest press release highlights achievements in embroidery, paint, constellations in the Starlight headliner, and the hidden messages in the Wraith Kryptos Collection. The most prominent area for customization remains to be the Gallery found on the dash of the new Rolls-Royce Phantom for sale, and the Dawn Silver Bullet was crafted to cut through the air. Here is an opportunity to order the car of your dreams, so click the button below to tell your story. Browse New Rolls-Royce For Sale Images (C) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2020

Rolls-Royce Releases More Clues To The Wraith Kryptos Code

Owners around the world are starting to take delivery of the new Wraith for sale. The allure of the car deepens by the minute as Rolls-Royce has released more clues to the Wraith Kryptos code. This cryptographic cipher involves details on the interior and exterior that are unique to the Kryptos edition. Their latest press release reaffirms that the answer will remain locked in a safe, inside the home of CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös. His message to all 50 owners is: 2021 Rolls-Royce Wraith Kryptos Collection Deepens the Mystery "The Spirit of Ecstasy, the figurine that graces the bonnet of every Rolls-Royce motor car, holds the key to uncovering this code. The word KRYPTOS is engraved in Rolls-Royce cipher around the base of the figurine, and with this information, clients will be able to embark on their cryptographic journey. The first client to decrypt this code will receive a unique gift from Rolls-Royce in recognition of their extraordinary talent!” Once your Wraith arrives, use their "Whispers" app to submit your answer. Two employees know one half of the answer, and they will not combine their efforts until the Torsten confirms a winner. So, dust off your Enigma machine and head to your Rolls-Royce dealer for all the details. Browse Rolls-Royce Wraith For Sale Images (C) Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Andrew Nabors – November 12, 2020

10-Year-Old Texan Wins Rolls-Royce Young Designer Competi...

Every year Rolls-Royce enlists help from children around the world. Giving them a blank page to pen their ultimate car, each nation has been awarded a representative. Now that the results are in, a 10-Year-Old Texan has won the Rolls-Royce Young Designer competition to represent the U.S. Entry # 3325 was submitted in June and it easily overpowered every other American. Elijah Machado envisions a future where cars can break the sound barrier with help from rocket assistance. He envisions a future of automation and of comfort. While the finer details might take serious leaps in technology, we need holographic steering wheels ASAP. A few of the other options are already found in the latest Rolls-Royce models, so click the button below to find yours and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news. Browse Rolls-Royce For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 24, 2020

2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended Revealed

Your driver is probably a great person because you compensate him well. But he has his own life aside from your backseat directions and commentary on the upcoming election. That is why more legroom will keep the conversation to a minimum. That's because the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended is longing for you. One of the many benefits of moving the Ghost to a new chassis is the ability to add length without compromising comfort or suspension. The aluminum spaceframe is relatively easy to modify, compared to the steel Ghosts of the past. Adding 6.7 inches of rear legroom not only adds to the ride quality, but it was also done with care to not disrupt their "Post Opulence" styling. " width="680"> This was done by extending the rear doors, rockers, and roof without altering their trademark lines. New "Serenity Seats" recline almost flat to mimic a business jet interior. The champagne fridge was designed with advice from a Master Sommelier, his advice to keep the temperature at 51 degrees made it to production. The cabin has 220 lbs of sound and heat insulation which is easily moved by their revised 6.75-liter V12. With 671 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, you and your driver will not have a worry in the world. Click the button to learn more from our dealers and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news. Browse Rolls-Royce Ghost For Sale

By Jordan Aquistapace – September 01, 2020

2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Revealed

Rolls-Royce has been the epidemy of luxurious excellence when it comes to exotic motor vehicles since the day the first example strolled off the production floor. Fast forward to 2009, when Rolls-Royce released what they would later find out would be "the most successful model in the marque's 116-year history". The British automobile manufacturer is more than excited to announce the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost revealed. The list of new advancements to the Ghost touch on every aspect of the vehicle's design, performance, and interior but is also known as the most technologically advanced Rolls-Royce yet. The only two remaining features from the first Ghost are the infamous spirit of ecstasy badging and the built-in umbrellas. PerformanceThe heart of the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost is powered by the notorious 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12, responsible for delivering 571 mechanical horsepower and 627 ft-lbs. of torque. It will be equipped with an all-wheel-drive and all-wheel steering system to ensure an effortless glide during each driving experience. Rolls-Royce has introduced the all-new Planar Suspension System to the new Ghost, which operates with the help of cameras and the satellite added transmission to help prepare for the road ahead. " width="680"> DesignVisual updates to the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost begin with a new down lit pantheon grille that features 20 LED bulbs hidden under the top of the grille. The new 30mm wider body style has been crafted to flow effortlessly as what the company calls "a single straight stroke". The door and glass dimensions are now created equal to balance the vehicle whether it's being used as a driving or chauffeur experience. As we move to the rear, the new subtle near-square taillights illuminate the back end and feature small details including Rolls-Royce symbols. Watch the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Reveal With us! InteriorOnce the self-opening doors expose the interior, it's clear to see that the comfort aspect of the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost has been upgraded as well. The approach to a more minimalist interior has been achieved using the finest leathers, woods, and metals. Rolls-Royce has mirrored the starlight headliner to a new illuminated fascia inscribed with the Ghost insignia, which is a first in the automobile industry. Browse Rolls-Royce Ghost For Sale

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