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 – May 04, 2020

Rolls-Royce Celebrates 116th-Anniversary

You may not have known it, but Rolls-Royce is actually over a century old, 116-years-old to be exact. It was on May 4, 1904 that the founders The Hon Charles Rolls and Henry Royce had their very first meeting together at the Midland Hotel in Manchester. After the meeting, Rolls said of Royce: "I have met the greatest engineer in the World." Now, 116 years later, Rolls-Royce is as popular and strong as ever, creating the World's most luxurious cars out of their Goodwood-based manufacturing plant. Speaking of manufacturing, this date also marks Rolls-Royce restarting production in Goodwood after the suspension due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars said: “We are living through historic times. Our primary focus is, of course, on safely resuming production at The Home of Rolls-Royce in Goodwood, West Sussex; but in marking this amazing anniversary, we are taking a moment to reflect on what 116 years have taught us.” Having been around for such a long time, Rolls-Royce has weathered many storms. It seems the global pandemic of Covid-19 was certainly not going to put a stop to their strong presence in the world of luxury automobiles. See All Rolls-Royce for Sale Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Edward Jones – April 27, 2020

Rolls-Royce Posts Record Production of... Honey!

Even though Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is dealing with their car manufacturing being suspended, one aspect of the company's production line is still hard at work. The company's bee apiary has finished their third full season of production and they're looking at exceeding their 2020 volume targets for the prestigious Rolls-Royce honey. Yes, Rolls-Royce has their own honey, which is produced at Goodwood, West Sussex, the automaker's home. Their six beehives have familiar names: ‘Phantom’, ‘Wraith’, ‘Ghost’, ‘Dawn’, ‘Cullinan’ and ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’. After the honey is processed out of each of these beehives by local specialists, it is then served to guests of Rolls-Royce. This honey that Rolls-Royce produces may just be the most exclusive honey out there! “The Apiary further underlines our commitment to the environment, which informs everything we do at Goodwood,” says Richard Carter, Director of Global Communications at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “Our sustainable buildings, thermal ponds, rainwater management systems and wildfowl refuge have already made the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood one of the UK’s most eco-friendly manufacturing facilities. Through this project, which taps into the biodiversity of our site, including our huge living roof, we’re making an important contribution to conserving Britain’s vital bee population.” All Rolls-Royces for Sale Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Edward Jones – April 24, 2020

Rolls-Royce Releases "Inspiring Greatness Episode 1" With...

Rolls-Royce has just released the first episode of their "Inspiring Greatness" series, featuring Refik Anadol. Anadol was actually part of the recent "MUSE, The Rolls-Royce Art Programme." His most recent digital artwork is entitled Art of Perfection: Data Painting. To create this artwork, he took all of the data regarding the color of every Rolls-Royce created in Goodwood over the last 10 years and conveyed it in a digital painting. The artwork was originally debuted during Frieze Los Angeles earlier this year. It's truly an inspiring piece of art and hearing Anadol describe his thought process regarding the creation of his digital artwork in the video below is quite eye-opening. If you'd like to see Art of Perfection: Data Painting for yourself, it will be presented on permanent display at Rolls-Royce’s headquarters in Goodwood, England. Check out the video down below for yourself and be sure to check back with us for the next episode. See All Rolls-Royces for Sale " width="680"> Source: Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

By Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2020

Highly Optioned 2020 Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale

England's most iconic luxury brand entered a new era with the 8th generation of their flagship. Starting from a clean sheet, engineers delivered an all-new Phantom for the 2019 model year. The first Rolls-Royce to be built on an aluminum spaceframe, and to offer rear-wheel steering. Designers also added unprecedented means of customization, so we're proud to offer this highly optioned 2020 Rolls-Royce Phantom for sale. Finished in black with Mandarin leather, the normally dark starlight headliner matches the interior. Immersive seating includes massaging front buckets with contrast piping. Rear passengers are treated to their own HD screens and wood tables. It currently rides on forged Vossen 24" wheels built specifically to handle this car's weight and performance. In total, you are looking at over $50,000 in options and accessories, so don't let this one get away. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for more amazing inventory from TOYZ Autoart. View Price & Details https://www.instagram.com/tv/B_NMRLcF4Ez/

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2020

1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud James Young For Sale

In the classic age of luxury motoring, you bought a chassis and then sent it to a coachbuilder. These master craftspeople would build your car to order, any almost anything was possible. Back in the late '50s, the big players were H.J. Mulliner, Park Ward, Jensen, and Tickford just to name a few. They became famous for elegant builds that were sold to royalty and business magnates around the world. However, the truly talented builders only accepted a few commissions a year. Such was the case with James Young. Based in London, they only built two examples of the 1959 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud, and this one is for sale. Starting with a hand-built aluminum body, it was loaded with St. James red leather, burled walnut, power steering, windows, and Air Conditioning. Because it was left-hand drive, this is a truly unique masterpiece. It was built to U.S. specs because it was ordered by Hollywood Producer William Goetz, the founder of 20th Century Fox. Knowing the significance of this car, each owner has fully documented history of awards and a concours-quality restoration. Invited to Pebble Beach in 2004 and 2015, it won 3rd place. Included are the original order documents, and even blueprints used to assemble it. This opportunity will not come your way again. So click the button below for all the details and stay with us for more amazing collector cars. View Price & Details

By Edward Jones – April 10, 2020

Rolls-Royce Calls on Kids to Design Luxury Cars

Hey parents, are your children starting to get bored? Well, Rolls-Royce is calling on them to help them design some news cars. Called the "Young Designer Competition," the luxury automaker is asking aspiring designed up to the age of 16 to designed their own Rolls-Royce of the future. The automaker's own design team will judge all of the entries and select an overall winner. What's the prize? A rendered illustration of the design and a chauffeur-driven drive in a Rolls-Royce Phantom for their first day back to school (a best friend can be included in this drive). As for runners-up, they'll receive a hand-signed certificate from Torsten Müller-Ötvös, the Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. If you want to see how crazy these illustrations can be, look no further than the Crabmobile up above. Frankly, I'd be more than happy to cruise in that bad boy. You can enter by clicking here. See All Rolls-Royces for Sale

By Edward Jones – March 12, 2020

Rolls-Royce Dawn Silver Bullet Collection Announced

Just announced is the new Rolls-Royce Dawn Silver Bullet Collection, a new collection that's limited to only 50 cars worldwide. While the English automaker has yet to unveil the cars, they did give us a few details about the Dawn Silver Bullet collection. First up is the Aero Cowling which Rolls-Royce says "shifts the persona of the car’s high-shouldered silhouette, heightening the sense of speed and purpose." They also note that the exterior cars will have dark exterior detailing, a new dark front bumper finisher, part-polished wheels, and more. Inside, there's an open-pore carbon fiber fascia, quilted transmission tunnel designed after leather jackets, and plenty of fine materials. A date for this car's reveal hasn't been given yet, but hopefully we'll learn more soon. Exotic Sports Cars for Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 26, 2020

Rolls-Royce Unveils Exclusive Digital Subscription Service

Refusing to acknowledge my automotive allegiances, I don't like hearing from the manufacturer. Recalls, service bulletins, and the occasional upgrade are quite annoying. Thankfully, the House of Rolls-Royce has unveiled an exclusive digital subscription service. This new mobile app is named "Whispers", and it is tailored to the 1% of their most wealthy customers. Stories and artwork catered to their owners are meant to inspire discussion and interaction around the world. So how does one access this new app: Buy a new Rolls-Royce. Our dealers are waiting for your call, so click the link below and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news. Browse All Rolls-Royce For Sale " width="680"> Related: Rolls-Royce Cullinan Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – January 08, 2020

Rolls-Royce Reports Record Results From 2019

Let the celebrations begin! After compiling the sales numbers from last year, Rolls-Royce reports record results from 2019. In their latest press release, sales of 5,152 cars represents the best 12-month period in their 116-year history. It beats the previous record of 4,107 from last year by 25%. Factors that have contributed to this success is the growing demand for the Black Badge models. The factory at Goodwood was re-tooled to switch from steel unibody chassis to the new aluminum spaceframe. What began with the Phantom VIII also underpins the Cullinan, and the upcoming 3rd-generation Ghost. Increasing demand for custom builds showcases their artists' abilities, thanks to our dealers having a direct line to the factory. To see why they are so popular, click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce updates. Browse all Rolls-Royce For Sale Related: Rolls-Royce Cullinan Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – December 16, 2019

Rolls-Royce Builds Phantom With a Million Stitches

Flowers represent the best in nature. Calming and timeless, they are loved by young and old alike. And for one Swedish entrepreneur, he wanted to be surrounded by them in a new Rolls-Royce Phantom for sale. After many designs in the virtual world, a team of skilled upholsterers at Rolls-Royce built a Phantom with a million stitches. If you can dream it, they can build it, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news. Browse All Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale

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