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

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Latest story: 12 September 2018 Written by

By Edward Jones – September 12, 2018

First Factory Direct Mil-Spec Launch Edition for Sale

Mil-Spec Automotive's abilities to create bespoke, one-off vehicles is just about limitless. The build sheet for their Launch Edition is a testament to this and is full of various options for customers to check off. But Mil-Spec wanted to show the world a clean and conservative version of their Launch Edition package. To show this off, Mil-Spec's executive team ordered a special factory direct example of their Launch Edition package. View Price and ListingMil-Spec was first founded with the idea that the perfect truck can be created and they knew they could do it. Launch Edition #003 is just another example of their effort to create a truck that checks off all of the boxes. The team at Mil-Spec is focused on taking the proven HMMWV truck and integrating modern technology and products within it. By doing this, they end up with a truck with a war-proven foundation and everything you need to survive on modern streets and the most rugged terrains.

By Edward Jones – May 23, 2018

Mil-Spec: Hummer Specialists Release an H1 Revival

The war-proven High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle, also known as the HMMWV, Humvee, or civilian Hummer H1 one of the greatest foundations you could ever have for a vehicle. With such a foundation, Mil-Spec Automotive of Detroit, Michigan has created what they believe is the perfect truck. Mil-Spec Automotive (MSA) first started out as a small company with a goal to create the perfect truck, with work being done by a small team of Hummer specialists. During their design phase, MSA ensured that the overall appearance of the Hummer H1 was not altered, as it's such an iconic design that deserves to be seen. However, small changes were made to enhance the overall appearance without disregarding the iconic appearance. Inside, MSA did do away with the outdated interior and replaced it with a new cabin that brings the H1 into the modern era in a stylish fashion. After prototypes were created, MSA combined all efforts in order to finalize their production Launch Edition vehicle. The exterior and interior have been brought into the modern era of the automobile without compromising the Hummer DNA we all know and love. Each of these vehicles is to be built by a 12 person team that is separated into groups that are specialized in certain aspects of the production process. By creating these specific teams, no detail is overlooked and each builder knows their section like the back of their hand. The result is The Launch Edition, a re-envisioned AM General Hummer H1 that's fit for any garage or even car collection. MSA is currently offering The Launch Edition with a starting price of $218,499. When ordering one of these vehicles, there are many choices offered, including the following cab configurations: If you're interested in learning more about the Mil-Spec Automotive company, their Launch Edition vehicle or even want to reserve your own, be sure to click the button below. Learn More

By Edward Jones – December 13, 2017

Battle-Ready Hummer H1 Up for Sale

There's nothing more comfortable than driving around in a vehicle that could stand its ground during an attack. The thing is that the feeling of safety is something that is incomparable, especially when it comes to transporting the ones you love. For sale on duPontREGISTRY.com is a Hummer H1 that is basically battle-ready and as safe as a ride as you can get. It comes with every authentic military option available, including the RedDot Air Conditioner that was used in the HMMWV. There's also FRAG resistant X-doors, MRAP seats, snorkel, deep water fording exhaust, brush guard, full LED light package. One of the coolest options has to be the newly installed MRAP fully-robotic, roof-mounted night vision camera and LED light bar system with spotlights that can all be controlled remotely from inside the vehicle.And yes, this monster is completely street legal. It comes tagged and titled, ready for daily driving. Click the button below to learn about its price and more.View Listing

By Andrew Nabors – September 21, 2017

Fully Armored 2009 Hummer H2 For Sale

We have sold our fair share of armored cars since we were founded back in 1985. In most cases, the vehicle is built to withstand attacks from a pistol or small arms fire. These are fine for rough neighborhoods. If you plan on driving through a war zone, something more is needed. To have an armor rating of B6, this 2009 Hummer H2 was stripped to the chassis and reinforced with ballistic plate steel. The conversion was done when new, for a private security firm in Panama City, Florida. You will be hard-pressed to spot any differences on the outside, and all four windows are fully functional. Open a door and you will be amazed. Every opening from the hood to the tailgate is reinforced with overlapping seams. Professional bad guys have made headlines by exploiting door jambs for weakness, but this one is ready for a fight. All of the new steel is 1/4" at the minimum. It reinforces all of the pillars, posts, and door hinges to stop almost every projectile. The conversion was a 10-week build, and photos of the process are included. This unassuming Hummer is a fortress capable of stopping direct hits from 30 caliber assault rifles. Tested against an AK-47, it easily handles the 7.62mm round of 123 grains. It will also deflect soft core rounds from .308 Winchester and 30-06 rifles. The battery box, gas tank, and radiator are also fully protected to keep the Vortec V8 in action. Three gunports are hidden behind the glass to allow you to fight back. No luxuries were lost in the conversion. Driver and passengers have Bose surround sound with satellite radio, along with a PA/Siren system for external communications. First and second-row seating is composed of four captain's chairs. The rear has two facing jump seats for four agents. Between them is a folding logistics table which is perfect for quick reloads. Go anywhere you want on wheels that look original. They are made to resemble the stock wheels, but they are rated to handle the increased weight and loads. Run-flat tires will keep you rolling and get you to safety. This Hummer has only been used a few times since new, and it has less than 4,000 miles. It is being sold by a combat veteran who is looking to retire and downsize his security agency. It would cost a small fortune to replicate a build just like this, so this may be your best shot to get one at a great price. If you need the ultimate in mobile protection, click on the link below for all the details. View Price & Listing

By Edward Jones – May 23, 2017

Hummer1: The Next Addition to Your Collection

If you're looking for a Hummer H1 Alpha to add to your collection, HUMMER1 is the company you've been searching for. From the body, down to the color-coded bolts, this shop knows these rugged vehicles inside and out. In their shop, they take H1's and restore them to a "new" status that cannot be found anywhere else. Now, we're not talking about fixing broken Hummers, but instead the act of giving used examples a new life. During their "body off" restoration process, Hummer1 disassembles every component, part, and accessory. This means that everything either gets replaced, rebuilt or restored to new conditions. While this meticulous process takes a long time, they are dedicated and passionate about their work and want to ensure that the builds they produce are pristine in every way. To them, putting out one of these cars is almost like giving birth and are always proud to see the finished product roll out of their doors. Like a loving parent, they always take care of the cars even when they're in their customer's hands. Why? Because Hummer1 knows their vehicles like the back of their hands and want to take care of what they've created. Again, these are not your everyday restored Hummer H1 Alphas but are works of passion that have sweat, care and knowledge behind ever bolt and screw. If you're one of the many collectors that knows just how important a vehicle like the Hummer H1 Alpha is, Hummer1 is your best bet. To learn more about their company and work they put into their restorations, visit Hummer1.com or click the button below. Learn More

By Edward Jones – March 28, 2017

Hummer H1 Alpha: A Legend Reborn

In 2006, AM General was ending production on the iconic HUMMER H1, much to the dismay of off-road enthusiasts worldwide. To give the H1 a proper send-off, AM General created 729 examples of a special H1 Alpha model. The HUMMER H1 Alpha was the first and only model to come equipped with the monster Duramax 6.6-liter turbocharged diesel engine. Mated to this engine was a capable Allison M74 5-speed automatic transmission. Yes, this was one special vehicle that will certainly be in collections for decades to come. If you think you’re out of luck when it comes to picking up a new HUMMER H1 Alpha, don’t worry, because GlobalTrans has something special for you. GlobalTrans’ team of professionals are completing meticulous body-off restorations of HUMMER H1 Alphas that return the vehicles to their former glory. All components, parts and accessories are disassembled during this restoration and are either replaced or restored to ensure the perfect overhaul. What’s more all of the replacement parts are the AM General original and each HUMMER H1 Alpha they sell comes with an industry leading bumper-to-bumper warranty of two years. It’s like going back in time and buying one in 2006. Interested in seeing one of these American brutes for yourself? The duPont REGISTRY booth at Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2017 will be featuring one of the HUMMER H1 Alphas created by HUMMER1. This event runs April 6-8. Learn More

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