Tesla

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 Tyler Rampersaud – December 04, 2023

New Unplugged Performance "INVINCIBLE" Modifications Elev...

Top-tier off-road enhancements bring the futuristic new truck to new heights. Unplugged Performance, a trailblazer in Tesla vehicle enhancements, has recently unveiled their latest breakthrough - the UP INVINCIBLE® line, exclusively for Tesla Cybertruck owners. This pioneering product range, revealed at Unplugged Performance's celebratory afterparty for Tesla's Cybertruck delivery event, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Tesla tuning. Hosted in Hawthorne, California, near icons like the Tesla Design Studio, SpaceX, and Starlink, the event captured the attention of a full house, demonstrating the widespread excitement for this innovative product line. UP INVINCIBLE® is a testament to Unplugged Performance's commitment to pushing the envelope in both on-road and off-road capabilities for the Tesla Cybertruck. Ben Schaffer, CEO of Unplugged Performance, showcased an array of products designed to enhance the rugged nature of the Cybertruck. These include heavy-duty steel bumpers, rock sliders, advanced carbon fiber body panels, and high-output LED light bars. Additionally, the line features innovative bed storage solutions and MOLLE panel designs, a comprehensive suite of suspension products including lift kits, and new wheel designs like a purpose-built beadlock wheel. Underbody armor and other accessories further cement UP INVINCIBLE® as a game-changer in the Tesla aftermarket scene. Schaffer emphasized that UP INVINCIBLE® is not just about upgrading the Cybertruck's aesthetics or performance. It's about empowering owners to conquer challenging terrains and embark on extraordinary adventures, enhancing the vehicle's inherent capabilities. This aligns with Unplugged Performance's reputation for high-performance racing suspension and brake upgrades, now infused into the DNA of the Cybertruck to elevate the driving experience to unprecedented levels. For Tesla Cybertruck owners eager to be among the first to experience these upgrades, limited quantities of select UP INVINCIBLE® products will be available for shipping starting in early December. The full range is expected to reach customers in early 2024. In addition to these exciting offerings, the event also provided a glimpse into the future, with UP.FIT's renderings showcasing potential applications of the Cybertruck in police and military vehicles. Unplugged Performance's UP INVINCIBLE® line is a bold step forward in redefining the boundaries of Tesla tuning and innovation. It stands as a beacon for Tesla enthusiasts who seek not just performance enhancements but also desire cutting-edge, off-road capable solutions for their vehicles. This launch solidifies Unplugged Performance's position as the premier destination for those looking to take their Tesla experience to the next level, continually driving the industry forward with their inventive and high-quality offerings. View All Teslas For Sale Image Source: Unplugged Performance

By Jordan Aquistapace – December 01, 2023

Watch The Tesla Cybertruck's Bullet-Proof Doors In Action...

Elon Musk continues to create excitement for future Cybertruck owners with these extreme tests. As the Telsa Cybertruck preps for its highly-anticipated release to public roads worldwide, future owners and fans are getting sneak peeks at what's to come. Yesterday, Elon Musk shared a video of the Cybertruck beating a brand new Porsche 911 Carrera in a drag race while towing a matching spec of the car it was racing. Today, Musk is back on his Twitter profile to showcase the extreme capabilities of the Tesla Cybertruck's security, more specifically, its bullet-proof doors. Tesla has made vast advancements in the Cybertruck's safety features since the viral video of its armor glass windows taking a brutal impact from a thrown rock. The short clip uploaded to Elon Musk's profile shows how the Cybertruck can withstand gunfire. Parked in a secluded desert range, Tesla's Cybertruck safely absorbed multiple rounds of ammo being fired from a .45 Caliber Tommy Gun, 9mm Glock, and a 9mm MP5-SD. Traveling at speeds of 1,100 feet-per-second, slow-motion video shows each door panel deflecting each bullet that strikes, without ever traveling through the door itself. Once the target practice was finished, the driver opened the door to reveal a completely clear interior before driving away safely. Continuing to demonstrate the Cybertruck's impressive capabilities, Elon Musk is generating excitement amongst the countless owners who are patiently awaiting the delivery of their very own. View all Tesla models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Tesla EVs For Sale Doors are bulletproof to .45” & 9mm pic.twitter.com/alTYkDcsIz— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 30, 2023 Source: Elon Musk Twitter

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 30, 2023

Watch Telsa's Cybertruck Beat A Porsche 911 In A Drag Rac...

You'll have to see this race for yourself to believe it. The evolution of electric vehicle (EV) technology has remarkably shifted the lifestyle from just efficient commuting to empowering performance-focused cars, trucks, and SUVs suitable for weekend track days. This transition is marked by significant advancements in battery technology, electric motor power, and sophisticated control systems, allowing EVs to deliver exceptional efficiency and supercar performance figures. While almost every auto manufacturer has adopted electrification for their lineup of new vehicles, none quite carry the significance and popularity of Tesla and its continuously growing fleet of EVs. From the Model S Plaid to the upcoming Cybertruck, the team at Tesla aims to implement the same capabilities across all platforms. Recently uploaded to Elon Musk's Twitter profile, Tesla decided to put its performance to the test by documenting a drag race between the Cybertruck and a Porsche 911 Carrera. Making things even more interesting, the Tesla Cybertruck chose to take on the challenge while trailering an identical version of the Porsche 911 that it would race. Even leveling the playing field with some extra weight on its rear, the Tesla Cybertruck uses its advanced battery powertrain to accelerate instantly off the line to create a gap between the vibrant green Porsche sports car. Disguised until the end, you can hear Elon in the background prepping those watching for the surprise of a lifetime. Although specific performance figures have yet to be finalized, the top-tier Cybertruck features a tri-motor all-wheel-drive setup, offering blistering acceleration with Tesla claiming a 0 to 60 mph time of under 2.9 seconds. This robust powertrain promises exceptional speed and also considerable towing capacity and off-road capabilities, making it a highly versatile electric vehicle. View all Tesla EVs currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Tesla For Sale Beats a Porsche 911 while towing a 911 pic.twitter.com/4YdS1tKQse— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 30, 2023 Source: Elon Musk Twitter

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 14, 2023

Tesla Decides It Won't Sue Customers $50K For Reselling T...

Just as quick as they announced the reseller rule, Tesla revises its agreement in light of customer response. After causing waves in the automotive world by threatening Cybertruck resellers with legal action and a $50,000 fine for breaking the Motor Vehicle Order Agreement, Tesla has redacted its legal notice and re-wrote the purchase agreement. With such a high demand for Tesla's upcoming first-ever EV truck, the world-renowned automaker is trying its best to protect car buyers from the rather familiar scenario of astronomical MSRP mark-ups. The change in the agreement now states that Tesla may grant customers the ability to sell their Cybertruck with the manufacturer's written consent. Along with asking permission directly from the source, Tesla also has the choice to buy back the Cybertruck for a discounted rate. The vehicle value is determined by a deduction of $0.25 per mile, plus normal wear and tear, and any other additional services or repairs needed. If Tesla decides that your Cybertruck is better off in other hands, you may then source a third-party buyer, whether it be a private individual or business. As the Tesla Cybertruck begins mass production in 2024, we cannot wait to see the futuristic EV truck on roads all around the world. View all Tesla EV models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Tesla For Sale Source: Tesla

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 13, 2023

Tesla Announces It Could Sue Cybertruck Resellers Up To $...

If you have a Tesla Cybertruck on order, you better plan on keeping it for a while! The surge in demand coupled with a shortage in supply has led automotive manufacturers to overhaul the traditional car-buying process, implementing stringent rules and regulations. These measures aim to curb the activities of resellers who seek to profit from flipping high-demand new cars, trucks, and SUVs, ensuring that these vehicles reach genuine customers and enthusiasts at fair market prices. While Tesla has long since kept up with the high demand for its popular lineup, the EV conglomerate is starting to face the sad reality of automotive resellers with upcoming deliveries of the highly-anticipated Telsa Cybertruck. Tesla recently re-wrote their Motor Vehicle Order Agreement to state that any customer who disregards the "No Resellers; Discontinuation; Cancellation" portion of the contract could face legal action from the world-renowned EV automaker. While other OEMs have tested this security strategy with other popular and exclusive sports cars, most stress a customer stop sale as the worst-case scenario. For Tesla, the punishment of selling your Cybertruck before the grace period could result in an additional $50,000 fine on top of never having the opportunity to purchase another model from the brand. For those who locked in pricing upon its initial launch and have already capitalized on the increased pricing for the self-driving option, ownership will have to take place for an extended period of time before legally selling the EV Cybertuck. The new section of Tesla's Motor Vehicle Order Agreement stipulates that the resell clause is implemented "For Cybertruck Only." View all Tesla EV models currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All Tesla For Sale Source: Tesla

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 22, 2023

Can The Tesla Cybertruck Drive On Ice?

With a new snow testing photo revealed, the Cybertruck may be exiting winter hibernation.

By Jordan Aquistapace – November 23, 2021

Discover The New FORM Camper For The Tesla Cybertruck

FORM is taking the Tesla Cybertruck on an adventurous road trip. As EV enthusiasts of the automotive world continue to wait for the highly-anticipated Tesla Cybertruck to roll off the production line, aftermarket accessory companies are ahead of the curve with dedicated product lines to enhance their capabilities. The adventurous professionals at FORM are proud to unveil its latest portable camper design for the Tesla Cybertruck. The camper makes for an easy ride with minimal drag thanks to its approximate 1,000-pound structure. Once at the intended destination, the Tesla Cybertruck FORM Camper operates seamlessly as a detachable or free-standing design. The spacious interior layout includes essential amenities that include a kitchen, storage, and bedroom. MUST-READ: First Look: LOKI Basecamp Icarus The exterior transforms into an outdoor kitchen area for the days with perfect weather conditions. If more space is needed to fit an adventurous lifestyle, FORM Campers offers a 195-square foot option that turns into a comfortable living area with a kitchen and bathroom. The FORM Camper design for the Tesla Cybertruck breaks the mold of traditional electric vehicle capabilities, allowing owners to discover new roads in the most eco-friendly way. The all-new Tesla Cybertruck camper by FORM Camper is currently available starting at $49,500. Check back into Dupont REGISTRY Daily for more Luxury Lifestyle Gear news and releases. Click the link below to discover the Tesla Cybertruck Camper from FORM. Discover The FORM Tesla Cybertruck Camper Source: FORM

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 20, 2020

Tesla Cybertruck 1:64 RC Car Now for Sale

Ever since the Tesla Cybertruck was unveiled and the word “Preorder” left Elan Musk’s mouth, the list of eager future owners has grown close to 500,000. A new pre-order list was unveiled, but for a smaller version of the Tesla Cybertruck by Hot Wheels. Mattel is releasing a 1:64 scale remote-controlled model with two-speed settings placed on the hand controls: chill and sport mode. The speed to scale in which the electric-powered model can travel is rumored to be 500mph, with the ability to fit on already existing Hot Wheels tracks. Packaging includes both the scale model, as well as the remote control that doubles as the direct charge source. The model was released April 18th, 2020 on Hot Wheels sit for the retail price of $20. Click below for more information on the new Hot Wheels remote control Tesla Cybertruck! Shop Now Source: HotWheelsCollectors.Mattel.com

By Edward Jones – December 09, 2019

See the Tesla Cybertruck Driving on the Freeway

The Tesla Cybertruck has been in our minds for a couple of weeks now and... we still can't stop thinking about how different it looks. What Elon Musk presented on the stage that night was such a large step away from what we consider a normal truck that it left us all wondering what Tesla was doing. Now that we've had some time to think about it, many have changed their opinion on their Cybertruck while some are still steadfast in theirs. If you are still on the fence as to how you feel about the Cybertruck, the video down below might help you make up your mind. In the video, uploaded by Roberto Cruz to YouTube, you'll see the Cybertruck actually driving on the Freeway in California. Let us know if you like it better after seeing it in action in the comments down below. SEE TESLAS FOR SALE " width="680">

Tesla

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe