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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

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We Made AI Rank The 10 Best Luxury Cars Under $100K

We use cutting-edge tech to find out which luxury car has the best bang for your buck.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 25, 2016

10 Exclusive Cars for Sale on duPontREGISTRY.com- Feb 24,...

This week we feature a few limited edition auction items, a Ford GT and some incredible Ferraris. Check out the line-up, and let us know which one is your favorite!10. 2000 Acura NSX T This gorgeous Berlina Black on Onyx NSX is a definite piece of history. It offers all the modern amenities including power locks, windows and mirrors, leather interior surface and premium sound.2000 Acura NSX T Specs 13,480 miles 3.0-liter V6 unknown hp Price: $74,900 View Listing9. 2011 Ferrari 599 GTO Here's a preview of what's to come at the 2016 RM Sotheby's Amelia Island Auction event on March 12. They're offering this incredible 599 GTO finished in the rare triple-coat Rosso Fuoco finish accented with the Grigio Silverstone Stripe.2011 Ferrari 599 GTO Specs Contact Dealer for miles 5,999 cc 65-degree V-12 670 hp Price: Est. $650,000 - $750,000 US View Listing8. 2003 Hummer H1 This custom H1 was built entirely by Predator Motors and includes a host of options like custom Bentley Speed Leather seats and turbo kit. Not only does the H1 feature the rugged power Hummers are known for, but this pristine model is truly one of a kind.2003 Hummer H1 Specs 44,448 miles 6.5-liter V8 Diesel Turbo 450 hp Price: $178,888 View Listing7. 2008 Ferrari F430 Scuderia This black finished Scuderia includes a black and red Alcantara, carbon fiber interior and custom stitching and is sure to turn heads on the street. With a low 4600 miles, this Scuderia is in pristine condition.2008 Ferrari F430 Scuderia Specs 6450 miles 4.3-liter V8 503 hp Price: $269,900 View Listing6. 2006 Ford GT 2dr Coupe It's not everyday one runs across an extremely rare Ford Heritage GT. This is 1 of 343 and painted in Heritage Blue with Orange LeMans stripes. On the side is painted the number 6 "in honor of the GT40 car that beat Ferrar to win the 24 Hours of LeMans race in 1969," according to Barrett-Jackson.2006 Ford GT Specs 584 miles 5.4-liter V8 550 hp Price: $599,040 View Listing5. 2016 McLaren 570S Coupe Currently taking orders for the long awaited McLaren 570S. Part of the McLaren Sports Series, this model is not only fast, but comfortable and suited for both street and track.2016 McLaren 570S Specs (unknown) miles 5.2-liter V10 602 hp Price: $218,730 View Listing4. 2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale While the 458 Speciale has many impressive modifications, one of its greatest is the increase of power in the award winning 4.5-liter V8 engine. To further the power’s capabilities, Ferrari reduced the weight of the Speciale from the base model’s 3,274 lbs to 2,843 lbs.2015 Ferrari 458 Speciale Specs 2859 miles 4.5-liter V8 597 hp Price: Contact Dealer View Listing3. 2016 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 This particular Huracan is fitted with a Nero Helene (black) exterior and an amazing Nero Ade interior with meticulously stitched orange leather seats and matching details. The sleek supercar hits 0-60 speeds in a quick 2.5 seconds.2016 Lamborghini Huracan LP610-4 Specs 38 miles 5.2-liter V10 602 hp Price: Contact Dealer View Listing2. 2004 Porsche Carrera GT According to the dealer, this example is the only Carrera GT in black on black is the country with less than 1000 miles. It is also #125 of 1270 GTs produced, making it a super rare find. The Carrera GT is a true piece of history with direct lineage to the 911 GT1.2004 Porsche Carrera GT Specs 740 miles 5.7-liter V10 605 hp Price: $989,000 View Listing1. 2014 Pagani Huayra A true piece of art, this Huayra is finished in Blue Argentina with matching blue carbon fiber and a gold stripe. Its interior includes high-quality leather, accented with Alcantara and carbon fiber.2014 Pagani Huayra Specs Less than 400 miles 5,980 cc Mercedes-AMG V-12 720 hp Price: Est. $1,900,000 - $2,200,000 View Listing

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 17, 2016

10 Exclusive Cars for Sale on duPontREGISTRY.com- Feb 17,...

This week we bring you a little something electric, a whole lot of speed, a blast from the not-so-distant 90's past and even something still in the factory wrapping. Check out the list below and tell us which pick is your favorite!10. 2016 Lamborghini Huracan The matte gray exterior and red accents have this Huracan looking mean on the streets. A V10 engine and the subtle updates made by Lamborghini make the 2016 model a cut above the rest. Those updates include a return to the all wheel drive and cylinder deactivation technology to improve fuel economy.2016 Lamborghini Huracan Specs 45 miles 5.2-liter V10 602 hp View Listing9. 2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2dr Coupe This GT3 RS is still wrapped in the factory covering and only has test miles on it. Even the seats are still wrapped. The Ultraviolet model is literally brand new and ready for some road miles.2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 2dr Coupe Specs 50 (test) miles 4.0L H-6 DOHC DFI Engine 500 hp View Listing8. 1990 Ferrari F40 Finished in classic Rosso Corsa with a matching red cloth interior, this five-speed Ferrari F40 displays the best of the 90's. Collectors, this is your chance to own a piece of history and add a little more style to your collection.1990 Ferrari F40 Specs 7,548 miles 2.9-liter V8 FI SOHC 500 hp View Listing7. 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 2dr Coupe Black Series This is a collector's grade model with super low mileage and as one might know, the Black Series is rare, loud and fast. Only 132 were sent to the US, and we just happen to have this one. The Black Series hits 0-60 in a mere 3.5 seconds without sacrificing the luxury Mercedes-Benz is known for.2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG 2dr Coupe Black Series Specs 302 miles 6.2-liter V-8 622 hp View Listing6. 2016 McLaren 675LT Coupe This is a McLaren Special Operations special order and loaded with $20,000 in MSO options. Carbon fiber can be found all over this example from the side intakes to the wheel arches and mirror casings. This 675LT also includes Meridian surround sounds, branded floor mats and exterior elite paint.2016 McLaren 675LT Coupe Specs 210 miles Twin-Turbo 3.8-liter V-8 666 hp View Listing 5. 2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce This particular SV is 1 of 186 finished factory matte white paint (Bianco Canopus). At over 210 pounds lighter than the Murcielago, the SV is made for speed and this example is not only fast, but super rare.2010 Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4 SuperVeloce Specs 4,210 miles 6.5-liter V-12 661 hp View Listing 4. 2016 Mercedes-Benz AMG S63 S 63 This sleek AMG comes with a nut brown leather interior, moon/sun roof and navigation. Finished in obsidian Black Metallic, with Swarovski crystal accents this is the ultimate luxury supercar. Even though it pulls out all the luxury stops, the AMG is still crazy fast.2016 Mercedes-AMG S63 S Specs 482 miles 5.5-liter V8 turbo 557 hp View Listing3. 2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni This incredibly rare Gallardo was named in honor of the famed test driver, Valentino Balboni, and limited to a mere 250 units worldwide. What makes it even more unique is the fact that it's rear-wheel drive, something uncharacteristic in the Lamborghini family.2010 Lamborghini Gallardo LP550-2 Valentino Balboni Specs 10,176 miles 5.2-liter V10 543 hp View Listing2. 2015 Jeep Wrangler Starwood SEMA Custom Unlimited RUF-NEK This rugged, all-terrain Jeep Wrangler has been completely customized and stands as one of a kind. The Rust Patina finish is complimented by an aluminum/bomber interior and wide-set tires. This Wrangler would add something truly unique to any collection or garage.2015 Jeep Wrangler Starwood SEMA Custom Unlimited Specs 78 miles 3.6-liter V6 24V VVT Price: $200,000 View Listing1. 2015 Tesla Model S 4dr Sedan With Tesla's Model 3 teaser, we're all about the electric car right now. This particular Model S is the P85D with Ludicrous mode and so many other options including a fully spec'd out interior and tech package. We're loving this Metallic Grey Model S.2015 Tesla Model S 4dr Sedan Specs 3,336 miles dual front and rear induction AC 329-762 hp Price: $129,800 View Listing

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – January 28, 2016

Top 10 Sales at the Mecum Auctions Kissimmee 2016

The 2016 Mecum Auction in Kissimmee just released their Top 10 vehicles and it looks like the 1960s and '70s were in popular demand. Here are the results:10. 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T Convertible Serial No. 21, Pilot Car Final Price: $450,000 9. 1970 Plymouth Cuda Convertible Serial No. 4, Pilot Car Final Price: $475,000 8. 1970 Ford Torino King Cobra Unrestored Final Price: $525,000 7. 1969 Dodge Hemi Daytona 1 of 20 Final Price: $550,000 6. 1969 Dodge Hemi Coronet R/T Convertible Only Documented 4-Speed Hemi Final Price: $625,000 5. 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Tanker 1 of 63 Final Price: $710,000 4. 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Unrestored Final Price: $950,000 3. 1970 Dodge Hemi Challenger R/T Convertible 1 of 9 Final Price: $1,650,000 2. 1971 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible Restored by Julius Steuer Final Price: $2,300,000 1. 1970 Plymouth Hemi Cuda Convertible 1 of 5 Final Price: $2,675,000

By Caitlin Duffy – September 04, 2015

Top 5 Cars & Articles of the Week: Sept. 4, 2015

Which marques caught the attention of our audiences this week, and when it comes to finding another car for their collection, which marques have the most shoppers? For the first week of September, Bugatti, Lamborghini and Mercedes-Benz took those titles home.Check out our most read articles and top five cars of the week below, enjoy a long holiday weekend and come back next week for more updates from the world of luxury, exotic and classic cars.Top 5 Articles on Autofluence Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR SS - Hear its Engine Start Up and Rev The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport was one of the iconic cars of the 1990s that you more than likely... Read MoreAmazing Iron Man Aventador is an Avenger in Disguise Iron Man, a.k.a. Tony Stark, is known to the world as an Avenger, a suave businessman and a connoisseur of fine cars. With that last characteristic in mind... Read More$2.5 Million Bugatti Chiron to Reach 288 mph Bugatti has been tight-lipped about the development of their successor to the Veyron since confirming it was in the works June 27, but the... Read MoreBugatti Vision Gran Turismo: The Most Intense Bugatti, Ever Gran Turismo 6 has become one of the most well-known racing games thanks to the physical and digital Vision Gran Turismo models that are being... Read MoreIt's Official: The New Ford GT Race Car Sounds Amazing If you were worried that the new Ford GT race car wasn’t going to sound up to par because of a smaller engine, have no fear. On Aug. 28... Read MoreTop 5 Cars on duPontREGISTRY.com 2014 Lamborghini Aventador LP 700-4 Buckingham, Texas View Price 2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Dallas, Texas View Price 2014 Ferrari LaFerrari Naples, Florida View Price 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Boise, Idaho View Price 2015 Lamborghini Huracan LP 610-4 Woodland Hills, California View Price View Past Top Articles & Listings

By Caitlin Duffy – December 04, 2014

Top 10 Matte Black Cars

When searching for a new car, most people aren't looking for something that will just get them from "point A" to "point B." From performance, to cost, to sheer comfort, the factors that influence purchasing decisions are endless. But of those influences, one can stand out among the rest: the desire to be unique. Check out these super sick matte black cars.Countless manufacturers have introduced new divisions and departments dedicated exclusively to creating bespoke versions of their most impressive models. The desire to own a coveted one-off is enough to push bidders to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and an entire industry has been built around after-market tuning.(See Also: Top 10 Classic and Exotic Cars That Should Be Brought Back)But in all this customization, tuning, adding, trimming, enhancing and creation, there's something to be said about the beauty of an understatement. Especially the understatement that comes from a matte black wrap.These murdered out cars in matte blackare sleek in any city and deserve a second, third and fourth look from any passerby. Check out our top 10 matte black exotic cars below, and share a picture of your own matte wrapped ride in the comments below or on our Facebook page. 2014 Lamborghini Aventador (Source: CarsMoveUs.com)Ford GT Mansory 2012 Bentley Continental (Source: CleanTuning.com)BMW M3 2014 Aston Martin V12 Vanquish Coupe (Source: Facebook.com/matteblackcars)Lexus LFA (Source: Lambocars.com)Lamborghini Murcielago 2014 Ferrari F12berlinetta (Source: Facebook.com/matteblackcars)Dodge Viper (Source: Facebook.com/matteblackcars)Porsche Carrera GTSee More Top 10 Lists

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