Uncovered

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 Edward Jones – February 03, 2022

February 2022 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered

This month we are excited to feature the performance-focused Cunningham C8 Corvette on our cover. The new Cunningham C8 Corvette is a modern supercar that starts life as a fully-loaded 3LT package with Lingenfelter 603HP, 580 ft/lb LT2 motor, Unique Cunningham Aero Package, Halibrand Style Forged Aluminum Wheels, massive Alcon Pro-System Brakes, Z51 suspension, 8-speed DCT transaxle (with Performance Ratio rear axle), lift kit, Dual Tops (Body Color and Clear), Entertainment system with HUD, GT2 sport seats with Twilight Blue seat backs & Tension Blue trim and seat belt color scheme. Down below is a preview of the new issue. If you’d like to get the issue for yourself. Buy This Issue

By Edward Jones – December 29, 2021

January 2022 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered

For the January 2022 issue, we are excited to feature the performance-focused Koenigsegg Regera on our cover. The hybrid hypercar is one of the most powerful production cars on the market, highlighting the abilities of the design and engineering team of the Swedish automotive manufacturer. Powering the Regera is Koenigsegg’s twin-turbocharged 5.0L V8 HEV, which produces a mind-blowing 1,502 hp and 1,450 lb-ft of torque. Also included in this issue is our Annual Luxury Aviation Guide. In this guide, readers will learn all about the current offerings found within the private aviation sector. This includes jet cars, flight charters, fraction ownership and even purchasing a private aircraft. No matter which one you choose, you will still be flying in luxury, while taking advantage of all of the things that make private aviation so attractive. Pick up this issue to learn more. Down below is a preview of the new issue. If you’d like to get the issue for yourself. Buy This Issue

By Edward Jones – December 10, 2021

December 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered

For the December 2021 issue, the cover car is the new BRABUS 900 Rocket Edition, based on the Mercedes-AMG G 63 SUV. For this new super SUV, BRABUS has upped the power of the 4.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine to 900 horsepower and 922 lb-ft of torque. With that power, the BRABUS 900 Rocket Edition is posting supercar numbers with regard to acceleration: 0 to 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 174 mph. BRABUS has ensured that this tremendous amount of power can be heard, thanks to their newly developed stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system. For those times when the driver wants to be a bit more silent, they can switch to “Coming Home” mode with the press of a button. This mode activates the valves within the exhaust system that will lower the volume of the exhaust note. Down below is a preview of the new issue. If you'd like to get the issue for yourself. Buy This Issue

By Edward Jones – November 05, 2021

November 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered

For the November 2021 issue, the cover car is the Bugatti Bolide, the ultimate track weapon. The Bolide combines hyper sports car performance with a Formula 1-esque design in one uncompromising, innovative package. Development of the Bolide started from the same place as all other Bugatti models: Ettore Bugatti’s philosophy “form follows performance” and a look back at the brand’s outstanding motorsport history over the past century. In order to develop the most extreme Bugatti yet, Bugatti designers and engineers focused on a minimalist approach to achieve a lightweight body with extraordinary aerodynamics. Down below is a preview of the new issue. If you'd like to get the issue for yourself, you can click to shop for this issue now. Shop Issue

By Edward Jones – October 06, 2021

October 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered

For the October 2021 issue, the cover car is the Hennessey Venom F5, a true American hypercar. The Hennessey Venom F5, from Hennessey Special Vehicles, is a bespoke mid-engine hypercar engineered to exceed 300 mph while delivering unparalleled performance and the world’s most exhilarating driving experience. The Venom F5 is Hennessey’s follow-up act to its celebrated, and world speed record holding, Venom GT. Down below is a preview of the new issue. If you'd like to get the issue for yourself, you can click to shop for this issue now. Shop Issue

By Edward Jones – September 09, 2021

September 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered

For the September 2021 issue, the cover car is Bugatti's new and incredible Chiron Super Sport. Following a longstanding tradition of combining top speed performance with luxury beginning with the Type 55 Super Sport in the 1930s, then continuing with the EB110 Super Sport in the 90s and the Veyron Super Sport of the 2010s, the Chiron Super Sport is a natural addition to the elegant, comfortable, and high-performing model range Bugatti is renowned for. It adds another extreme to the spectrum of performance offered by the Chiron lineup: longitudinal dynamics, as a counterpart to the Chiron Pur Sport’s focus on lateral agility. The Super Sport starts at $3,825,000 and is limited within the 500 unit production run of the Chiron family. Down below is a preview of the new issue. If you'd like to get the issue for yourself, you can click the button below to see how to subscribe. Subscribe Now

By Edward Jones – July 29, 2021

August 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered

For the August 2021 issue, the cover car is the new and groundbreaking Rimac Nevera. The Nevera is the production-ready iteration of the Rimac C_Two, which was revealed in 2018. Since then, Rimac’s engineers have refined their flagship on every level during an extensive development program, in the pursuit of the ultimate electric hypercar driving experience. Fittingly, the Nevera bears a Croatian name and one that truly reflects its prodigious performance. The name given by the locals to a quick, unexpected and mighty Mediterranean storm, that races across the open sea off Croatia, a nevera is extremely powerful and charged by lightning. Down below is a preview of the new issue. If you'd like to buy the issue for yourself, you can click the button below to visit our gear site. Buy Issue Now

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2021

July 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered

July 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered For the July 2021 issue, the cover car is Specialty Vehicle Engineering's new 2021 YENKO/SC® 750HP California Edition Camaro. Their custom 3.0-liter twin-screw supercharger, aluminum high-flow intake manifold, high-flow supercharger cooling system, billet idler plate, and adjustable idler system all work in unison to pump the 6.2-liter LT-1 engine power up to 750 horsepower. To make this power even better the engine has been given a 50 State emission-legal calibration. Learn More Inside the pages of this issue are hundreds of exotic and luxury cars for sale, including Lamborghinis, Porsches, Ferraris, McLarens and a lot more. This issue has many special vehicles like a Rimac Concept One, Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet, 1987 Porsche 962 and much more. Buy Now Being duPont REGISTRY, we are more than just a luxury automotive marketplace. Yachts, motorcycles, watches, private aviation and more can be found throughout the pages of our July 2021 issue. After all, it takes more than exotic cars to complete a luxurious lifestyle. To see it all, be sure to pick up your issue today. In The Pages: Rimac Automobili Ernst Benz 4Play Wheels Vanderhall Jet It Backdraft Racing Previous Issues edit post Uncovered July 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered June 29, 2021 edit post Uncovered June 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered June 2, 2021 edit post Uncovered May 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered May 5, 2021 edit post Uncovered April 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered April 1, 2021 edit post Uncovered March 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered March 5, 2021

By Edward Jones – June 02, 2021

June 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered

June 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered For the June 2021 issue, the cover car is the new Pagani Huayra R. Like its predecessors, the new Huayra R stands at the crossroads of style, power, and technology, and that’s why it deserves to be the centerpiece of your collection, and on the cover of the duPont REGISTRY™. Learn More Inside the pages of this issue are hundreds of exotic and luxury cars for sale, including Lamborghinis, Porsches, Ferraris, McLarens and a lot more. This issue has many special vehicles like a Pagani Huayra BC, Mansory Stallone Ferrari 812 Superfast, 2019 Ford GT Heritage Edition, Lamborghini Aventador SVJ and so much more. Buy Now Being duPont REGISTRY, we are more than just a luxury automotive marketplace. Yachts, motorcycles, watches, private aviation and more can be found throughout the pages of our June 2021 issue. After all, it takes more than exotic cars to complete a luxurious lifestyle. To see it all, be sure to pick up your issue today. In The Pages: Elation Hypercars elation Graham Watchmakers grahamwatches Autostacker autostackers Combat Motors combatmotors Bell 505 bell ENVE Custom Road Bike enve Previous Issues edit post Uncovered May 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered May 5, 2021 edit post Uncovered April 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered April 1, 2021 edit post Uncovered March 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered March 5, 2021 edit post Uncovered February 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered February 1, 2021 edit post Features January 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered December 30, 2020

By Edward Jones – May 05, 2021

May 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered

May 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered For the May 2021 issue, the cover car is the new Porsche Panamera. This is the fastest, most well-appointed, most customizable Panamera ever. One with sharper design, heightened performance, and more ways to make it your own than ever before. You can learn more by clicking the button below. Learn More Inside the pages of this issue are hundreds of exotic and luxury cars for sale, including Lamborghinis, Porsches, Ferraris, McLarens and a lot more. This issue has many special vehicles like a 1968 Bizzarrini GT Strada 5300, 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghosts, 1999 Lamborghini Diablo Roadster Millennium Edition, 2011 Ferrari 599 GTB Alonso Edition and more The May 2021 issue also features our annual Gentlemen's Best section. This section highlights a gentlemen's essentials, including vehicles, gear, watches and more. You can view the online Gentlemen's Best features by clicking here. Buy Now Being duPont REGISTRY, we are more than just a luxury automotive marketplace. Yachts, motorcycles, watches, private aviation and more can be found throughout the pages of our May 2021 issue. After all, it takes more than exotic cars to complete a luxurious lifestyle. To see it all, be sure to pick up your issue today. In The Pages: Herreos Aviation TECHART Cohiba Ulysse Nardin Tuscany Motor Co. Denison Yachting Previous Issues edit post Uncovered April 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered April 1, 2021 edit post Uncovered March 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered March 5, 2021 edit post Uncovered February 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered February 1, 2021 edit post Features January 2021 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered December 30, 2020 edit post Brabus December 2020 duPont REGISTRY Uncovered December 10, 2020

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