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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

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2020

How to Film a Bugatti Chiron at 250 MPH

Two years ago Juan Pablo Montoya was strapped into a 1,500 horsepower beast. His goal was to smash previous records and raise the bar for the automotive industry. After a brilliant start he reached 248 mph (400 kph) in only 42 seconds. This impressive achievement was recorded for posterity, and this is how to film a Bugatti Chiron at 250 mph. Bugatti Chiron Price, Specs, Photos & Review First, you need a driver. JP Montoya has numerous victories in F1, NASCAR, IndyCar, IMSA, just to name a few. Then they needed a stable camera and a fast car to bolt it to. This might sound like ancient wisdom, but the only way to film a Chiron is to be a Chiron. So the team used another Bugatti with a head start. We applaud them for the record and Outrun Films for epic cinematography. If you want to experience this for yourself, click the link below to find a Bugatti for yourself. Browse All Bugatti For Sale " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – March 26, 2020

Founder of Excell Auto Group Launches VaroomTV

Excell Auto Group has incredible inventory that is priced below market average. That is how they have built a legion of loyal customers in Boca Raton. To give the public the knowledge it takes to find, own and sell an exotic car, their founder has launched VaroomTV. Scott and Omar know more about this industry than many "experts" I have encountered. That is why this post will be updated with each new episode. Don't forget to subscribe and hit the bell, as new episodes will be added bi-monthly. So without further adieu, let's dive in! Episode 1: What You Need To Know About The Car Industry " width="680"> Episode 2: How To Get The Best Deal On Your Next Car! " width="680"> Check back here for the next episodes! Browse Excell Auto Group Inventory

By Edward Jones – February 28, 2020

See Paganis Race Other Hypercars in Switzerland

Watching hypercars and supercars take on each other in drag races is always entertaining. There's just something about seeing the most extreme vehicles this planet has to offer being pushed to their limits in no holds barred races. YouTube Channel "Gumbal" recently uploaded a video of multiple Paganis racing down a drag strip, along with other supercars and hypercars. (Side Note: Pagani Unveils the 1 of 1 Zonda Venti) Cars in the video include a Porsche 918 Spyder, Ferrari LaFerrari, Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren, and a Lamborghini Aventador SV Roadster. The video is quite long, but it's filled with some high-speed races at the private Switzerland supercar event. Check it out down below! " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2020

The History of Premier Financial Services by VINwiki

Leasing an exotic car before 1997 was akin to tapdancing in a minefield. Mitch Katz had two decades of writing leases that were traditionally favorable for the bank, but this rigid system left many possible enthusiasts without an opportunity to experience the cars they love. By introducing favorable terms and amortization schedules to dealers and drivers, Premier Financial Services changed the leasing business and created an army of loyal clients. Everyone loves to see a successful entrepreneur, and we have been proud to represent them for years. So without further adieu, here is the history of Premier Financial Services, by VINwiki. Contact Premier Financial Services Here " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 21, 2020

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 004C Hot Laps in Italy

To anyone looking to win Nürburgring, there is a new American supercar you will have to beat. Mr. Glickenhaus and his team are putting the final touches on their latest competition car. Crank up the volume and watch the first Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus SCG 004C hot laps in Italy. The Cremona Circuit is about halfway between Modena and Monza, and the locals are unaccustomed to this uniquely American sound. As an owner of a Cadillac CTS-V, I can recognize the harmonies of the 6.2L LT4 from miles away. It is also the brutal beast found in the C7 Z06. There are only a handful of new C7 Corvette Z06 for sale, so get yours before they're gone forever. Because their goal is to homologize the car for the GT3 class, the supercharger had to go. In its place is a new top-end by Autotecnica Motori. It is very similar to the setup Cadillac used to win Daytona, and hopefully, Mr. G will give us some juicy details at the Amelia Island Concours. Good luck and Godspeed from all of us at duPont REGISTRY! Browse Supercars For Sale Near Me " width="680"> Thanks, 19Bozzy92 for the great video!

By Edward Jones – February 13, 2020

2020 Shelby GT500 vs Tesla Model S Drag Race

The Tesla Model S Performance has been the car to beat at the drag strip. Thanks to its instant electric power and ability to pump power to all of its wheels, the Model S Performance can launch in an instant. This has led many to pit their cars up against the electric car, especially if their car is a new and powerful muscle car. DragTimes' recent video shows this exact occurrence in action. In the video down below, you'll see the Tesla Model S Performance taking on a 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 at the drag strip. During the three races, there is one thing that's consistent and that's the results (and the early launch of the GT500). Check it out down below to see how the new GT500 stacks up against the Model S. ALL MODEL S FOR SALE ALL GT500 FOR SALE " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – January 31, 2020

Jay Leno & Josh Duhamel Drive a 1963 Corvette Sting Ray

No, the headline is not a typo. Before the new Corvette Stingray, its ancestor was the "Sting Ray". Vette nerds like myself know that the name disappeared for 1968 and returned as one word in 1969. We'll save the semantics for another day, so let's watch Jay Leno & Josh Duhamel drive a 1963 Corvette Sting Ray. Not only was it the first Corvette coupe, but the split rear window was also replaced by a one-piece rear glass in 64. The fuel-injected 327 is fast, even by modern standards, and independent suspension made for a comfortable ride. Check Out Jay Leno's Car Collection Mr. duPont's 1963 Corvette had power windows, air conditioning, and the "wonderbar" radio, but he declined my offer to payroll deduct it for the next 300 years. Needless to say, the 63 is one of the most desirable cars of all time. Any C2 Corvette is out of my budget, so the C7 is calling my name. Our dealers have hundreds of 2019 models that have to go before the C8 begins production on Monday. Considering inflation since 1953, the fact that dealers are selling Stingrays under $40,000 makes 2019 the most affordable Corvette of all time. Click the button below to find yours, and stay with us for all your Jay Leno updates. Browse all C7 Corvette Stingray For Sale " width="680"> Related: C7 Corvette Stingray Price, Specs, Photos & Review

By Edward Jones – January 29, 2020

GoPro Debuts Their "Million Dollar Challenge Highlight" V...

GoPro has just dropped their second annual Million Dollar Challenge video and it's just as epic as you'd expect. For this challenge, GoPro asks owners of the new HERO8 cameras to send in their videos for a chance to split the $1 million prize. This year, 42,000 video clips were sent in from 104 countries, which was just about twice the amount of submissions they received last year. In the end, 45 different creators were picked for the final video and each of them won a total of $22,222. The best part is that the winners found out they won by watching the highlight video, which you can watch by clicking play down below. If you want to capture your own amazing adventures, click the red button below to shop GoPro cameras. SHOP GOPRO CAMERAS " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 29, 2020

Epic Aston Martin DBS Superleggera vs McLaren Senna Hot Laps

The McLaren Senna and Aston Martin DBS Superleggera are two different beasts, that's for sure. One is an aggressive hypercar that was purpose-built for the track. The other is a stylish and luxurious English supercar powered by a brutal V12 engine. Still, comparing the two is still incredibly fun and that's why MotorTrend did that exact thing. At Laguna Seca, the two cars were pitted up against each other through hot laps. Behind the wheel of both cars was Randy Pobst, a race car driver and MotorTrend journalist. When both laps were completed, the results were clear and they pointed towards one winner. Can you guess which car it was? Bet you can. Click play below to find out. SEE ALL SENNAS FOR SALE SEE ALL DBS SUPERLEGGERAS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – January 24, 2020

See How the Ferrari SF90 Stradale is Made

When the Ferrari SF90 Stradale was announced last year, it took our breaths away. This new model is set to be the Italian automaker's most powerful model yet and it's powered by a V8 engine. In fact, this is the first time their flagship model is powered by a V8 engine. How does the SF90 Stradale generate a total of 986 horsepower? Electric power. Ferrari just released a video showing off how they put together this new hybrid hypercar. From the engine assembly to the upholstery shop, they show off a lot of incredible behind-the-scenes footage. You can check it out for yourself down below. SEE ALL FERRARIS FOR SALE

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