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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 Tyler Rampersaud – February 18, 2023

Christian von Koenigsegg, Mate Rimac, John Hennessey & Go...

This isn’t your average car talk. There are few opportunities to hear from any of the automotive industry’s greats, let alone a group of the greatest names in performance. However, Top Gear, one of the most eminent names in the automotive world, brought together a group of absolute titans from all over the world when it comes to designing and building cars, and making them go fast. This conversation was held between Christian von Koenigsegg, Mate Rimac, Gordon Murray, and John Hennessey. All of these legends are the minds behind some of the world’s greatest automotive performance. MUST READ: Shmee150 Finds The duPont REGISTRY Cover-Featured Aston Martin One-77 Their conversation was fueled by topics that were picked in an interesting way, which was through a bingo cage with a list of topics that each participant chose and discussed. The questions picked were controversial and interesting, starting with the debate of whether an EV can be more exciting to drive than a gasoline-powered car, and moving to things like their thoughts on Elon Musk, and the importance of failure, philosophically and within the car industry. The four were even posed with the challenging question of what car they would drive and where they would drive if they could only choose one car and one road. Watch the entirety of this incredible conversation above. View All Exotic Cars For Sale Source: YouTube/Top Gear

By Edward Jones – January 20, 2020

In-Depth Video Review of the Koenigsegg Regera Megacar

According to Koenigsegg, the Regera is not a hypercar but is instead a "Megacar." Considering that the Regera packs just about 1500 horsepower and 1500 lb-ft of torque, it's definitely easy to say that this car is truly "mega." YouTube channel Mr JWW recently had the chance to spend some serious time with the famous Regera. In the video he uploaded, he goes over every little detail of the megacar, from the interior to the exterior. The video may be almost 30 minutes long, but it's a must-watch as no detail is overlooked. As a bonus, he also takes it out on his track for the very first time. The entire video is incredibly entertaining. Check it out below! SEE ALL KOENIGSEGGS FOR SALE " width="680">

By Edward Jones – April 18, 2019

How the Koenigsegg Jesko is Built, 300+MPH Version Coming...

In Ängelholm, Sweden is a massive old hangar that was the home of the Swedish air force's "ghost squadron." Now, that hangar is home to Koenigsegg, who honor their home with a ghost emblem on their hypercar. Top Gear Magazine's Jack Rix recently visited Swedish hypercar manufacturer's headquarters to get a tour of the new Koenigsegg Jesko (pronounced Yesko) from none other than Christian von Koenigsegg. During the interview, we get to learn something completely new about the Jesko. After Rix asks Christian von Koenigsegg if the Jesko will hit 300 mph, he notes that the specific model unveiled won't. However, there will be another version that has revised aerodynamics and options that will, theoretically, allow it to hit speeds of over 300 mph. Christian von Koenigsegg says this version could be called something like Jesko 300. Check it out for yourself in the video up above. view all koenigsegg's for sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2019

Bugatti La Voiture Noire & Koenigsegg Jesko Caught Leavin...

One of the most bittersweet moments in the world of auto shows is navigating the show cars to their transporter. Our partnership with Motor Trend shows allows us to leave first in order to avoid potential damage from the frenzy of tear down. But things seem to work differently in Switzerland. In two new YouTube films, we can watch the Bugatti La Voiture Noire & Koenigsegg Jesko Leaving Geneva Auto Show. Maybe the transporters were late, but it is a bit nerve-wracking to watch these one-off supercars negotiate pallets and a frenzy of laborers. If you have ever attended a duPont REGISTRY live event, you know our show cars disappear in the twinkling of an eye. Nevertheless, SellerieCimes was able to help these two negotiate the situation while grabbing great footage. " width="680"> Yes, the Bentley is running, but those six tailpipes have been given the silent treatment for the anonymous owner. On the other hand, the Koenigsegg is pushed out to avoid scaring the workers. With so many variables to consider, it is enough to give the driver a panic attack. Tell us which one you would volunteer to steer in the comments below, and stay with us for all your exotic car footage. Related: Bentley La Voiture Noire Price, Specs, Photos & Review Koenigsegg Jesko Has Replaced the Agera RS

By Edward Jones – November 02, 2018

Watch the Koenigsegg Agera FE Thor Race Up Goodwood Hillc...

The final Koenigsegg Agera models (known as the Agera FE) were given some awesome names thanks to their owners: Thor and Väder. These two models were based on the Agera RS hypercar but both came with all options available at no added cost. The owner of Thor wanted to show off his new hypercar by taking it to the 2018 Goodwood Festival of Speed and ripping it up the hill climb course. What Is The NIO EP9? In the video below, you'll see Agera FE Thor racing up the Goodwood Hillclimb at ludicrous speeds. Driving the car was actually not the owner, but Koenigsegg factory driver Niklas Lilja. The owner did, however, take a seat in the passenger side. Lilja managed to record a Hillclimb time of 51.5 seconds, although he think he could improve it to a possible sub-50 second time. How? According to Koenigsegg, he lost time on the last two corners of the hillclimb. You can see the run for yourself by clicking play on the video above!

By Edward Jones – March 12, 2018

Koenigesgg Agera X and Friends Rip Through

The Koenigsegg Agera X is a one-off model that features a satin black finish and a devilishly handsome front-end. Its 5.0-liter twin-turbo V8 pumps out 940 horsepower for a 0 to 60 mph time of 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 245 mph.Koenigsegg Regera d'Elegance is an Ocean on WheelsNow that you've learned about the Agera X, you probably want to see it right? Well, you're in luck. Thanks to Carspotter Jeroen, we get to see the one-of-a-kind Koenigsegg rip through Spa Francorchamps alongside some incredible cars. The Koenigsegg may be the star of the video, but the other cars included are also equally impressive. Check the Agera X in action down below and see if you can spot all of the cars as they rip by one of my favorite sections in any circuit.

By Andrew Nabors – November 30, 2017

Hypercar Races: Bugatti Veyron vs Koenigsegg Agera R

Place your bets here. It's time for a fight between two of the world's most powerful cars. Hailing from Sweden, the Koenigsegg Agera R was limited to 18 examples, built from 2011 to 2014. It is powered by a 5.0 liter V8 with dual turbos. It is capable of running on anything between 95 octane gas and E100 ethanol, and anything in between. Topped off on moonshine, it yields 1,140 horsepower and 885 lb-ft of torque. Hennessey Venom F5: 300mph Rival to the Bugatti Chiron Fighting for France, the Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport Vitesse is a sixteen-cylinder statement of dominance. It is rated at 1,200 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque. Both cars reach 60 mph in around 2.6 seconds, so GTboard.com decided to give them a rolling start. Vitesse is French for "speed", and this Veyron is similar to the one used to redefine the top speed of a production car. The opponent was engineered by a genius who is intent on changing the automotive industry. Tell us what would happen from a standing start, and which one you would own in the comments below. Stay with us for more high-speed comparisons.

By Andrew Nabors – March 23, 2017

Why the Koenigsegg Regera Doesn't Need a Transmission

Over the past decade, every automaker has doubled the number of gears in their automatic transmissions. In the name of fuel economy, Jeep has a 9-speed automatic and Ford worked with GM for the new 10 speed that will be shared across several models. So how and why did Christian von Koenigsegg choose to eliminate the gearbox? Engineering explained is a great channel for the theory behind everyday situations, but the simple answer is torque.Archimedes said, "Give me a lever long enough, and I will move the world". Carrol Shelby told his dealers, "Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races". The reason we have transmissions is because normal car engines don't have enough torque off idle to get the car moving. But cars with massive torque don't really need multiple gears. Jeremy Clarkson explained it by taking a Corvette Z06 by starting in 5th gear and eventually reaching the car's top speed. Dragsters operate under the same principle. The rear differential is bolted to a clutch because gears would explode at those power levels. When the engine is coupled directly to the road, it operates very efficiently and uses less fuel. This is why NASCAR racers quickly get into fourth gear and stay there. GM even programmed every six-speed car to force a first to fourth shift under light throttle, arguably the most annoying feature of my Cadillac CTS-V. Launching in a high gear in a street car will cause the engine to bog down, so Christian uses electricity to help get the Regera moving. It is time to rethink everything you know about hypercars because the future is here.Hypercars For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 14, 2017

Seven Koenigseggs Rev and Spit Flames For Fun

Not many who didn't attend the Geneva show know this, but a group of Koenigseggs took over the event. Seven of these Swedish hypercars appeared at the event, some making their way onto the showroom floor. This includes the Agera RS MR and many others. While they weren't making appearances at the show, they were driving around Geneva, putting on a show of their own.Related - New Koenigsegg Regera and Agera RS Gryphon Making an AppearanceIn a video from theswisssupercars YouTube channel, we all get the ability to see these Swedes in action. From revs and accelerations to flames, this video has it all. Click play below to see them in action.Sports Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 06, 2017

Koenigsegg Agera RS "ML" Drives Through Swiss Alps

Most supercar and hypercar owners keep their cars safe inside a garage during Winter. However, there are a few owners out there that don't let the white stuff get the best of them and take their prized possessions out any time of the year, at just about every location.Take the owner of the Koenigsegg Agera RS "ML" for example, who didn't care that the Swiss Alps were covered in snow when he took his Swedish hypercar out for a spin. TheStradman came along for the journey, recording the one-off Agera RS as it made its way up the snow-covered mountains. He even noted that the owner of the Koenigsegg installed Pirelli SottoZero winter tires before the trip in order to give it more traction.Check out the video below to see a Koenigsegg completely out of its natural habitat.Supercars For SaleBonus Video -

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