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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 – November 04, 2022

Watch And Listen To The 5 Best Sounding Cars On The Nürbu...

If there’s any place for a car to make unabashed noise, this is it. There’s no place like the Nürburgring, and the challenge that the famed track provides to drivers and cars alike makes it a place of pilgrimage for everyone in the automotive world. What that means is that some of the greatest cars ever made take on the track, and with that comes the incredible sound of some unique and beautiful engines. YouTuber Auto Addiction has captured lots of Nürburgring action over the years and has compiled the top 5 best-sounding cars on the hallowed track. 5. Porsche 919 Hybrid The Porsche 919 Hybrid is an incredible race car, which holds the current lap record on the Nürburgring with an incredible time of under 5 minutes and 20 seconds. With a turbocharged 2.0-liter V4 engine and a hybrid system for four-wheel drive, it revs to an incredible 9,000 rpm and zips by making plenty of noise and dumbfounding whoever has the privilege of witnessing it in action with its incredible 1,160 horsepower. Porsche For Sale 4. Chevrolet Corvette C8 Z06 The engine note of this Corvette is like none you’ve ever heard before. The mid-mounted V8 engine in the latest Z06 Corvette was given a unique and somewhat European-sounding exhaust note, which is an incredibly sharp contrast to the typical brash American V8 sound we are used to hearing from Chevrolet’s performance hero. However, the sound is absolutely amazing, and now that we’re hearing it in action, the change is quite welcome. Corvette Z06 For Sale 3. Porsche 992 911 GT3/GT3 RS The boxer-6 engine has been one of the hallmarks of the legendary Porsche 911, and it’s in the GT3 model where the engine is the most celebrated. Left naturally aspirated but brought up to an incredible 502 horsepower in the GT3, and 518 in the GT3 RS, the unique six-cylinder sound is loud and proud, and its note leaves a lasting impression as the car expertly carves through the ‘Ring’s tricky twists. Porsche 911 GT3 RS For Sale 2. Lamborghini Huracan STO Most car enthusiasts will tell you that there’s no engine quite like a V10. While it’s one of the rarest engine types, just about every performance car that sports one is notable and well-appreciated in the car community, especially for its sound. With the Gallardo before and the Huracan now, Lamborghini has proudly championed the V10, and the Lamborghini Huracan STO is the most track-focused and uninhibited iteration of the model. With increased power and little reason to be subdued, the loud V10 note is simply irresistible. Lamborghini Huracan STO For Sale 1. Ferrari FXX-K Evo Based on the legendary LaFerrari, the Ferrari FXX-K K Evo uses an incredible 6.3-liter V12 engine as well as a KERS electric motor to produce a total of 1.036 horsepower. The incredible track-only hybrid hypercar is certainly worthy of the “hypercar” designation, and while it doesn’t need to prove anything, the otherworldly sound of the V12 engine certainly helps make that clear. Hearing the car go all-out on the Nürburgring is unforgettable music to any car enthusiast’s ears. Ferrari For Sale Source: YouTube/Auto Addiction

By Edward Jones – June 28, 2022

McMurtry Blows Away Competition at Goodwood Hillclimb

You've never seen a quick this quick before. McMurtry's Spéirling Prototype is an absolutely incredible piece of machinery that has proven itself during the Goodwood Hillclimb. This smaller, single-seater, electric vehicle is capable of zipping around a track like nothing you've seen before. And the video up above of the top 10 fastest Goodwood Hillclimbs from 2022 proves it. When you get to the fastest of the bunch, you'll see the McMurtry Spéirling fly across your screen thanks to Max Chilton, the driver behind the wheel. When it crosses the finish line, you'll have seen a new Hillclimb record beating out both official and unofficial records. To give you an idea, in numbers, of how quick the Spéirling is, all you need to know is that it can run from 0 to 60 mph in 1.5 seconds. That is absolutely absurd. This is all thanks to the electric power, 2000kg of downforce, and very lightweight. Click play up above to see it for yourself. And to learn more, definitely head over to McMurtry.com for more info. Source: McMurtry Automotive

By Edward Jones – December 28, 2021

Insane Barn Find Leads to Discovery of Massive Car Collec...

And the trespassing teens videotaped their entire finding. A group of teenagers in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil just made a massive automotive discovery and it looks like it was all by chance. The group broke into an old building only to discover a barn find that was actually a massive collection of classic cars that look as though they had been sitting, ignored for decades. According to Motor1, the vehicles belonged to a collector who kept them in a private museum. The museum consisted of the cars, a technical library, parts for the cars, a collection of gas pumps, and its own recreated coffee shop. Motor1 goes on to note that the private museum was once visited by collectors and friends of the owner, but they ultimately decided to lock it up. The heirs of the collection were twins, with one wanting to keep the collection together and the other preferring to sell it all. The teens who discovered the collection recorded their discovery of the collection and uploaded it to WhatsApp. Eventually, police got wind of the collection and contacted the kids' parents as well as the owners. Since the discovery, the owners have moved some of the cars and even washed the Fiat 124 Sport Coupe so it could be placed for sale. Other cars discovered included a Citroën DS, Renault Dauphine, Austin A90 Atlantic coupe, Chrysler Airflow, Standard Vanguard, Ford Consul, Morris Oxford, Hudson Hornet, and so many others. You can watch the discovery for yourself via the video below. Source: Motor1

By Edward Jones – December 22, 2021

Casey Putsch Test Drives the $3.4 Million W Motors Lykan ...

A chance to drive the famous hypercar from Dubai. Casey Putsch is very familiar with the W Motor Lykan Hypersport. In fact, he and Genius Garage took the stunt car used in the "Fast and Furious" movie and completely rebuilt it. During his time building the car, Putsch actually built a relationship with W Motor and this ultimately led to him being invited to their headquarters in Dubai. Well, his trip has finally happened and he's told the entire story on VINwiki's YouTube Channel. In the video, found up above, Putsch tells the story from start to finish and it's truly a unique experience. From being able to visit the headquarters, meet the team and drive the Lykan Hypersport through Dubai, it sounds like it was an absolutely unforgettable time. Click play up above to hear the story for yourself. Down below is also Putsch's own video of the experience on his YouTube Channel. Be sure to subscribe to his channel for even more incredible videos from his trip to Dubai. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 12, 2021

BAC Mono Beats LaFerrari's Lap Record Around Red Bull Ring

By almost six seconds. The BAC Mono R, a limited edition supercar, has just set the production car lap record at the Red Bull Ring in Austria. Adam Christodoulou was the driver behind the feat who managed a lap time of just 1:32.96, beating out Hubert Haupt's time of 1:38.95 in a Ferrari LaFerrari. What's more, this took place during the Pirelli P Zero Experience, meaning there was a crowd on hand to enjoy the record-breaking lap. During Christodoulou's lap, he managed an insane average speed of 122 mph which is downright crazy. The next stop for the BAC Mono R is the P Zero Experience Germany at Hockenheim on October 14. Maybe we'll see another record-breaking lap! View BAC Monos For Sale Source: BAC Mono

By Edward Jones – September 03, 2021

F1 Car Races Superbike and Porsche 911 Turbo S

A drag race you'll probably never see again. What we have here is a race between three vehicles that you've never seen on a drag strip together. The racers include a Formula 1 car, BMW M 1000 RR and Porsche 911 Turbo S. These three vehicles are so incredibly different but are also powerhouses in their own respects. First up is the Porsche 911 Turbo S, a 640 horsepower sports car that weighs 3,615 lbs. Next is the BMW M 1000 RR, a 999cc superbike with 212 hp and a weight of just 423 lbs. Last, but not least, is the Formula 1 Car. This race car's engine pumps out 750 hp and its weight comes in at 1,433 lbs. As you can see, each of these vehicles is completely different, but excel in different manners. Check out the race up above from CarWow. All Porsche 911 Turbos For Sale

By Edward Jones – August 23, 2021

Miller Motorcars' Monterey Car Week 2021 Highlights

There were a lot of happenings during Monterey Car Week 2021 that it was almost impossible to see it all. Trust us, there was a lot to see. To break it all down, Miller Motorcars has uploaded a video of their highlights from the exciting week. You can view the video up above to see it for yourself. From the new Bugatti Bolide and Aston Martin Valkyrie Spider to the Concept Lawn, you can view it all. It's most definitely worth the watch if you'd like an idea of just how incredible Monterey Car Week really is. View Miller Motorcars' Inventory

By Edward Jones – July 12, 2021

See Vanderhall's All-Electric Brawley Undergo Epic Testing

Blasting through the desert without a sound. The new all-electric Vanderhall Brawley looks like too much fun and I mean that. It seats four adults, looks beautiful (interior and exterior), is ready for extreme off-roading and the Brawley GTS packs a whopping 400 horsepower and 480 lb-ft of torque. All of that combines for a magnificent off-roader that's quiet, powerful, and capable. Vanderhall recently uploaded a video of the Brawley ripping through the desert while it underwent durability testing. If you had any doubts about the Brawley's ability to off-road, which I can't imagine why you would, this video will put those thoughts to rest. If you'd like to learn more about the Vanderhall Brawley, be sure to click the button below. Visit VanderhallUSA.com

By Andrew Nabors – April 21, 2021

Inside An Incredible Collection At IKONICK Miami

Mike Supercars TopSpeed is at it again We've seen his handiwork filming the wildest cars in South Florida, and now Mike takes us behind the scenes at an incredible collection of artwork and cars at IKONICK Motors Miami. Words can't do justice to this because every supercar and classic is included. That means a Porsche GT3 RS of every color alongside a dozen 918 Spyders. A full lineup of Panteras, Koenigseggs, Bugattis, and more are surrounded by large sculptures and metalwork. A big thanks to Mike and Brett David (Prestige Imports) for making this possible, so click the button to find your next daily driver. Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 06, 2021

Caterham Cars Purchased by Japanese Motorsports Group

Small, nimble & fast machines have a new home! Time travel has yet to be invented, but we have a way you can buy a 21st-century version of the iconic Lotus 7. In order to breathe new life into these purpose-built machines, Caterham Cars have been purchased by a Japanese motorsports consortium. The Caterham 7 is a modern interpretation of Colin Chapman's classic. Because VT Holdings is already busy importing Lotus and Royal Enfield to the Far East, this is a great decision to streamline their operations and retaining the Caterham Academy. CEO Kazuho Takahashi says: "VT Holdings is proud to welcome Caterham to the group. We have not only purchased a globally renowned performance car manufacturer but become custodians of a motoring legend. We will protect and develop the Seven to meet the legislative challenges that lie ahead.” This is great news to all enthusiasts, as Japanese innovation always seems to bring out the best in sports cars. Sports Cars For Sale Image (C) VT Holdings

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