Aftermarket

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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 29, 2016

FAB Design's VAYU GTR Coupe: Inspired by McLaren

With the McLaren MP4 12C and 650S on the brain, Swiss manufacturer, FAB Design, fashioned a super-sportcar complete with exposed carbon fiber and aerodynamic optimization.Last year, the manufacturer presented the VAYU RPR Spider at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and this year, they wanted to appeal to McLaren enthusiasts and owners. VAYU, according to a press release from FAB Design, is the "vedish god of wind, air and life." VAYU is noted for his "unrivaled speed and his peerless beauty," and is thus used as a source of inspiration for the VAYU RPR Spider.Fashioned for speed and handling, the VAYU RPR Spider employs a slew of carbon fiber parts including, "behind the windwos, on the sides, and front and rear wing," according to the press release. The supercar also focuses on downforce optimization, which also translated into visual aesthetics in the form of all-new fenders and rear bumper.The price for the vehicle has not been released to the public. Check out the photos of the VAYU RPR Spider below.McLarens For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 16, 2016

RENNtech AMG GT-S: Next Level of Performance

The Mercedes GT-S is the second Mercedes-Benz vehicle fully developed by AMG, the company’s Affalterbach based performance division and long fabled engine builder. The resulting vehicle is nothing short of spectacular and the 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine within is an incredible platform to build performance upon. RENNtech company founder, Hartmut Feyhl, is no stranger to AMG performance - having worked at their Headquarters in Germany for over 10 years and served as North American Technical Director for AMG before he branched out on his own. Feyhl and the team at RENNtech took to the challenge of making one of AMG’s best even better by developing a new tuning suite specifically for the GT-S within their R-Performance tuning line.RENNtech’s GT-S R-Performance line begins on the software side, having developed an original engine management tune which increases performance across the entire RPM range. The R1 package couples the tuning software with performance air-filters and high flow, 200 cell sport catalytic down pipes, increasing performance by an additional 75 hp and 125 Lb/Ft over stock.Taking performance to the next level, RENNtech shifted their focus to the twin turbos on AMG’s 4.0L V8 BiTurbo engine. Countless hours of development and real world testing were performed at both, the US and German Headquarters. This includes several test sessions on the world’s most demanding race circuit, the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. The result lead to a set of upgraded turbochargers featuring lightweight billet compressor wheels and larger impellers. RENNtech’s performance turbochargers bring race track proven performance to the streets, without sacrificing any reliability or daily driver comfort.Ensuring all the power from RENNtech’s performance upgrades is transmitted to the road, RENNtech developed a suspension kit which allows full ride height adjustability and maximum lowering of 1.5 inches. Within the RENNtech Super-Light Wheel Series, they developed an all-new 3-piece forged variation, specifically for the GT-S. Their Super-Light Series is available in three distinct designs, the 10-spoke, 10.2-spoke and 15-spoke wheel.RENNtech’s aerodynamic components unveiled at the 2016 SEMA Show in Las Vegas include full carbon fiber front splitter, side rocker panels, rear diffuser and adjustable DTM-Style Wing. The aerodynamic upgrades give the GT-S’s exterior a seriously aggressive aesthetic, perfectly complementing the performance upgrades. These all-around enhancements transform the GT-S into a true standout, which sets RENNtech’s product line-up above the competition.RENNtech’ next in-house project objective is to bring the GT-S to over 850HP. For more information on their line of performance products for the GT-S, contact a member of RENNtech’s sales team, visit their website at www.RENNtechmercedes.com or click the button below.Learn More

By Edward Jones – February 12, 2016

Sprinter Extreme Concept by RENNtech is the Ultimate Work...

Our friends at RENNtech have created a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter unlike any other. The Sprinter Extreme Concept, unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, is a massive truck built around the Sprinter Cab Chassis. This concept measures in at over 20-feet from front to back and over 95-inches tall, making it one monster of a concept. The Sprinter Extreme Concept also has monstrous capabilities with a payload capacity of 6,400 lbs and a towing capacity of 7,500 lbs. On top of the already impressive means, RENNtech has added a custom roof rack, brush guard, winch suspension lift package, custom rear fenders and an aesthetic overhaul to its exterior. If you happen to be in Chicago this weekend, be sure to stop by the auto show to check out RENNtech's latest piece of automotive art. Mercedes-Benz Sprinters For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 11, 2016

Terradyne GURKHA RPV Stuns Crowd at Barrett-Jackson

Terradyne recently attended Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale with a GURKHA RPV Civilian Edition on display in the duPont REGISTRY booth. The RPV was among numerous luxury and exotic vehicles that stunned passers-by.The look of excitement and awe by kids and adults alike radiated for miles as they walked the aisles and drooled over the works of automotive excellence.The one vehicle that stood out of the crowd was the RPV. Standing at 98” tall, the RPV stopped enthusiasts in their tracks as they glanced over at this beast of a vehicle, saying “what is this thing?”The GURKHA RPV Civilian Edition is a massive hand-built vehicle that is street legal and built around the customer's specifications. Only 12 of these monsters will be built in 2016, each one special in its own right. They weigh in at 13,000 lbs, but perform like the sports car of vehicles in its weight range. This is thanks to the OEM drive train geometry and heavy duty suspension that's tuned to manage the weight of the vehicle. This allows the RPV to handle responsively and offer up impressive turning capabilities.Over the past several years the GURKHA has become well known and quite popular in car culture. With appearances in various Hollywood films, to being stationed in attractions at theme parks; the GURKHA has even been imitated by several companies.Make no mistake, there is only one GURKHA and Terradyne will continue to raise the bar in its current automotive segment and class.Learn More duPont REGISTRY

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By Steve Chapman Jr – February 08, 2016

700 hp Supercharged 2016 Shelby F150 at Ford of Murfreesboro

If you want to talk Ford Truck's power and performance, Ford of Murfreesboro is the dealership for you. These guys pride themselves in selling the meanest Fords on the market. Whether you're looking for a Mustang or F-350, they've got you covered. Ford Shelby F-150 For Sale Sure, you can buy your standard F-150, or you can take it to a whole new level and special order this 2016 Shelby F150 that's packing 700 HP under the hood from Ford of Murfreesboro. We could go on and on about how sick this truck is, or you can check out this awesome video by Ford Of Murfreesboro and learn everything and more about the 2016 Shelby F150! View Dealer Inventory

By Edward Jones – February 04, 2016

Mean and Green: Fab Fours KRYPTON Truck

Our friends at Fab Fours know how to create the most insane looking vehicles that roam Earth's surface. Take the Legend 2.Woah, a Jeep turned punk rocker rock climber. Most recently, they've introduced a new project vehicle into the world: KRYPTON.Based around a 2015 Ford Super Duty F-350, KRYPTON looks like a monster truck that you could safely drive to the grocery store without the unnecessary wheel and height dimensions. Giving KRYPTON its extreme appearance is the Avery Dennison brushed metallic black wrap and a list of fabrications created by Fab Fours themselves.KRYPTON's Exterior Features: Fab Fours Custom Grill/ Bumper (Grumper) Fab Fours Custom Visor Fab Fours Custom Exhaust Tip Fab Fours Custom Fenders Fab Fours Vengeance Series Rear Bumper Fab Fours Headache Rack w/ Modified Fab Fours Side Steps Innovation and taking risks is part of what attracts people to Fab Fours. Sure, this truck will not be for everyone, but there is one universal truth to it: Different. While Fab Fours is not known for vehicle builds, we have been on an amazing growth trajectory, which has provided resources to start expanding our offerings. A radical vehicle like KRYPTON is an opportunity to test some concepts and feedback from the public. If you are looking for ‘more of the same’ you have come to the wrong place, if you are intrigued by a glimpse of the future… Welcome to where it begins! - Greg Higgs (owner/creator)Supplying the KRYPTON height are the Motor Metal M0962 22"x14" wheels, shod in Toyo Tires' Open Country MT 40"x15.50"x22". In fact, the suspension on this truck is entirely stock.What you see in KRYPTON is Fab Fours' ability to create custom fabrications for your vehicle. Instead of driving a stock truck, you could install a few Fab Fours components to spice it up, or go all out and have a project vehicle of your own. With their custom products, you can create the truck of your dreams.For more information, be sure to visit FabFours.com or click the button below.Learn More duPont REGISTRY Autos

By Edward Jones – January 29, 2016

Mercedes and Airstream: A Collaboration of Two Iconic Brands

The Airstream Interstate is the result of collaboration between two of the world’s most iconic brands. Mercedes and Airstream have built their reputations designing, developing and introducing industry-leading products. Groundbreaking products. Mercedes and Airstream have so consistently built quality, luxurious vehicles that their company names alone elicit anticipation for products that don’t simply meet expectations, but instead, shatter them.Interior200-plus years of collective dedication to excellence and innovation have been poured into the Airstream Interstate. It stands to reason, therefore, that the Airstream Interstate is only Class B diesel motorhome that has been welcomed officially into the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA). With its 50 best-in-class features, the Airstream Interstate’s unparalleled styling and performance creates the kind of driving and lifestyle experience that discerning MBCA members not only understand, but also demand.ExteriorWhether the Airstream Interstate is used for a getaway in California’s Wine Country, a meandering drive up the Atlantic Coast, or a long weekend on Southern beaches, the experience will be unlike any other in its Class. Realistically, it will be unlike any other, period. The Airstream Interstate nameplate perhaps says more about the people in it than it does about the product itself.Think about Shelby and Mustang: Two iconic brands collaborating in the spirit of developing something extra special. That’s Mercedes + Airstream and the Airstream Interstate. Ultimately, when giants work together it’s the selective consumer that wins.To learn more, visit Airstream.com or click the button below.Learn more

By Edward Jones – January 29, 2016

Johnny Bohmer Racing to Break 300 MPH in Street Legal BADDGT

Last year, Johnny Bohmer of Johnny Bohmer Racing (JBR) took to NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility in his street-legal BADDGT, a customized Ford GT, to hit 290 mph in preparation for his inevitable 300 mph run this year. Unfortunately due to 25 mph cross winds, he wasn't able to hit his mark. However, he was able to go over 250 mph with a passenger in his BADDGT, which could be a new world record. “I believe this is surely a first for the automotive community, and a new world record,” Bohmer Said.Now, in 2016, Bohmer is looking to break his previous Guinness World Record for the Fastest Street Car in the Standing Mile made in 2012. How is he doing that? By completing his 300 mph run.To get the world ready for his run, JBR uploaded a teaser video to YouTube, shown below. Be sure to check back in as he makes progress towards 300 mph.Ford GTs For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 12, 2016

Terradyne Armored Vehicles: Taking Armored SUVs to the Ne...

Adopted from a class of purpose-built tactical vehicles, the RPV Civilian Edition by Terradyne Armored Vehicles raises the bar for a select few who want to drive an ultimate vehicle that nobody else has. With a limited production run of 12 vehicles per year, the civilian variant is offered exclusively as an end-user specific hand built vehicle.With a 50/50 weight distribution at both axles, the 13,000 pound RPV performs like the sports car of behemoth trucks. Combined with the retained OEM drive train geometry and heavy duty suspension tuned to manage the curb weight, the RPV handles responsively and offers impressive turning capability.An optional towing package is available should you want to haul your ATV’s or boat for a leisurely weekend excursion. An off-road package, which includes a front winch, diff lock and high-intensity LED light bars, is tailored for those who prefer unpaved roads and suburban adventure. Fire suppression systems and breathing air systems are a couple of the upgrades available in the VIP package.For those who like it plain, the base model is well equipped and can manage anything thrown at it during daily commute. Standard features include remote keyless entry, reverse camera and sensors, GPS Navi, 41-inch wheels with bead locks and, yes, cup holders.To learn more, be sure to visit TerradyneInc.com or click the button below.Learn More

By Edward Jones – December 18, 2015

Twin-Turbo Lamborghini Aventador Hits 217 MPH in Half-Mile

The half-mile racing events found around the world bring in some of the most powerful cars, especially twin-turbocharged exotic cars. At a recent half-mile event in Maricopa, Arizona, a twin-turbo Lamborghini Aventador showed up to compete and laid down some impressive numbers.RemRob was on hand at the event to film the car's run. According to his YouTube video, this car "comes with a completely built race spec short block including billet connecting rods, custom CP race pistons...custom clutch, billet flywheel, billet axles, front and rear billet differentials."The video's description also notes that this is the first twin-turbo Aventador to "compete in any kind of event." And, for reaching 217 mph, it's not a bad start for the car. Check out the video below.Aventadors For Sale (Source: YouTube)

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