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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 Edward Jones – February 10, 2020

Ultimate Toys: Introducing A Game Changer Luxury RV

Back in 2017, serial entrepreneur, Gary Green and his son, Josh started Ultimate Toys as the solution to a problem they encountered. Green grew tired of the amount of time and cost that went into maintaining his 45' high-end luxury bus that was converted into an RV. “It was beautiful, but a real aggravation when something broke. It was always hard to find someone to make the repairs who had the knowledge and expertise to work on such complicated systems”, Green said. LEARN MORE After ten years of ownership, Green decided it was time to downsize and find something far more manageable, so he started looking for a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter with a floorplan that fit his needs. After months of research, it was clear to Green there was nothing on the market that would work for him or was of the quality that he demanded coming out of a $2,000,000 bus. Armed with his knowledge and experience in developing dozens of businesses both on a local and international level, Ultimate Toys was born. With Ultimate Toys and their new Ultimate RV, Green created a real game-changer by offering a unique design using the Mercedes Benz Sprinter. In just 2 short years, the Greens now operates one of America’s largest distributorship of custom Sprinters making their exclusive floorplans available through a national network of auto dealers and direct to consumers who want to bypass the middleman. What makes the Ultimate RV a game-changer you may ask? Until now, most Sprinter conversions have been designed purely for 2 people who want to camp – pretty much making it non-functional for any other purpose. Green’s Ultimate RV has changed that and was built with pure style and quality in mind – quickly becoming known as “Best in Class.” This multi-functional floorplan is jampacked with amenities that allow you to use it for almost any purpose imaginable - family vacations, tailgating at sporting events, and within seconds it turns into a grand limo configuration making it perfect for a night out on the town or entertaining clients. The Ultimate RV offers all the creature comforts of a traditional RV but seats up to 9 adults in pure comfort. It's easy to drive, serviceable anywhere and custom-built to the same standards as you’d expect in a luxury vehicle. Green has each Sprinter built from the ground up using hand-stitched interiors, real woodwork, and the most up-to-date electronics. As Green says, “You won’t find better quality or a more practical Sprinter on the market.” Floorplan not to scale. Best yet, unlike the others where the bathroom and galley crowd the center of the vehicle, the Ultimate RV is unique – it’s the only US-built configuration where a full bathroom is located in the back. Simply close the door at the rear of the seating area and you won’t even know it’s an RV. But, open the door and it leads to everything you’d expect in an RV. You’ll find a full galley, bathroom complete with shower, two sinks and more storage than you’ll find anywhere else. But the amenities don’t stop there. Three distinct heating/air conditioning systems add to the comfort of the Ultimate RV; ensuring a comfortable climate no matter where the road takes you. Two comfortable couches that turn into an oversized bed within seconds and wireless WIFI so you can watch your favorite movies, sports, live TV or even play video games on the Apple TV. When it comes time to relax, there’s even a power awning that opens at a push of a button with a built-in tailgating package allowing you easily to set up a large screen TV outside creating the perfect setting for tailgating or entertaining. The Ultimate RV is truly a one-of-a-kind experience not offered by anyone except Ultimate Toys. Even Better. Take advantage of Ultimate Toys RentMySprinter.com program and you may be able to own your very own Sprinter for free by renting it out only 3-4 days a month. Take advantage of the new tax laws and you’ll find the price of this incredible vehicle can cost less than most luxury SUVs. Are you looking for that perfect Sprinter that could come with its own cash flow? Twenty-four feet of pure enjoyment? If so, then look no further and seek out the Ultimate RV by Ultimate Toys. Pure and simple, it’s a game-changer. Check them out, today at UltimateToys.com LEARN MORE Presented by Ultimate Toys Ultimate Toys, one of America’s largest distributors and dealers of luxury Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, has joint-ventured with Midwest Automotive to build a selection of custom floor plans that are exclusively available through Ultimate Toys. 513-449-8422UltimateToys.com

By Edward Jones – February 05, 2020

Arkonik Debuts Restomod 6.2-Liter LS3 Defender "UJO"

Arkonik has just launched a new restomod 6.2L LS3 Defender called" UJO." This new creation is unlike anything you have seen from Arkonik, as it represents what they are capable of and where the company is going next. What's more, this is a recreation of the first Defender that the founder of Arkonik, Andy Hayes, ever purchased. Essentially, all of the best features that Arkonik's new Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) branch in Charleston, South Carolina has to offer can be found in the UJO. Arkonik UJO Haynes Museum At the heart of this SUV is a mean 6.2-liter LS3 engine, which provides all of the necessary power you would ever need. In fact, this is the most powerful vehicle that Arkonik has ever built. Other notable touches include the Stratos Blue metallic body finish with a Cream pearl roof, Bilstein suspension, Chelsea Burnt Oak autograin leather with tweed inserts, heated seats and steering wheel, Magnaflow exhaust and a lot more. To learn more about Arkonik, click the button below. VISIT ARKONIK.COM

By Andrew Nabors – January 27, 2020

Jay Leno Drives a 2020 Drako GTE

When our friend Henrik Fisker designed the first Karma Sedan, we had no idea it would last nearly a decade. From Fisker Automotive, to the VL Destino, then to Karma Automotive, this chassis has found a new home in Silicon Valley. To see if the 4th time is a charm, let's watch Jay Leno drive a 2020 Drako GTE. With four individual electric motors, they claim it is the first production car without a differential. Their co-founder Shiv Sikand says his 450-volt system powers four motors, each rated at 300 horsepower. With a combined output of 1,200 horsepower and 6,500 lb-ft of torque, it should be the fastest electric car ever built. Check Out Jay Leno's Collection The problem is, when James Watt developed the concept of horsepower, all corners (horse hooves) were linked together. Having four examples of a 300 horsepower motor does not equal 1,200 horsepower at the ground. That is why every Tesla for sale, the McLaren P1, and the Porsche Taycan all used differentials to connect the axles. Tell us what you think of Jay Leno's reaction in the comments below. Sports Cars For Sale " width="680"> Related: Drako GTE Revealed: "Most Powerful GT Car Ever Made"

By Andrew Nabors – January 20, 2020

Hennessey Venom F5 Carbon Fiber In-Detail

Planning to push the envelope of production car speed records, John Hennessey and his team are building a world-class supercar. We knew it would have some composite elements in the body, but the big automakers are now going back to the drawing board. That's because their latest upload shows the Hennessey Venom F5 carbon fiber in-detail. This work of art has been cooked in an autoclave as one piece. It has reinforcements around the pedal box and subframe mounts, and they are as refined as anything from Europe. To take on the likes of Pagani and Lamborghini, twin-turbo Chevrolet V8 will be mounted behind the cockpit. Codenamed "Fury" it will send 1,817 horsepower & 1, 193 lb-ft to the rear wheels. " width="680"> Related: Would You Drive A Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster?

By Andrew Nabors – January 10, 2020

2020 Harley-Davidson GMC to be Unveiled at Barrett-Jackso...

Presented by Tuscany Motor Co. - Webster's defines "synergy" as the combination of two or more organizations to produce something more powerful and impressive than they could do alone. The only automotive entity capable of doing this year after year has been Tuscany Motor Company. What began almost a decade ago has evolved into a dozen bespoke builds, and the latest will take your breath away. If you are heading west for the world's most prestigious collector car auction, the 2020 Harley-Davidson GMC will be unveiled at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. It will be in our booth awaiting formal reveal, just a few of the wild rides we will have on display. While we can't give you all the details just yet, here is what you need to know. Limited to 250 trucks, it will sport HD badges, a composite hood with cold-air induction, heat extractors on the fenders, and an aggressive exhaust note. Although many will opt for the 5.3L V8, the 6.2L beast is also optional. Click Here For All THe Details The tonneau cover is embossed with a massive Harley-Davidson crest, and the tailgate is unmistakable. The 22" wheels are inspired by the iconic Fat Boy, with Harley-Davidson machined in exquisite detail. Of course, we will be streaming the reveal later this month, so tell us what you think of this classy beast and stay with us for all your Tuscany Motor Co. updates. Presented by Tuscany Motor Co. Enjoy the drive. That’s our goal for every one of our customers. What began in 1988 as a small idea has grown into a company recognized and respected throughout the industry. We have the same mission today as we did when we started: design fun, expressive vehicles that make people happy. Related: Discover the Cover: Tuscany Motor Co. Trucks

By Edward Jones – January 09, 2020

Novitec N-Largo McLaren 720S Spider Announced

Novitec, the German company behind some of the most stunning aftermarket supercar creations, has just announced their new N-Largo McLaren 720S Spider variant. If the standard 720S Spider didn't provide enough aggressiveness for you, you may want to look towards the N-Largo. You have to look quickly, though, because only 15 examples are currently planned. What makes an N-Largo 720S Spider? Quite a few things. First up is the redesigned widebody exterior which has been fitted with carbon components. To go with the new bold body are 20- and 21-inch staggered Vossen wheels that fit the widebody perfectly. Like Novitec's other N-Largo creations, there's more than just visual components here. The optional product range for the 720S Spider's twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine can bring the power up to 806 horsepower and 878 lb-ft of torque. This allows the supercar to launch from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.7 seconds. Novitec is also offering high-performance exhaust that adds a new note to the V8 engine's roar. SEE ALL MCLAREN 720S SPIDERS FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – December 18, 2019

Genovation GXE Breaks World Record Again

Andrew Saul was looking for a carbon-neutral C7 Corvette for sale. After years of planning and perfecting the details, his Genovation GXE has shocked the automotive world. After setting a new electric car top speed in September, they've announced that the Genovation GXE has broken the World Record again. Since the Space Shuttle is retired, our friend Johnny Bohmer has leased the Shuttle Landing Facility and the 2.8-mile runway. Using the body & suspension of a Corvette Z06, the electric motors can be bolted to the factory 7-speed manual or the 8-speed automatic. Using a transmission keeps the engine at its optimal speed, and it allowed Johnny to reach 211.8 mph. Browse All Corvette C7 For Sale Verified by the International Mile Racing Association, Genovation is building 75 examples. Each one will have a minimum range of 175 miles, so we offer congratulations to Mr. Saul and Mr. Bohmer on this achievement. Stay with us for all your Genovation updates. " width="680"> Related: C7 Corvette Z06 Price, Specs, Photos & Review

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By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2019

Hennessey Performance Looks Back on 2019

Our friend John Hennessey and his team have much to be thankful for. Fast Fords were made faster, and they delivered the first 6x6 Chevrolet. The engine for the Venom F5 was rated at over 1,817 horsepower, and new construction doubled the size of their shop. Thousands of horsepower was delivered and a Demon was exorcised. As Hennessey Performance looks back on 2019, tell us your favorite story in the comments below and get ready for 2020! P.S. Thanks for the " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen> Related: Hennessey Maximus Screams 1,000 Horsepower on the Dyno

By Andrew Nabors – December 09, 2019

1956 American Classic is Fun For All Ages

Cities around our Nation are adding provisions for LSV or Low-Speed Vehicles. Registration is simple and they are a great alternative if you need to run errands or visit a neighbor. But nowhere in the legislation does it say they have to be boring. Mini Cars Incorporated saw an opportunity to read between the lines, and their first model is the 1956 American Classic. It is inspired by one of the most attractive American cars ever made, albeit with better build quality than the original. Sixty years of advancement in fiberglass technology have yielded a modern, vacuum-bagged body. It is an exact 2/3rd-scale replica. This includes the smallest details like the grille teeth and interior trim. Capable of 55 mph, the power can be dialed by adjusting the throttle stop on the carburetor. Under the trunk lid is a 107cc air-cooled 4-stroke, the chain-driven rear axle has better suspension than any car from 1956. The tube-frame chassis is powder-coated and gusseted to keep you safe for years. " width="680"> You will have adjustable coil-over shocks at each corner. This will allow you to corner-weight the car for you or your passengers for incredible grip. The 12-volt accessories include electric start, headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. The fuel system is gravity-fed, so you will never see a "Check Engine" light. Every car is covered by a 10-year warranty, bumper 2 bumper. View All '56 American Classics For Sale A sequential transmission can be shifted at any speed, it has 3 forward gears, neutral and reverse with an illuminated gear indicator. Downshifting into a curve offers hours of drifting fun. The pedal box is adjustable from 4' kids to 6'1" adults, so it grows along with the driver. Given the price of the original '56 Roadsters, this car is a deal at $14,995. Click the button above to view their current inventory, or order yours in time for the Holidays. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – December 05, 2019

Arkonik Are Offering $15k off Their Custom Defenders This...

Presented by Arkonik - Good things come in Land Rover shaped packages. 'Tis the season to start building your dream Defender! Whilst you're taking a well-earned break with family and friends, take some time to peruse Arkonik’s Featured Builds and find something that ignites your imagination. In true Christmas spirit, until 31st December, Arkonik are offering a $15,000 deposit contribution on all custom Land Rover Defenders. There are just 5 builds slots available so now really is the time to start your Arkonik journey. FIND OUT MORE " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> A Time for Giving Affection and pride for these rock-solid vehicles is a feeling that transcends generations. Your custom D90 or D110 will be a one-of-a-kind heirloom to enjoy with your family, and something to pass down that will be treasured forever. Defenders are not just for Christmas! They'll keep your loved ones safe every day of the year, no matter what the weather or terrain. BUILD YOUR OWN The Experts in Defender Restoration With well over 250 builds to their name, Arkonik is the world leader in creating custom Land Rover Defenders for the most exacting clients. The company mission has evolved over the last 12 years, but Arkonik’s founding principle has remained constant; to create the most authentic, restored Land Rover Defenders in the world. Defenders that are as influential and inspirational as their clients. Whether you base your Arkonik Defender on one of our many featured builds, or start with a blank canvas, their expert team is on hand to advise and help steer you towards a truly unique, hand-crafted and personalized Land Rover reflecting your personality. By carefully considering your intended use; be that an urban commute, overlanding or somewhere in between, Arkonik will ensure that your Defender is tailored to your needs. SEE MORE IMAGES Build your own Strike back at convention, create your own Arkonik Defender online today at arkonik.com or contact our Sales Team on 1-800-984-3355 or sales@arkonik.com. BUILD YOUR OWN We handle the entire process from procurement to delivery, including a comprehensive handover on your own doorstep. All backed up with the reassurance of a comprehensive warranty and a lifetime commitment to you and your Arkonik Defender. Read our FAQs section for more information. Presented by Arkonik Authenticity is at the heart of everything we do, whether it’s an urban 110 station wagon or a classic 90 soft-top, the same ground-up restoration and build ethic is applied. For any car enthusiast or luxury automotive owner, Arkonik Defenders present a rare and exciting opportunity to invest in an iconic and classic British vehicle.

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