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 Edward Jones – May 29, 2019

BRABUS 800 Revealed: Supercar Based on the Mercedes-AMG G...

BRABUS, known for refining Mercedes-Benz vehicles, is back with their take on the AMG GT 63 S. Introducing the new BRABUS 800. Under the hood of this monster is a four-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that pumps out an additional 158 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque. That means the new BRABUS 800 has an output of 789 hp and 737 lb-ft. When fully pushed, this monster will run 0 to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds. The added power comes from the BRABUS PowerXtra B40S-800 performance upgrade, which includes modifies the car's computer and upgrades existing components. Two new turbochargers with a larger compressor unit and modified core assembly. BRABUS also equipped the new 800 with new exterior pieces that make it more alluring than before. New components can be found all around the car, including the front, where a new front fascia introduces large air intakes and a front spoiler. BRABUS also specially designed wheels for this car, which they say "emphasize the wedge shape of the four-door coupe." They measure in at 21-inches in the front and 22-inches in the rear. Being BRABUS, the exterior can also be completely refined in just about every way possible. Those interested can either order the BRABUS 800 as a complete car or have their Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ converted. See All Mercedes-Benz For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 27, 2019

BRABUS 900 Mercedes-Maybach S650 Heading to Geneva

We were sad to learn that Mercedes-AMG is sending the S65 sedan into retirement. It makes sense when you compare the AMG sedan to the Maybach S650. The former has been around for a few years, and it was in a strange spot compared to the upper-class sibling. It seems as if their most luxurious model isn't going anywhere, so we're glad to see a BRABUS 900 Mercedes-Maybach S650 heading to Geneva. Constantin Buschmann is following in the footsteps of his late father. Their shared passion for performance and perfection is clearly evident in this new model. The Maybach S650 arrives with a twin-turbo V12 making 621 horsepower and only 738 lb-ft of torque. While it is adequate considering the curb weight of 5,296 lbs, BRABUS was unimpressed. Brabus 700 4x4 Squared "One of ten" Final Editions Their improvements to the intake, turbos, tuning, and exhaust have yielded 900 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque. Tell your driver to pass the Aventador if you are late for a meeting, this big sedan will blow the doors off of many supercars. Stay with us for all your BRABUS updates. Shop Mercedes-Maybach Brabus 900 Related: Brabus 700 Widestar: Wicked Details

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2018

Brabus Unveils 700 4x4² "one of ten" Final Edition

Everyone is in love with the new G-Class because it is the first full redesign since 1977. But we will certainly miss the Brabus Mercedes-AMG 4x4², as the factory has announced it will not transition on to the new 2019 chassis. That's because the suspension and portal-axles are unlike any other production vehicle. Collectors are fighting to get their hands on the last examples, but Brabus beat everyone to the punch. They have acquired the last 10 examples from AMG, and each one is getting every upgrade imaginable. The Brabus 700 4x4² "one of ten" Final Edition is the last we'll see of the legendary 5.5-liter twin turbo V8. It has a lineage going back several decades before it was replaced by the 2019 reverse-flow turbo designs. Top 10 Fastest 1/4 Mile Cars Our late friend Bodo Buschman and his team learned how to squeeze the block to its limits, so it offers 700 horsepower and 708 lb-ft of torque. It will have you at 62 mph in 5 seconds with a top speed limited to 130 to save the all-terrain tires. The new Brabus suspension includes dual coil overs with 15% more oil capacity than the stock units. They offer active dampening and are controlled by Brabus' proprietary touch control panel. You can adjust ride-height on-the-fly for over 2 feet of ground clearance! A hand-sewn black & brown leather is accessed by powered running boards. Buyers can choose from carbon fiber or noble wood trim for the ultimate in luxury. The upgraded turbos generate more heat, so Brabus covers the hood and firewall in 24k gold, the best heat reflector ever made. These ten SUVs are the last 4x4², so click the link below to find a Brabus dealer near you. View Brabus 4x4 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Brabus A-Class Is A Compact Sledgehammer Sedan Brabus 700 Widestar: Wicked Details

By Andrew Nabors – November 06, 2018

Brabus 700 Widestar: Wicked Details

If you are in the market for a luxury SUV, Monaco is the setting for Brabus' latest masterpiece. Underneath all the carbon fiber and quilted leather is the solid foundation of a Mercedes-AMG G63. Aside from being over a foot wider than a normal Geländewagen, it incorporates proprietary tuning for unprecedented power. Starting with the AMG 4.0-liter V8, the turbos deliver more boost to push the performance figures into the Stratosphere. The press release says your 700 Widestar will offer 700 horsepower and 701 lb-ft of torque. Speaking of that stump-pulling torque, it arrives at only 2,500 rpm. This will launch you to 62 mph in 4.3 seconds, spinning all four tires. Your choice of 305/35/ R 23 tires comes from Continental, Pirelli, or Yokohama, depending on your national allegiances. They arrive on Brabus 'Platinum Edition' one-piece forged 23"x 11" wheels. Of course they are an option, and you can opt for 20" or 22" versions also. Other exterior upgrades are the carbon fiber LED pods atop the windshield, and a rear spoiler to keep you stable at 149 mph. The top speed is limited to protect the 4WD tires, because they don't like supercar speeds. The flared fenders incorporate LED turn signals, and they make no apologies for their aggressive looks. Click the link below to view our lineup of Brabus vehicles for sale, and their staff will be happy to give you all the details of their latest model. Stay with us for all your Brabus updates. " width="680"> Related: View All Brabus For Sale Brabus G500 Is Too Fast For You Brabus 125R: The Pocket Rocket

By Andrew Nabors – September 26, 2018

Brabus 700 Widestar Unveiled at Monaco Yacht Show

Life is too short to drive anything slow. You might not associate SUVs with supercar performance, but the latest from Brabus will change your mind. When Mercedes unveiled the new G-Class, the aftermarket jumped at the opportunity to unlock more power. But Brabus' engineers took a little longer to make sure their offerings were the best. So in a press release, we saw the first glimpses of their 700 Widestar. BRABUS Tunes the Mercedes G500 to 500 Horsepower Using the G63 AMG as a potent starting point, they unleash a host of upgrades. Both in aesthetics and in power, how would you like 700 horsepower and the world's finest leather? The process begins by uploading their proprietary software. This allows the turbos and wastegates to reach their full potential. You will also have 701 lb-ft of torque from 2,500 to 3,500 rpm. This allows it to reach 62 mph in 4.3 seconds, with a top speed limited to 149 mph. This isn't because of aerodynamics or power, it is limited to keep the heavy-duty axles and running gear from approaching their critical speed.The carbon and composite body panels are styled to accent the 23" Brabus forged monoblock wheels. Let that sink in.. each wheel starts a solid block before burning up a few thousand dollars in CNC tooling. The time to make each one allows it to be a work of art. If you need the ultimate in power, they offer the same upgrades to the C, E, and S Class models. Click the link below for more info and stay with us for all your Brabus updates.Click Here To Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – August 14, 2018

BRABUS Tunes the Mercedes G500 to 500 Horsepower

If your new Mercedes-Benz G500 doesn't stand out from the crowd, our friends at BRABUS have cooked up something spicy. This model year marks the introduction of the second generation of Mercedes-Benz G-Class. The new Geländewagen is the first total redesign since 1979, so it has been long overdue. A new body and chassis also demand new power, but so far the factory has only offered two versions of the 4.0-liter twin turbo V8.Much like everyone these days, it is easier to detune a powerful engine than to offer several engine choices. BRABUS realized this when tuning the 4.0 found in other Mercedes & AMG models. So, by applying their unique resources to the factory computer of the G500, they have introduced the B40-500 PowerXtra Performance Upgrade. A plug & play tuner recalibrates the turbos and timing to make 500 horsepower and 524 lb-ft of torque. You will reach 62 mph in 5.7 seconds, as your new 23" x 11" forged Platinum Edition wheels struggle to keep up. Your top speed is limited to 130, which is fast enough when going offroad. Click the link below to see what BRABUS has to offer and stay with us for all your aftermarket news.Browse BRABUS For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 14, 2018

BRABUS Builds A Mean Mercedes X-Class Truck

If you have been abroad recently, you might have seen the latest pickup from Mercedes-Benz. The X Class is a nimble & efficient truck, but since it is built for a world market the styling leaves room for improvement. Starting where the rubber meets the road, new 20" wheels are a forged one-piece design. They arrive wrapped in 285/45 tires for increased traction and lighter weight.For the oil-burning enthusiasts, the diesel X250d, the BRABUS PowerXtra upgrade. It offers 21 more horsepower and 42 additional lb-ft of torque. In the styling department, they really beefed up the looks all around. From a new front bumper with LED fog lights to roof module with integrated LED driving lights, you will have a clear view of the road ahead. The rear view is improved by a quad-tip sports exhaust that doesn't interfere with the receiver hitch. Click the link below to see what Brabus can do to your G Class and stay with us for all your Brabus updates.Browse Brabus G Wagens For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 04, 2018

Go Anywhere in the BRABUS 550 ADVENTURE 4x4²

Bodo Buschmann, the founder of BRABUS has just recently passed away. He started BRABUS in a small garage with the goal of transforming production cars and trucks into powerhouses. Nothing was too sacred to leave in stock form, not even the rarest Mercedes-AMG models. In keeping with his love for power and performance, the 550 Adventure 4x4² is ready for any situation. As one of the final builds he was able to oversee, no expense was spared in design or execution. Starting with the already potent G550 4x4², the transformation begins with forged 18" one-piece wheels. Thanks to careful engineering, each wheel only weighs 33.9 lbs, with the combined wheel/tire package saving 33 lbs at each corner. These are wrapped in 37"x12.50" rubber, and you can choose between street-friendly or mud-slinging tread patterns. The real secret sauce is in the suspension. Mercedes-AMG shocked the world by using portal axles under the G Wagen. Sure they have decent shocks, but you have to climb under to make adjustments. This is where the BRABUS Touchpad Controller comes in. The BRABUS suspension is not only adjustable from inside, you can control front and rear axles independently. This is something never offered in production or in the aftermarket, and it is just one of the ways BRABUS stays at the cutting edge. The controller also integrates auxiliary lighting.Two carbon fiber fairings on the front house several high output LEDs, and the rear corners of the roof have power-adjustable searchlights. Headlights and taillights are protected by welded wire mesh, and every piece of chrome has been backed out. An instant blackout is proved by one button that kills all interior and exterior lights. Snorkels of carbon fiber rise along the A-pillars, increasing the water fording depth to new levels. Of course, all of these upgrades would be worthless without more power, so the stock turbos had to go. In their place are bigger units with more robust bearings. The BRABUS 550 Adventure 4x4² arrives with 128 additional horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque. A total of 543 hp and 590 lb-ft will be at your command, with full torque between 2,500 and 4,750 rpm. You will be at 62 mph in 6.7 seconds, not bad for a 3-ton body-on-frame SUV. Everything is backed by the BRABUS 3 year/62,000 mile warranty and the components are also available separately. We think Mr. Buschmann would be proud of his son Constantin and all of his employees who build the best upgrades in the aftermarket. Click the link below for more details and stay with us for all your BRABUS updates.

By Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2018

BRABUS Founder Bodo Buschmann Has Passed Away

It is with a heavy heart that we have learned our friend and client Bodo Buschmann has passed away. An inspiration to many, his cars have been a fixture in our magazine since day one. BRABUS is a combination of his last name along with the other co-founder, his friend Klaus Brackman. Bodo's visions for performance and styling were too extreme for Klaus, and he sold his half of the company to his partner for the equivalent of 100 euros.What began in a small garage in 1977 has become a powerhouse in the aftermarket world. Something about the way he could see a finished product before the project began, it is a sign of a true artist. That is why Brabus expanded into high-end boat customization, BRABUS Aviation for private jets, and STARTECH for the ultimate Jaguar/Land Rover parts. The big manufacturers realized how well BRABUS cars were assembled, so BRABUS CRD (Car Research & Development) was established for OEM projects.His obituary is a tough way to start the weekend, but we take solace in knowing he genuinely loved what he did. His son Constantin, formerly the Chief Marketing Officer, is now in charge. Our deepest condolences to him and the Buschmann family. If you happen to own any of his creations, share your love of his builds in the comments below.Bodo Buschmann August 27, 1955 – April 26, 2018Goodbye Herr Buschmann

By Andrew Nabors – March 28, 2018

BRABUS Unveils The 2018 E700

If you demand the best out of everything in life, BRABUS has something you will enjoy. Their latest E700 is the first 2018 example in the US. Sparing no expense, it started life as a Mercedes-AMG E63 S Edition 1.Wasting no time, they upgraded almost every piece of trim. The iconic B logo can be found on the illuminated grille badge, leather floor mats, and even in a 3D form on the Distronic shield. Their stainless steel dual-mode exhaust outflows the factory system, to handle more boost. The turbos and wastegates are upgraded to make 700 horsepower, and the transmission is recalibrated for more aggressive shifting.List Your Exotic Car For SaleA full carbon fiber kit consists of front and rear spoilers, a rear diffuser, rocker panels and more. The monoblock forged wheels look great with the optional 0.6" lowering kit. As with all BRABUS cars, it is 50-state legal and backed by a warranty. Click the link below for all the details.Buy One Now

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