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 Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2021

Brabus 92R is Your New Urban Supercar

Unlocking incredible power and handling is what they've been doing for three decades, and that is why the Brabus 92R is your new urban supercar. Based on the Smart EQ ForTwo Cabrio, it offers 92 horsepower and a top speed of 80 mph. Starting with the Brabus Design Pack, you will be treated to new front and rear bumpers, rocker panels, and a functional rear splitter. This limited run of 50 cars will arrive on forged Brabus monoblock wheels and loaded with quilted leather. A range of 77 miles makes it a perfect daily driver, so click the button to see what Brabus has to offer. Browse BRABUS For Sale Images (C) Brabus

By Edward Jones – March 22, 2021

Customize the Sprinter of Your Dreams With Westwind Coach...

Presented by Westwind Coachworks, LLC - Experience Matters…. Westwind Coachworks, LLC has been in the transportation industry for 43 Years. Jim Bolinger, the Owner of Westwind Coachworks, LLC bought his first limousine for only $700 as a hobby. What started as Westwind Limousine in 1978, now is Westwind Coachworks, when Jim Bolinger went from Operator to Dealer to Manufacturer. Forty-three years later, Westwind Coachworks is the longest standing dealer, distributor, and manufacturer in the history of the transportation industry selling over 10,000 vehicles. Visit WestwindCoachworks.com Westwind Coachworks, one of the few Mercedes Benz Certified Master Upfitters, has a history of professional service and dedication. The Master Upfitter Status allows customers to reap the benefits of Westwind Coachworks’ expertise and commitment in building Certified vehicles with the highest safety, quality, luxury, and up-to-date technology. The Mercedes Benz Certified Master Upfitter status also allows Westwind Coachworks the ability to offer a 3 year/100K mile warranty on the custom upfit conversion. You cannot find this kind of extended service from any other certified Mercedes Benz Master Upfitter in the industry. Westwind Coachworks’ experience matters…. standing by our quality products to ensure customer satisfaction. Westwind Coachworks Design team has the experience to guide you, the customer, on creating your personalized Sprinter through each step of the building process. Your Sprinter customization options include multi-functional layouts, materials, color schemes, even down to the stitching of every hand-crafted piece. Whether your personal needs are luxury, business, travel, paratransit, or daily family activities Westwind Coachworks has a unique one-of-a-kind model created for you by YOU. The sky is the limit. Create unique custom-built interior that matches your lifestyle or choose from our 5 popular models: Mobile Office, Business Class, Executive Shuttle, Limo, and Mobility Sprinters on our website at westwindcoachworks.com. Start building your Sprinter today with Westwind Coachworks. View Website

By Edward Jones – March 19, 2021

Sintor Trucks' Massive F450 Long Bed Truck is Making 1st ...

Sintor Trucks' first F450 Long Bed creation has been unveiled and it will be featured in our booth at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2021 event. This massive, and I mean massive, truck has a black paint finish that actually includes subtle orange metal flakes. These flakes not only pop, but also match the orange found across the truck. Sintor also added front and rear Warn winches, long-travel airbags, King 3.0 Race shock package, gloss carbon fiber hood scoop, custom interior and a lot more. To see it for yourself, be sure to find it at your booth. For more information regarding the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale 2021 auction, click the button below. View Event Details

By Edward Jones – March 18, 2021

Wheel Specialists Inc.: 30 Years of Custom-Tailored Wheel...

Presented by Wheel Specialists Inc. Wheel Specialists, Inc. (WSI) is the industry leader in custom-tailored wheel and tire packages. We have proudly served the finest independent tire dealers, auto dealerships, and aftermarket specialty shops for over 30 years. Custom-Tailored Wheel & Tire Packages WSI specializes in everything from proper standard fitments to extreme applications. Our experience, knowledge, and product selection are second to none! WSI will keep you up to date on all the latest applications for exotics, SUVs, and everyday drivers. The WSI Difference Our friendly staff here at WSI are all industry experts with many years of combined experience. You're always just a phone call away from any answers you may need about fitment specifications, finish options, product availability, or any other questions you may have. We're happy to help. Full-service Shop Wheel and tire installs Tire repair/patching Roadforce balancing Nitrogen fills Brake caliper painting Fender rolling Accessory installs In-house Machine Shop WSI offers a wide range of custom machining and repair by utilizing our state-of-the-art, on-site machine shop. We employ expert machinists to facilitate all your wheel machining needs including the changing of bolt patterns, offsets, center boring, repairing, drilling, multi-piece disassembly/reassembly, resealing, customizing, and straightening on most original equipment or aftermarket alloy wheels. Showroom / Lounge WSI hosts a full showroom to showcase all the latest styles of wheels and tires. Or, if you're waiting for service from the shop, enjoy our comfortable waiting area with free WIFI and satellite TV. Huge Inventory WSI stocks, literally, thousands of wheels, tires, and automotive accessories in a wide variety of styles, sizes, and price points. Passenger, SUV, Truck, Off-Road, high performance, all-terrain, mud, touring, race, economy to ultra-high quality. Chances are, we have what you're looking for, in-stock, today. If not, we are also connected to a large network of vendors that can quickly supply us with just about anything, usually within a matter of a few business days. We Deliver and Ship WSI offers free local delivery. Twice a day in the Phoenix area on weekdays, morning and afternoon (morning only to the west valley). And every Wednesday to the Tucson area. Hotshots available upon request. If you happen to be located outside the Phoenix and Tucson areas, we still have plenty of shipping options to suit your needs. Including convenient flat rate shipping, dropshipping, and LTL options. Give us a call at 480.968.1314 to discuss the best way to get our products to you fast and easily. Order Online 24/7 If you operate a brick-and-mortar business and would like the convenience of ordering wheels and tires online, 24/7, head over to www.wsiwholesale.com. There you will find a large selection of our most popular wheel and tire options, all showing your cost and available inventory, ready for purchase online. No phone call necessary. Easy product search and fitment guide are also available. Dealership Services We also specialize in servicing New Car Dealerships. We have brand specialists that understand the internal workings and needs to make your dealership more profitable with our products. Parts, Service, New, and Used car sales training available to maximize profits through aftermarket sales of Tires, Wheels, and Accessories. Call us today to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our specialists. Wheel Repair WSI offers full wheel repair services. Wheels that have curb rash, dents, and dings, bent, broken, or warped can usually be restored to look like new again. This would also be a great opportunity to refinish the wheels to a new color. Ask one of our specialists for specifics today. Powder Coating Services Powder coat is a durable finish that is electrostatically applied and then baked to create a smooth finish. We offer powder coating in a variety of colors in matte and gloss finishes. Powder coating carries a one-year limited warranty. Click to request a quote. OE Chrome Exchange We provide you with a set of CHROME-PLATED, original equipment factory alloy wheels and you return the “TAKE-OFF” silver alloy wheels to us. Since it’s an exchange, you only pay for the chrome plating! Terms and conditions apply. Chrome plating is also available on most Multi-Piece wheels. Visit WheelSpecialists.com

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2021

RENNtech Makes the 1,000+ HP Family Car a Reality

Presented by RENNtech RENNtech’s R3 Performance package for AMG E and GT 63 M177 Twin Scroll BiTurbo V8 delivers uncompromised power and performance. After a year of development and testing, RENNtech is proud to announce the first four-figure performance package for the M177 Twin Scroll powered Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupé(X290) and Mercedes-AMG E63 (W/S 213). RENNtech’s R3 Performance package is developed specifically for the AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe and AMG E63, making the 1000 HP family “sleeper” sedan or station-wagon a reality for the fortunate few. Producing 1017 HP and 873 LB-FT of torque, RENNtech’s R3 AMG GT 63 is one of the most powerful and fastest 4-door cars in the world. Performance figures show 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds, 60 – 130 mph in 6.5 seconds, and an estimated top speed north of the 200 MPH mark. With RENNtech’s philosophy of bringing Racing Performance for the Streets and the functional design of the GT 63 and E 63 vehicles, the R3 Performance Package is made for daily-driving and use. When in “daily” or Street -mode, RENNtech’s R3 tune produces a massive 940 HP and 795 LB-FT of torque and will run on regular 93-octane pump gas. When the need arises, owners can unleash the full 1000+ HP with a quick switch into 100 Octane -mode using the HHT and fueling up with 100 octane gas.During the development of the R3 Performance -Package, the R3 AMG GT 63 4-Door consistently recorded 1000+ HP DYNO runs and logged a record of 1017 HP and 871 LB-FT, the highest power figures measured at RENNtech to date. Tested with 100 octane fuel and calculated with a 16% drivetrain loss, the power output is 336 HP and 137 LB-FT over the DYNO tested baseline for the AMG GT 63! Learn More AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe To achieve this, RENNtech replaced all the internals of the standard AMG M177 twin scroll turbos with their Stage II Turbos. Equipped with larger exducer, inducer, and lightweight forged billet turbo wheels, the upgraded turbos deliver more boost without sacrificing throttle response or increasing turbo lag. AMG E63 In addition to the larger turbo’s, the R3 -package includes RENNtech’s Performance HHT ECU -upgrade (engine control), a CPC (powertrain control) -upgrade to handle the added power, pair of Stainless Steel Downpipes with 200 Cell Catalytic Converters, a Fuel System Upgrade, Blow-Off Valves, and BMC Air Filters. Shop RENNtech R3 Package Available for 2019+ AMG GT 63 4-Door (S and non-S) as well as the AMG E 63 Sedan and Wagon, the 1000 horsepower R3 Performance -package transforms the AMG’s into a new category of family-first supercars. Key Features: The RENNtech R3 Performance Package includes:Stage II Turbo Software RENNtech HHT ECU Tuner with 100 Octane Tune RENNtech Stainless Steel Downpipes w/200 Cell Catalytic Converters RENNtech CPC Software RENNtech Blow-Off Valve Adapters BMC Air Filters RENNtech Fuel System Upgrade. Precision machined impeller and turbine housings Larger and stronger cartridge shaft for supporting the larger wheels Entire cartridge is balanced as an assembly Up to 1,017 HP and 873 TQ @ crank with 100 Octane Fuel Up to 965 HP and 817 LB-FT @ crank with 93 Octane Fuel Ability to switch between 93 and 100 Octane -tune Less friction resistance for quicker spooling Virtually no lag, with quick throttle response

By Edward Jones – February 23, 2021

2021 Shelby F-250 Super Baja Revealed

Shelby American has just revealed the new 2021 Shelby F-250 Super Baja and you're going to want to check it out. This new truck is surrounded by new features that make it a perfect ride for daily driving and off-road adventures. The base for this new Shelby American truck is a Lariat Ultimate 4x4 Ford F-250 that features a powerful 6.7-liter Power Stroke® turbo diesel engine (475 horsepower and 1,010 lb-ft of torque). Complementing the power this truck holds the new FOX performance suspension system that provides a higher ride height, more travel and improved handling when off-road. Taking advantage of the newfound height are the 18-inch alloy wheels shod in BFG KM3 37-inch tires. Other modifications that give this truck its aggressive appearance include the functional Ram Air Hood with extraction vent, powder-coated steel front, and rear bumpers, tow points, airflow vents, LED lighting around the truck, spare tires mounted on a steel chase rack in the bed, and Shelby stripes and badges. The interior has also been upgraded with full leather seat covers, accents, embroidery, stainless steel gauges, custom carbon fiber accents, embroidered floor mats, and billet racing pedals. Only 250 examples of the 2021 Shelby F-250 Super Baja will be created, each with a starting MSRP of $125,805, a price that includes the Lariat Ultimate 4x4 Ford F-250 and 3 year/36,000-mile warranty. For more information, be sure to click the button below. Learn More

By Edward Jones – February 16, 2021

Novitec Tunes the Ferrari 812 GTS to 840 Horsepower

Novitec has just announced their new enhancements to the already incredible Ferrari 812 GTS. First up in this range are the new components in bare carbon and new forged wheels that give the Novitec Ferrari 812 GTS a fresh appearance. Next up is the power upgrade which brings the power from 789 horsepower up to 840 hp. On top of this, Novitec has announced a high-performance exhaust system for the model and, of course, the ability to customize the interior. See 812 Superfasts For Sale Source: Novitec

By Edward Jones – February 16, 2021

Apocalypse 6x6: Ready for the End of Times

With a vision in mind, the professionals at Apocalypse Manufacturing sought to create a vehicle that could survive the end of times. Through countless hours of engineering, performance adjustment and off-road testing this 13-year-old outfit succeeded. Behold the Apocalypse – a truck where looks and function dance with the devil in the pale moonlight. With over 40 on the road today, in countries throughout the world, the prophecy has been fulfilled and then some. End of the world outside, luxury inside. Visit Apocalypse6x6.com Customers can order an Apocalypse 6x6 in three styles: Hellfire, Doomsday and Sinister 6. Below are examples of each, as well as some of their most exciting features. 2021 Apocalypse Sinister 6 6x6 6.2 Liter Supercharged V8 - 707 HP Hellcat Powerplant Aluminum Roll Cage With Full Size Displayed Spare Tire Cube LED Lights On Windshield 8’ Truck Bed Three-Part Kevlar Protective Coating Learn More 2021 Apocalypse Hellfire 6x6 500 Horsepower V8 6.2 Liter Corvette LS3 Engine High Performance 8 Speed Automatic Transmission 8’ Truck Bed Roll Down Metal Locking Enclosure Ideal For Safe Guarding Valuable Possessions And Weapons Three Part Kevlar Protective Coating Learn More 2021 Apocalypse Doomsday 6x6 Twin-Turbo Diesel Motor 1/4 Inch Thick Full Steel Face Bumper With Enclosed 9,500 LBS Winch 4’ Truck Bed One-Piece Body Three-Part Kevlar Protective Coating Learn More

By Edward Jones – February 09, 2021

TECHART's New Sales Structure Makes Getting Their Insane ...

TECHART has just announced the restructuring of their North America sales network and it will make getting one of their creations easier than ever before. Before this restructuring, TECHART USA's Irvine, California headquarters was responsible for all sales activities. Now, TECHART will have a network of resellers and official dealerships in North America, bringing their expertise closer to the customer. According to TECHART, this will result in "faster execution of orders, more closely timed appointments for vehicle conversions, shorter production cycles and, above all, shorter distances for North American customers to their nearest TECHART dealer." TECHART is currently accepting new dealership applications across North America. For more information, visit TECHART's website.

By Edward Jones – February 09, 2021

Second Le Mansory Ford GT Revealed

Mansory has revealed their second take of the Ford GT, Le Mansory. This limited-edition supercar is being held to a production run of just three examples, making Le Mansory an insanely rare creation. While the first example was finished in a vivid blue finish, this second example is all black with red trim and bare carbon fiber. Just like the first example, this supercar comes packing 710 horsepower (+63 hp) and 620 lb-ft (+70 lb-ft) of torque. New forged monoblock 21-inch wheels were also installed to complete the look. Inside, Mansory has also completely redone the cabin with a full leather interior. I can't wait to see what the final Le Mansory will look like and seeing this one. In the meantime, be sure to check out the Ford GTs now for sale. Source: Mansory

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