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

BRABUS 930 S63 E Performance Outdoor (92)

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 13, 2024

BRABUS Unveils The New Hybrid V8 930 S Four-Door Supercar

Luxury, power, and technology are wrapped in one. BRABUS is known for creating incredible custom vehicles based on Mercedes-Benz cars, and while the iconic German house has expanded beyond only customizing Mercedes-Benz vehicles, some of its greatest creations are still based on cars that wear the three-pointed star. With Mercedes-AMG unveiling some of its most powerful and high-tech cars yet, BRABUS has now gotten its hands on them to take them to the next level in the way that only BRABUS knows how. The latest BRABUS transformation, the new BRABUS 930 S is based on the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE, the new performance-oriented flagship luxury sedan from Mercedes-AMG, which boasts the most power an S-Class sedan has ever had thanks to a twin-turbocharged V8 engine and a hybrid powertrain. With BRABUS’s help, that total system power has been brought to 917 horsepower, with 1,114 lb/ft of torque. With all that power packed into a sumptuous, plush luxury sedan package, you’ll get from 0-60 in less than 3.2 seconds towards a 180-mph top speed, all in style and comfort, with a signature BRABUS V8 exhaust note to complement the experience. However, one of the few things that are faster than this luxury performance sedan’s 0-60 time is BRABUS’s signature “1-Second-Wow” effect. With custom 22-inch BRABUS Monoblock ZM "Platinum Edition" forged wheels, various carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements throughout, and more, there’s no questioning that the new 930 S is a custom creation that is certainly not to be underestimated, but the interior is where it gets even better. BRABUS is known for its Masterpiece interiors and its craftsmanship excellence, and the 930 S is no exception. Seashell Diamond quilting, and a “Heritage” design that prominently features the number 77 to honor BRABUS being founded in 1977 showcase BRABUS’s artisan abilities. With its incredible performance, technology, innovation, luxury, and bespoke style inside and out, the new BRABUS 930 S is a truly incredible luxury sedan that showcases both BRABUS’s amazing customization expertise, as well as the incredible technology that the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE boasts. Current owners of the S 63 E PERFORMANCE are able to have their cars customized and transformed into the BRABUS 930 S, with high power, striking style, and luxurious craftsmanship all in one. View All Vehicles For Sale From BRABUS Image Source: BRABUS

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 08, 2023

BRABUS 850: The Apex of Luxury and Performance in a V12 S...

Introducing the BRABUS 850, a masterpiece combining 850 hp, sleek design, and unmatched luxury.

By Andrew Nabors – September 05, 2017

Brabus Unveils the Rocket 900 Cabrio

You can't deny the appeal of the S-Class, especially in a 2-door configuration. The world was shocked when AMG decided to work their magic to build S63 versions, complete with twin turbos and AWD. None in the automotive world could have foreseen an S65 Cabrio. The twin turbo V12 makes 738 lb-ft of torque and a modest 621 horsepower. These numbers would be completely satisfactory for those who enjoy acceleration. But a few of us are not happy in knowing that power has been left on the table. A big V12 makes big power. To keep it ahead of any competitors, AMG endows it with modest turbochargers.Ferrari 328 For SaleBrabus has decades of experience from creating the ultimate examples of Mercedes-AMG products. By reverse engineering and scrutinizing every line of code and every minute detail, the Brabus Rocket 900 Cabrio is the world's most powerful convertible. In order to deliver 900 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque, they took a page from the history book. The S65 arrives with a 6.0L V12, which is a de-stroked version of the 6.3L that was used in previous versions of the S63 and CL63 AMG. New exhaust manifolds flow into big turbos and out to 3.1" (80mm) downpipes. No longer a bottom-breather, new cold air boxes are mounted behind the gloss black grille. They are coated in gold to reflect heat and sealed to a duct in the hood. The 7-speed automatic transmission was beefed up with recalibrated shift points and the electronic differential was replaced with a mechanical one. The new rear gears will only allow 40% of slip before locking, so hang on for drift mode. All body parts are available in naked carbon, high-gloss or any color imaginable. Optional 22" wheels have 255mm tires up front and 295mm out back. Pricing for the new Rocket will be formalized after the Frankfurt Auto Show, so stay with us for all your Brabus updates.

By Andrew Nabors – December 16, 2016

RENNtech Lowering Kit For Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Lowering a car by easily pushing a switch – sounds simple. However, even though car manufacturers have equipped their vehicles with computer controlled suspension systems for years, they limit the adjustability of their suspension to just a few preset settings. But you’re out of luck if you want a lower, sportier and more aggressive stance. RENNtech has now released an all new plug 'n' play solution for the latest generation of S-Class Sedan and Coupe models. The user can load fully customized ride height settings onto the HSM, Hand-held Suspension Module. From there the HSM gets plugged into the OBDII port just beneath the dashboard and with the simple toggle of a switch, the custom adjusted ride height will be uploaded into the vehicle.The factory adjustments remain fully functional, based on the customized ride height. The user is still be able to raise the car if road conditions require it. Pre-loaded with a RENNtech recommended setting which lowers the car about ¾ inch, the ride height can be fully adjusted in 1mm increments through the free software for use with either personal computer with windows or smartphones and tablets with Android OS. After adjusting the ride height, the upload process takes less than 5 seconds and your car will immediately adjust to the new settings. The RENNtech HSM | Hand-held lowering is now available through RENNtech and their authorized distributors. The kit is applicable for the C217 – S-Class Coupe/Convertible, W222 – S-Class Sedan and the Mercedes-Maybach Models.Learn More

By Edward Jones – September 08, 2015

1,000 hp Mansory Black Edition S63 Coupe

Before the car's official unveiling at the International Auto Show 2015 in Frankfurt, the new S63-based Mansory Black Edition has surfaced on the aftermarket company's Facebook page yesterday, Sept. 7.The description given by Mansory paints the Black Edition as a special edition model only to be produced 6 times, making it incredibly rare. It features bodywork comprised of carbon fiber, which aims to make the car as sleek, aggressive and aerodynamic as can be. This includes the large rear wing, additional air control blades, front fascia, side skirts, air vents and more. (Also Read: Rolls-Royce Dawn Officially Unveiled) To make it even more tantalizing, Mansory upped the car's power to 1,000 hp. Yes, you read that correctly: this S63 will produce as much, if not more, horsepower than most Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Bugattis.Expect to see more information about the Mansory Black Edition as the IAA 2015 starts on September 15. http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/results/mercedes-benz/s63--amg (Source: Facebook) See More Mansory News, Pics and Videos

By Edward Jones – May 27, 2015

The 500 hp BRABUS PowerXtra B50 Hybrid Unveiled

Brabus, the creators of such cars as the insane Rocket 900 and 700 hp G63 6x6, have taken their expertise to the Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-In Hybrid. The Brabus PowerXtra B50 Hybrid performance kit is an upgraded take on the luxury hybrid unveiled on the tuner's Facebook page today.Through their tuning of the V6 engine, there is an increase of 52 hp and 52 lb-ft of torque. These increases bring the total amount of power up to 500 hp and 656 lb-ft.The car's 0-62 mph run drops .3 second, down to 4.9 seconds with this performance kit, while the top speed remains electronically limited at 155 mph.And, as with all Brabus kits, a number of exterior and interior touches can be added to the S500 Hybrid. This includes forged 22-inch wheels, exclusive interior options and exterior body pieces.Stay with us for more aftermarket and Brabus news.Gallery (Source: Facebook)

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