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 – April 02, 2020

Mil-Spec Automotive Debuts New F-150 High-Performance Truck

(Press Release) - Known for designing custom handmade H1 trucks for enthusiasts looking to overcome even the toughest obstacles, Mil-Spec Automotive is proud to introduce their brand-new F-150 series of high-performance trucks. Founded by a trio of young twenty-something auto designers from Michigan, the new F-150 from Mil-Spec Automotive feature a brawny 500-horsepower 5.0L V8 performance package specially engineered to tackle anything. Visit MilSpecAuto.com “At Mil-Spec Automotive, our company designs always center around a deep passion for upgrading some of the world’s most celebrated trucks,” comments Mil-Spec Automotive Co-Founder Adam Mitchell. “Our new Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 is very much an extension of our popular bespoke H1 series. As truck enthusiasts, we are always on the hunt for platforms that we can dramatically improve from a performance perspective while also offering Mil-Spec Automotive’s unique aesthetic. The new Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 is very much a go anywhere, do anything supertruck.” Ready to take drivers anywhere out on the open road or dirt, and look good doing it, the Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 is a high-performance truck up for even the toughest of terrain. The company utilizes an impressive 500-horsepower naturally-aspirated 5.0L V8 package to power each F-150. Each engine is also powerfully customized with an elite performance tune specifically designed for 91 octane. In an effort to further improve the driving experience, Mil-Spec implemented a high-performance electric power-assisted steering wheel with custom magnesium paddle shifters and centerline stitching. The optional Baja Performance Suspension Package incorporates a variety of Fox Racing components to improve the MSA F-150’s off-road performance and allow drivers to dominate behind the wheel. Designed as a tactically-inspired alternative to the wildly popular Raptor, the powerful new Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 supertruck features a modified long-travel Baja Suspension, which comfortably allows up to 11-inches of wheel travel and up to 13.5-inches of increased track width over a standard stock F-150. This innovative MSA design produces a truck that is seven inches wider than the Raptor, as tall as an F-250 heavy-duty truck with an off-road tuned suspension as aggressive as the Raptor. Combined with the might of the tried and true 5.0L v8 tuned and upgraded to 500 naturally aspirated HP, this vehicle truly stands out in the crowd. The new Fox 3.0 F-150 Long Travel Performance Shock Package is another Mil-Spec Automotive addition, which includes an optional fully adjustable coilover and shock kit with 3’’ diameter bypass shocks, remote reservoirs, 10AN hoses and Eibach springs for both the front and rear suspension. All hardware included in this package is powder coated black with anodized aluminum accents to complete the sleek exterior. Mil-Spec Automotive offers the Baja Suspension Package for $6,000. Powder coated heavy duty side steps allow for easy access into the new Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 cab, while high-intensity LED headlights help to greatly improve visibility on the road. More delightfully brutish upgrades abound, including 20-inch Mil-Spec Automotive-inspired alloy wheels that wear 37x13.59R20LT Nitto Ridge Grappler tires. The dual exhaust tips with black finish add another tactical design element to this powerful truck. Additional upgrades for the new Mil-Spec F-150 include the Baja Exterior Appearance Package, which further transforms the heavy duty special edition. The new exterior options include a low-profile Baja Roof Rack, a spare tire carrier made for equipping an oversized off-road wheel, and a large 39’’ LED light bar system for perfect visibility on dark trails. Altogether, the Baja Exterior Appearance Package is available at $8,600. Priced at $85,000 including the donated 2020 F-150, Mil-Spec Automotive made sure to incorporate their trademark tactical-inspired aesthetic throughout each F-150 truck build. Additionally, because these trucks are not Ford performance-based, they are fully eligible for applicable factory rebates unlike the Raptor and will be fully financeable. The rugged front and rear bumper systems in the new supertruck are engineered from fully-welded heavy-duty steel that offers extra strength with a sleek satin black powder coat finish and LED lighting compatibility. While trucks of this caliber often are available at a price point in excess of $150,000, the Mil-Spec Automotive team knew there was a more financially responsible way to produce these machines. “MSA saw an opportunity to bring a product offering to the market at a price point that hasn't been seen before,” comments Mitchell. “Our goal was to include an extreme exterior aesthetic backed up by drastic performance improvements that could be applied to one of the most iconic North American vehicle platforms, the F-150. Many of the American aftermarket legacy brands have attempted to improve this platform in a turn-key package, but our in-depth market research revealed that more could be done while still achieving a price point that is well below what most of these companies are targeting.” Each new Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 is available in four exterior colors: Agate Black, Magnetic Grey, Lead Foot Grey, and Oxford White. Mil-Spec Automotive badging is impressively featured throughout the exterior and interior of the vehicle, with each logo available in either a machine, semi-gloss black, or powder coat black finish. The Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 also features sleek interior styling that includes leather seats for customers amongst other appointments throughout. Billet aluminum control knobs and a billet number plaque are included on the center console for each truck. Mil-Spec Automotive touches and numbering are tastefully located throughout the interior, adding another layer of exclusivity to these expertly crafted redesigned American icons. For more information on Mil-Spec Automotive’s newest vehicle offerings, please visit www.milspecauto.com or call 248-430-5150. Visit MilSpecAuto.com

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2020

Hennessey Performance Vlog Episode 2

Working for your parents can be stressful, but John Hennessy's daughter Emma is making a great career managing their social media accounts. In her latest film, we get to see several builds in process along with commentary from their skilled technicians. We are also witness to a happy customer taking delivery and riding shotgun with test driver Alex Roys. Not only is he the operations manager, he is also Emma's husband. Tell us which build you like best in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 31, 2020

Vaughn Gittin Jr. Previews 10th Anniversary RTR Mustang S...

It is hard to believe it has been a decade since Mr. Gittin began racing & modifying the Ford Mustang. The RTR (Ready To Rock) Mustang has been offered in various flavors for years, but they have pulled out all the stops. That is why Vaughn Gittin Jr. has previewed the 10th Anniversary RTR Mustang Spec 5. Starting at the ground, the 13" wide rear tires are sticky Nitto NT555 G2. They are mounted on forged RTR Aero 7 wheels that are barely contained beneath the fender flares. RTR suspension is a proprietary set of coil overs along with matched front and rear sway bars. Under the hood is a Ford Stage II supercharger. It adds a whopping 290 horsepower for a total of 750. The body will include the most aggressive styling and aerodynamics to date, and only 10 examples will be built. We can barely wait for this maniacal Mustang to arrive, so stay with us for all your RTR updates. Browse All Ford Mustang For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – March 30, 2020

Ultimate Toys: 2021's Now In Stock. $5,000 Rebate. $5,000...

Now, 2021 model years available. Buy today, enjoy today. Take advantage of some special incentives! Don’t get stuck inside, start planning for summer family trips and beyond. Ultimate Toys, the creators of the Ultimate RV, a game-changing vehicle that offers unique design by using the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis. Their various models span all 3 Sprinter lengths, with or without bathrooms and exclusive floor plans to accommodate every need. A perfect family van, ultimate tailgater, mobile office and, lastly, many can be converted into a limo configuration within minutes for a night out on the town or entertaining guests. With Or Without The Largest Bathroom In The Industry,It’s Your Choice! It’s not easy to find a Sprinter with a bathroom nor is one that isn’t cramped or makes you feel claustrophobic. The industry standard is small and practically unusable. That’s why the Ultimate Toys exclusive floor plans have been engineered to offer you the extra space- not found anywhere else. So, no more searching for public restrooms or extra stops along the way to your destination. For the time when a bathroom is not needed, transform that area into a large storage area within seconds. Enough room for a large family to take luggage on an extended trip, multiple sets of golf clubs, or sports equipment. Ultimate Toys has announced that if you purchase one of their fantastic vehicles they will make available a cash rebate of $5,000 and you can purchase one for only $5000 down, no gimmicks. This limited-time offer is available until April 15th so act fast! And if you need help deciding what you want, check out the examples below. Visit UltimateToys.com Entertainer "Entertaining friends and family or traveling has never been more enjoyable. The Entertainer is a great choice for family vacations, entertaining clients, golf outings, tailgating with friends, and much more. This beautiful, all-purpose Sprinter has many unique features including the largest bathroom in the industry and is available exclusively through Ultimate Toys. No more unscheduled stops or searching for public restrooms to interrupt the fun." Learn More Ultimate Limo "The Ultimate Limo comes fully equipped to meet your needs and is designed with comfort, luxury, and style in mind. Perfect for remaining productive while on the road, entertaining business clients, celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a special night out! The Ultimate Limo is the classiest and most comfortable limo on the market. Everything you could want or need in a limo and more." Learn More Presidential "Our most versatile Sprinter - the Presidential comes fully equipped with all the amenities and is designed with comfort, luxury, and style in mind. The beautifully handcrafted and custom interior will make you think you’re on a private jet. Ideal for the busy executives with a demanding lifestyle traveling from city to city or office to office. Perfect for getting more done on the road, entertaining business clients, using for a night out, or enjoying family vacations. Available with or without a bathroom." Learn More 144 Commuter "Comfort and luxury are a top priority and it shows. The 144 Commuter offers the same luxurious amenities as every Ultimate Toys model, but it is the same length as your typical SUV. Parking and maneuverability are a breeze. The shorter length makes it ideal for daily driving around town. Perfect for a large family or group outings on the weekends. Available with or without a bathroom." Learn More Ultimate RV "The Ultimate RV is the only Sprinter on the market with a rear bathroom that can also comfortably seat up to 9 people without giving up the functionality needed for camping. Experiencing the luxury, class, and style that we are known for makes this Sprinter the ultimate choice for long road trips, entertaining, sporting events, away games, and family vacations. It’s the perfect RV, ultimate family van and the go-to vehicle for entertaining, and much more." Learn More Contact Ultimate Toys Website: ultimatetoys.comPhone: (855) 963-3636

By Andrew Nabors – March 27, 2020

Hennessey Venom F5 Live World Premiere

Let's see what John Hennessey and his team are working on! " width="680">

By Edward Jones – March 24, 2020

Lexani Motorcars Now Accepting Preorders on 2021 Escalade...

Lexani Motorcars has mastered the craft of turning SUVs into rolling palaces. And now that the new 2021 Cadillac Escalade has been revealed, they are now taking preorders on new 2021 Escalade Mobile Offices. If you've never seen what Lexani Motorcars can do, you ought to have by now, then you're in for a treat. From the outside, the new 2021 Escalade Mobile Office looks tame overall, with a bit of an extension. However, everything changes once inside. From the stars in the headliner, to the luxuryreclinres and ample amount of technology, these mobile office is a stunning automobile. If you're interested, be sure to visit LexaniMotorcars.com for more information on these incredible vehicles and be sure to contact them to see how you can get yourself into one of these beauties. Visit LexaniMotorcars.com Contact Lexani Motorcars Website: lexanimotorcars.com/ Number: 1-844-4LEXANIEmail: info@lexanimotorcars.comAddress: Corona, CA 92880

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2020

Formula 1 Launches Virtual Grand Prix Series

With the cancellation of the Australian Grand Prix, an unnamed team member has tested positive for the virus. In order to keep the action going, the next race in Bahrain will take place online. This is a new era for motorsports as Formula 1 launches their virtual Grand Prix Series. Drivers will compete on the official F1 2019 PC game, developed by Codemasters. The race has been cut in half to only 28 laps, and it will be hosted by Gfinity Esports Arena starting at 4PM Eastern Time on Sunday. " width="680"> Exotic Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2020

Quibi Previews "Elba vs Block"

You will have a new option for entertainment on April 6th. It will be the debut of Quibi, a new streaming service focused on action-packed shows with episodes running 10 minutes or less. The L.A. based startup has already raised enough capital to carry them through the year, and they have backing from many prominent studios. The most exciting news came this morning, as Quibi previewed "Elba vs Block". Idris Elba is an English actor, writer, producer & musician. His opponent is the undisputed king of adrenaline-filled motorsports. Calm & cool meets controlled chaos- It's going to be epic! " width="680"> Browse Used Sports Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2020

BRABUS Adventure 4x4 Squared Goes Off the Trail in Dubai

BRABUS knows a thing or two about automotive excursions, as you can tell from their phenomal Adventure range for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUVs. Don't believe me? Check out their most recent video of a BRABUS Adventure 4x4 Squared going way off of the trail in Dubai. In the video below, you'll see just how capable their refined G-Class SUVs can be. But what's even better is how great this SUV looks strutting its stuff on the dirt. Let's be real, if you're going to go off-road, you want something that looks like an absolute beast when tackling the trails or making your own. See All G550 4x4 Squareds For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2020

SPOFEC Rolls-Royce Cullinan is Wide and Powerful

SPOFEC knows that the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is an extraordinarily luxurious SUV on its own. But with their capable designers, they have succesfully upgraded the Cullinan through a very sophisticated refinement range. For starters, their range includes the SPOFEC OVERDOSE widebody enhancement. This addes ten centimeters to the width of the SUV in the front and 12 centimeters in the rear. This creates enough room for the 10Jx24 SPOFEC SP2 wheels, shod in 295/30 R 24 tires in the front and back. There's also the new SPOFEC front fascia that gives the Cullinan a proper face to match its new aggressive width. For power, SPOFEC gave the twin-turbo 6.7-liter V12 engine a shot of added power. To do this, they have a plug-and-play module that has special mapping for the injection and ingition. It also raises the boost pressure of the turbos. In total, the power is raised by 114 horsepower for a total of 685 hp. Torque is also increased by 118 lb-ft of torque for a total of 745 lb-ft. Inside, SPOFEC can personalize the interior to the owners liking. This includes a wide variety of colors and leather types, as well as Alcantara. See All Rolls-Royce Cullinans for Sale

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