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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Andrew Nabors – December 18, 2019

Genovation GXE Breaks World Record Again

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

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2019

Hennessey Performance Looks Back on 2019

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

By Andrew Nabors – April 30, 2019

2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor Ranger vs Stock Raptor

We knew it wouldn't be long until the team at Hennessey Performance received a Ranger. Ford's new mid-size truck offers great fuel economy from the 2.3L four cylinder EcoBoost. So what happens with a lil' more boost? To show their results in a shocking way, the 2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor Ranger vs Stock Raptor seemed like a good comparison. A stock 2019 F-150 Raptor offers 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Weighing in at 5,525 lbs, it is loaded with hardcore off-road suspension. The Hennessey VelociRaptor Ranger (2WD) is a hair under 4,000 lbs. It offers 360 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, which allows it to run 13.9 seconds at 101 mph at their adjacent quarter-mile. You might think they need monster cams and open exhaust to make such power, but the video speaks for itself. Their comprehensive package includes a 4" suspension lift on 18" wheels. BF Goodrich supplies 34" KM2 tires which I can personally vouch for. A new front bumper has LED lights, and the added with continues with color-matched fender flairs. After the intake and exhaust upgrades, each truck is tuned on the dyno and on the street for the perfect Air/Fuel Ratio. Because the Ranger is a new model for them, only 500 will be built for this model year. Serial number plates under the hood and on the dash are standard, as are the embroidered headrests and exterior badges. Each one is backed by a 3 year/36,000 warranty, so click the link below for all the specs. Hennessey Velociraptor Ranger Specs Related: Hennessey VelociRaptor 600: Up Close & Personal Supercharged Chevy SS Dyno Tested by Hennessey Performance

By Andrew Nabors – November 06, 2018

1,012 HP Audi RS6 Goes 203 MPH on the Autobahn

We're sure you have seen top speed runs before, but nothing like this. Our friends at AutTopNL have set a new benchmark for high-speed filming. With multiple cameras and twin turbos, this Audi RS6 has no regard for aerodynamic disadvantages. Audi sells the RS6 in many markets around the world. It was only officially sold in the US in 2003, but only as an automatic. Their S6 is fast enough, having 450 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. The RS series has 560 horsepower, and it is capable of much more. Armed with Akrapovic pipes and a host of upgrades, this car jumps from 120 to 203 mph faster than you can read this. Click the link below to find an Audi for yourself and stay with us for all your Autobahn action! Related: View All Audi S6 For Sale 2019 Audi R8 Gets More Power! Audi S4 vs Bugatti Chiron

By Andrew Nabors – October 31, 2018

Hennessey Unleashes the VelociRaptor V8

We were very excited to take delivery of a new 2nd generation Ford Raptor. It uses the best off-road hardware along with innovative 4WD to take the F-150 into the wilderness. It has great horsepower and torque...as long as the turbos are spinning. Hennessey Performance Engineering solved this problem by unchoking the intake and exhaust, allowing their VelociRaptor to put 602 horsepower and 622 lb-ft to all four wheels, or 6 if you order a VelociRaptor 6x6. But many old-school Ford fans love the sound of the 5.0-liter Coyote V8. So Hennessey's latest offering is the VelociRaptor V8. Starting with a new Ford Raptor, the 3.5-liter EcoBoost is removed and replaced by a Hennessey-built V8. The 5-liter is topped by their 2.9-liter supercharger. It uses Ford wiring harnesses and computer, so it can be serviced at any Ford dealer. The 10-speed transmission is the same across all F-150 models, but it receives new shift points to make the most of 758 horsepower! It reaches 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, with consistent low 12s in the quarter mile. Click Here To Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – September 12, 2018

McLaren 570GT is a Gorgeous Flamethrower!

Designed by McLaren to be the ultimate daily driver, the 570GT has room for groceries and a comfortable ride. Just because it has a leather-lined package tray doesn't mean it lacks the potential of the other Spors Series cars. That's why Excel Racing in Boca Raton, Florida decided to turn up the boost. Their XR700 package is a comprehensive series of McLaren upgrades along with dyno tuning. After a series of runs, they achieve their goal.Sending 631 horsepower and 563 lb-ft to the ground is quite impressive, especially considering their V8 is only 3.8-liters. So to make sure it is reliable, the tune is programmed to dump extra fuel when the turbos and exhaust gets hot. This seems counterintuitive, but gas does cool the system. Without oxygen, it can't burn until it reaches the tailpipes! Congrats to the team at Excel Racing on this achievement, and click on the link below to find a 570GT for yourself.Browse McLaren 570GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 06, 2018

AEV & Chevrolet Unveil the Colorado ZR2 Bison

If you are in the market for a midsize truck, your options for offroad performance have been limited. That's why Chevrolet turned to our friends at AEV to build the 2019 Colorado ZR2 Bison. The original ZR2 was an aggressive suspension package on the S10, and they are somewhat collectible in the world of small trucks.Stake Your Claim With the AEV Prospector XL Tray BedEngineers are hard at work on the mid-engine Corvette, so they turned to the best in the industry. American Expedition Vehicles builds everything from the Prospector XL Tray Bed to the JK350, and their American-made parts have transformed them from an aftermarket company to a Tier1 OEM supplier.Their ZR2 concept caught the eyes of Chevrolet's truck division, who decided to give them the green light. The Bison is available to order from every Chevy dealer, or you can order the parts from AEV if your Colorado needs an upgrade. Stay with us for all your AEV & Chevy updates.Click Here To Learn Morehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=b2XxLPBqeYg

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – August 14, 2018

BMW Turned Into Real Transformer

Autobots unite... or Decepticons if you must. Either way, any Transformers fan secretly (or not-so-secretly) wishes they might have the opportunity to turn their car into their favorite alien robot. Now, a company called Letrons is bringing that dream into reality. In a few recent videos uploaded to the company's YouTube page, shows that they've created the ability to literally turn a vehicle into a Transformer.According to the company's website, Letrons is the first and only company with technology of its kind. The Transformer is remote-control operated and includes fog effects and full sound. The Transformer has full head, neck and arm movement as well as finger movement. Letrons offers four models, the Bizmut, Argon, Wolfram and and Tantal.Want to see the transformation in action? Check out the videos below.

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2018

Hennessey Performance Tests the HPE1000 Demon

If you plan on clocking out and leaving work in style, why not do it with a wheelie? This is easy if you own a Dodge Demon. Owners who opted for the Demon Crate have the ability to run race fuel. You will have 840 horsepower and 770 lb-ft of torque, but what if you need more?Hennessey Performance used their tuning expertise to dig into the Demon and find even more power. The Dodge Demon HPE1000 is their entry level package. It makes 880 horsepower and 806 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheels. If you are really adventurous, the HPE1200 is almost ready, and it will arrive with a roll cage, parachutes and all the necessary SFI approved parts. But until it is ready, they are dialing in the first one at their adjacent motorsports park.If you have ever competed in drag racing, you know the launch is everything. What happens in the first 60 feet will determine what happens after 1,320'. If you are on street tires, anything under 1.8 is considered decent, but this car is simply bonkers. Because it has a line lock and a trans brake, it comes off the line like an ACME rocket. If you want your Demon to act like the car below, click the link for more information.

By Andrew Nabors – April 19, 2018

Underground Racing Twin Turbo V10 Audi R8 Lamborghini Hur...

At one of WannaGoFast events, high-performance cars from around the country met up in rural North Carolina. The NC 1/2 Mile Shootout was held at the Stanly County Airport on their 5,500 ft runway. Underground Racing has made a name for themselves by developing turbo kits for exotic cars. With kits ranging from 800 hp to over 1,750 hp, they will have you over 200 mph easily. One of their biggest fans is Gidi Chamdi, and he owns several examples of their builds.Check Out - Jaguar C X75: By The NumbersTo see how his V10 Audi R8 compares to a Lamborghini Huracan, both cars have similar UGR twin-turbo kits and the same driver. If going through a quarter mile at 187 mph is not scary enough, the Audi reached 244.28 mph in only 2,640 feet. The boosted Huracan was one mph faster in the 1/4, but it reached a blistering 250.27 at the half. Differences between the two could be attributed to aerodynamics since these cars are very similar. From the factory, both engines are identical, and even the AWD systems use the same parts. Aside from exterior styling, the gears inside the transmission are the real determining factor. Closer ratios = better accelerationFirst and second gears are identical, but 3rd to 7th is more aggressive in the Huracan along with better differential ratios. Seventh gear in the Audi R8 is 0.65 with a 3.58 differential. Top gear in the Huracan is 0.84 with a 3.94 final drive. Without getting over technical, Audi prefers cruising at a lower rpm for a relaxing drive, and Lamborghini likes blasting through each gear to put the most available power to the ground. These small differences in mechanical advantage make all the difference at top speed, so congrats to Underground Racing for unleashing the true potential of both cars.

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