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 – November 30, 2015

2016 Terradyne Gurkha RPV Civilian Editions are Apocalyps...

Guess who is bringing some new toys for 2016? Santa may have a well-optioned sleigh, but if you need something a bit more imposing, Terradyne Armored Vehicles has a host of upgrades for their Gurkha RPV Civilian Edition.To make the Gurkha capable of conquering the outdoors, a new Offroad Package for the Civilian Edition includes a winch and long travel shocks with additional LED lighting. The big Ford Powerstroke turbo diesel makes 300 hp and 660 lb-ft of torque, so it has more than enough power to tow your toys. The Towing Package adds a Class IV receiver hitch and larger mirrors.A new thermal imaging system uses a roof-mounted infrared camera that compliments the other cameras that are located around the exterior. Also new for the 2016 model year is a VIP interior. Being able to customize the color and materials used is a first in this industry- we hope to see a roof escape hatch with diamond stitched leather.For compromising situations, there's the self-contained fresh air system provides oxygen, while halon fire suppression will put out the flames. And, to stay in touch with everyone around you, Terradyne added new communications and audio packages that can be tailor-made to your specification.Most of the hardcore features that made the Gurkha a hit for 2015 are standard equipment this year. The 20-inch bomb-proof wheels have ten lugs each and are shod with 41-inch tires. The electronic 4x4 transfer case is capable of shift on the fly, and it is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. Since the powertrain is sourced from Ford’s commercial truck line, rest assured that it will give you years of trouble free running.We’re not sure how they made the Gurkha RPV more rugged or capable than it already was, but they seemed to have done it.To learn more, be sure to visit TerradyneInc.com or click the button below.Learn MoreGallery Exotic Cars

By Caitlin Duffy – November 12, 2015

Hennessey Says F5 Coming in 2017, Electric Venom GT Possible

During their time in Las Vegas for SEMA 2015, the crew at TopGear had a chance to talk with the one and only John Hennessey, and managed to learn about some exciting developments from his aftermarket company.Those attending the Geneva International Motor Show in 2017 can expect to be treated to the first full look at the Hennssey Venom F5, the successor to the Venom GT. As TopGear's Rowan Horncastle reported Nov. 6, Hennessey said that a full-scale model will be on display at the show, with production estimated to begin later that same year.No specific statements about its potential power output have been given yet, but the F5 aims to take on the Koenigsegg Regera and Veyron successor in terms of speed and power. First introduced in Aug. 2014, the Venom F5 was projected to create upwards of 1,400 hp and reach for speeds in excess of 290 mph. Though it'll be based on the incredibly potent Venom GT, the F5 will be designed from the ground up.But as for the Venom GT, Horncastle uncovered some other intriguing news; Hennessey is considering going electric. Not hybrid, however.“Ferrari, Porsche and McLaren have done a great job at proving that hybrid technology works, but I’m not interested in hybrids,” Hennessey said to Horncastle. “I’d only do the Venom with an engine or as a straight electric."He explained that, currently, batteries simply weigh too much to create a car lightweight enough to reach the speeds Hennessey is reaching for. However, he holds out quite a bit of hope and optimism about the development of battery tech, and believes a 1,000 bhp electric car could happen in the near future.Stay with us to find out more about these two projects as they are released, and find your own Hennessey from our exclusive listings at the button below. Hennesseys For Sale (via TopGear, Hennessey)

By Edward Jones – November 06, 2015

Arkonik: Bringing Land Rover Defenders Back to Life

First established in 2007, Arkonik quickly became the United Kingdom's leading independent retailer of Land Rover Defender vehicles. Today the company is known globally for its friendly and informative approach to customer services and its ability to cherry-pick and holistically prepare, rebuild and restore used Defenders to the very highest, show class quality.Arkonik scours the European and UK markets for Defenders in tip-top mechanical and structural condition. They then test, restore and improve each of these vehicles, allowing them to offer a wide range of made-to-order services for customers.They sell and ship vehicles to customers all over the world, predominantly 25-year-old fully restored platforms to North America. Wherever you are, Arkonik can source and prepare a Land Rover to suit your exact requirements, and can provide full Land Rover export, shipping and importation services - right to your very doorstep.After you purchase a Defender from Arkonik, they'll also offer post-sale technical support when you're in need and will help you into what they call "the hacky world of Land Rover Defender ownership."If you're looking to start a journey with a Defender, visit Arkonik.com or click the button below.More Info

By Caitlin Duffy – October 30, 2015

Hennessey Bringing 1,451 hp Venom GT to SEMA 2015

The SEMA 2015 show will be getting a healthy dose of horsepower from Hennessey Performance, who will be showing up with a total of 2,875 hp from three cars for their display in Las Vegas.Each is one of their 2016 models, cranked up to supercar levels of performance and wearing a stunning, bright yellow coat of paint. A press release from the aftermarket tuner Oct. 29 shares photos and info about the three cars they'll unveil, including some beyond-impressive performance numbers.First up is the 2016 Hennesey Venom GT, an improved version of their already potent model. With a total of 1,451 hp on tap, it's projected that this car will reach a top speed in excess of 280 mph, with a 0-60 mph acceleration time of an estimated 2.4 seconds. A quarter mile is believed to be possible in 9.4 seconds at 167 mph, all with a curb weight of just 2,743 pounds. With those levels of power and speed, this car will need to create an insane amount of downforce to keep it connected to the ground.Next up on their list is the 2016 HPE750 Supercharged Ford Mustang Convertible. Its 5.0-liter V8 has been cranked up to 774 hp, making 0-60 mph in 3.2 seconds a breeze. It's one of the most powerful Mustangs you'll ever come across; as the release described, "The HPE750 Supercharged Mustang is the first and only 2015 Mustang to attain a verified top speed of 200 mph. One such car recently ran 207.9 mph on Jay Leno’s Garage on CNBC."Last, but most definitely not least, is the 2016 VelociRaptor 650 Supercharged Ford F-150 Pick-up Truck. The Raptor versions of the F-150 are already known for being massively powerful and capable of impressive things for a car its size, but with the Hennessey touch, it becomes a downright astounding vehicle. The 5.0-liter V8 is cranked to 650 hp, and 0-60 mph is accomplished in a scant 4.9 seconds.All three of these cars will be in Nevada for the SEMA 2015 show, which begins on Nov. 2. In addition to the power upgrades for the Mustang and F-150, each also received an external makeover. Both received Hennessey wheels and tire upgrades, as well as fender flares, skid plates, side sills, front splitters and more.“I’ve been coming to the SEMA Show for the past 24 years and I’m more excited than ever to share our latest and greatest vehicles,” said John Hennessey in the release. “From wild to mild, our special cars and trucks continue to deliver a driving experience of the highest order."Let us know which of these three is your favorite Hennessey creation, and find your own monster from John's garage in our exclusive listings.Hennesseys For SaleGallery (via Hennessey) See More Hennessey News

By Andrew Nabors – October 05, 2015

Callaway Corvette C7.R GT3 Debuts at Hockenheimring

Just as his father’s Big Bertha driver changed the sport of Golf, Reeves Callaway and his team of engineers at Callaway Competition in Leingarten, Germany have once again pushed the envelope of what we thought was possible. As shared on the company's Facebook page Oct. 3, the new Callaway Corvette C7.R GT3 is poised to dominate the field of next year’s WeatherTech Sports Car Championship. Their latest creation was displayed in Germany over the weekend at the Hockenheimring. Starting with the already potent Corvette Stingray, Callawy dissected every rule in the GT3 handbook to build a naturally aspirated 60 0hp missile, devoid of any luxuries. Flared front and rear bodywork exaggerates the Stingray’s curves while still incorporating the original doors, windows, mirrors and headlights. Behind the engine sits an Xtrac six speed sequential transmission. Inside is all business, with a carbon fiber cockpit covered in controls and telemetry. These cars will be fielded by Callaway’s own team , so instead of competing in the increasingly crowded GT3 class, the C7.R GT3 will be built to the increased standards of the GTE (or GT Endurance) class. Callaway posted a few photos of the intense Corvette to their Facebook page Oct. 3, as did Johannes Brock Photography. Check them out below, and check out the video above, added to YouTube Oct. 3 by ChevroletInEurope, showing the Corvette C7 preparing for the raceway. (See Also: Khan Flying Huntsman 110 6x6 Defender Double Cab Pickup Unveiled) If you don’t need an FIA spec race car, Callaway still builds wild version of production Stingrays and Z06s. For more information, contact Callaway Cars Ltd salesinfo@callawaycars.com Callaway Corvettes For Sale Gallery (Source: Facebook via DigitalTrends.com) See More Aftermarket News

By Caitlin Duffy – September 25, 2015

Khan Flying Huntsman 110 6x6 Defender Double Cab Pickup U...

Khan Design, known for creating stunning wheels and innovative takes on some of England's finest vehicles, has released the latest model from their Flying Huntsman brand, and it is an impressive thing to see. The Khan Flying Huntsman 110 6x6 Defender Double Cab Pickup may have a long name, but for such a long vehicle, it's more than fitting. As a news post on Khan's website Sept. 21 describes, this new pickup was introduced at the Land Rover Owners' show over the weekend of Sept. 19. A special edition of the Land Rover Defender, this Double Cab Pickup showcases the abilities of Khan Design. The Defender 110 base version will start at a price of £99,875, or approximately $151,724 USD according to current exchange rates, and will feature a 2.2-liter diesel engine with a 6-speed manual transmission. Other options include a 4-speed or 6-speed automatic transmission, with both lefts- and right-hand drive versions. Only 20 models of this vehicle will be built each year, meaning demand will undeniably be high. (See Also: Stand Out at SEMA 2015 with Free Tire Customization) The Flying Huntsman's Facebook page shared a few photos of this new creation Sept. 19, while a video of the concept version's unveiling at the Geneva Motor Show was shared with YouTube March 6 by Kahn TV. Check out the photos below and video above, and find your own Land Rover creation from our exclusive listings. Gallery (Source: Khan Design, Facebook) See More Aftermarket News

By Edward Jones – September 23, 2015

Stand Out at SEMA 2015 with Free Tire Customization

What’s the single commonality between insane supercars like the Bugatti Vision GT, Lamborghini Veneno and Hyundai Vision GT, aside from their price tags? Tire sidewall customization. But, this simple yet impactful modification isn’t limited to concept cars and certainly doesn’t require a hook up at the tire factory. Tire Stickers LLC complimentary tire customization for SEMA 2015. Make a lasting impression and promote your brand, company, booth and more by simply meeting a few basic terms and conditions. To qualify, contact info@tirestickers.com or visit the page below:Check Out MoreNot bringing your vehicle to SEMA? No problem. Tire Stickers also offers sponsorships and wholesale discounts globally. Find a distributor and learn more below:Distributor PageGallery

By Edward Jones – September 15, 2015

Mansory Unveils 12 New Models, Including Jet Ski

Over the past the days, starting Sept. 12, Mansory has rolled out 12 different programs for 12 different cars on their Facebook page. These range from a Lamborghini Huracan wearing a full carbon fiber suit, to a Black Marlin luxury jet ski in a carbon fiber design. Needless to say, there is going to be a whole lot of new carbon fiber rolling around the streets. Check out the new designs below, in order of their release.Mansory Bentley Flying Spur Mansory Porsche Macan Garia Mansory Off-X Mansory Black Marlin Mansory Range Rover Autobiography Mansory Gronos Black Edition Mansory Porsche Cayenne Turbo Mansory Black Edition S63 Sedan Mansory Black Edition S63 Coupe Mansory Bleurion Rolls-Royce Wraith Mansory Bentley Continental GTC Mansory Torofeo Lamborghini Huracan (Source: Facebook) See More Mansory News, Pics and Videos

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 Andrew Nabors – September 04, 2015

2015 Hennessey VelociRaptor 600 Burnout & Test Drive

There is no denying that Ford’s innovative EcoBoost V6 is a powerful alternative to their V8, but if you want the ultimate F-150, John Hennessey has unveiled the second generation VelociRaptor.In a video uploaded to the Hennessey Performance YouTube page Sept. 3, he explains the more intricate details of the package, along with the obligatory burnout, and an Aug. 26 post to their Facebook page showed us this dino's exterior and improved engine.With two decades of supercharger experience under his belt, his team has developed a comprehensive package for the new truckm which is based around a 2.9-liter blower. Much like the modifications done to the HPE800 CTS-V, a large air-to-water heat exchanger is mounted up front, and linked to intercoolers inside the intake.Larger fuel injectors are included to take advantage of the boost, and with only 7 psi, the VelociRaptor makes up to 650 hp. Since the new trucks are primarily built of aluminum alloy, a weight savings of almost 700 lbs helps to provide blistering acceleration; 0-60 mph takes only 4.9 seconds in this monster.This is the most faithful reincarnation of the SVT Lightning that you will find, and the only one that carries a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty. If you care about more than pavement performance, a host of off-road enhancements are also available. If your naturally aspirated truck needs more motivation, contact HPE at 979-885-1300 or visit their website at www.HennesseyPerformance.com. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more wild builds from Hennessey Performance.Gallery (Source: Hennessey Performance Engineering) See More Aftermarket News

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