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 Jordan Aquistapace – November 09, 2023

BRABUS Debuts Its All-New Performance-Inspired Winter Fas...

BRABUS expands its fashion range with a new, elegantly designed winter collection. As the winter season approaches, the aftermarket specialists at BRABUS are excited to unveil a new line of fashion pieces, infusing the high-end automotive market with its unique blend of high-quality, style-conscious apparel. This launch represents an expansion of BRABUS's fashion offerings, bringing a fresh wave of distinctive design elements to the forefront of elegant streetwear. The collection, featuring an all-new coat collection that complements the brand's lineup of Mercedes-AMG, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, and Range Rover, embraces monochrome tones punctuated by avant-garde logo prints and the brand's signature BRABUS red accents. Crafted with an unwavering commitment to quality and meticulous attention to detail just like every BRABUS vehicle, these fashion pieces are produced in Portugal and uphold the highest standards of manufacturing. The new BRABUS collection is a testament to the synergy of form, style, and comfort, offering modern statement looks that exude flexibility and sophistication. With a range of fits designed to cater to the diverse preferences of car collectors and fashion aficionados, the apparel and accessories collection ensures that everyone can find a piece that resonates with their personal style. The entire clothing line is now accessible through the BRABUS SHOP, inviting owners and enthusiasts to explore and choose from the latest BRABUS Collection offerings. View all BRABUS inventory currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below. View All BRABUS Inventory For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by BRABUS (@theofficialbrabus) Source: BRABUS

BRABUS 600 based on Maybach 580 Outdoor BadDrieburg 7

By Tyler Rampersaud – October 12, 2022

The New BRABUS 600 Masterpiece Is A Mercedes-Maybach S 58...

With a unique take on Maybach luxury, this new BRABUS is worthy of its name. It’s no small thing to call something a masterpiece, but with the expertise that BRABUS has become known for in the automotive world, be it in performance, style, or craftsmanship, the qualification is definitely there. With the house’s newest creation, BRABUS takes on the Mercedes-Maybach S 580 and makes it a stunningly distinguished creation of its own, and fittingly, it’s called the BRABUS 600 Masterpiece. MUST READ: The New BRABUS P 900 Rocket Edition Is A 174-MPH 1-Of-10 Super Truck While the Mercedes-Maybach base car might be known for its comfort, BRABUS is known for brash performance, so the engine received a BRABUS PowerXtra upgrade to come up to 591 horsepower and 590 lb/ft of torque. As a result, your journey toward the electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph is started with a 0-60 run that takes just 4.5 seconds. However, another of BRABUS’s signature traits is the ability to make an incredible impression with its cars even before anyone steps inside, and the new BRABUS 600 Masterpiece does just that. With carbon fiber bodywork and 22-inch monoblock wheels, the luxurious elegance of the Mercedes-Maybach is complemented by the sporty BRABUS touches. The exclusive BRABUS Masterpiece interior is equally stunning with “Seashell Diamond” quilting and other bespoke options available. With each example being individually crafted to the customer’s specifications, the BRABUS 600 Masterpiece is a truly incredible creation. View All Cars For Sale From BRABUS Source: BRABUS

BRABUS P 900 Rocket Edition Mercedes AMG G63 Tunnel 9

By Tyler Rampersaud – September 22, 2022

The New BRABUS P 900 Rocket Edition Is A 174-MPH 1-Of-10 ...

For this incredible truck, “P” stands for both pickup and performance. When it comes to turning already-awesome Mercedes vehicles into unfathomable bespoke masterpieces, BRABUS is without a doubt experienced, especially in the case of super-trucks based on the iconic G-Class SUV. This new BRABUS P 900 Rocket Edition is different because it strives for ultimate performance. Only 10 will be made, and while it’s already going to be a rare sight, catching a glimpse of one might not last very long, either, as the truck is capable of a 0-60 time under 3.7 seconds, and a top speed of nearly 174 mph, which is absolutely staggering for a vehicle of its size. MUST READ: 300-Mile 2022 Apocalypse Hellfire Listed For Sale The hero of that performance, the BRABUS Rocket V8 engine, gets the spotlight through the Carbon “PowerView” hood, which literally shows off the twin-turbocharged engine through a transparent panel. Other pieces of incredible BRABUS craftsmanship include carbon fiber throughout the exterior and also accentuating the interior, 24-inch Monoblock Z “Platinum Edition” wheels, a suspension system able to lower the vehicle by nearly 2 inches, and a two-tone leather interior in BRABUS’ signature black and red color combination with the brand’s “Seashell Diamond” quilting. This truck is as special and one-of-a-kind as it gets, with craftsmanship, engineering, style, and performance that are unmatched. View All Vehicles For Sale From BRABUS Source: BRABUS

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By Tyler Rampersaud – June 08, 2022

Check Out The New Rolls-Royce Ghost II-Based BRABUS 700

The first BRABUS based on a Rolls-Royce aims to be the luxury sedan to rule them all. You’ve heard of BRABUS and you’ve heard of Rolls-Royce. Both are brands that push the automotive world to new heights with unfathomable levels of luxury, performance, and artful design. What happens, however, when they come together? With the BRABUS 700, based on the Rolls-Royce Ghost II, we have an answer, and it’s nothing short of magnificent. MUST READ: The New BRABUS 900 Superblack Is A Blacked-Out Beastly G-Wagon Given the BRABUS treatment, the Rolls-Royce Ghost II-turned BRABUS 700 is sportier and bolder-looking than ever, with exposed carbon, a BRABUS front and rear spoilers, rear diffuser, Monoblock M “Platinum Edition” wheels. Opening the doors of the BRABUS 700 reveals the intersection of BRABUS and Rolls-Royce interior craftsmanship with a BRABUS Masterpiece interior, upholstered with porcelain-colored leather and accented with exposed carbon fiber. Driving the BRABUS 700, however, reveals another renowned strength of the BRABUS brand: performance. The engine has been upgraded to produce 700 horsepower and nearly 700 lb/ft of torque and sends the BRABUS 700 from 0-60 in just 4.6 seconds. As a Rolls-Royce given the BRABUS touch, the BRABUS 700 is a luxury sedan beyond imagination. View All BRABUS For Sale Source: YouTube/BRABUS

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 20, 2022

The New BRABUS 900 Superblack Is A Blacked-Out Beastly G-...

The BRABUS 900 Superblack is the modern epitome of a dark horse. The Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV is known for being an attention-commanding luxury SUV. It’s a favorite among those who like to stand out and drive a classically loved vehicle known for being the best at what it does, but as with any car the brand gets its house on, and especially a Mercedes-Benz, BRABUS is known for taking all of those aspects to an incredible level. The latest BRABUS Geländewagen-based model is the new BRABUS 900 Superblack, a G-Wagon that takes the luxury, looks, and performance of the Mercedes-AMG G 63 and gives them the full BRABUS treatment, starting with the aftermarket brand’s signature color: black. MUST READ: The New Mansory F9XX Gives The Ferrari SF90 Batmobile Looks And Increased Performance The Superblack designation comes from just about everything on the car being finished in black or carbon fiber. BRABUS calls it the “unmistakable black and bold design” and that’s made clear with the Widestar exterior design, carbon fiber accents, Obsidian Black Metallic color, and 24-inch BRABUS Monoblock Z “Platinum Edition” wheels. The interior continues the all-black trend, with the BRABUS Masterpiece upholstery featuring the brand’s signature “Seashell Diamond” quilting pattern in black leather, and the same black leather and carbon fiber can be seen throughout. One of the most important BRABUS touches added to any car, however, is the performance. The 4.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine in the BRABUS 900 Superblack features an incredible 900 horsepower and 922 lb/ft of torque. As a result, the BRABUS 900 Superblack rockets from 0-60 in just 3.7 seconds. That power gets to the road through a 9-speed automatic transmission, and the driver has the choice of having the transmission shifted automatically or manually, with a top speed of nearly 174 mph. The BRABUS 900 Superblack is a vehicle without compromise, one of the world’s favorite SUVs, except with supercar performance and the luxury of a limousine. View All BRABUS For Sale Source: BRABUS

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 16, 2022

The New BRABUS 900 XLP Is A 1-Of-10, 900-HP, G 63-Based P...

BRABUS has made the ultimate pickup, and only ten will be available across the globe. The Mercedes AMG G 63-based BRABUS 800 Adventure XLP pickup was a major success for the tuning house, and because of that, BRABUS decided to take the idea of it and go a step further. This time, the BRABUS 900 XLP pickup gets the BRABUS ROCKET 900 twin-turbocharged V8 engine, an evolution of the G 63’s engine that increases displacement to 4.5 liters and amps up power to 888 horsepower. With this, the BRABUS 900 XLP gets from 0-60 in less than 4.4 seconds and can reach speeds of up to an electronically limited 130 mph, which for a vehicle based on the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV is blindingly quick. MUST READ: BRABUS Debuts Its 900 Crawler, Limited to Only 15-Units Worldwide for $800k A vehicle as special and unique as the BRABUS 900 XLP is bound to be rare, and rare it is. Only 10 of these incredible pickup trucks will exist globally. With its unique pickup body style, BRABUS’s custom-developed 22-inch wheels on all-terrain tires, a “ROCKET Grey” paint finish, and BRABUS’s sumptuous interior, complete with carbon-fiber accents and BRABUS’s classic black and red color scheme, the BRABUS 900 XLP really is the ultimate pickup. It’s not just one of ten, it’s also one of a kind. Source: BRABUS

By Andrew Nabors – March 24, 2021

Brabus 92R is Your New Urban Supercar

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

By Andrew Nabors – January 27, 2021

Brabus Unveils 24" Platinum Edition Monoblock Wheels

Rolling up to a fancy spot in a G63 is a recipe for a perfect night out. But if your original wheels are showing their age, Brabus has unveiled new 24" Platinum Edition monoblock wheels. Offered in 21", 23", and 24", they are the perfect addition to your G-Class. Available for purchase with or without tires, Brabus can also install new TPMS sensors to make them an easy upgrade. If you need something smaller, the 2021 Brabus B45 packs a punch! Browse Brabus For Sale Images (C) BRABUS

By Andrew Nabors – October 12, 2020

Startech Tesla Model 3 Arrives In November

Earlier this year we teased you with renderings of an aggressive Tesla. While that might seem like oxymoronic, it has taken most of the year to transform the humble 5-door into a real attention-getter. Our friends at Startech have confirmed their Tesla Model 3 will arrive in November as a comprehensive upgrade for owners and potential buyers. STARTECH Will Give Your Tesla Model 3 a Makeover The kit includes front and rear bumpers, rocker panels with cooling intakes, and a graceful rear spoiler. Their Monostar wheels are 20", staggered with 9" wide front and 10.5" wide on the rear. For the optimal look, a new set of coil springs offer a drop of 1.1" without sacrificing ride quality. Click the button below to find out more and stay with us for all your Startech news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – August 04, 2020

BRABUS INVICTO Filmed in Action

Back in May, we broke the news of the new BRABUS INVICTO. Starting with their most powerful G-Class, our friends at BRABUS have built an indestructible shelter cell on wheels. The armored beast is rated at VR6 + ERV, so it can shrug off the 30 caliber rounds of an AK-47. A 22lb roadside bomb is also no worries thanks to hot-formed ballistic steel and triple seals at every opening. Click the button below for all the details and stay with us for all your BRABUS news. Learn More " width="680">

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