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

A BRABUS Rocket 1000, a luxury car, speeds along a city road with towering skyscrapers and a tall tower in the background beneath a cloudy sky.

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 22, 2025

Watch Luka Dončić Drive His 1-of-25 BRABUS Rocket 1000

A basketball star shows off his unique performance masterpiece. Along with a career as one of the NBA’s most successful and celebrated players at only 26 years old, Luka Dončić has been the subject of plenty of headlines within the basketball universe as a result of his controversial trade from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. However, along with his passion for the sport of basketball, Dončić also is an avid car enthusiast, with a collection including some highly desirable vehicles. One of those is the BRABUS Rocket 1000, which managed to extract an absolutely ludicrous amount of 1,000 horsepower out of the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE’s powertrain, combining a 4.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a hybrid system for a blistering 0-60 time of just 2.6 seconds. Along with that incredible power, the Rocket also features BRABUS’s unique style, and the firm’s incredible attention to detail and luxury craftsmanship. Only 25 examples of the Rocket 1000 exist in the world, with Luka Dončić being the owner of one, and in a new video posted on Instagram by the NBA, the star player takes it on a road trip from his home country of Slovenia to Spain, enjoying the car on beautifully scenic roads and discussing his lifelong passion for cars. The video is part of a new episode of the Pass The Rock series on the NBA app, and it’s a look at a star athlete behind the wheel of a custom supercar masterpiece. View All BRABUS Inventory For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by NBA (@nba)

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By Tyler Rampersaud – June 13, 2024

Drake Shows Off His New Apocalypse Super Truck 4x4

One of hip-hop’s biggest names adds a new truck to his garage. Drake is one of the most well-known names in the music industry, with a catalog of popular music over the years, and one of the most lavish celebrity luxury lifestyles in the world. Recently, Drake’s luxury vehicle collection has expanded even further, adding a new 2023 Apocalypse Super Truck 4x4, courtesy of Apocalypse Manufacturing, to his garage. The intimidating custom truck features an all-black exterior, with armoring throughout, an LED light bar, open wheel wells for optimized off-road ability, and more. Under the hood, the Super Truck is powered by a 6.2-liter Hemi Hellcat V8 engine, with 870 horsepower, with power going to all four wheels. The interior is uniquely configured, with zebra-print upholstery throughout. With five off-road drive modes, the Super Truck is ready for almost any adventure. Drake’s new Super Truck is one of the greatest examples of the automotive excellence and unique ability of Apocalypse Manufacturing, with its armor, impressive height, unmistakable silhouette, unique zebra-print interior, potent V8 performance, and highly capable off-road ability. With all of those unique attributes, the 2023 Apocalypse Super Truck is a worthy addition to Drake’s arsenal of luxury vehicles. View All Vehicles For Sale From Apocalypse Manufacturing View this post on Instagram A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi)

By Jordan Aquistapace – October 13, 2023

Watch John Hennessey's First Drive In His New C8 Corvette...

Keeping this one in his collection, the C8 Corvette Z06 is sure to be pushing some extra power soon. Always at the forefront of performance engineering, Hennessey Performance prides itself on being the first to upgrade modern Amercian muscle cars with horsepower-gaining packages. Often the first to receive some of the most desirable sports cars on the market, this is also the case for Chevrolet's all-new C8 generation Corvette Z06. Debuted as the first Corvette Z06 to feature its updated mid-engine configuration, it remains one of the most anticipated automotive releases of the year. Now that the Corvette's most powerful platform is in the hands of Hennessey Performance, Founder John Hennessey takes the Z06 out on the manufacturer's private test track in Sealy, Texas. John takes to the cockpit to share some initial opinions of his personal C8 Corvette Z06 (Z07 Track Pack) as he gets some heat in the tires with a warm-up lap. Alongside the excitement of taking delivery, John Hennessey explains that his team of passionate fuel-driven professionals has already developed a series of upgrade packages for the C8 generation Corvette (Non-Z06). The Z07 Performance Package for the C8 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 includes aerodynamic upgrades, carbon-fiber elements, and Michelin Sport Cup 2 R ZP tires, elevating the sports car's track capabilities to a whole new level. A few straight-line sprints and launches prove to John that it's a true track star, as he even notes its resemblence to the Ferrari 458 Italia. With time and testing, it'll be no time before Hennessey Performance is arms deep in the C8 Corvette Z06's engine bay unlocking some extra horsepower. Hennessey Performance currently offers a range of supercharged and twin-turbocharged upgrade packages for the current naturally-aspirated C8 Corvette lineup. View all Hennessey Performance inventory for sale on duPont REGISTRY by clicking the link below.] View Hennessey Performance Inventory Source: Hennessey Performance YouTube

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 16, 2022

Apocalypse Manufacturing's Big Screen Debut Features Dani...

We already knew Apocalypse 6x6 made star cars, but now Hollywood agrees. Apocalypse Manufacturing takes great trucks and SUVs like the Jeep Wrangler, Ram, and Ford Bronco, and adds two more wheels, along with much more luxury, power and cool factor. Apocalypse’s 6x6 monster trucks like the Hellfire, Doomsday, Sinister 6, Warlord, and Dark Horse are all larger-than-life machines that are usually only ever imagined. MUST READ: Apocalypse’s New Dark Horse Turns The Ford Bronco Into A 6×6 Beast And what says “larger-than-life” more than being a movie star? Apocalypse’s Hellfire 6x6 is being featured in “The Lost City,” a new movie starring Channing Tatum, Sandra Bullock, Brad Pitt, and the Hellfire’s driver, Daniel Radcliffe. The movie follows a romance novelist and her cover model, who get caught up in an action-packed jungle adventure after a kidnapping attempt. Daniel Radcliffe’s character, Fairfax, is the villain, and drives a very villain-worthy Apocalypse Hellfire, with six-wheel-drive and the engine of a Corvette. The movie is set to release on March 25, and even with a star-studded cast, we can’t help but think the Apocalypse is going to steal the show. All Apocalypses For Sale Source: Apocalypse Manufacturing

By Andrew Nabors – April 20, 2021

Hennessey Venom F5 Aerodynamic Testing By A Legendary Eng...

John & John are at it again Dropping big power into a small car is a great way to have fun, but you need to make sure its safe at high speeds. For the latest supercar by John Hennessey and his team, there was only 1 driver they trust. As a veteran Corvette racer and former leader of GM Performance, John Heinricy is credited with the Z06, ZR1 & Camaro 1LE projects along with the Cadillac CTS-V. For a quick refresher, the Hennessey Venom F5 is the successor to the wild Venom GT. Making use of their own bespoke V8, their goal is for a top speed well over 300 mph. Just as the Venom GT brought the production Land Speed Record back to the U.S. the F5 is poised to offer 1,817 horsepower in a car that only weighs 2,998 lbs. Click the button to join in their 30th-anniversary celebration and stay with us for all your Hennessey news. Learn More Image (C) Hennessey Performance

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By Andrew Nabors – April 27, 2020

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus Unveils SCG 008 "004/Mini Boot"

When you need to get from Paris to Dakar in style, many racers spend a ton of money preparing for the rally. Always thinking outside the box, Jim Glickenhaus and his team have something unprecedented to offer. In order to take on the world's toughest terrain, the Mini Boot will be nimble and fast. In order to make SCG cars more affordable to the masses, this is their first model offered in installments. Top 50 Sports Cars Of All Time It will arrive as a crate of parts along with easy instructions. Meeting DOT laws in all 50 states, the chassis is designed to use a turbocharged Chevrolet EcoTec along with a Sadev transaxle. Both are capable of incredible power and known for bulletproof reliability. Kit cars are great fun, especially when teaching kids how to turn a wrench. Tell us how you would make yours unique in the comments below and check out the full size boot #1 that is almost near completion!

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 Andrew Nabors – August 28, 2018

Dale Jr's Winning 2012 Chevy Impala For Sale

If you have ever wanted to compete in NASCAR, here is your best opportunity: Rick Hendrick and his team are offering a winning car. Dale Earnhardt Jr. and the 88 Team won the June 2012 race in Michigan, so this car was fielded at most shorter tracks until it was retired in 2014.Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Preview: Dale Jr’s 1970 Chevelle SSThe paint & vinyl graphics are from "The Dark Knight Rises", making it even more unique. Under the hood is a new Hendrick Motorsports R07 Chevrolet V8. The fuel injected 358 makes much more than the 800 horsepower rating so you can run 0-60 in first gear.The four-speed manual and the differential are geared for 9,000 rpm at close to 200 mph so you might want to check your local speed limits before you buy. If you despise your Homeowners Association, or if you need an engine for your project car, click the link below for all the details.View Price & Listing

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