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 – February 12, 2019

SVE 1,000 Horsepower Suburban, Yukon & Escalade Now Avail...

If you are tired of being passed by supercars, SVE has upped the ante for performance SUVs. Just announced is the new SVE 1,000 horsepower Chevrolet Suburban, Yukon & Escalade. Stage 1 is limited to 850 horsepower since it was developed on the 5.3L V8. But if that isn't enough, the 6.2L models can be transformed to 6.8L thanks to a new forged rotating assembly. This 414 cubic-inch monster is then topped by their CNC ported heads and a massive supercharger. It yields 1,000 horsepower at the crank and 900 lb-ft of torque between 4 and 6k rpm. It also includes stainless headers and a transmission upgrade along with an 8-rib supercharger belt. It's all backed by a 3 year/36k warranty, and as an original owner of their 2002 Camaro SS I can attest to the build quality. Almost all high-volume GM dealers are authorized SVE retailers, so click the link to learn more about their powerful builds. Shop SVE For Sale Related: Up Close & Personal With SVE's 1,000 HP Yenko Camaro SVE Unveils 800 HP Yenko Silverado

By Edward Jones – February 01, 2019

Pair of Liberty Walk Supercars Ride on Lexani Wheels

Cars that have been reborn thanks to Liberty Walk kits will turn heads wherever they travel. There's just something about LW kits that make exotic cars even more aggressive-looking than they already are. Don't believe me? Check out these two supercars that have been fitted with LW kits and shown off at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2019 event. The cherry on top for these cars are the custom Lexani wheels that are finished in Candy Red. These images come to us thanks to a collaboration between ARK Group and Lexani Wheels. The first car in the pair is a Ferrari 458 that's riding on Lexani LTS-04 wheels in Candy Red. Then there's a Lamborghini Aventador Roadster with Lexani LF-Arte wheels in Candy Red as well. Check them both out below! shop lexani wheels Ferrari 458 on Lexani LTS-04 Wheels Lamborghini Aventador Roadster on Lexani LF-Arte Wheels Also Check Out: Lexani Wheels at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2019 Lexani Motorcars’ New Extended Escalade is a Mansion on Wheels

By Andrew Nabors – January 31, 2019

AC Schnitzer Unveils the 700 HP M5 Competition

Do you ever feel bad for people that drive boring cars? We don't either! So we're glad that our friends at AC Schnitzer unveiled their 700 horsepower BMW M5 Competition. It look snazzy at every angle thanks to their latest center-lock 21" wheels. A set of Gen 4 KW coil-overs gives it a 1" drop on the nose and 1/2" on the rear. This stunner was not built for looks alone, it needs to be lower for a reason. The engineers at AC have unlocked 627 lb-ft of torque. When you consider it weighs only 4,090 lbs, it makes this AWD sedan able to run with supercars. The comprehensive upgrades include your choice of 3 exhaust systems and two flavors of front spoiler. All parts are backed by a 5-year warranty, and they allow the M5 to lap the 'Ring in only 7:29.50! Of course you will need a new M5 to start with, so click here to find a new M5 for sale and stay with us for all your aftermarket news. Contact AC Schnitzer " width="680">

By Edward Jones – January 22, 2019

Novitec's Ferrari 812 Superfast is Flawless

Novitec's new Ferrari 812 Superfast is here and it's just right. The famous aftermarket company has upgraded the important features of the new Italian supercar, turning it into an even more refined vehicle. How's that even possible? Here's how. It all starts with the exterior. Novitec has created new body components for the 812 Superfast that add function and flair. This includes the new front spoiler lip, rear spoiler lip, carbon fiber rear fascia, rocker panels, carbon air outlets on the hood, carbon side mirror caps, and more. Then there's the Novitec forged wheels that are 21-inches in the front and 22-inches in the rear. Lowering the car was also on Novitec's list for the new 812 Superfast. The new sport springs lower the car by 1.37-inches. Novitec also offers a front lift system that raises the front by 1.57-inches when needed. As for performance, Novitec's engineers are hard at work. Unfortunately, they haven't released any upgrades for the 812's 6.5-liter V12. They do, however, offer a "performance-optimizing" option that consists of a new high-performance exhaust system with 4.33-inch tailpipes. These systems can be finished in either polished or matte stainless steel. view all ferrari 812 superfast's for sale Also Check Out: Jason Statham’s 2014 Ferrari F12berlinetta For Sale Ferrari F355s For Sale Ferrari F355 Specs Price and Photos

By Edward Jones – January 22, 2019

Lexani Motorcars' New Extended Escalade is a Mansion on W...

Lexani Motorcars, known for their bespoke luxury stretch and armored conversion, have revealed their latest creation: the 30-inch Extended Cadillac Escalade Viceroy Edition. Categorized as the world's first 2019 stretched Cadillac Escalade mobile office with Lexani's ultra-lux VIP cabin upgrades, it's a sight to behold. Inside the stretched Escalade is as much technology as you can tastefully fit. A curved smart TV provides all passengers with entertainment while multiple Apple iPad Pros have been integrated throughout the cabin for individual entertainment or productivity. The raised ceiling with ambient LED and vivid star-liner lighting shine upon the interior, which includes airline style tables, a Mac Mini and more. For comfort and luxury, Lexani Motorcars appointed the new Escalade Viceroy Edition's power seats in diamond-stitched European leather. Lexani Motorcars knows that life isn't all about work, so they added a few touches for time when work is slow. A Sony Playstation 4 system is connected to the TV for the gamer in all of us. A VIP amenity package that consists of luxury champagne flutes, quality crystal old fashioned glasses and airline table add-ons are there for when passengers need to just kick back. And passengers need not worry about any threats while relaxing, because Lexani Motorcars offers up to B7 level armoring. For more information and inquiries, be sure to click the button below. lexanimotorcars.com Also Check Out: Lexani Motorcars Extended Escalade “Concept Two” Armored Escalade Office by Lexani Motorcars The Asgard by Lexani Motorcars: The Ultimate Mobile Office Presented by Lexani Motorcars The intention behind the launch of Lexani Motorcars was to carry the prestige of the Lexani brand to the custom luxury automotive market with unparalleled design, innovation, and quality. LexaniMotorcars.com

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By Andrew Nabors – January 21, 2019

Gemballa Unveils Beastly GTR 8XX EVO-R BITURBO

Everyone is singing the praises of the new Porsche 992. It is the latest and greatest version of the Porsche 911, but what about us? The fans and owners of the 991 series? These proven beasts arrived in 2012 and the Turbo and Turbo S models survived up until the 2019 model year. Our dealers have several new & certified examples for sale, and the Turbo S will offer a whopping 540 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Those are impressive numbers, but the new Gemballa GTR 8XX EVO-R BITURBO has been unveiled and its numbers are even better. Based on any 991 series Turbo or Turbo S, they have pushed the 3.8L to 818 horsepower and 810 lb-ft of torque. 60 mph arrives in 2.38 seconds and after 7.5 you will be at 124 mph. The body is 2" wider thanks to flared carbon fiber. Even with the aerodynamic upgrades, it is capable of 230 mph with ease. Click the link below to find your Porsche 911, then contact Gemballa for pricing & details. View All Porsche 911 For Sale Related: Gemballa GT Concept Ben Chen & His Gemballa Mirage GT 991 Porsche 911 Turbo S Review

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By Andrew Nabors – January 14, 2019

New Options for 2020 Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6

If your lifted Raptor needs a custom touch, Hennessey Performance has the answer. The VelociRaptor is a 600 horsepower beast with new turbos, intercoolers, side-exit exhaust and a dyno tune. It offers 600 horsepower and 622 lb-ft of torque to all wheels, so what more could you need? How about another rear axle and a long bed? The VelociRaptor 6x6 has transformed the world of custom trucks. John Hennessey and his team have engineered a 6WD beast with 3 locking differentials. Both rear axles have more travel than a stock Raptor, and they are held in place by spherical rod ends. Extensions to the frame are laser cut from thick plate steel, and tig welded in a jig for precise geometry. But that is where the similarities end. Let's take a look at the options to see just how wild it can be. Because this process is so involved, there is ample time to add other upgrades to your ride. First up is new rubber. Because you are riding 3" higher, the 20" Hennessey wheels are available in any color. They arrive wrapped in 35" Toyo All Terrain tires, but Hennessey will choose any wheel or brand you desire. 2 Chainz filming the "Most Expensivest" for Viceland Next up are several options for LED lights. Light bars can be mounted above the windshield and on the roll bar, not to mention the front bumper and fog lights. The next area often upgraded is the factory audio. Hennessey Performance can seamlessly integrate reference-level speakers and more bass into your truck. A hint of armor has been mentioned for this year's SEMA show. If the aluminum body leaves you a bit vulnerable, the addition of steel inside the doors can be hidden in plain sight. This would also add weight, so that leads us to the last option. Post Malone's VelociRaptor 6x6 Build Although not listed on the 6x6 page, Hennessey does offer a V8 conversion for the Raptor. They install a new F150 5.0L V8 and wiring harness straight from the factory. A simple tune of the computer will unleash a Coyote under the hood. Post Malone wanted something truly unique, so each of the FOX Racing shocks had its own artwork. The Brembo calipers were powder-coated with barbed wire, and he left no options on the table. So tell us how you would option yours in the comments below and stay with us for all your Hennessey news. Click Here To Learn More " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – December 17, 2018

Brabus Unveils 700 4x4² "one of ten" Final Edition

Everyone is in love with the new G-Class because it is the first full redesign since 1977. But we will certainly miss the Brabus Mercedes-AMG 4x4², as the factory has announced it will not transition on to the new 2019 chassis. That's because the suspension and portal-axles are unlike any other production vehicle. Collectors are fighting to get their hands on the last examples, but Brabus beat everyone to the punch. They have acquired the last 10 examples from AMG, and each one is getting every upgrade imaginable. The Brabus 700 4x4² "one of ten" Final Edition is the last we'll see of the legendary 5.5-liter twin turbo V8. It has a lineage going back several decades before it was replaced by the 2019 reverse-flow turbo designs. Top 10 Fastest 1/4 Mile Cars Our late friend Bodo Buschman and his team learned how to squeeze the block to its limits, so it offers 700 horsepower and 708 lb-ft of torque. It will have you at 62 mph in 5 seconds with a top speed limited to 130 to save the all-terrain tires. The new Brabus suspension includes dual coil overs with 15% more oil capacity than the stock units. They offer active dampening and are controlled by Brabus' proprietary touch control panel. You can adjust ride-height on-the-fly for over 2 feet of ground clearance! A hand-sewn black & brown leather is accessed by powered running boards. Buyers can choose from carbon fiber or noble wood trim for the ultimate in luxury. The upgraded turbos generate more heat, so Brabus covers the hood and firewall in 24k gold, the best heat reflector ever made. These ten SUVs are the last 4x4², so click the link below to find a Brabus dealer near you. View Brabus 4x4 For Sale " width="680"> Related: Brabus A-Class Is A Compact Sledgehammer Sedan Brabus 700 Widestar: Wicked Details

By Andrew Nabors – December 13, 2018

Excell Racing Unveils Twin-Turbo Ferrari F12berlinetta

How do you make the best even better? Add boost! That is what our friends at Excell Racing / Excell Auto Group have done to their Ferrari F12berlinetta. I can tell you from experience that there is hardly any room between the exhaust manifolds and the body of the car. Ferrari builds a reliable V12, so there isn't any reason for a grease monkey to be in there. That being said, we have no idea how they carved out room for two ball bearing turbos. New exhaust is hand fabricated to mount the turbos just ahead of the flywheel, and they are lubricated by an improved dry-sump system. A new 3-gallon oil tank is plumbed to the engine using Teflon Mil-Spec hoses & fittings. One of the sleekest details is having the wastegates dump behind the front tires. Sell My Ferrari F12berlinetta: Get a Cash Offer Your Excell Racing XR 1500 will also have intercoolers on each side, a larger radiator, and dual oil coolers. Their target is 1,500 hp at the crank, so new clutches and forged billet axles are included. Each car will be tuned on their dyno and on the street to achieve a perfect air/fuel ratio. This car is in its final development stages, and it could potentially support 2,500 horsepower thanks to its modular construction. We can't give all the details out yet, so you will see it here first. Stay with us for all the updates on this wild build!

By Andrew Nabors – December 13, 2018

Hennessey HPE1000 Cadillac CTS-V is a 10-Second Sedan

We were sad to learn that model year 2019 will be the end of the CTS-V. What began in 2004 by shoving a Corvette Z06 drivetrain into an unassuming Cadillac has evolved into a supercharged 640 horsepower sledgehammer. From the factory, it offers 640 horsepower and 630 lb-ft of torque, but the engine is unchanged from its 650 hp and torque as rated in the Z06. But Hennessey has learned how to squeeze incredible power out of the stock bottom end. I honestly expected them to start with a 6.8 (414 ci) stroker crank to achieve 1,000 horsepower and 996 lb-ft of torque. But all the modifications are done to the top end. Starting with a custom camshaft, their hand-ported heads have larger valves, springs, and retainers. Lifters and hardened pushrods will answer the call of your right foot, as they are pressurized by a giant supercharger. A new intercooler and heat exchanger have been repeatedly tested in the Texas heat, and each car is tuned on the road and on their dyno. The exhaust headers and high-flow cats are stainless steel, and they are tuned to match the increased duration of the cam. Check Out The Fastest Quarter Mile Cars A CTS-V with over twice the power of mine makes me consider nitrous oxide, but perhaps a road trip to Sealy, TX will cure my blues. The HPE1000 package is available to all CTS-V sedans from 2016 to present, and it is backed by a 2-year 24,000-mile warranty. If you want a big & comfy Caddy that reaches 60 mph in 2.9 seconds, get ready to scare your passengers. Crossing the quarter mile at 10.5 seconds at 135 mph is no joke, so click the link below for all the details. Click Here To Learn More " width="680">

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