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 – April 14, 2020

Arkonik Announces Unprecedented Defender Sales

Are you trapped at home trying to choose the perfect SUV? If you want to take social distancing to the next level, we have the answer. Because each example is more capable and powerful than you could dream of, Arkonik has announced unprecedented Defender sales. The last half of March saw more sales and inquiries than the previous month before lockdown began. Arkonik Debuts LS3 Defender "UJO" Our friend Andy Hayes was the victim of a motorcycle accident in 2005. In order to motivate himself through the pain, he bought a well-worn Defender and set about restoring it. Now his team takes each one down to bare metal before injecting them with more power, modern brakes, and anything else you desire. Here are a few examples of what they can do, so click on the button to unlock your imagination. Learn More

By Jordan Aquistapace – April 14, 2020

Arctic Trucks Releases the New 2020 F-150 AT44

Since 1988, Arctic Trucks has been engineering 4x4 vehicles to tackle some of the most weathered conditions that the world has to offer. Working with a fleet of manufacturers, the team creates rugged renditions of vehicles seen on showroom floors. Arctic Trucks have released the 2020 Ford F-150 AT44, the second Ford platform that has been redesigned, next to the F-350. The rugged frame sits on 44’’ inch Nokian Hakkapeliitta snow tires as well as a more aggressive suspension that is hidden underneath the widened fender flares. Aesthetically, Arctic Trucks has painted the perfect picture of an outfitted off-road Ford F-150, although we are still waiting to hear on engine options and pricing. Click below for more information on Arctic Trucks and the new 2020 Ford F-150 AT44! Visit ArcticTrucks.com Source: Arctic Trucks/Facebook

By Edward Jones – April 14, 2020

Get 0% Financing on Select 2019 and 2020 ROUSH Models

ROUSH has a wide-range of vehicles that can add some serious horsepower to your garage or collection. From their Stage 3 Mustangs to their massive F-150s, there is a lot to choose from. And now, ROUSH Performance has announced 0% financing on selected 2019 and 2020 model-year vehicles through April 30, 2020. The models included are: ⦁ 2019 ROUSH Mustang Stage 3: 0% financing for up to 84 months ⦁ 2019 ROUSH F-150 models: 0% financing for up to 84 months ⦁ 2019 ROUSH Super Duty models: 0% financing for up to 60 months ⦁ 2020 ROUSH Mustang Stage 3: 0% financing for up to 72 months ⦁ 2020 ROUSH F-150 models: 0% financing for up to 72 months There's also the option to opt for deferred payments for the first three months with APR financing on 2019 ROUSH Super Duty, 2019 and 2020 ROUSH Mustang Stage 3, and 2019 and 2020 ROUSH F-150 models. If you'd like to learn more, contact our partners at Brown Lee Ford, Elder Ford of Tampa, Ferman Ford, Ken Grody Ford (Carlsbad), Ken Grody Ford (Buena Park) and Pierre Ford. Visit ROUSHPerformance.com ROUSH Performance also has an iRacing League that's starting on Wednesday, April 15. They're doing this to help people get their minds off of the current situation. So, they've gathered a group of professional drivers to race in Ford GTs around Road America. You can view it on Facebook Live so be sure to check them out to find out when it's starting.

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2020

McLaren Senna by NOVITEC Offers 902 Horsepower

No matter how much power your car has, most of us will always want more. That is why NOVITEC has risen to the challenge of tuning the world's most exclusive cars. After a long development process, the McLaren Senna by NOVITEC offers 902 horsepower. The press release hit our inbox last night, loaded with impressive performance numbers. In addition to adding 102 horsepower, torque has jumped to 655 lb-ft. This is made possible by their plug-n-play N-TRONIC module and a new Inconel exhaust. You will reach 62 mph in 2.7 seconds. The speedometer will read 124 mph in only 6.5 seconds, and you are well on your way to a top speed of 208 mph. Optional goodies include Vossen wheels in 20"/21". The best part about NOVITEC is that these upgrades can be removed with a few hours of work. First you will need to find a Senna for yourself, so click the button below and stay with us for all your NOVITEC news. Browse All McLaren Senna For Sale

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By Andrew Nabors – April 08, 2020

XPEL Unveils Innovative Face Shield

One problem that confounds Emergency Rooms and First Responders is how to protect themselves from spreading or catching a virus. That's why our friends at XPEL have unveiled an innovative face shield. Their paint protection film has saved supercars and daily drivers from rocks, sand, and oxidation for years. Now they have switched gears to building shields to help our nation. "The XPEL Face Shield is available in two sizes - 7''or 9'', constructed from TPU, with thick foam padding providing enough room to be worn with a mask, and designed for universal fit." From their Instagram page we can see the new shields in action. I have a Cadillac CTS-V covered in their film, and I don't fear it sitting idle as long as my fellow Floridians stay safe. Actions like this will help us recover with incredible strength, so Bravo to all at XPEL for taking up the cause. Learn More

By Edward Jones – April 07, 2020

Rare Gemballa Mirage GT Crashed in NYC

It comes with great sorrow that I have to announce the loss of a beautiful car. According to news reports, a Gemballa Mirage GT was used in a "crashing" spree in the Hell's Kitchen area of Manhattan. The supercar ran into multiple cars along 11th Ave and was eventually stopped around 11th Ave and 44th St. There's no word on who the driver was or whether it was stolen, but Fox5NY.com notes that the driver was taken into custody at the scene. This rare car is based on the famous Porsche Carrera GT, but it hosts a bevy of enhancements that make it truly special. These enhancements can be found on the exterior, interior and even mechanically. Unfortunately, this car was one-of-a-kind and the damage looks severe, to say the least. The images found in this article were taken by @ronnienyc who happened upon the car on his way to work in NYC. https://www.instagram.com/p/B-rxRIkHYfD/

By Andrew Nabors – April 07, 2020

Hennessey Maximus 1000 Jeep Gladiator Desert Shakedown

A few weeks ago we saw how John Hennessey's latest creation handled muddy terrain. As expected, the Hellcat-powered Jeep didn't break a sweat. Going fast over sand is a completely different matter, so that question has been answered with the Hennessey Maximus 1000 Jeep Gladiator desert shakedown. Great Sand Dunes National Park looks like a scene from the Sahara. Situated at the eastern edge of the Great Basin, the Great Sand Dunes National Park is home to the largest dunes in North America. This remnant of an pre-historic seafloor is open to 4WD fun almost year-round. Having 1,000 horsepower and 933 b-ft of torque, the 8-lug Dana 60 axles will send sand into orbit. Spinning tires send little resistance to the engine, and it allows the supercharger to be heard for miles. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance news. Learn More " width="680">

By Edward Jones – April 02, 2020

Mil-Spec Automotive Debuts New F-150 High-Performance Truck

(Press Release) - Known for designing custom handmade H1 trucks for enthusiasts looking to overcome even the toughest obstacles, Mil-Spec Automotive is proud to introduce their brand-new F-150 series of high-performance trucks. Founded by a trio of young twenty-something auto designers from Michigan, the new F-150 from Mil-Spec Automotive feature a brawny 500-horsepower 5.0L V8 performance package specially engineered to tackle anything. Visit MilSpecAuto.com “At Mil-Spec Automotive, our company designs always center around a deep passion for upgrading some of the world’s most celebrated trucks,” comments Mil-Spec Automotive Co-Founder Adam Mitchell. “Our new Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 is very much an extension of our popular bespoke H1 series. As truck enthusiasts, we are always on the hunt for platforms that we can dramatically improve from a performance perspective while also offering Mil-Spec Automotive’s unique aesthetic. The new Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 is very much a go anywhere, do anything supertruck.” Ready to take drivers anywhere out on the open road or dirt, and look good doing it, the Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 is a high-performance truck up for even the toughest of terrain. The company utilizes an impressive 500-horsepower naturally-aspirated 5.0L V8 package to power each F-150. Each engine is also powerfully customized with an elite performance tune specifically designed for 91 octane. In an effort to further improve the driving experience, Mil-Spec implemented a high-performance electric power-assisted steering wheel with custom magnesium paddle shifters and centerline stitching. The optional Baja Performance Suspension Package incorporates a variety of Fox Racing components to improve the MSA F-150’s off-road performance and allow drivers to dominate behind the wheel. Designed as a tactically-inspired alternative to the wildly popular Raptor, the powerful new Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 supertruck features a modified long-travel Baja Suspension, which comfortably allows up to 11-inches of wheel travel and up to 13.5-inches of increased track width over a standard stock F-150. This innovative MSA design produces a truck that is seven inches wider than the Raptor, as tall as an F-250 heavy-duty truck with an off-road tuned suspension as aggressive as the Raptor. Combined with the might of the tried and true 5.0L v8 tuned and upgraded to 500 naturally aspirated HP, this vehicle truly stands out in the crowd. The new Fox 3.0 F-150 Long Travel Performance Shock Package is another Mil-Spec Automotive addition, which includes an optional fully adjustable coilover and shock kit with 3’’ diameter bypass shocks, remote reservoirs, 10AN hoses and Eibach springs for both the front and rear suspension. All hardware included in this package is powder coated black with anodized aluminum accents to complete the sleek exterior. Mil-Spec Automotive offers the Baja Suspension Package for $6,000. Powder coated heavy duty side steps allow for easy access into the new Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 cab, while high-intensity LED headlights help to greatly improve visibility on the road. More delightfully brutish upgrades abound, including 20-inch Mil-Spec Automotive-inspired alloy wheels that wear 37x13.59R20LT Nitto Ridge Grappler tires. The dual exhaust tips with black finish add another tactical design element to this powerful truck. Additional upgrades for the new Mil-Spec F-150 include the Baja Exterior Appearance Package, which further transforms the heavy duty special edition. The new exterior options include a low-profile Baja Roof Rack, a spare tire carrier made for equipping an oversized off-road wheel, and a large 39’’ LED light bar system for perfect visibility on dark trails. Altogether, the Baja Exterior Appearance Package is available at $8,600. Priced at $85,000 including the donated 2020 F-150, Mil-Spec Automotive made sure to incorporate their trademark tactical-inspired aesthetic throughout each F-150 truck build. Additionally, because these trucks are not Ford performance-based, they are fully eligible for applicable factory rebates unlike the Raptor and will be fully financeable. The rugged front and rear bumper systems in the new supertruck are engineered from fully-welded heavy-duty steel that offers extra strength with a sleek satin black powder coat finish and LED lighting compatibility. While trucks of this caliber often are available at a price point in excess of $150,000, the Mil-Spec Automotive team knew there was a more financially responsible way to produce these machines. “MSA saw an opportunity to bring a product offering to the market at a price point that hasn't been seen before,” comments Mitchell. “Our goal was to include an extreme exterior aesthetic backed up by drastic performance improvements that could be applied to one of the most iconic North American vehicle platforms, the F-150. Many of the American aftermarket legacy brands have attempted to improve this platform in a turn-key package, but our in-depth market research revealed that more could be done while still achieving a price point that is well below what most of these companies are targeting.” Each new Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 is available in four exterior colors: Agate Black, Magnetic Grey, Lead Foot Grey, and Oxford White. Mil-Spec Automotive badging is impressively featured throughout the exterior and interior of the vehicle, with each logo available in either a machine, semi-gloss black, or powder coat black finish. The Mil-Spec Automotive F-150 also features sleek interior styling that includes leather seats for customers amongst other appointments throughout. Billet aluminum control knobs and a billet number plaque are included on the center console for each truck. Mil-Spec Automotive touches and numbering are tastefully located throughout the interior, adding another layer of exclusivity to these expertly crafted redesigned American icons. For more information on Mil-Spec Automotive’s newest vehicle offerings, please visit www.milspecauto.com or call 248-430-5150. Visit MilSpecAuto.com

By Andrew Nabors – April 01, 2020

Hennessey Performance Vlog Episode 2

Working for your parents can be stressful, but John Hennessy's daughter Emma is making a great career managing their social media accounts. In her latest film, we get to see several builds in process along with commentary from their skilled technicians. We are also witness to a happy customer taking delivery and riding shotgun with test driver Alex Roys. Not only is he the operations manager, he is also Emma's husband. Tell us which build you like best in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – March 31, 2020

Vaughn Gittin Jr. Previews 10th Anniversary RTR Mustang S...

It is hard to believe it has been a decade since Mr. Gittin began racing & modifying the Ford Mustang. The RTR (Ready To Rock) Mustang has been offered in various flavors for years, but they have pulled out all the stops. That is why Vaughn Gittin Jr. has previewed the 10th Anniversary RTR Mustang Spec 5. Starting at the ground, the 13" wide rear tires are sticky Nitto NT555 G2. They are mounted on forged RTR Aero 7 wheels that are barely contained beneath the fender flares. RTR suspension is a proprietary set of coil overs along with matched front and rear sway bars. Under the hood is a Ford Stage II supercharger. It adds a whopping 290 horsepower for a total of 750. The body will include the most aggressive styling and aerodynamics to date, and only 10 examples will be built. We can barely wait for this maniacal Mustang to arrive, so stay with us for all your RTR updates. Browse All Ford Mustang For Sale " width="680">

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