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 – July 23, 2015

BRABUS Rocket 900 Exhaust & Acceleration Sounds

Turbochargers are truly magical devices. Not only do they add power by pressurizing the intake of an engine, they also act as a muffler. By forcing the exhaust gas to spin a turbine after it exits the combustion chamber, much of the rasp and harsh engine noises are eliminated. Any exhaust restriction after the turbo will hinder its ability to breath, so it takes significant engineering to design a free-flowing system for turbocharged cars.This is where BRABUS has once again raised the bar.First introduced March 2, the BRABUS Rocket 900 is an uncompromising interpretation of the Mercedes-AMG S65 Sedan. They are able to push the bi-turbo V12 to 900 hp and a limited 884 lb-ft of torque by adding larger turbos along with the necessary intake and exhaust systems. Since variable exhausts are all the rage, the Rocket 900 comes fitted with a dual mode system.With innovative programming of the steering wheel controls, the driver can select between mellow and angry. In a YouTube video uploaded July 20, below, you can see the new Rocket 900 and hear the differences between open and closed.This driver has a rewarding career, as he and the Brabus develop some of the world’s most powerful production cars. Hopefully a version of this exhaust will be released for owners of S Class sedans and coupes who are looking to add some personality and performance to their cars. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more Brabus and AMG updates.(Source: YouTube, Images courtesy of BRABUS) See More BRABUS News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 13, 2015

ROUSH Active Exhaust: Customized Tuning From Your iPhone

There's no questioning the fact that ROUSH knows Mustangs. The complete kit for ROUSH Performance Products' Active Exhaust system. Since Jack Roush created ROUSH Performance Products in 1995, they've taken Ford's most iconic muscle car and improved upon their formula, but they've also developed a range of technologies and aftermarket products that are revolutionizing the automotive industry. From helping Ken Block define Gymkhana's success with the engine for the Hoonicorn, to partnering with Google's autonomous driving program, ROUSH has had a hand in ensuring racing performance and exhilaration remain integral to the driving experience. But with their newest exhaust option for Mustangs, they're putting some control in your hands. Introduced July 8 is ROUSH's Active Exhaust, a new feature for all 2015 ROUSH Mustangs that lets you customize your exhaust directly from an app on your Apple device. It's the first app of its kind, and it's a simple way to create some incredible noise. As Vice President of Marketing Don Manfredi, Director of Vehicle Connectivity Justin Schroeder and Content Director David Buckshaw of ROUSH told us, the app is more than just a control switch. Tuning of 2015 ROUSH Mustangs and the creation of a custom option occurs in the App, which utilizes 3D displays to help visualize the sound being created Though expansion to Android or Windows operating systems is being discussed, Apple provided the best opportunities for this app to be released and used at its full potential. Particularly notable is the 3D display of how open the exhaust is at different speeds and accelerator positions. It's a clear visualization of the noise you're going to create, and key in helping you customize your own sounds. It's an option that can be included when you order your new Mustang, or installed at a ROUSH certified dealership if you already own a 2015 Stage 1, Stage 2 or Stage 3 Mustang. There are four exhaust modes to choose from: Touring, Sport, Track and Custom. ROUSH's microsite for this new system includes audio clips of the first three, and they are sounds you'll want to listen to on repeat. Touring is the best choice if you're going through the neighborhoods at night but still like a healthy rumble from your car. Sport is a little louder at low speeds, but keeps the valves closed for city driving. For a sound that will wake up anyone within a few miles, you can go for Track - but keep in mind, its volume isn't street legal. The fourth option, Custom, is exactly what it sounds like. Choose your own volume and tone at different speeds and accelerator positions. It can find that perfect balance between Touring for quiet roads and Track for high speeds, all without changing which mode you're in. Of course, it's up to you to make sure the mode is appropriate to the situation. As Schroeder, Manfredi and Buckshaw pointed out, the manual switch in the car lets you switch back to street legal modes without using the app. Pricing for the Active Exhaust system is an additional $2,800 over the base price of either ROUSH's Quad Tip exhaust or a Stage 1, 2 or 3 2015 ROUSH Mustang. As mentioned earlier, you can order your own 2015 Mustang with this entire system already included from any of ROUSH's global network of certified dealers, or ordered through and installed by those same dealers. For more information, be sure to visit ROUSH's website, or hit one of the two buttons below. Download the App Order the Kit (Source: ROUSH Performance) See More Aftermarket News

By Caitlin Duffy – July 10, 2015

The Terradyne GURKHA: A Street-Legal Tactical Vehicle

Since the conception of Terradyne in 2011, its core product has been the GURKHA, available in three configurations - LAPV, MPV or RPV. Throughout the years the GURKHA has been validated at various test facilities, participated in numerous global capability trials and continuously protected lives in the field, and it continues to make numerous appearances on the Hollywood big screen. The Gurkha LAPV from TerradyneIn late 2014, the RPV Civilian Edition was released and introduced as an exclusive limited production tactical vehicle available to the public. The Civilian Edition shares the same body as the standard issue RPV, standing at 98 inches tall, 99 inches wide, over 20 feet in length and with a 141-inch wheelbase. In other words, the RPV is 19 inches taller, 12 inches wider and 62 inches longer with an 11-inch extended wheelbase when compared next to the Hummer H1 Alpha.Available engine choices include a 6.7-liter V8 turbo diesel mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission or a 6.8-liter V10 gas engine mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. A 2-speed transfer case with electronic shift on the fly 4x4 and 40.5-inch wheels are standard equipment. Personalizing your RPV's interior, paint color and optional upgrades is up to you. The GURKHA MPV from TerradyneHummers will have to step aside and Jeeps can stay home; the RPV is here and has hit the streets in several US states. If you want a unique vehicle, or perhaps your company is looking to gain a competitive edge with a PR vehicle, the GURKHA RPV Civilian Edition is the ultimate truck for you. US based dealers are welcome - be sure to visit the website for Terradyne by hitting the button below. Learn More Gallery Text and images provided by Terradyne Armored Vehicles, Inc.

By Edward Jones – June 30, 2015

JK Skinz's One-of-a-Kind Jeep With Off-Road Tracks For Sale

If you're into Jeeps, you have now met the most innovative and unique one of them all - there isn't a single other car like this Jeep on the road. This Jeep was built by JK Skins, who spared no expense, to be a SEMA Show Jeep. The Skinz modular panel system added by the aftermarket company makes this one of the toughest looking Jeeps, while also allowing to use every inch of space available. What's more? It's for sale. The Skinz system was designed to help change the Jeep world, and it has taken off like wildfire. The system requires zero cutting or drilling, yet still allows you to use your hard or soft top. It's available for any two- or four-door Jeep made after 2007. Aside from the Skinz, you'll likely notice the eye-catching track system used in the place of tires on this Jeep. These are simple to put on and take off, and are capable of being used on the pavement at speeds of up to 45 mph. This low speed is mainly because they are designed to be used off-road in the snow or sand. Underneath the Skinz, JK Skinz installed EVO Long Arm suspension and a RIPP supercharger. Combine the tracks, suspension and supercharger, and you get the creature comforts of a powerful luxury vehicle while still having endless off road capability. Dedicated to their product, the JK Skinz team plans on designing a one-of-a-kind Jeep like this every month. The goal of these project vehicles is to create something that you know you will never see on the road. Modified Jeep Wrangler For Sale This is not a mall crawler imitation, this is the real deal. So whether you want to "Skinz" your own Jeep, or order a one-of-a-kind Jeep directly from them, JK Skinz is the place to go. For more information or to see how you can own this exact Jeep, click one of the buttons below. More Info View Price & Details Gallery Sponsored by:

By Edward Jones – June 29, 2015

Fab Fours' Legend is the Most Extreme Jeep

Back on March 22, a very extreme and unique Jeep was featured on Jay Leno's Garage. It had red-tinted windows, gigantic fender flares and even bigger wheels. It was a Jeep that took Leno by surprise and dropped jaws wherever it traversed. What I'm talking about is Fab Fours' Legend - a custom Jeep that was built to put a smile on the faces of the young and old alike.When you first look at the car, the sheer size of the wheels and tires are what your eye will be attracted to. These are red, 24-inch, American Force Wheels Thor faceplate rims shod with 50-inch Alliance off-road tractor tires.To make room for tires that are taller than most cars, Fab Fours installed Dynatrac Pro-Rock 80 axles and bespoke steel fender flares that they designed and crafted.Matching the color of the massive wheels are the red-tinted windows that look like they came from a futuristic spaceship. To contrast against the red is the brushed titanium finish wrap on the body's exterior.Inside, passengers will be greeted by an interior covered in Katzkin bespoke leather, along with black and red Barracuda seats and an Arc Audio system.Another great feature of the Legend is Fab Fours' one-off grille/bumper that includes a winch mount. The company specializes in creating premium truck and SUV bumpers that can be ordered on their website, FabFours.com. These bumpers can be fitted on a wide range of vehicles including the most popular trucks, SUVS and, of course, Jeeps.What's next for Fab Fours? Is there a successor to the Legend? Stay with us to see what Fab Fours puts out next.More InfoGallery

By Caitlin Duffy – June 26, 2015

Fastest Mercedes-AMG GT S Ever: 10-second 1/4 Mile

The Mercedes-AMG GT S crafted for the 2016 manufacture year is already a powerful, beautiful and impressive machine.Priced at $129,900, it's the second car to be completely designed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG, and its AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine can launch it from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, as we learned Jan. 23. It's capable of reaching a top speed of 193 mph thanks to 510 hp, with a standing quarter mile completed it 11.5 seconds.But what happens to those performance numbers when RENNtech and ADV.1 get their hands on one?At the very least, we know that quite a bit of time gets shaved off of the quarter mile.A video added to YouTube June 23 by RENNtechTV shows a first-hand look at the Palm Beach International Raceway completing a quarter mile in 10.94 seconds at 128 mph. A series of photos shared to their Facebook page from June 19-22 previewed this run, giving us a look at their take on Mercedes-AMG's powerhouse.Check out the video above, and find yourself the perfect GT S from our exclusive listings at the button below.Mercedes-AMG GT S Listings (Source: YouTube, Facebook) See More Aftermarket News

By Edward Jones – June 24, 2015

2015 Denali XL Stretch Mobile Office by Big Limos Inc.

From Big Limos comes the 2015 Denali XL 30" Stretch Mobile Office, equipped for productivity through the implementation of state-of-the-art technology in a luxurious and spacious setting.While on the move, you can make calls, hold a video conference, access the internet and conduct business as you would in your office. These feats are made possible thanks to the 27-inch iMac that can dual-boot Windows and Apple OS X and the wireless keyboard and trackpad. This custom Denali is also able to stream content from anywhere in the world with the use of any MiFi device.If you feel like taking a break, sit back in the 16-position electric rear captain seats that come with massage/heat functions, and watch a movie or live satellite TV on a large LED display, listen to thousands of digital music stations and enjoy your favorite cocktail from the wet bar.Added luxury in the stretch SUV comes from the factory wood laminate, leather and piping in any factory matching color, a color changing acrylic ceiling and more.To learn more about Big Limos' 2015 Denali XL 30-inch Stretch Mobile Office, be sure to visit Big-Limos.com or click the button below.More Info Gallery Sponsored By:

By Andrew Nabors – June 05, 2015

2,400 hp Twin Turbo Corvette Spits Flames

Turbos are a great way to add power, but usually they are connected to exhaust pipes that safely vent the noxious fumes sat the rear bumper.In a video uploaded May 19 to their YouTube page, ScorchTV gives us a front row seat for a few wild highway runs from this year’s TX2K15. The owner of this twin turbo Corvette has no need for catalytic converters, mufflers or even down pipes for this insane build.What's described as a 2,400 hp monster has only a few inches of pipe after the turbine, and in a nod to dragsters of the past, they are swept upwards, not unlike traditional zoomie headers. Without being choked by a full-length exhaust, the turbos are able to spin up instantly and provide brilliant flames of burning fuel. Horsepower of this magnitude can’t be controlled on the street, but it sure makes for an awe inspiring display.If you intend to drive your Corvette like this on the highway, watch John Hennessey do it correctly and under closed, supervised circumstances.The editors at duPont REGISTRY and Autofluence do not condone any illegal activities on the road, and remind you to not attempt to imitate or recreate anything you see above unless on a closed course with professional supervision. Be sure to always follow local traffic laws, and drive safely.(Source: YouTube via Carbuzz) See More Chevrolet News

By Edward Jones – May 28, 2015

Spike's Tactical Gurkha RPV by Terradyne Armored

A collaboration between famed firearm manufacturer Spike's Tactical and Terradyne Armored Vehicles is one that will undoubtedly result in something jaw-dropping.Recently, the two companies did, in fact, team up for a special edition Gurkha RPV. When Spike reached out to Terradyne to build a GURKHA RPV Civilian Edition they knew that the end result would be nothing short of a monster.(Also Read: Terradyne’s Ultimate Truck Experience: Gurkha RPV Civilian Edition)The final RPV build is created around the Gurkha RPV Civilian Edition and consists of a blacked out exterior with matte black paint, 40.5" Michelin XZL tires, 2 + 3 seating configuration and GPS navigation, and it's powered by a 6.7-liter V8 turbo diesel engine. And, because it is the special Spike's Tactical Edition, it includes some upgrades specific to the company, including a towing package, front winch, IR lights and an LED light bar package by Rigid Industries.This monstrous vehicle is in line with high attention to detail and premium quality craftsmanship built into each Spike's Tactical firearm. If you live in Florida, you can witness this special edition Gurkha RPV Civilian Edition as it drives around the streets of the Sunshine State.For more information on Terradyne's incredible armored vehicles, visit TerradyneInc.com or click the button below.More InfoGallery Sponsored by:

By Edward Jones – May 27, 2015

The 500 hp BRABUS PowerXtra B50 Hybrid Unveiled

Brabus, the creators of such cars as the insane Rocket 900 and 700 hp G63 6x6, have taken their expertise to the Mercedes-Benz S500 Plug-In Hybrid. The Brabus PowerXtra B50 Hybrid performance kit is an upgraded take on the luxury hybrid unveiled on the tuner's Facebook page today.Through their tuning of the V6 engine, there is an increase of 52 hp and 52 lb-ft of torque. These increases bring the total amount of power up to 500 hp and 656 lb-ft.The car's 0-62 mph run drops .3 second, down to 4.9 seconds with this performance kit, while the top speed remains electronically limited at 155 mph.And, as with all Brabus kits, a number of exterior and interior touches can be added to the S500 Hybrid. This includes forged 22-inch wheels, exclusive interior options and exterior body pieces.Stay with us for more aftermarket and Brabus news.Gallery (Source: Facebook)

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