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

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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 Tyler Rampersaud – June 06, 2024

Lanzante Will Reveal The New TAG Championship At Goodwood

This new exclusive creation celebrates motorsport heritage. Lanzante is a celebrated name in the automotive industry, known for its racing-inspired reimaginations of cars like the 930-generation Porsche 911 and the McLaren P1. With a repertoire consisting of some of the most exclusive and desirable custom creations, Lanzante is on the cusp of unveiling something new: the TAG Championship. Adding to the lineup of 930-generation Porsche 911 TAG models from Lanzante, the new TAG Championship will be made in an incredibly exclusive production run of just 3 examples, and the first of the three will be revealed soon at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. The model celebrates McLaren’s back-to-back title wins in the 1980s, and each of the three cars, built with Porsche-built period TAG motors, will be named after drivers and years. The TAG Championship is an enhancement of the TAG Turbo from Lanzante, which imbued the 930 Porsche 911 with a V6 Formula 1 engine. One of its most incredible aspects is that it weighs nearly 950 fewer pounds than its Porsche donor car. The race-used 1.5-liter twin-turbocharged TAG V6 engines were all reengineered and built by Cosworth, a renowned name in the world of performance engines, and certified by McLaren. As far as performance, the retro inspired machine can rev to 10,250 rpm, with 625 horsepower and a top speed of 200 mph. The designs of each of the three TAG Championship models will be inspired by the Formula 1 cars whose victories inspired their creation. With an incredible celebration of racing history and a dedication to preserving it uniquely, the new Lanzante TAG Championship will be a veritable collector-grade masterpiece. View All Porsche 911s For Sale Image Source: Lanzante

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By Tyler Rampersaud – June 04, 2024

Novitec Customizes The Maserati MC20 Cielo's Appearance &...

Discover a custom Italian open-top supercar. Maserati pushed boundaries and boldly entered a new era in its long history with the introduction of its MC20 supercar, introducing the innovation and performance of its Nettuno V6 engine, lightweight carbon fiber construction, a futuristic evolution of the stunning looks Maserati’s cars are known for, and an eye-catching, luxurious new supercar. However, the MC20 Cielo raised the bar even further, adding an open-top variant of the Maserati MC20, combining powerful performance and open-air thrills. Novitec, known for its ability to customize the highest echelon of exotic cars, luxury cars, and supercars, gave the Maserati MC20 Cielo its signature makeover, turning the masterpiece of an Italian open-top supercar into a unique custom creation. Visually, Novitec added carbon fiber aerodynamic accents throughout the exterior, which not only add a motorsport-inspired look but also optimize performance. In addition, a new set of wheels from Novitec distinguishes the look of its custom Maserati MC20 Cielo from the standard car. However, Novitec’s customizations for the Maserati MC20 Cielo offer both sights and sounds. A revised exhaust system is installed to audibly showcase the prowess and performance of Maserati’s formidable and innovative Nettuno V6 engine, which is responsible for the MC20’s ability to deliver high speeds and blisteringly quick acceleration. With a suite of customizations to the appearance, performance, and sound of the incredible Maserati MC20 Cielo, Novitec continues to take supercar excellence to the next level. View All Maserati MC20s For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by Novitec Group (@novitecgroup)

By Tyler Rampersaud – May 14, 2024

Apocalypse 6x6 Debuts Its New 7-Seater Hellfire Family Truck

The whole family can join the 6x6 thrill. Apocalypse Manufacturing is known for maing some of the most interesting vehicles on the road, with unmistakable presence, six-wheel drive capability, and head-turning looks. However, the iconic brand just took things a step further, introducing its new Family Truck, a version of its Hellfire model that boasts three rows of seating for 6x6 fun for the whole family. With seating capacity for 7 adults, the new Apocalypse 6x6 Family Truck features four captain’s chairs and a third-row bench. It comes available with a diesel powertrain, or with a Hellcat or 392 HEMI V8 engine available. For the first time in the Apocalypse Hellfire, the Hellfire Family Truck features a rear window alongside a camera mirror system to ensure safety. With an ultra-luxurious interior and state-of-the-art features that make off-road roaming or highway cruising easy and enjoyable, the new Apocalypse 6x6 Hellfire Family Truck has all the makings of one of Apocalypse’s iconic 6x6 vehicles, with the added appeal of seven seats for the whole family to come along. Starting at $189,999, the new Apocalypse 6x6 Hellfire Family Truck offers three rows of 6x6 thrill. View All Vehicles For Sale From Apocalypse 6x6 Image Source: Apocalypse 6x6

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By Tyler Rampersaud – April 10, 2024

RUF Showcases The 1988 BTR Slantnose Chassis 001 With 7,6...

RUF celebrates beautifully preserved history. RUF is known for a stunning portfolio of supercars that feature brilliant engineering, covetable exclusivity, and game-changing performance, pushing the boundaries of what’s capable in their time. However, one of the most iconic and historic is the BTR, which marked an important milestone in the history of RUF by being the manufacturer’s first production model to feature a RUF VIN, and also one of the world’s fastest cars of its time with a top speed of 190 mph in 1984. In 1988, the RUF BTR Slantnose was introduced, and the chassis number 001 example of the BTR Slantnose was the first RUF cars to arrive to the United States. With its unique flat front end, nostalgic retro pop-up headlights, and unmistakable silhouette, the BTR is a legendary moment in supercar history, and the chassis 001 example has returned to RUF North America. The car has only 7,600 miles on its odometer, and fully serviced by RUF itself, the car is in absolutely stunning condition as a piece of automotive history from over 35 years ago. The time capsule of a supercar also played a starring role in RUF’s books and advertisements, as well. With curation, service, and care from its very own manufacturer, and beautiful condition that having only 7,600 miles on a historic supercar comes with, the 1988 RUF BTR Slantnose Chassis 001 is a living legend. View All RUFs For Sale View this post on Instagram A post shared by RUF North America (@rufnorthamerica)

By Tyler Rampersaud – April 09, 2024

Mansory's New P9LM EVO 900 Cabrio Is Limited To 7 Units

Meet Mansory’s take on the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet. Mansory customizes luxury and performance cars in a way that only it can, turning some of the most excellent and desirable automotive creations into rare, head-turning, unique expressions of creativity and painstaking craftsmanship. It wasn’t long ago when Mansory revealed the P9LM EVO 900, its high-performance, radically unique supercar conversion of the Porsche 911 Turbo S, but now, it has revealed an open-top version: the new Mansory P9LM EVO 900 Cabrio. Based on the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, the new Mansory supercar features all of Mansory’s signature trappings: carbon fiber parts everywhere with a dramatic, avant-garde body kit, optimizing aerodynamics and adding significant visual panache. In addition, a 3-pipe exhaust system brings a strikingly unique look to the vehicle. The 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged flat-six engine is enhanced to produce a mighty 900 horsepower, thanks to larger turbochargers, a water-cooled intercooler, the revised exhaust system, a new air filter, and more. 211 mph is the car’s top speed, with a 0-60 time under 2.5 seconds. In true Mansory fashion, the interior of the P9LM EVO 900 Cabrio is also unique, with lightweight carbon fiber seats provide comfort, style, and a performance-inspired feel all at once, with a carbon fiber and leather steering wheel, with multi-colored upholstery that can be specified and beautifully configured by the client to result in a truly unique and personalized creation. Mansory’s new P9LM EVO 900 Cabrio conversion of the Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet is now available, but only 7 units of the unique vehicle will be made. If you’re looking for a high-performance supercar with exclusivity and a unique twist, the Mansory P9LM EVO 900 Cabrio delivers on that brief. View All Porsche 911s For Sale Image Source: Mansory

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By Tyler Rampersaud – April 01, 2024

Apocalypse Reveals Its New Custom Defender Build

An off-road legend ups the ante. Defender is a name with plenty of weight when it comes to the world of off-roading. It carries a decades-long legacy of some of the most capable and iconic off-roaders ever made, and custom Land Rover Defenders have become a collector favorite, as well. However, with the new version of the Defender being on the market for some time, the renowned creator of custom off-road vehicles Apocalypse 6x6 got their hands on the new model, and is now showing off its new custom Defender, which is the first of its kind. The vehicle features a 9-inch lift, which comes courtesy of extended shocks, as well as an entirely new subframe and spindle. With custom skid plates, the original geometry, and the air suspension technology in the Defender are beautifully preserved, as well. The new custom Apocalypse Defender 4x4, priced at $99,999, is available to test drive today, with the manufacturer offering the conversion for existing Defender owners, as well. Defender is one of the most respected names in the off-roading universe, offering a highly capable, high-tech, luxurious off-roader with an unmistakable look, and with the help of Apocalypse 6x6’s new customizations, it can do what it does best even better. View All Vehicles For Sale From Apocalypse 6x6 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Apocalypse Manufacturing (@apocalypse6x6)

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 28, 2024

Mansory Reveals 2 New Bespoke One-Offs: Linea D'Oro & Lin...

Mansory reveals a pair of opulent bespoke masterpieces. Mansory is one of the most prominent names in luxury automotive customization. Its designs transform some of the world’s most desirable, powerful, and luxurious cars, and it has, at times, gone beyond even those limited edition customizations to create bespoke, one-of-one customized vehicles, with unparalleled attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship. The latest bespoke Mansory creations are a pair of one-offs based on the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, the Linea D’Oro, and the Linea D’Arabo. Shown for the first time at Mansory’s Dubai showroom, both exquisite vehicles exemplify opulence, paying tribute to Mansory’s history and incredible innovation. The Linea D’Oro uses a name that was first used on a conversion of a Bugatti Veyron, which featured a similar configuration. The vehicle combines carbon fiber, one of Mansory’s signature materials, with gold-colored accents, even implementing real gold throughout, with one of the greatest highlights being the beautifully crafted interior. Meanwhile, the Linea D’Arabo looks similar but instead swaps the gold accents for copper-colored accents. In addition, Arabic writing is displayed throughout, as well. Part of Mansory’s ultra-exclusive “Atelier” program, both cars use the finest available materials, with customization inside and out throughout the exteriors and interiors of both. In addition, both feature Mansory’s Rolls-Royce Cullinan customization package, which includes features like a carbon fiber body kit, as well as a power upgrade, taking the power from 571 horsepower to 610 horsepower. With that, the vehicle’s 0-60 time is under 5 seconds, and it reaches a top speed of 174 mph. With beauty, luxury, performance, and bespoke craftsmanship, these two ultra-exclusive Mansory creations are true automotive masterpieces. View All Rolls-Royce Cullinans For Sale Image Source: Mansory

BRABUS 930 S63 E Performance Outdoor (92)

By Tyler Rampersaud – March 13, 2024

BRABUS Unveils The New Hybrid V8 930 S Four-Door Supercar

Luxury, power, and technology are wrapped in one. BRABUS is known for creating incredible custom vehicles based on Mercedes-Benz cars, and while the iconic German house has expanded beyond only customizing Mercedes-Benz vehicles, some of its greatest creations are still based on cars that wear the three-pointed star. With Mercedes-AMG unveiling some of its most powerful and high-tech cars yet, BRABUS has now gotten its hands on them to take them to the next level in the way that only BRABUS knows how. The latest BRABUS transformation, the new BRABUS 930 S is based on the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE, the new performance-oriented flagship luxury sedan from Mercedes-AMG, which boasts the most power an S-Class sedan has ever had thanks to a twin-turbocharged V8 engine and a hybrid powertrain. With BRABUS’s help, that total system power has been brought to 917 horsepower, with 1,114 lb/ft of torque. With all that power packed into a sumptuous, plush luxury sedan package, you’ll get from 0-60 in less than 3.2 seconds towards a 180-mph top speed, all in style and comfort, with a signature BRABUS V8 exhaust note to complement the experience. However, one of the few things that are faster than this luxury performance sedan’s 0-60 time is BRABUS’s signature “1-Second-Wow” effect. With custom 22-inch BRABUS Monoblock ZM "Platinum Edition" forged wheels, various carbon fiber aerodynamic enhancements throughout, and more, there’s no questioning that the new 930 S is a custom creation that is certainly not to be underestimated, but the interior is where it gets even better. BRABUS is known for its Masterpiece interiors and its craftsmanship excellence, and the 930 S is no exception. Seashell Diamond quilting, and a “Heritage” design that prominently features the number 77 to honor BRABUS being founded in 1977 showcase BRABUS’s artisan abilities. With its incredible performance, technology, innovation, luxury, and bespoke style inside and out, the new BRABUS 930 S is a truly incredible luxury sedan that showcases both BRABUS’s amazing customization expertise, as well as the incredible technology that the new Mercedes-AMG S 63 E PERFORMANCE boasts. Current owners of the S 63 E PERFORMANCE are able to have their cars customized and transformed into the BRABUS 930 S, with high power, striking style, and luxurious craftsmanship all in one. View All Vehicles For Sale From BRABUS Image Source: BRABUS

By Tyler Rampersaud – February 20, 2024

Classic Recreations New 1 of 10 GT500CR Is For The Americ...

This classic is rare, exclusive, and dedicated to a cause. Classic Recreations is known for preserving and celebrating the heritage of some of the most iconic and historic classic cars, and the classic Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 is one of the most prominent of those. With its GT500CR, Classic Recreations combines the Shelby GT500’s legendary classic look and feel with a fully carbon fiber body, a luxurious interior with modern materials, and performance that rivals some of the best modern performance cars. However, a new, special version of the GT500CR has been created, and it’s dedicated to helping an important cause: that of the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign. Created to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the American Heart Association, the commemorative Centennial Edition Carbon Fiber Shelby GT500CR will only have 10 examples, and each will be offered for $625,000. $100,000 from each sale will be donated to the American Heart Association, totaling to $1 million. With only 10 allocations available to collectors for this rare, exclusive, powerful, beautiful, and classic-inspired creation that was created to help an important cause, the Classic Recreations Centennial Edition Carbon Fiber Shelby GT500CR is a beautiful way to celebrate the GT500’s history and the 100th anniversary of the American Heart Association. View All Custom Autos For Sale Image Source: Classic Recreations

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