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 09, 2019

McLaren 600LT by Novitec Includes Incredible Power

Every automaker is guilty of sandbagging. It is the practice of limiting horsepower on their mid-level cars to protect the sales of their flagship models. It also allows for years of reliability since the drivetrain is not stressed to its full potential. Aside from their latest models that use a 4.0L V8, every other McLaren since the 12C has used a version of their twin-turbo 3.8L engine. Knowing there was room for improvement, the McLaren 600LT by NOVITEC includes incredible power. Although they are a German company, the Novitec team has been unlocking more power for all brands of exotic cars since 1989. Their latest masterpiece took many late nights and extensive 3D modeling to create, and the wait was worth it. Starting with wheels, Vossen builds the MC3 series exclusively for them. They measure 20" x 8.5" front and 21" x 11.5" rear, and are available in 77 distinct colors. They look great thanks to a 1.1" drop from Novitec springs. Not only are the carbon fiber body upgrades appealing to the eye, but they are also functional. Feeding more air into the intake and brake coolers allows this 600LT to compete with cars twice its price. It has a soundtrack to match the looks thanks to an all-new exhaust. It is fabricated by hand and thermally insulated to prevent damage under the hood. You might be wondering why it is hotter, and that brings us to the most important part of this transformation. Their Stage 2 package includes twin Novitec N-Tronic performance modules. At the touch of a button, your car will offer 688 horsepower and 525 lb-ft of torque. Not only will you reach 62 mph in 2.8 seconds, but you will also have a top speed of 207 mph. If you need something this appealing and powerful, you will first need a McLaren 600LT. Click the link below for great offers from our dealers and stay with us for all your NOVITEC news. McLaren 600LT For Sale Related: NOVITEC Unveils N-Largo Ferrari 812 Superfast NOVITEC Unveils the N-Largo McLaren 720S

By Edward Jones – July 01, 2019

Lexani Motorcars G-77: Skymaster - World's First Hyper-Lu...

Lexani Motorcars is proud to announce the debut of the G-77: Sky Master, a world's first hyper-luxury transporter conversion built on the Ford F-550 chassis. This awe-inspiring 33-foot mobile unit, outfitted with Lexani Motorcars' world-class artisans' renowned craftsmanship and state-of-the-art electronic appointments, is a rolling mosaic of utility, opulence, and comfort, at a level never before witnessed in a transporter. VISIT LEXANIMOTORCARS.com Now It's the ideal environment whether it's for daily business purposes, busy productions, or for tranquil relaxation while traveling. With a blend of cutting-edge electronic technology, supple European leather seating, stunning wood amenities, a private office, 24k gold-plating, and restroom, the G-77 Sky Master is sure to be a welcome addition to any executive's commute, or set. For inquiries, be sure to email info@lexanimotorcars.com or visit Lexani Motorcars' website. VISIT LEXANIMOTORCARS.com Now VIP Touring Cabin Amenities Custom plush luxury seating for up to 6 VIPs Custom Italian leather seating with recline, power footrests, heat, massage, and ventilation. Custom retractable airline writing tables at each sitting position Electronic privacy partition with 65” curved 4K Samsung Ultra HD TV Sony Blu-ray DVD player Apple TV Control 4 Touchscreen system for audio and visual Heavy duty VIP cabin air conditioning system Bose Acoustimass home theater sound system with sub woofer GPS full-time monitoring screen 360° security monitoring system Individual overhead reading lights Ambient LED dimmable ceiling lights VIP ceramic window tint Electronic window blinds Custom luxury refreshment cabinets 24K Gold accents Mac computer keyboard and trackpad Intercom system Multiple USB and 12V charging stations Kitchenette Amenities Retractable Nespresso coffee maker Norcold mini fridge Microwave oven Prep surface with cutting board Restroom Amenities VIP Washbasin Ceramic toilet Crema Marfil marble floor Vanishing Vanity Mirror with TV 44 gallon capacity clear water tank Boardroom Amenities Plush leather bench seating for 4 converts to sleeping surface Duel Samsung 49” LED TVs Control 4 Touchscreen system for audio and visual Sony Blu-ray DVD player Multiple storage cabinets All-in-one business station for Scan, Fax, & Print 24” Security monitoring screen

By Edward Jones – June 28, 2019

TECHART GTstreet RS Heading to Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Fourth of July is not only Independence Day, but also the start of the Goodwood Festival of Speed. During the event, TECHART will be showing off their GTstreet RS in the Michelin Supercar Paddock. Michelin's setup at the event will be a must-see as it will be filled with an insane amount of hypercars and supercars. As for the TECHART GTstreet RS, here's the lowdown on the car. For starters, it was actually the cover car for our April 2019 issue. Secondly, it's an insane take on the already potent Porsche 911 Turbo S. TECHART states that this car will run from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.5 seconds and 0 to 124 mph in 8.1 seconds. Next week is going to be very exciting in the car world. Learn About The TECHART GTstreet RS

By Edward Jones – June 27, 2019

Lexani Motorcars Teases the New "G-77: Sky Master"

Lexani Motorcars is teasing something BIG. To be a bit more specific, they're teasing the new G-77: Sky Master. This new creation looks to be one of their finest creations yet, replete with all of the amenities and luxury you'd expect from Lexani Motorcars. In the description for the video teaser regarding the G-77: Sky Master, it reads: "Dear Viewers, Thank you for the overwhelming support over this past decade. Without your encouragement, enthusiasm, and feedback, the journey here would have been far less fulfilling, and our final product… less interesting. Our elite engineers, craftsmen, and artisans have strived tirelessly to blur the border between luxury and utility, but we've only been able to reach these heights because we listened to so many of you. A new chapter is here, one we've written together. Everything changes Monday, July 1st." So, on July 1st we'll finally be able to see Lexani Motorcars' creation in its entirety. Be sure to check back with us on that date to see it! Visit LexaniMotorcars.com

By Andrew Nabors – June 18, 2019

Mercedes-AMG C63 R by RENNtech is 1 of 1

Two years ago we heard rumors of resurrection. The gearheads at AMG were reportedly testing a new C63 Black Series. This hardcore model would be lighter and faster, with all the aerodynamic parts we love to see. But our friends at RENNtech beat them to the punch. So what you are about to experience the only Mercedes-AMG C63 R by RENNtech. The guys at AutoTopNL find the fastest cars in Western Europe and push them to the limit. It results in wild POV videos of cars we will never see in the U.S. The exhaust was provided by Akrapovic, so the burbles and pops are music to our ears. Edition 1 was a limited run of the Mercedes-AMG C63 S in 2016. The graphics are an homage to their DTM race cars, and it left the factory with 503 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. The owner was truly waiting for Black Series version, but it was not to be. Instead, AMG offered him the spoiler from the previous edition along with wheels and the R badges from the AMG GT R. To match the increased grip and downforce, RENNtech used an ample amount of their secret sauce to make 745 horsepower. This is a build that won't happen again, so turn up the volume and enjoy the ride. Click the link below to find one then allow RENNTech to unlock its true potential. Find a Mercedes-AMG C63 Near You Related: RENNtech's Hand-Held Tuner Delivers Brawn & Brains Parker Chase and Reinhold Renger Finish P2 with RENNtech Motorsports UPDATE: I revised this story from the initial version with additional info and a photo from our friends at AutoTopNL.

By Edward Jones – May 29, 2019

BRABUS 800 Revealed: Supercar Based on the Mercedes-AMG G...

BRABUS, known for refining Mercedes-Benz vehicles, is back with their take on the AMG GT 63 S. Introducing the new BRABUS 800. Under the hood of this monster is a four-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that pumps out an additional 158 hp and 74 lb-ft of torque. That means the new BRABUS 800 has an output of 789 hp and 737 lb-ft. When fully pushed, this monster will run 0 to 62 mph in 2.9 seconds. The added power comes from the BRABUS PowerXtra B40S-800 performance upgrade, which includes modifies the car's computer and upgrades existing components. Two new turbochargers with a larger compressor unit and modified core assembly. BRABUS also equipped the new 800 with new exterior pieces that make it more alluring than before. New components can be found all around the car, including the front, where a new front fascia introduces large air intakes and a front spoiler. BRABUS also specially designed wheels for this car, which they say "emphasize the wedge shape of the four-door coupe." They measure in at 21-inches in the front and 22-inches in the rear. Being BRABUS, the exterior can also be completely refined in just about every way possible. Those interested can either order the BRABUS 800 as a complete car or have their Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S 4MATIC+ converted. See All Mercedes-Benz For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 23, 2019

1000 HP Hennessey Corvette ZR1 vs Dodge Demon

When Dodge decided to build a muscle car with 840 horsepower, it became a benchmark for an industry. Not to be outdone, Chevrolet was already working on the new C8 when the Corvette ZR1 was considered. Each car uses the latest in supercharger technology, so get ready to watch a 1000 HP Hennessey Corvette ZR1 race a Dodge Demon. In order to achieve 840 horsepower, the Demon needs a tune for race fuel. It is only available if the Demon Crate was purchased for $1. The Demon needs 110 octane race fuel to unlock full power, but the Corvette makes 1000 horsepower and 966 lb-ft of torque on Shell 93 premium. View Dodge Demon HP and TQ Numbers Open Heart Surgery How they achieve this is by diving deep into the LT5 engine. It receives a big cam, ported heads, big valves, hardened pushrods, lifters, springs, retainers....You get the idea. After upgrading the internals of the 8-speed automatic, the supercharger receives a smaller pulley. If that is not enough, the HPE1200 offers 200 additional horsepower on race fuel. We know its not a fair fight against a Demon, but due to the rarity of the car it probably makes sense to leave it stock. Tell us which one you would drive in the comments below and stay with us for all your Hennessey Performance updates. Browse Corvette ZR1 For Sale Related: Would You Drive a Hennessey Venom F5 Roadster? Hennessey Corvette ZR1 Breaks 1/4 Mile Record

By Edward Jones – May 20, 2019

Bengala Bentayga²: A Bentley Like No Other

The Bentley Bentayga is a refined SUV meant for luxurious cruises, but it's also capable of off-road adventures. For some, the Bentayga doesn't give off enough "off-road" vibes. To cure this, there's the Bengala Bentayga², a wild new take on the luxurious SUV that turns it into a true off-road SUV. Behind the Bentayga² is Bengala Automotive, a company based out of Madrid, Spain. For the Bentayga², they teamed up with a Spanish Off-Road Rally champion to ensure it's a truly capable vehicle. The result is a Bentley like you've never seen before. Each Bentayga² can be customized to the customer's liking, but they all come with a few standard features. This includes the new suspension, off-road tires, wide fenders and more. Bengala says they can develop and finish on demand according to what the customer wants. If you're interested in one of these monsters, act quick because they're only producing 15 of them. see all bentaygas up for sale Source: Facebook, BengalaAutomotive.com Also Check Out: Bentley Centenary Opus 100 Carat Edition: A $250,000 Book Bentley Continental GT Tank: What the World Didn’t Know it Needed

By Andrew Nabors – April 30, 2019

2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor Ranger vs Stock Raptor

We knew it wouldn't be long until the team at Hennessey Performance received a Ranger. Ford's new mid-size truck offers great fuel economy from the 2.3L four cylinder EcoBoost. So what happens with a lil' more boost? To show their results in a shocking way, the 2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor Ranger vs Stock Raptor seemed like a good comparison. A stock 2019 F-150 Raptor offers 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. Weighing in at 5,525 lbs, it is loaded with hardcore off-road suspension. The Hennessey VelociRaptor Ranger (2WD) is a hair under 4,000 lbs. It offers 360 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque, which allows it to run 13.9 seconds at 101 mph at their adjacent quarter-mile. You might think they need monster cams and open exhaust to make such power, but the video speaks for itself. Their comprehensive package includes a 4" suspension lift on 18" wheels. BF Goodrich supplies 34" KM2 tires which I can personally vouch for. A new front bumper has LED lights, and the added with continues with color-matched fender flairs. After the intake and exhaust upgrades, each truck is tuned on the dyno and on the street for the perfect Air/Fuel Ratio. Because the Ranger is a new model for them, only 500 will be built for this model year. Serial number plates under the hood and on the dash are standard, as are the embroidered headrests and exterior badges. Each one is backed by a 3 year/36,000 warranty, so click the link below for all the specs. Hennessey Velociraptor Ranger Specs Related: Hennessey VelociRaptor 600: Up Close & Personal Supercharged Chevy SS Dyno Tested by Hennessey Performance

By Edward Jones – April 24, 2019

2019 Ford F-150 RTR Package Announced, Adds Flare and Style

Vaughn Gittin Jr.'s company, RTR Vehicles, has just unveiled their new 2019 Ford F-150 RTR package and the result is quite wonderful. This new package adds a long list of parts to the popular truck, giving it a completely new look. RTR Vehicles says on their website that "each part has been engineered to improve the overall look and performance of the already iconic F-150." So, what parts are included? There's actually quite a bit. The exterior gets new fender flares, upper grille with LED lighting, RTR 20” Tech 6 Wheels shod in 295/55R20 Nitto Ridge Grappler Tires, graphics, fender badges and even some black lug nuts. Some exterior parts that may not be seen at first but will definitely be noticed include the Fox 2.0 Performance coilovers and Ford Performance cat-back exhaust. Inside, the package adds floor liners and a serialized plaque signed by Vaughn Gittin Jr. himself. All of this will cost $12,750, but the customer must provide a Ford F-150 4x4 Supercrew (full four-doors). see all F-150 raptors for sale

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