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 – June 16, 2017

Hennessey Performance: Ford Raptor vs VelociRaptor 600

Many people thought the V6 Raptor would be a lame duck, but it has proven to be a mean bird of prey. In stock form, it offers 510 lb-ft of torque and 450 horsepower from the 3.5 liter V6. But if that isn't enough for you, John Hennessey & Company have ruffled some feathers in their latest build. The VelociRaptor 600 makes 600 horsepower and 622 lb-ft of torque thanks to some ingenious & proprietary upgrades. In order to showcase their talents, a stock Raptor was used for comparison in a quarter-mile showdown.Any engine that uses turbos or superchargers will benefit from intake and exhaust upgrades. Your first clue to the potential of the VelociRaptor is the aggressive V6 soundtrack. To keep it emissions friendly the stock catalytic converters are left in place, but it sounds like straight pipes after them. To unlock more ignition timing, a cooler intake was needed. A new intercooler measuring large by huge was placed behind the grille. The blow off valve will scare pedestrians when boost isn't needed, but the VelociRaptor will be limited to only 100 examples. Each one will be capable of going 1,320 feet in 12.9 seconds and hitting 60 mph in only 4.2. Make your V8 friends angry as blow their doors off! You can't argue with results, so check out the details here and stay with us for more wild Hennessey Performance updates.

By Edward Jones – June 15, 2017

Lamborghini Huracan DCT 1/2-Mile World Record Set at Insa...

Underground Racing has been going pretty wild with Lamborghini Huracan modifications, and Mohammad's twin-turbo 2015 model is a perfect example. With about 1,800 whp on tap, his Huracan is a sprinting monster.At the recent WannaGoFast 1/2 mile event in North Carolina, Mohammad took his Huracan out for a few passes. His runs, in order, were 211, 217, 219, 220, and 222 mph. That last run, the 222 mph run, set a new DCT transmission Huracan world record. To accomplish the faster runs, Underground Racing turned up the power to the 1,800 whp mark. You can view the world record run in the video below.In the description of the video, we learn that the engine is fully built with billet connecting rods and pistons, as well as a JRR MoTeC M1 ECU. However, the DCT transmission is entirely stock, with a Dodson sportsman clutch cage and Underground Racing's own custom clutches.

By Andrew Nabors – May 23, 2017

Porsche 718 Cayman & Boxster: Tuned By TechArt

Many aftermarket shops will tell you that Porsche leaves nothing on the table when it comes to performance. In the case of the new 911 Carrera and its siblings that is probably true. But what about baby brother? The Boxster and Cayman were envisioned as a lower-priced model to bring new customers into the Porsche family. Since 1996 the small Porsche has been a mid-engine design with less power than the 911.With the arrival of the new 718 series Boxster/Cayman, a new turbocharged flat-four is rated at 345 horsepower at the crankshaft. It makes 310 lb-ft of torque, which is more than most V6 engines. While this may be enough for the average driver, the masters at TECHART couldn't resist digging into the new 2.5-liter. If you have seen their builds in person, you know their level of dedication. It is first noticed with the integration of their body parts. A new front bumper has an integrated chin spoiler that is functional and subtle. The Aerokit also drops the ride height by an inch all around. Progressive rate springs will soften the ride without sacrificing grip. Two choices for rear spoilers will keep you and your significant other happy. Staggered-width 21" forged wheels are lighter than the factory with a bit more style. All the body parts are made of carbon fiber in Germany by TECHART. They can be glossy or matte or painted to order.Behind the seats is where the real magic happens. The 2.5-liter engine was new for 2015 when it debuted in the 718 series. Unencumbered by any past compromises, it arrived with a more advanced cam timing system and a turbo that made power all the way to 7,500 rpm. It proved to be such a good performer that it had to be detuned to keep from competing with the base model 911 Carrera. We knew someone would step up and release the true potential of the 718 series, but Porsche doesn't like outsiders cracking their secrets. It would be easier to mine for Bitcoin than crack a Porsche computer, but it has been done.In developing the Powerkit, they were able to achieve 354 lb-ft of torque at only 2,800 rpm. That is more torque than a Ferrari F430, which has four more cylinders. TECHART also found 400 horsepower, and both measurements were made at the rear wheels. But wait, there's more! The system's full power can be accessed by using the original sport button on the center console. Every aspect of the upgrade has been engineered into the factory electronics. You will be at 62 mph in 3.9 seconds, the same time as a 911 Carrera S. For the ultimate sleeper, the exhaust upgrade can be installed with factory tailpipes to catch your opponents off-guard. With the equivalent power of a V8 and a top speed of 184 mph, a TECHART tuned Boxster or Cayman is money well spent.Instagram: @TECHARTUSA Facebook: TECHART Telephone: 949.436.9779 Website: www.techart-usa.com

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2017

TECHART Unveils "30 Years" Edition Magnum Sport

Three decades in the aftermarket industry is cause for celebration. Staying afloat in an ever-changing sea requires innovation and perseverance, which is why we've seen many shops go belly up. Since 1987, TECHART has been dedicated to transforming production Porsches beyond what anyone thought possible. To celebrate the big 30, a host of exclusive upgrades were made to the Magnum Sport. We thought the Cayenne was in its ultimate form, but this new beast is simply overwhelming.The carbon fiber front splitter is the most prominent feature of their body. It serves to channel air into the cooling system while also giving the SUV a ground-hugging stance. You lose a little clearance underneath, but it cleans up the airflow for maximum downforce. Flared fenders front and rear are needed to keep the massive Formula II wheels. Without taking away any utility from the build, the rear diffuser has quick disconnect clips in order to access the trailer receiver hitch. Speaking of towing your toys, you might want to check your tie-down straps. That's because the latest Magnum Sport sends 720 horsepower to all wheels. Power of that level is only available when a Cayenne Turbo S is used as the foundation. But TECHART offers these upgrades to the lesser models also. They have been a fixture in our magazine for years, so Happy Anniversary to our German friends. If you are looking for a supercar for sale, stay with us for more wild TECHART builds and updates.

By Andrew Nabors – April 25, 2017

Ten Modded Cars in Epic Half-Mile Drag Race

If you are a performance shop, racing is the best way to show your abilities. Levella is a German aftermarket shop with their own line of wheels and parts. Since most supercars for sale are geared for high-speed stability, a traditional quarter-mile race is a waste of time. Half-mile events are popping up across the world. At an undisclosed runway in Europe, Levella gathered ten of their builds for a heads-up shootout. Each driver was masked for maximum intimidation, with identities ranging from President Trump to Iron Man. The list of competitors is impressive, and each car is far from stock. The lineup consisted of Lamborghini's Huracan and Aventador facing an Audi RS6, VW Golf R, Porsche 991 Turbo S & Panamera, Aston-Martin Vantage, BMW M3, Mercedes-AMG C63 S, and Nissan GT-R.With engines ranging from four to twelve cylinders, aerodynamics battle against torque on the top end. Before you watch, consider who would win if all cars were stock...We told you it would be a surprise finish! The differential ratio is what makes or breaks top speed runs, but aftermarket gears are not available for every make and model. Tell us who should have won and stay with us for more racing footage here on Autofluence.

By Edward Jones – April 11, 2017

California Custom Sport Trucks

Years ago, Ed Federkeil was drag racing on the NHRA circuit, as well as selling aftermarket performance parts for both race and street cars. After some time, he took his knowledge of the aftermarket industry, customer service and the automotive world and created California Custom Sport Trucks.At CCST, located in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, you can have not only your truck, but also your car completely customized to your liking. They offer wheel and tire packages--as well as mount and balance services-- that will have you driving smoothly and in a style of your liking. Looking to put some distance between the body of your truck and the tires? They're more than happy to lift it up for you. If you want to spruce up the body, CCST also offers a number of exterior parts and paint finishes that will take your car/truck to the next level. Take this green Jeep for example (view below). It's a great example of what they're capable of.Of course, there's more to customizing your car than just making the outside look unique; you've got to make the inside just as special. For the interior, CCST can equip your car with a new leather interior, full surround and video system and much more.If you want a more in-depth, mechanical customization, CCST is ready to install a number of performance modifications such as superchargers, performance chips, headers, exhaust, air intakes, suspension upgrades, brake systems and more.Suffice to say that after CCST has their hands on your car, you'll be driving away in a new-to-you vehicle that you never thought you could have. This extends to vehicles like Corvettes, Jeep Wranglers, Ferraris, BMWs, Vipers and much more.What's more, they pride themselves on every customer leaving 100% satisfied. So whether you're having a new tool box installed, or having a full blown customization done, CCST is going to treat you right through every step of the way. To learn more about CCST, visit calcustoms.com or click the button below.Learn More

By Edward Jones – February 10, 2017

Hellcat vs Hennessey ZL1 Camaro Part 2

The first time Hennessey Performance pitted the Dodge Challenger Hellcat against Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (watch it here), the Hellcat ended up taking the win. Now, the ZL1 is back, but now with a Hennessey HPE750 upgrade package.(Camaro ZL1 vs Challenger Hellcat)In this new race, both cars are equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions and roll race from 2nd gear through 4th gear. While the Hellcat has the legendary stock 707 hp and 650 lb-ft of torque on tap, the Hennessey ZL1 is rated at 661 hp and 695 lb-ft of torque. Hennessey did this through a long list of upgrades. Click play on the video below to see who wins this time.Sports Cars For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 03, 2017

Corvette AeroWagen by Callaway

Do you need more cargo space in your Stingray? If so, Callaway has your answer. The AeroWagen kit bolts in place of the rear hatch, and uses factory hinges and latch. Corvette wagons are nothing new, my previous workplace (Eckler's Corvette) offered conversion kits since the early 70's. Reeves Callaway and his team have been building Corvettes since 1973. Tinkering with turbochargers, he built the world's fastest production car in 1988. The Sledgehammer twin turbo Corvette had air conditioning and a full interior and held the speed record of 254 mph until 1999. GM was so impressed with the quality, the Callaway package became a production option on the C4. As the owner of the world's slowest C4, I will cover that story another day.Designing wild body parts is also one of their specialties, and the carbon fiber AeroWagen can be yours for $14,990. Color matching and the upper spoiler are optional, but clear coated carbon looks good in any situation. It was supposed to be unveiled later this year at the National Corvette Museum, and in a video for Mother's car care. CarScoops was able to find photos from the shoot, which took place at Chuckwalla raceway. Its time to trade in your C6, so check out our listings for your next Vette.Corvette For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 16, 2017

1965 Mustang Turned Into 1,000 HP Monster

According to Jason Pecikonis of Timeless Kustoms, it took 10,000 hours to build this 1965 Mustang called 'Vicious'. That's a lot of time spent on one car. But, the results in a pretty outlandish pony car that's capable of 1,000 hp.(Also Check Out - Jay Leno Drives V8 BMW 1M Clone and it Sounds Like a Dream)In the latest edition of Jay Leno's Garage, Leno invited the Vicious Mustang to his house for a rundown. The engine block started out as a GT350R block, which was then heavily modified and even had its flat-plane crankshaft removed. But it's not just the engine that was changed in this Mustang. Pecikonis notes that the electronics were all changed to MoTeC products, and as far as the exterior and interior goes, one look at the car will tell you that they definitely modified the look of the car. While some will say it's a blasphemous car, everybody is allowed to modify their car the way they want to-- as long as its legal.Check the car out for yourself in the video below and let me know what you think about the Vicious Mustang in the comments below.All Ford Mustangs For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 05, 2017

Ferrari-Powered GT4586 Drifts on Track for the First Time

Not too long ago, Ryan Tuerck, an American professional drifting driver, decided he wanted to build one heck of a project car: a Toyota GT86 powered by a Ferrari 458 engine. This was no easy task, considering the difference in engine sizes. But, after months of building, the car was finished and the GT4586 was created.Back in November, we saw the car being driven for the first time. Now, in lovely 2017, we get to see the GT4586 drifting on the track for the very first time.What you're going to witness in the video below is a little Toyota that's hooked up to a 4.5-liter V8 engine, capable of 570 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. This power on the GT86 results in spinning tires, smoke and a lot of smiles. Check it out for yourself and try not to smile.All Ferrari 458 Italia For Sale

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