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 Edward Jones – July 21, 2021

The 1000 HP Wagon: Performance and Functionality Without ...

Presented by RENNtech - Famous for extracting more power out of Mercedes and AMG powerplants, RENNtech’s R3 Performance Package turns the W213 Mercedes-AMG E63 Wagon into a serial supercar slayer. With 1017 HP and 871 TQ at the crank, the AMG E63S R3 (S213) is the most powerful street-legal wagon ever to leave RENNtech’s shop in Stuart, FL. With a top speed restrictor delete the longroof will run beyond 180 mph making it the ideal choice for setting a new road trip record this summer. The wagon accelerates from 0-to-60 mph in 2.9 sec., 60 – 130 mph in 6.3 seconds, and runs the quarter-mile in 10.42 seconds trapping at 136.42 mph. In car terms, that is fast enough to leave McLaren’s MP4 in the dust, even with a full payload. Developed to run on either standard 93-octane or 100-octane race fuel, RENNtech’s R3 -package offers the convenience of an everyday commuter and the balls-out performance of a track-ready race car. In “daily mode” the R3 produces 965 HP and 816 LB-FT of torque and can be fueled up with premium gas at the local station. Flip the switch on the HHT (Hand Held Tuner), fill the tank with 100 octane fuel, and the RENNtech’s rocket wagon will hammer down 1017 HP and 871 TQ (DYNO SHEET) into the tarmac without hesitation. The R3 -package for the W213 E 63 AMG includes RENNtech’s Stage II Turbo’s, an improved Fuel System, performance software for ECU (Engine Control Unit) and CPC (Power Train Control Unit), Stainless-Steel Downpipes with 200 Cell Catalytic Converters, Blow Off Valve adapters, and BMC air filters. The full R3 package runs $29,380 plus labor and can be built around any of the M177 twin-scroll-powered Mercedes-AMG 63’s. With 1000+ horsepower and the sublime sound of a petrol-fueled AMG V8, there is no doubt who rules the leafy suburbs. Visit RENNtech.com RENNtech R3 Performance UpgradeFor: MY 2018+ Mercedes-AMG E63 & E63S Wagon or SedanPower: 1017 HP and 871 TQ (100 Oct) 965 HP and 816 TQ (93 Oct)Performance: 0 – 60 MPH in 2.9 seconds. 60 – 130 MPH in 6.3 seconds R3 Performance Upgrade Includes:ECU Upgrade (RENNtech HHT)Stainless Steel Downpipes w/200 Cell Catalytic ConvertersCPC UpgradeRENNtech Fuel System UpgradeBlow-Off Valve AdaptersBMC Air FiltersPrice: $29,380

By Edward Jones – May 06, 2021

New BRABUS 800 Packs an Insane Amount of Power

A wolf in sheep's clothing. The new BRABUS 800 has been revealed, a four-door supercar based on the Mercedes-AMG E 63 4MATIC+. Unlike the stock E 63, this new creation from BRABUS packs a whopping 800 horsepower and 737.5 lb-ft of torque. That's an increase of 197 hp and 110 lb-ft. This upgrade of power for the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine is made possible thanks to the plug-and-play BRABUS PowerXtra module. This unit contains special mapping for the injection, ignition and boost pressure control. BRABUS has enhanced their new model even further thanks to custom naked-carbon aerodynamic components, 21-inch hi-tech forged wheels, and more. Of course, BRABUS can always refine the interior with exclusive components like the stainless-steel scuff played with a backlit BRABUS logo. The BRABUS 800 comes with a 3-year or 62,000-mile BRABUS Tuning Warranty. What's more, it can be ordered as either a sedan or wagon or a customer can request to have their current AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ converted. For more information, be sure to visit the BRABUS website. View BRABUS Vehicles For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2021

RENNtech Makes the 1,000+ HP Family Car a Reality

Presented by RENNtech RENNtech’s R3 Performance package for AMG E and GT 63 M177 Twin Scroll BiTurbo V8 delivers uncompromised power and performance. After a year of development and testing, RENNtech is proud to announce the first four-figure performance package for the M177 Twin Scroll powered Mercedes-AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupé(X290) and Mercedes-AMG E63 (W/S 213). RENNtech’s R3 Performance package is developed specifically for the AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe and AMG E63, making the 1000 HP family “sleeper” sedan or station-wagon a reality for the fortunate few. Producing 1017 HP and 873 LB-FT of torque, RENNtech’s R3 AMG GT 63 is one of the most powerful and fastest 4-door cars in the world. Performance figures show 0-60 mph in 2.5 seconds, 60 – 130 mph in 6.5 seconds, and an estimated top speed north of the 200 MPH mark. With RENNtech’s philosophy of bringing Racing Performance for the Streets and the functional design of the GT 63 and E 63 vehicles, the R3 Performance Package is made for daily-driving and use. When in “daily” or Street -mode, RENNtech’s R3 tune produces a massive 940 HP and 795 LB-FT of torque and will run on regular 93-octane pump gas. When the need arises, owners can unleash the full 1000+ HP with a quick switch into 100 Octane -mode using the HHT and fueling up with 100 octane gas.During the development of the R3 Performance -Package, the R3 AMG GT 63 4-Door consistently recorded 1000+ HP DYNO runs and logged a record of 1017 HP and 871 LB-FT, the highest power figures measured at RENNtech to date. Tested with 100 octane fuel and calculated with a 16% drivetrain loss, the power output is 336 HP and 137 LB-FT over the DYNO tested baseline for the AMG GT 63! Learn More AMG GT 63 4-Door Coupe To achieve this, RENNtech replaced all the internals of the standard AMG M177 twin scroll turbos with their Stage II Turbos. Equipped with larger exducer, inducer, and lightweight forged billet turbo wheels, the upgraded turbos deliver more boost without sacrificing throttle response or increasing turbo lag. AMG E63 In addition to the larger turbo’s, the R3 -package includes RENNtech’s Performance HHT ECU -upgrade (engine control), a CPC (powertrain control) -upgrade to handle the added power, pair of Stainless Steel Downpipes with 200 Cell Catalytic Converters, a Fuel System Upgrade, Blow-Off Valves, and BMC Air Filters. Shop RENNtech R3 Package Available for 2019+ AMG GT 63 4-Door (S and non-S) as well as the AMG E 63 Sedan and Wagon, the 1000 horsepower R3 Performance -package transforms the AMG’s into a new category of family-first supercars. Key Features: The RENNtech R3 Performance Package includes:Stage II Turbo Software RENNtech HHT ECU Tuner with 100 Octane Tune RENNtech Stainless Steel Downpipes w/200 Cell Catalytic Converters RENNtech CPC Software RENNtech Blow-Off Valve Adapters BMC Air Filters RENNtech Fuel System Upgrade. Precision machined impeller and turbine housings Larger and stronger cartridge shaft for supporting the larger wheels Entire cartridge is balanced as an assembly Up to 1,017 HP and 873 TQ @ crank with 100 Octane Fuel Up to 965 HP and 817 LB-FT @ crank with 93 Octane Fuel Ability to switch between 93 and 100 Octane -tune Less friction resistance for quicker spooling Virtually no lag, with quick throttle response

By Edward Jones – May 20, 2020

BRABUS Unveils New INVICTO Armored G-Class

BRABUS has now unveiled their new "INVICTO Shelter Cell," a new protective cell that will protect occupants from small arms fire, as well as explosives. This new advancement by BRABUS has given way to their new INVICTO vehicle that's based on the G-Class. On top of the protective cell, BRABUS offers further protection through bulletproof glass. During testing by the German National Testing and Certification Office for Weapons and Security Engineering, the INVICTO withstood 7.62x39 caliber rounds (ammunition used in rifles like the AK-47), hand grenades and 12.5-kg PETN explosive charges. Needless to say, the INVICTO can most definitely protect it's passengers. There are three different variants that BRABUS is offering the INVICTO in, INVICTO Luxury, INVICTO Pure, and INVICTO Mission. Each of these variants offers different styles as well as some serious capabilities. They have even created a variant that's specifically designed for armed forces, police, emergency services, special forces and security guard companies. You can learn more about these variants down below. See All BRABUS for Sale INVICTO Luxury This is the top of the range version, It comes with the BRABUS Widestar widebody, fine leather interior, Alcantara and a lot more. If you're looking for protection as well as luxury, this if the pick for you. INVICTO Pure For the INVICTO Pure, it's indistinguishable from the production version on the outside but it comes packing in protective cell and 20-inch INVICTO wheels. Looking to go undercover with some protection? Then you need the INVICTO Pure. INVICTO Mission BRABUS designed the INVICTO Mission for armed forces, police, emergency services, special forces and security guard companies. It includes 20-inch off-road tires, winch and more that make it perfect for rough terrain.

By Edward Jones – May 15, 2020

Build Your Own Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen Through Expedition M...

Getting a vehicle that you customized yourself is a wonderful experience from start to finish. Picking out all the options and colors for your new ride can keep you occupied for hours, but all of the time spent is worth it in the end. Why? Because that vehicle you personalized to your liking will be sitting in your garage in the future and you'll be able to enjoy your dream ride whenever you want. Expedition Motor Company knows how important the customization aspect is to many buyers, so they have their own configurator for their renowned classic Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen known as the Wolf. Within the configurator, you can customize so many aspects of the Wolf, including the color, bumper style, roof-style, bumper additions, indicators, grille emblem, light guards and more. In the gallery below is the Wolf I built to my liking. Naturally, I added just about all of the options but it was the color that really tripped me up. There are a lot of options, but I ended up with the Agate Green. See everything they offer and contact Expedition Motor Company if you'd like to learn more about what they can do for you. Build Your Wolf

By Andrew Nabors – April 23, 2020

RENNtech Unveils RPS 10.2 Forged Wheels

The RENNtech Performance Series (RPS) 10.2 wheel is the latest evolution of RENNtech’s exclusive Performance -series wheels. Representing 30 years of motorsports experience, the RPS 10.2 brings the same level of performance to the streets. Made out of 6061 aerospace-grade aluminum and designed with Mercedes-Benz and AMG vehicles in mind, the forged, TUV compliant wheels are strong and lightweight, built for high-performance driving. Made to order, each set of RPS 10.2’s is engineered and optimized for the make and model of the customer’s car. To ensure the highest manufacturing quality, RENNtech turned to VOSSEN Wheels. Their 8-step manufacturing process ensures consistency in the forging and machining of the RPS -series wheels, visible in the fine detail and craftsmanship for each wheel. Unique to the RPS 10.2 wheel is the RENNtech designed Infiniti -spoke. The outer rim between each spoke is deeply scalloped creating an optical illusion of spokes reaching past the outer edge of wheel. Machined 1-piece, or 3-piece laser-cut center caps can be ordered in custom designs and colors to complement or contrast any of the 48 available colors. Starting at $7,580, and a lead time of 6-8 weeks, it is best to get your order in soon, so that you too can hit the streets in style this summer. Click the button below to learn more. Learn More

By Edward Jones – March 17, 2020

BRABUS Adventure 4x4 Squared Goes Off the Trail in Dubai

BRABUS knows a thing or two about automotive excursions, as you can tell from their phenomal Adventure range for the Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUVs. Don't believe me? Check out their most recent video of a BRABUS Adventure 4x4 Squared going way off of the trail in Dubai. In the video below, you'll see just how capable their refined G-Class SUVs can be. But what's even better is how great this SUV looks strutting its stuff on the dirt. Let's be real, if you're going to go off-road, you want something that looks like an absolute beast when tackling the trails or making your own. See All G550 4x4 Squareds For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 05, 2020

BRABUS 800 Black & Gold Edition Unveiled

The BRABUS 800 Black & Gold Edition is here, donning a black appearance with striking gold components. This new model is based on the BRABUS Mercedes 800 G63, but it has been greatly upgraded by the famous tuner. (Side Note: BRABUS Classic Restorations: Better Than New) For the SUV's appearance, as the name suggests, the black and gold color scheme is on full display. The black body is contrasted by gold in the brake calipers, emblems and logotypes. There's also the gold BRABUS Monoblock Y "Platinum Edition" wheels. As if the exterior couldn't get any more brilliant, they included the BRABUS WIDESTAR widebody package, which allows the 23-inch wheels to fit perfectly. " width="680"> Inside, the black and gold color scheme continues in a glorious manner. Like the exterior, the cabin is primarily black leather but the gold accents can be found on components like the controls, BRABUS labels, air vents, loudspeaker grilles and surrounds. For the BRABUS 800 Black & Gold's power, it relies on its twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine but will extra sauce added in. That extra sauce? Two new high-performance turbochargers and a list of other modifications. In total, the output is raised by 233 hp for a total of 800 hp and the torque is raised by 111 lb-ft for a total of 737 lb-ft. The BRABUS 800 Black & Gold price is set at 380,672 euros. If you'd like to learn more, visit BRABUS.com now. VIEW ALL BRABUS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – March 04, 2020

BRABUS Concept for the Mercedes-Benz EQC Unveiled

BRABUS has just unveiled a new vehicle that's unlike anything you've seen from this famed company. The new BRABUS refinement concept for the Mercedes-Benz EQC 400 4MATIC is a glimpse into the electric future of the automobile. For power, the new BRABUS PowerXtra ELECTRIC performance upgrade kicks in when "S" drive mode is selected. When selected, power is increased from 561 to 612 lb-ft of torque, and 402 to 416 horsepower. With this power, the BRABUS-enhanced EQC can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds. " width="680"> With this new concept, BRABUS has introduced a new list of exterior and interior options for the EQC as well. As you can see from images, the exterior can be enhanced in a great manner. For the wheels, BRABUS has their Monoblock Z "Platinum Edition" wheels, measuring in at 21-inches. Inside, BRABUS offers a wide range of exclusive options like they do with every model they personalize. For more information, click here. SEE ALL BRABUS FOR SALE

By Edward Jones – November 05, 2019

RENNtech Turns 30!

Presented by RENNtech - Founded in 1989 by Hartmut Feyhl, RENNtech celebrates its 30th year in the business of shattering performance records. Feyhl is an essential part of the past, present and future of Mercedes-Benz and AMG performance development, and RENNtech continues setting the pace on the streets and the track. Born with a passion for motor-racing and a mind for engineering, Feyhl’s career began in Affalterbach, Germany, landing his first summer job with Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher at AMG in 1976, at their original facility, the old Mill in Burgstall. visit renntechmercedes.com AMG Affalterbach ca. 1980 At AMG Feyhl had a vital role in both the development and launch of the W124 AMG E300 6.0 “Hammer”. When AMG entered the North American market in 1986, Feyhl was appointed Technical Director and placed in charge of car development in North America. In 1989, Feyhl made the decision to go out on his own. He incorporated RENNtech, and set up shop in Delray Beach, Florida, with the blessing of Hans-Werner Aufrecht in order to serve the existing AMG VIP customers in the U.S. First U.S.-Spec 300E AMG 6.0 Renn is German for racing, and from the start the company with racing in its name and in the owner’s blood, developed iconic cars such as the Yellow SL 6.0, SLR 7.4, E 60, Chrome SL, E63 Wagon, and award-winning show cars. With unparalleled power, style, and performance, RENNtech quickly became the go-to shop for enthusiasts looking for the ultimate Mercedes-Benz. Over the past three decades, RENNtech automobiles have been featured on dozens of magazine covers, set performance records, and turned a small specialty shop into a cutting-edge engineering and design company with Headquarters in Stuart, FL and dealers throughout the U.S., Europe, Middle-East, and Asia. RENNtech: From Great to Awesome! With more than 30 employees developing record braking speed for Mercedes-AMG’s, restoring time- tested classics, and a full-fledged GT4 Racing Team, Feyhl and RENNtech are not slowing down, rather hitting their 30’s in great stride. So, here’s to RENNtech, and to making the world go faster one car at a time. Cheers! visit renntechmercedes.com

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