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 – February 12, 2016

Sprinter Extreme Concept by RENNtech is the Ultimate Work...

Our friends at RENNtech have created a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter unlike any other. The Sprinter Extreme Concept, unveiled at the Chicago Auto Show, is a massive truck built around the Sprinter Cab Chassis. This concept measures in at over 20-feet from front to back and over 95-inches tall, making it one monster of a concept. The Sprinter Extreme Concept also has monstrous capabilities with a payload capacity of 6,400 lbs and a towing capacity of 7,500 lbs. On top of the already impressive means, RENNtech has added a custom roof rack, brush guard, winch suspension lift package, custom rear fenders and an aesthetic overhaul to its exterior. If you happen to be in Chicago this weekend, be sure to stop by the auto show to check out RENNtech's latest piece of automotive art. Mercedes-Benz Sprinters For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 29, 2016

Mercedes and Airstream: A Collaboration of Two Iconic Brands

The Airstream Interstate is the result of collaboration between two of the world’s most iconic brands. Mercedes and Airstream have built their reputations designing, developing and introducing industry-leading products. Groundbreaking products. Mercedes and Airstream have so consistently built quality, luxurious vehicles that their company names alone elicit anticipation for products that don’t simply meet expectations, but instead, shatter them.Interior200-plus years of collective dedication to excellence and innovation have been poured into the Airstream Interstate. It stands to reason, therefore, that the Airstream Interstate is only Class B diesel motorhome that has been welcomed officially into the Mercedes-Benz Club of America (MBCA). With its 50 best-in-class features, the Airstream Interstate’s unparalleled styling and performance creates the kind of driving and lifestyle experience that discerning MBCA members not only understand, but also demand.ExteriorWhether the Airstream Interstate is used for a getaway in California’s Wine Country, a meandering drive up the Atlantic Coast, or a long weekend on Southern beaches, the experience will be unlike any other in its Class. Realistically, it will be unlike any other, period. The Airstream Interstate nameplate perhaps says more about the people in it than it does about the product itself.Think about Shelby and Mustang: Two iconic brands collaborating in the spirit of developing something extra special. That’s Mercedes + Airstream and the Airstream Interstate. Ultimately, when giants work together it’s the selective consumer that wins.To learn more, visit Airstream.com or click the button below.Learn more

By Edward Jones – September 08, 2015

1,000 hp Mansory Black Edition S63 Coupe

Before the car's official unveiling at the International Auto Show 2015 in Frankfurt, the new S63-based Mansory Black Edition has surfaced on the aftermarket company's Facebook page yesterday, Sept. 7.The description given by Mansory paints the Black Edition as a special edition model only to be produced 6 times, making it incredibly rare. It features bodywork comprised of carbon fiber, which aims to make the car as sleek, aggressive and aerodynamic as can be. This includes the large rear wing, additional air control blades, front fascia, side skirts, air vents and more. (Also Read: Rolls-Royce Dawn Officially Unveiled) To make it even more tantalizing, Mansory upped the car's power to 1,000 hp. Yes, you read that correctly: this S63 will produce as much, if not more, horsepower than most Lamborghinis, Ferraris and Bugattis.Expect to see more information about the Mansory Black Edition as the IAA 2015 starts on September 15. http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/results/mercedes-benz/s63--amg (Source: Facebook) See More Mansory News, Pics and Videos

By Caitlin Duffy – June 26, 2015

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

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

By Edward Jones – May 26, 2015

Larte Design "Black Crystal" Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

From European luxury tuning company Larte Design comes a new package for the 2014 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. To introduce this new package, Larte Design has created the "Black Crystal," a custom SUV that displays just how incredible the package looks when fully implemented.In the front of the car, the package adds a Larte Design front bumper. This bumper is defined by crystalline accents and aggressive geometry, and within the bumper are LED daytime running lights by Nolden, carbon fiber inserts and air inlets.On the sides of the "Black Crystal" are front and rear fender flares and side skirts from the GL-Class package. Worked into the front fender flares are air vents for the front wheel wells. These give the GL-Class a muscular and wider stance that is visible from just about any angle.Larte Design also equips the SUV with a four-pipe stainless steel exhaust system designed by Austrian exhaust manufacturer Remus. With carbon fiber on the outside of the exhaust system and steel on the inside, it not only looks great, but it also sounds ferocious.(See Also: LARTE Design Tesla Model S Elizabeta Package Unveiled)"Black Crystal" is just one example in the long lineup of offerings from Larte Design. They also have tuning kits that enhance other premium SUVs, such as the Infiniti QX60, QX70 and QX80; Range Rover Sport and Evoque; and Lexus LX 570.For those interested in the package for the GL-Class or another model, be sure to visit www.Larte-Design.com or click the button below.More InfoGallery Sponsored by:

By Andrew Nabors – May 18, 2015

AMS Performance Alpha 7 Mercedes-Benz Performance Package

Extracting more power from an already potent car is no easy task. Only a handful of companies have the resources to reverse engineer today’s complex engine management, and to properly reinforce the driveline accordingly. Our friends at AMS Performance have made a name for themselves by exponentially increasing the output of everything they can get ahold of.AMG builds some of the world's fastest cars, but what if you demand more from your Mercedes-Benz? The 5.5-liter (M157) V8 can be found under the hoods of late model CLS63 and E63 AMGs, and from the factory they produce 577 hp and 590 lb-ft. By unlocking the computer’s operating system, they are able to dispense with the luxury-minded parameters, replacing them with what can only be described as “beast mode.”Thanks to thoughtful German engineers, the factory turbochargers are perfectly sized to the engine. Because of their efficiency, the computer rarely allows them to reach their full potential. That’s where the Alpha 7 package begins. Any exhaust downstream of the turbo restricts its abilities, but in order to build a civilized sedan AMG burdens the system with several mufflers and resonators.This may be acceptable at the country club, but an engine note should be enjoyed to the fullest extent possible. Starting with new 3” downpipes, AMS Performance has fabricated a beautiful system out of mandrel bent stainless steel. Mufflers on a turbocharged car are mostly superfluous, as the turbos themselves eliminate most of the harsh sounds. This allows AMS to build a mostly open system that retains the catalytic converters for emissions control. The resulting soundtrack is nothing short of audible euphoria.By awakening the turbos and removing their restrictions, the Alpha 7 package makes over 700 hp and 830 lb-ft of torque. That’s two and a half times the torque of the potent CLA 45 AMG. In terms of performance, you will need a tire sponsor.Launching the AWD Alpha 7 E63 at the drag strip returned multiple ten-second time slips. Check it out in the video above, added to YouTube by AMS Performance Aug. 20, 2014.For a standing mile test, a worthy competitor was found in an MP4-12C. You can see this in the video below, added by AMS Performance to YouTube July 16, 2014.From a standstill, 60 mph arrives in 2.85 seconds, and since the speed limiter is removed in the new programming, the Alpha 7 will go as fast as you can tolerate. Optional for warmer climates is their new boost cooler. It includes a larger heat exchanger for the intercoolers to prevent heat soak from stealing your power.For pricing of the kit or individual components, click the button below for their website, call AMS Performance at 847-709-0530, or email them at info@alphaperformance.com Be sure to check out their YouTube channel and Autofluence for more maniacal Mercedes models from AMS.More InfoSource:

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