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 – December 09, 2019

1956 American Classic is Fun For All Ages

Cities around our Nation are adding provisions for LSV or Low-Speed Vehicles. Registration is simple and they are a great alternative if you need to run errands or visit a neighbor. But nowhere in the legislation does it say they have to be boring. Mini Cars Incorporated saw an opportunity to read between the lines, and their first model is the 1956 American Classic. It is inspired by one of the most attractive American cars ever made, albeit with better build quality than the original. Sixty years of advancement in fiberglass technology have yielded a modern, vacuum-bagged body. It is an exact 2/3rd-scale replica. This includes the smallest details like the grille teeth and interior trim. Capable of 55 mph, the power can be dialed by adjusting the throttle stop on the carburetor. Under the trunk lid is a 107cc air-cooled 4-stroke, the chain-driven rear axle has better suspension than any car from 1956. The tube-frame chassis is powder-coated and gusseted to keep you safe for years. " width="680"> You will have adjustable coil-over shocks at each corner. This will allow you to corner-weight the car for you or your passengers for incredible grip. The 12-volt accessories include electric start, headlights, brake lights, and turn signals. The fuel system is gravity-fed, so you will never see a "Check Engine" light. Every car is covered by a 10-year warranty, bumper 2 bumper. View All '56 American Classics For Sale A sequential transmission can be shifted at any speed, it has 3 forward gears, neutral and reverse with an illuminated gear indicator. Downshifting into a curve offers hours of drifting fun. The pedal box is adjustable from 4' kids to 6'1" adults, so it grows along with the driver. Given the price of the original '56 Roadsters, this car is a deal at $14,995. Click the button above to view their current inventory, or order yours in time for the Holidays. " width="680">

By Edward Jones – December 05, 2019

Arkonik Are Offering $15k off Their Custom Defenders This...

Presented by Arkonik - Good things come in Land Rover shaped packages. 'Tis the season to start building your dream Defender! Whilst you're taking a well-earned break with family and friends, take some time to peruse Arkonik’s Featured Builds and find something that ignites your imagination. In true Christmas spirit, until 31st December, Arkonik are offering a $15,000 deposit contribution on all custom Land Rover Defenders. There are just 5 builds slots available so now really is the time to start your Arkonik journey. FIND OUT MORE " rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> A Time for Giving Affection and pride for these rock-solid vehicles is a feeling that transcends generations. Your custom D90 or D110 will be a one-of-a-kind heirloom to enjoy with your family, and something to pass down that will be treasured forever. Defenders are not just for Christmas! They'll keep your loved ones safe every day of the year, no matter what the weather or terrain. BUILD YOUR OWN The Experts in Defender Restoration With well over 250 builds to their name, Arkonik is the world leader in creating custom Land Rover Defenders for the most exacting clients. The company mission has evolved over the last 12 years, but Arkonik’s founding principle has remained constant; to create the most authentic, restored Land Rover Defenders in the world. Defenders that are as influential and inspirational as their clients. Whether you base your Arkonik Defender on one of our many featured builds, or start with a blank canvas, their expert team is on hand to advise and help steer you towards a truly unique, hand-crafted and personalized Land Rover reflecting your personality. By carefully considering your intended use; be that an urban commute, overlanding or somewhere in between, Arkonik will ensure that your Defender is tailored to your needs. SEE MORE IMAGES Build your own Strike back at convention, create your own Arkonik Defender online today at arkonik.com or contact our Sales Team on 1-800-984-3355 or sales@arkonik.com. BUILD YOUR OWN We handle the entire process from procurement to delivery, including a comprehensive handover on your own doorstep. All backed up with the reassurance of a comprehensive warranty and a lifetime commitment to you and your Arkonik Defender. Read our FAQs section for more information. Presented by Arkonik Authenticity is at the heart of everything we do, whether it’s an urban 110 station wagon or a classic 90 soft-top, the same ground-up restoration and build ethic is applied. For any car enthusiast or luxury automotive owner, Arkonik Defenders present a rare and exciting opportunity to invest in an iconic and classic British vehicle.

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By Andrew Nabors – November 21, 2019

BRABUS Shadow 900 Spotted on Shakedown Runs

Germanic peoples have been building incredible boats for most of recorded history. That is why our friends at BRABUS Marine are nearing completion on their latest powerboat. Based on the Axopar 37 Spyder, the BRABUS Shadow 900 was spotted on shakedown runs in Finland. Despite the heavy camouflage, we can make out seating for 7 behind the helm, with a small bow-rider upfront. Powered by twin Mercury Racing 450R Verados, speed has been measured above 70 mph. A transverse bow truster will make it easy to dock. Das Boot will be formally unveiled in Düsseldorf in 2 months, so stay with us for all your Brabus news. Browse All Brabus For Sale Related: BRABUS Bringing German Engineering to 2019 Monaco Yacht Show BRABUS: Behind the Scenes

By Andrew Nabors – November 21, 2019

Hennessey Goliath 700 is a Beastly Supercharged Sierra or...

Twice a day for 40 days, a Philistine Giant taunted the Israelites. As a nod to the Old Testament bully, the Hennessey Goliath 700 is a beastly supercharged Sierra/Silverado. It took almost 60 years for GM to offer the Corvette 6.2L V8 in the GMC Sierra and Chevy Silverado. This potent engine responds well to boost, so John Hennessey and his team have dialed this truck to 11. Making use of a proprietary 2.9L supercharger, you will have 700 horsepower without breaking a sweat. While the base model can be had without any suspension or body upgrades, Hennessey offers Stage 1 and Stage 2 packages. The latter combines new front & rear bumpers (with integrated LEDs), Hennessey 20" wheels, 6" suspension lift, stainless side-exit exhaust, powered running boards, and massive 37" Toyo tires. Like all Hennessey vehicles, each one is tuned on the street in real-world conditions, and it is backed by a 3 year/36k warranty. These upgrades are for the 6.2L trucks, and Hennessey offers similar equipment for the 5.3L GMC/Chevrolet trucks and SUVs. Click Here To Learn More Related: Hennessey Resurrection 1,200 HP ZL1 Unveiled at SEMA Hennessey Performance Unveils Maximus 1000 Jeep Gladiator

By Edward Jones – November 19, 2019

NOVITEC Lamborghini Aventador SVJ Announced

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ is already a fierce supercar, both in appearance and performance. However, that didn't stop NOVITEC from taking the SVJ a step further through a newly developed program made specifically for the Italian supercar. Within this new program are new components that serve both form and function. The aerodynamically-driven carbon components for the exterior were refined during wind tunnel testing and work with the active aero system. NOVITEC also dropped the ride height of the Aventador SVJ by 35 mm with new sport springs. For sound and performance, NOVITEC has a few different exhaust systems that can save up to 41.8 pounds. For more information, click here. SEE ALL AVENTADOR SVJ'S FOR SALE

By Andrew Nabors – November 12, 2019

TECHART Porsche 911 is the Perfect Stocking Stuffer

When snow hits the ground below the Mason-Dixon Line, it means our big December issue is rolling off the presses. And because it is the last month of the year, only one model is allowed on the cover. We won't spoil all the juicy details, but the TECHART Porsche 911 is the perfect stocking stuffer. TECHART offers complete conversions or every individual upgrade for your new Porsche 911. You will need to order a stocking from Stuttgart, but you've been good all year. Thanks to TECHART for another great Christmas cover, and Happy Holidays from all of us at duPont REGISTRY. Purchase December 2019 Issue Here!

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

By Edward Jones – October 25, 2019

A Visit to TECHART

Headquartered in lovely Stuttgart, Germany is a well-known aftermarket brand known as TECHART. They have built a reputation around their incredible specialized aftermarket programs for Porsche models over the years, and they show no sign of slowing down. We recently took flight to Germany and had the chance to visit TECHART's headquarters and were treated with a truly German automotive experience. When we arrived in Stuttgart, we were greeted by Marc Herdtle, TECHART's Marketing Director. He picked up the team in a stunning 700+ horsepower Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe that had been upgraded through TECHART's own program for the model. Herdtle then took us through the streets of Germany in the magnificent SUV until we arrived at the TECHART HQ. Upon entering their headquarters, a Rolf Benz Edition of the Porsche Cayenne was on display, as well as a classic Porsche 911 and 911 Turbo S that had been enhanced by TECHART. There were also displays that demonstrated TECHART's abilities when it comes to personalized cars, like custom steering wheels and more. After a quick lunch in the conference room, the tour of the headquarters began. Starting off in the mechanic's garage, a new Porsche 911 (992 generation) that had been further improved by TECHART. This was technically an exclusive sneak peek, as the TECHART 911 (992) had not been unveiled during the time of our visit. From here, we made our way to the leather upholstery department. The artisanship that goes into TECHART's custom interior is a sight to behold. The artists that create these masterpieces are truly masters of their craft. Whether it's the seats, steering wheel, door trim, or what have you, they can customize it with leather and other fine materials. Not only does TECHART have a leather upholstery department, but they also produce their carbon fiber and carbon fiber components inhouse. TECHART utilizes a lot of carbon fiber, so it makes perfect sense that they produce it inhouse. This allows them to oversee everything that goes on, ensuring that their carbon fiber is of the highest quality. For the design of the cars themselves, TECHART's designers have a lot of tools at their disposal. One of the most interesting tools we saw that they use is a virtual reality setup that's powered by the HTC Vive. This allows the designers to get up close and personal with the car and see what they're building before their very own eyes. Even though they have this kind of technology available, they also design with the tried-and-true clay molding method. After the cars have been fitted with new TECHART components, they're placed in a wind tunnel to ensure that the cars have the most optimized aerodynamics possible. Seeing it in action is incredible, but it's frowned upon to jump in while testing is taking place. After the tour, we were treated with something special: a chance to drive TECHART's Cayenne Turbo Coupe and new 911 (992) in the forests of Germany. If the tour of TECHART's headquarters was the dinner, then this was the exquisite dessert. Each of these vehicles not only looked fantastic, both inside and out, they handled beautifully. When sitting in each of the TECHART Porsches, you could feel the amount of craftsmanship that went into the refinement of the exterior and interior. With the press of the pedal, the true power and essence of the German sports car and SUV was on full display. We'll just say this: if you ever have a chance to drive a Porsche through a German forest, take it. We want to thank TECHART for inviting us to their headquarters and for treating us to a day we'll never forget. Then again, we can live it again, to an extent, by getting a TECHART vehicle of our own. Could that be a business expense...? visit techart.de

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By Andrew Nabors – October 24, 2019

Cerebrum Tire Sensors Are The Future of TPMS

If you are reading this, you have probably had issues with tire sensors. While they do keep you safe, they are problematic at best. That is why Cerebrum Sensors are the future of TPMS. About the size of a silver dollar, they are glued to the inside tread, and they can be easily moved to new rubber when its time. Sure, they transmit pressure and they are compatible with most factory systems. The genius is that they record tread depth, temperature, alignment, and provide tire performance analytics. Cerebrum Sensors even offer an ‘Advanced Mode’ which records Sessions (on-road or track) and provide recommended tire pressure adjustments to optimize performance; it’s like your personal race coach! This Los Angeles startup is the brainchild of a few engineers wanting more data about their tires and tired of the annoying warnings from flaky factory sensors. The beauty of their customer service is that your tire data is continuously uploaded to the cloud. This does require an iPhone, but the money you will save is worth it. The 4-pack includes sensors, mounts, and glue, which can be easily installed by any reputable tire shop. Or, tell Cerebrum what make and size you need, and they install the sensors and ship to your shop or home. The system will be formally unveiled at SEMA in booth 50019 in the Performance Pavilion Hall. Pre-orders have already started and orders will begin shipping in January 2020. I have my set reserved, so stay with us for a full review of this ingenious system. Click Here To pre-Order for 15% off

BDS Suspension Ford F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab XLT

By Edward Jones – October 24, 2019

5 Wicked Custom Ford Trucks Heading to SEMA 2019

We recently covered eight custom Ford SUVs that will be making an appearance at the SEMA 2019 show. Now, we're back to show off five custom Ford trucks that will be joining them in Las Vegas for the show. Each of the trucks you're going to see below are 2020 F-Series Super Duty trucks and they will be in Ford's massive display. Altogether, Ford will be displaying 50 customized vehicles. see all ford trucks for sale LGE-CTS Motorsports Baja Forged Ford F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab XLT "This LGE-CTS Motorsports Baja Forged 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab XLT is the Swiss army knife for the modern adventurer – functioning as a mobile command center, campsite and workshop." Ford Accessories F-250 Super Duty Tremor Crew Cab with Black Appearance Package "This new 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty debuts in Tremor off-road trim with Black Appearance Package by Ford Accessories as the most capable four-wheel drive Super Duty ever." CGS Performance Products Ford F-250 Super Duty Tremor Crew Cab with Black Appearance Package "Check a Seismic monitor, CGS Performance Products dials up this 2020 Ford F-250 Super Duty Crew Cab Tremor with Black Appearance Package into a full-on earthquake." DeBerti Design Ford F-450 Super Duty Platinum Crew Cab "The ultimate in workplace trucks, DeBerti Design takes this seriously capable 2020 Ford F-450 Super Duty Platinum Crew Cab and ups the storage and styling to levels never before seen." BDS Suspension Ford F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab XLT "BDS Suspension’s project Go Beyond is outfitted as the ultimate off-road adventure 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty Crew Cab XLT."

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