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 – September 18, 2017

BRABUS Celebrates 40th Anniversary

Forty years in the aftermarket is a cause for celebration, so BRABUS arrived in Frankfurt with a host of stunning cars. The Frankfurt Auto Show of 2017 was a perfect venue to display the latest in performance upgrades ranging from the S65 to the SmartCar.The world premiere of the BRABUS Rocket 900 took center stage. Based on the S65, it uses more boost and new software to unleash 900 horsepower and 1,106 lb-ft of torque. 2015: BRABUS 900based on the Mercedes-Maybach S 600

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 Nicole Slaughter-Graham – February 29, 2016

FAB Design's VAYU GTR Coupe: Inspired by McLaren

With the McLaren MP4 12C and 650S on the brain, Swiss manufacturer, FAB Design, fashioned a super-sportcar complete with exposed carbon fiber and aerodynamic optimization.Last year, the manufacturer presented the VAYU RPR Spider at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, and this year, they wanted to appeal to McLaren enthusiasts and owners. VAYU, according to a press release from FAB Design, is the "vedish god of wind, air and life." VAYU is noted for his "unrivaled speed and his peerless beauty," and is thus used as a source of inspiration for the VAYU RPR Spider.Fashioned for speed and handling, the VAYU RPR Spider employs a slew of carbon fiber parts including, "behind the windwos, on the sides, and front and rear wing," according to the press release. The supercar also focuses on downforce optimization, which also translated into visual aesthetics in the form of all-new fenders and rear bumper.The price for the vehicle has not been released to the public. Check out the photos of the VAYU RPR Spider below.McLarens For Sale

By Edward Jones – February 04, 2016

Mean and Green: Fab Fours KRYPTON Truck

Our friends at Fab Fours know how to create the most insane looking vehicles that roam Earth's surface. Take the Legend 2.Woah, a Jeep turned punk rocker rock climber. Most recently, they've introduced a new project vehicle into the world: KRYPTON.Based around a 2015 Ford Super Duty F-350, KRYPTON looks like a monster truck that you could safely drive to the grocery store without the unnecessary wheel and height dimensions. Giving KRYPTON its extreme appearance is the Avery Dennison brushed metallic black wrap and a list of fabrications created by Fab Fours themselves.KRYPTON's Exterior Features: Fab Fours Custom Grill/ Bumper (Grumper) Fab Fours Custom Visor Fab Fours Custom Exhaust Tip Fab Fours Custom Fenders Fab Fours Vengeance Series Rear Bumper Fab Fours Headache Rack w/ Modified Fab Fours Side Steps Innovation and taking risks is part of what attracts people to Fab Fours. Sure, this truck will not be for everyone, but there is one universal truth to it: Different. While Fab Fours is not known for vehicle builds, we have been on an amazing growth trajectory, which has provided resources to start expanding our offerings. A radical vehicle like KRYPTON is an opportunity to test some concepts and feedback from the public. If you are looking for ‘more of the same’ you have come to the wrong place, if you are intrigued by a glimpse of the future… Welcome to where it begins! - Greg Higgs (owner/creator)Supplying the KRYPTON height are the Motor Metal M0962 22"x14" wheels, shod in Toyo Tires' Open Country MT 40"x15.50"x22". In fact, the suspension on this truck is entirely stock.What you see in KRYPTON is Fab Fours' ability to create custom fabrications for your vehicle. Instead of driving a stock truck, you could install a few Fab Fours components to spice it up, or go all out and have a project vehicle of your own. With their custom products, you can create the truck of your dreams.For more information, be sure to visit FabFours.com or click the button below.Learn More duPont REGISTRY Autos

By Edward Jones – January 29, 2016

Johnny Bohmer Racing to Break 300 MPH in Street Legal BADDGT

Last year, Johnny Bohmer of Johnny Bohmer Racing (JBR) took to NASA Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility in his street-legal BADDGT, a customized Ford GT, to hit 290 mph in preparation for his inevitable 300 mph run this year. Unfortunately due to 25 mph cross winds, he wasn't able to hit his mark. However, he was able to go over 250 mph with a passenger in his BADDGT, which could be a new world record. “I believe this is surely a first for the automotive community, and a new world record,” Bohmer Said.Now, in 2016, Bohmer is looking to break his previous Guinness World Record for the Fastest Street Car in the Standing Mile made in 2012. How is he doing that? By completing his 300 mph run.To get the world ready for his run, JBR uploaded a teaser video to YouTube, shown below. Be sure to check back in as he makes progress towards 300 mph.Ford GTs For Sale

By Caitlin Duffy – November 12, 2015

Hennessey Says F5 Coming in 2017, Electric Venom GT Possible

During their time in Las Vegas for SEMA 2015, the crew at TopGear had a chance to talk with the one and only John Hennessey, and managed to learn about some exciting developments from his aftermarket company.Those attending the Geneva International Motor Show in 2017 can expect to be treated to the first full look at the Hennssey Venom F5, the successor to the Venom GT. As TopGear's Rowan Horncastle reported Nov. 6, Hennessey said that a full-scale model will be on display at the show, with production estimated to begin later that same year.No specific statements about its potential power output have been given yet, but the F5 aims to take on the Koenigsegg Regera and Veyron successor in terms of speed and power. First introduced in Aug. 2014, the Venom F5 was projected to create upwards of 1,400 hp and reach for speeds in excess of 290 mph. Though it'll be based on the incredibly potent Venom GT, the F5 will be designed from the ground up.But as for the Venom GT, Horncastle uncovered some other intriguing news; Hennessey is considering going electric. Not hybrid, however.“Ferrari, Porsche and McLaren have done a great job at proving that hybrid technology works, but I’m not interested in hybrids,” Hennessey said to Horncastle. “I’d only do the Venom with an engine or as a straight electric."He explained that, currently, batteries simply weigh too much to create a car lightweight enough to reach the speeds Hennessey is reaching for. However, he holds out quite a bit of hope and optimism about the development of battery tech, and believes a 1,000 bhp electric car could happen in the near future.Stay with us to find out more about these two projects as they are released, and find your own Hennessey from our exclusive listings at the button below. Hennesseys For Sale (via TopGear, Hennessey)

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