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 Tyler Rampersaud – October 17, 2023

New 2024 Overfinch Makes U.S. Debut At The Ft. Lauderdale...

The original Range Rover enhancer shows off its latest and greatest creation. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is a hotspot for luxury, with the unveiling and showcasing of luxury yachts and also high-end automobiles. The 2023 edition is no exception, as it becomes the stage for the U.S. debut of Overfinch's 2024 flagship model—a dynamic reinterpretation of the Range Rover. Taking center stage at stand #1021 in Bahia Mar, the 2024 Overfinch showcases what it means to redefine luxury in SUVs. Overfinch, known as the world's leading Range Rover enhancer, brings forth an offering that is anything but ordinary. This model flaunts a commanding road presence underscored by its signature carbon fiber components, and a customized cabin that oozes sophistication. The aesthetic brilliance and attention to detail of this new release is tailored to align with the brand’s long-standing commitment to individualization and custom features. In fact, personalization is a key part of the Overfinch experience. Attendees at FLIBS can dive into a world of customization opportunities, which range from simple personalization tweaks to full bespoke commissioning. Overfinch specialists are available for one-on-one appointments to discuss how to tailor the vehicle to the individual's specific desires and needs. But the 2024 flagship isn't the only star on the floor. Overfinch North America also brings a selection of redefined Defender examples and classic Land Rover restomods, courtesy of their Heritage division. This serves to highlight the company's ability to enhance a range of Land Rover models, past and present, keeping with its mission of constant innovation, excellence, and luxury. The 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show event is taking place between October 25th and 29th, offering attendees a unique opportunity to explore the pinnacle of luxury on land and sea. As Overfinch’s 2024 model graces the American stage for the first time since its global reveal, it’s clear that the luxury SUV market is in for a shakeup that you won't want to miss. View All Vehicles For Sale From Overfinch Image Source: Overfinch

By Tyler Rampersaud – August 22, 2023

The New BRABUS 600 Is A Range Rover-Based Luxury Performa...

Known for Mercedes-Benz expertise, BRABUS debuts a new model based on the Range Rover.

By Edward Jones – October 09, 2018

Overfinch's New Refined Range Rover Sport

Overfinch has just dropped a new Range Rover Sport enhancement package that takes the SUV to new levels. This new package was designed around keeping the original model's intact, while further enhancing it through new components.The body pieces included in the package are created out of carbon fiber in a herringbone weave. This includes the new front and rear air dams, extended spoiler, side vents and grille. Another modification within the package that adds presence both visually and audibly is the Overfinch exhaust system. This exhaust system also has the ability of being controlled via Bluetooth. Inside, Overfinch has the ability to customize the Range Rover Sport to the customer's liking. There are also two exclusive designed available for the Sport: a "contemporary" take on the diamond quilt design and a modern hexagonal stitch. For owners of SVR models, there's an additional interior available that includes diamond quilted paneling, contrast micro-piping and stitching.As with all Overfinch packages, there are long lists of paint colors, upholsteries, and more that customers can pick from. For more information, visit Overfinch.com.

By Andrew Nabors – April 30, 2018

Range Rover 6x6 Arriving Later This Year

If you own a Superyacht, why would you have a normal Tender? You need something to run errands and haul provisions back to the dock, so a 6WD Land Rover is the perfect runabout. The German Naval Architects at T. Fotiadis Design spend most of their time building ships for the wealthy.Range Rover Velar is the World's Most Beautiful Car Their creations and style is forward thinking to say the least, so they decided to turn their talents to Range Rover's Autobiography. Starting with the long wheelbase model, the rear bodywork was clipped and extended to become an enclosed cargo area. It kinda resembles what Land Rover would build to compete with the Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6.Under the hood will be the same supercharged V8 found across the Jaguar/Land Rover SVR series. Images were uploaded to their Facebook page, and the concept has been dubbed the SLT or Superyacht Land Tender. It will be formally unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show later this year, so stay with us for all the updates. Tell us if you think they went too far, or not far enough in the comments below!Browse Range Rover For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 09, 2018

Overfinch Teases Their New Velar

Overfinch has been tuning Range Rovers for decades. In fact, they note that they are the originators of Range Rover tuning thanks to their history of such dates back to the mid-1970's. Ever since they started, Overfinch has been taking Range Rover models to the next level through their expertise. This means they've been keeping up with all model launches and fine-tuning their skills to each and every Range Rover that is released.Their latest task involves the new Range Rover Velar, the latest model from the luxury SUV automaker from England. Sitting in between the Evoque and Sport models in the Range Rover lineup, the Velar has only been met with praises since it was launched. In fact, it recently won the award for "World’s Most Beautiful Car." New 2018 Range Rover Velar Prices and Specs RevealedEven though it's already a beautiful car, that doesn't mean Overfinch is going to stay away from it. In fact, that just means they have a lot of work to do. Or had a lot of work to do, because they've released teaser images of their final take on the new Velar. These new images show off a redefined and enhanced Velar that will undoubtedly be the talk of all Range Rovers when it's released. It should looks like Overfinch has done an incredible job, but that was expected. Check out the teaser photos in this article and get ready, because we'll have all the details on the Overfinch Velar with it releases.Can't wait for the release? Click the button below to sign up for updates from Overfinch.Sign Up for Updates

By Edward Jones – August 21, 2015

STRUT's New Land Rover and Range Rover Grille Collection

This month, STRUT announced two new grille collections for the 2016 Land Rover and Range Rover Sports, in both fiberglass and carbon fiber.These new collections include a front grille made of a diamond-weave mesh with a STRUT shield located dead-center. Also, a hood vent, matching vents and a STRUT shield for the rear lift gate are also included in the collections.(Related: STRUT Takes Teslas to the Wild Side)For the Range Rover Sport collection, two new bumper grilles can be personalized with custom paint options and three finish options, including chromed stainless steel, fiberglass grille surround or carbon fiber. They also offer LED lighting.Prices for the grille collection start at $5,250 for the fiberglass main grille only, and can go up to $24,250 for carbon fiber and LED illumination.For more information, visit STRUTLife.com.Gallery (Source: STRUT) See More Automotive Aftermarket News

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