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 – December 02, 2020

HOFELE Launches Their "Ultimate G-Wagon"

HOFELE has just unveiled their new Ultimate HG, a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon that is as lavish as they come. The most exciting feature about the Ultimate HG has to be the inclusion of rear "coach" doors. Throughout the past decades, these kinds of rearward opening doors have typically only been found on the most luxurious of vehicles. To complement these door, HOFELE also added full-length electronically-deployable side steps and individual VIP seating in the rear. Other exterior touches include the new front grille, headlight surrounds, front bumper, roof-mounted light bar, 23-inch HOFELE Turbine forged alloy wheels and a beautiful two-tone paint finish. Inside is a cabin worthy of being found in the most luxurious of vehicles. The Nappa leather hides and Alcantara are highlighted by perforation and stitching designs. And to go back to those rear they feature multiple adjustments, massage, heating and ventilation functions that are all controlled by the touchscreen control. For more information, be sure to visit HOFELE.com. See All Mercedes-AMG G63s For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 30, 2020

TECHART's New Porsche 911 Turbo (992) Bodykit, Wheels and...

TECHART has just unveiled their long-awaited bodykit for the new Porsche 911 Turbo models (992), as well as a few more components for the German supercar. The new aerodynamic bodykit includes a complete front apron, side skirts, roof spoiler, air blades for the side air intakes, central rear diffusor, new rear wing profile, side mirror housings, and more. Each of these components was designed to truly enhance the appearance of the beloved 911 Turbo models. I can easily say they accomplish that goal. On top of introducing the new bodykit, TECHART also unveiled a few more components, including the powerkit that increases the 911 Turbo's power by 60 horsepower and 74 lb-ft of torque. The final component unveiled is the new forged TECHART Formula VI wheels with a central lock setup. These can be ordered in either single or multi-color paint finishes that match their exterior. The dimensions are 9.5 x 20-inch at the front and 12 x 21-inch at the rear. FOr more information, be sure to visit TECHART's website by clicking the button below. Visit TECHART's Website

By Edward Jones – November 19, 2020

South Florida Jeeps Takes on the Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6…and...

Presented by So Flo Jeeps - There are very few trucks on the road today that can cause an entire fleet of morning commuters to stop dead in their tracks on a busy highway, even fewer that can combine the elegance and prestige of Mercedes-Benz with the raw imagination of a mythological beast. Yet that is exactly what the nation’s favorite customization professionals have done with their Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6. South Florida Jeeps (So Flo Jeeps) is a company known for outfitting premium lifts, wheels and performance packages on all types of vehicles for the last 13 years, but more recently these Fort Lauderdale phenoms have gained national notoriety for mad scientist-ing Jeeps to create 6x6’s. By cutting their Wranglers and Gladiators in half, adding two additional wheels and full-time 6-wheel drive, the Sunshine State’s prodigal son has taken their reputation to unprecedented levels. https://vimeo.com/477769508 Yet, owner/designer/engineer, Joe Ghattas, is always searching for his next build, making each more elaborate than the ones that preceded it. In that quest to push his automotive works to the edge, he and his creative-forward crew have delivered the ultimate in day-to-day luxury and off-road function. The Mercedes G63 AMG 6x6 is a 2017 G-wagon conversion that boasts an already impressive factory 6.3-liter bi-turbo AMG engine which features 700 horsepower and 600 pounds of torque. With a drivetrain that has all the advantages Mercedes brings to the table, So Flo Jeeps has outfitted it with a 5” lift, 37” wide-footprint tires, 20” Benz-branded black rims and a huge handmade, technically-flawless suspension. Additionally, in an effort to distance this specific build from any competitors attempting to dethrone the king, So Flo Jeeps has added custom features, including handmade carbon fiber fenders, hood accents, a light bar and an aluminum roll cage, with steel reinforcement throughout the frame, as well as a starry-night sky interior roof, limitedly seen in Rolls Royce productions. However, the final customization might be the most jaw-dropping, as So Flo Jeeps has transformed the newly created truck’s pickup bed into a work of creative craftsmanship that would make Frank Lloyd Wright take notes. It begins with real tiger-wood being thoughtfully placed vertically, while a raging aquamarine river forged from epoxy flows through to create a design that must be seen to be believed. The price you ask? At the moment this exact vehicle is priceless, as it is set to be auctioned off at Barrett-Jackson’s January 16-21 2021 event in Scottsdale, AZ. However, So Flo Jeeps is accepting any and all applications for customers that would like their own Mercedes G-Class to receive a 6x6 conversation for $195,000. Not too high of a price tag considering the Brabus G-Class sells for over $1 million. For more information please visit https://www.soflojeeps.com/. Visit SoFloJeeps.com

By Andrew Nabors – November 17, 2020

2021 Audi RSQ8 By Mansory Expands Their Lineup To New Cus...

Kourosh Mansory is an artist who built an empire around building bespoke British cars. His team has been reticent to undertake German models because of competition, but the new 2021 Audi RSQ8 by Mansory expands their lineup to new customers. Diving deep into Audi Sport's latest SUV, nothing was left untouched. From a new interior to 355 tires on 24" wheels, it demands to be considered as your next family hauler. Using the same engineering prowess found on the Mansory RS6, their first Audi SUV has received a host of powertrain upgrades. The Audi V8 is a de-tuned 4.0L that is shared between the Cayenne, Panamera, Bentayga, Flying Spur, Continental, and Urus. Needless to say, it has been proven to produce potent power while being reliable. Therefore Mansory has spent countless hours pushing it to its true potential. You will have 780 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque through Quattro All Wheel Drive. The black and red exterior is painted by hand and color sanded to perfection. That is how it looks amazing at 199 mph. Click the button below to start your journey and allow Mansory to make it an adventure. Browse Audi SQ8 For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 04, 2020

Porsche 911 GT3 RS With Insane Japanese Bōsōzoku-Style Ex...

There is one car subculture in Japan that I absolutely love and that's Bōsōzoku. The bōsōzoku cars are typically seen with extreme body components like front splitters and exhaust. One automotive exhaust manufacturer, iPE Exhaust, knows just how awesome this subculture is and created their own version of the exhaust. But they didn't attach this exhaust to just any car. No, they attached it to a Porsche 911 GT3 RS. It's insane. The fact that this car with this exhaust exists is insane and I love it. On top of that, iPE also coated the muffler in camouflage because why not. You can check it out for yourself in the video down below. I should note, however, that this is not for sale and was made just for fun. See All 911 GT3 RS For Sale " width="680">

By Edward Jones – October 19, 2020

New TECHART Porsche 911 Turbo Aerokit Teased

TECHART, the master of refining and upgraded Porsche models, has just announced that a new aerokit for the Porsche 911 Turbo models (Turbo and Turbo S) is coming soon. In January 2021, the new aerokit will be available for Turbo model, bringing a ton of new customization options. In fact, the ability to personalize the components in this new aerokit is one of the focuses. That being said, these components will still offer the same style and functionality that's expected to of aerodynamic components from TECHART. Each piece will integrate into the car's lines, giving the 911 Turbo models a new appearance that's seamless. We only have sketches of the aerokit for now, but expect more to be revealed in the near future. Be sure to check back for more information as it's released. See All 911 Turbos For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 12, 2020

Startech Tesla Model 3 Arrives In November

Earlier this year we teased you with renderings of an aggressive Tesla. While that might seem like oxymoronic, it has taken most of the year to transform the humble 5-door into a real attention-getter. Our friends at Startech have confirmed their Tesla Model 3 will arrive in November as a comprehensive upgrade for owners and potential buyers. STARTECH Will Give Your Tesla Model 3 a Makeover The kit includes front and rear bumpers, rocker panels with cooling intakes, and a graceful rear spoiler. Their Monostar wheels are 20", staggered with 9" wide front and 10.5" wide on the rear. For the optimal look, a new set of coil springs offer a drop of 1.1" without sacrificing ride quality. Click the button below to find out more and stay with us for all your Startech news. Learn More

By Edward Jones – September 14, 2020

TECHART Reveals New Carbon Add-ons for the Porsche 911

Does your Porsche 911 need some sprucing up? Then you need to check out the new carbon components that TECHART has just revealed for the 911. Add-ons that you can now shop include the Carbon Sport Mirrors and Carbon Exhaust Tips. The side mirrors housings replace the standard mirrors and they can be ordered in either high gloss or with a matte finish. All functions of the mirrors remain, including the built-in sensors, cameras and illumination. If you'd like to just add the carbon trim, TECHART also offers new carbon mirror trims that can be fitted to the standard side mirrors. For the rear of the 911, the carbon exhaust tips can now be ordered as well. These are available in either high gloss or matte and fit either the Porsche sports exhaust system or TECHART sports exhaust system. For more information, be sure to click the button below. Visit TECHART's Website

By Edward Jones – August 18, 2020

Behind the Scenes With the Aston Martin CALLUM Vanquish 2...

The Aston Martin CALLUM Vanquish 25 by R-Reforged is a stunning recreation of the beloved British sports car. With new materials, designs, modern technologies and more, the Aston Martin CALLUM Vanquish 25 is a bespoke creation that was built with a purpose: to make the Vanquish better than it ever was. To quote Ian Callum: "The Vanquish was perfect for its time. But I knew it could be better." There's a lot of work that goes into the creation of the CALLUM Vanquish 25 by R-Reforged. From the exterior to the interior, and everything underneath, R-Reforged puts in a lot of work to create this re-imagined Vanquish. To get an idea of their craftsmanship and expertise, you can check out a behind-the-scenes video up above, where you'll hear from the many brilliant minds behind the car. Also, be sure to click the link below to learn even more about the CALLUM Vanquish 25 by R-Reforged. Visit R-Reforged.com

By Andrew Nabors – August 17, 2020

Brabham Automotive & Kyron Audio Unveil $250,000 Home Ent...

Kyron Audio builds incredible speakers and amplifiers that combine art with incredible performance. Down the road from their headquarters in Adelaide, the Brabham BT62 is being assembled as Australia's flagship supercar. If your surround sound needs automotive inspiration, Kyron is building 35 sets of their "Celebration Series". Each one will represent one of Brabham's 35 F1 wins, complete with the liveries of each winning car. First Brabham BT62 Competition Delivered for Britcar Debut While these are being built to order, audio engineers are working with Brabham to cancel unwanted noises and vibrations. This will ensure the exhaust note is perfect while the driver can soak up the best in-car audio. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Brabham updates. Learn More

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