Apollo

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 – July 05, 2019

2020 DeTomaso P72 Unveiled at Goodwood

If you have never driven a DeTomaso Pantera, you should add it to your bucket list. Alejandro de Tomaso was an automotive genius who pioneered the mid-engine sports car. His chassis inspired Frank Williams and Dallara to compete in Formula 1. Later on, his Mangusta and Pantera were powered by Ford V8 engines and sold at Ford dealers around the world. Our friends at Apollo Automobili acquired the rights to the company and 2014 and began work on a modern iteration. The wait is over as the 2020 De Tomaso P72 was unveiled at Goodwood. The name is an homage to the 1964 DeTomaso P70, a gorgeous race car with unbeatable power. Staying true to the original formula, the P72 has an FIA-legal LMP chassis. A majority of the suspension is shared with the Apollo IE, but the engine specs won't be disclosed just yet. We do know the car received engineering help from HWA. Hans Werner Aufrecht is the "A" in AMG, and he knows how to build a supercar. While it won't be as brutal as the Apollo IE, it will arrive with a manual transmission. Only 72 cars will be produced, and they are aiming for a price of $846,500. If you want to understand how De Tomaso gained so many fans, click the link below to find a Pantera near you. It will change your life! Browse deTomaso Pantera FOr Sale Related: Apollo IE Production is now Underway Apollo IE GT1 Will Dominate in 2020

By Edward Jones – April 17, 2019

Apollo IE Production is Now Underway

Apollo Automobile has announced that they are ready to start producing the long-awaited Apollo IE. The news comes in at the same time that they announce a production agreement with HWA AG. Apollo IE will be created at the same facility that other HWA cars were produced. This includes the iconic Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR. Yes, HWA was responsible for the CLK-GTR that automotive and motorsport fans have drooled over since the '90s. Apollo Automobil notes that the production version of the IE will have a new carbon fiber chassis that's handbuilt. Also, the IE will be the first production car to have a full fire suppressant system and a monocoque with fuel cells built into it. Expect deliveries of the Apollo IE to commence this Summer! " width="680"> Featured Image Source

By Andrew Nabors – April 16, 2019

Apollo IE GT1 Will Dominate in 2020

When Roland Gumpert decided to leave the company he founded, it signaled the end of the Gumpert Apollo. One of the most unique exotics had a decent run, beating Bugatti and Pagani on Top Gear in 2008. His retirement in 2016 allowed new investors to build a supercar at the cutting edge of automotive technology. The Apollo IE or "Intense Emotion". They needed the best minds to help with the project, so development was shared with HWA Engineering. Known for success in every form of motorsport, it was founded by none other than Hans Werner Aufrecht. His resume includes leaving Mercedes-Benz to build race engines with his friend Erhard Melcher. They named their company AMG in 1967. Mercedes-Benz purchased AMG in 1998, but retirement is not his style. He has chosen to help Apollo build a world-class supercar with his legendary 6.3L V12. No turbos or hybrid system, the Apollo IE is a monster motor in a carbon fiber chassis. It is the same formula he used to build the CLK GTR for racing in the GT1 class. Next year's 24 hours of LeMans will revive the class, with supercars battling on the world stage. The Apollo IE uses 22 years of knowledge to beat its predecessor, and if Hans is involved it is destined for greatness. Stay with us for all your Apollo updates. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale Related: Apollo IE GT1 Teased Ahead of Geneva Apollo IE and Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Race in Dubai

By Andrew Nabors – March 04, 2019

Apollo IE GT1 Teased Ahead of Geneva Unveiling

If you are a fan of the GT1 class, Apollo looks ready for a fight. In a teaser uploaded to Facebook, the Apollo IE GT1 is wrapped in camouflage. This season's Hypercar Class looks promising now that the IE is included. The Apollo IE stands for intense emotion. A raging 6.3L Mercedes-AMG V12 is what provides such dynamic feelings. It is tuned to 791 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque without a complicated sequential transmission. Hewland supplies a 6-speed manual, one of the best attributes of the car. But this resurrected GT1 'hypercar' class will be dominated by small gas engines coupled to the latest in hybrid technology. So as soon as Apollo releases the specs, you will see them here first. Shop Exotic Cars " width="680"> Related: Apollo IE Races CLK GTR Around Dubai Apollo IE Attacks an Alpine Airstrip

By Andrew Nabors – June 14, 2018

Apollo Joins Forces With HWA

Remember GT1 races? Cars like the Porsche GT1 and the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR turned in unprecedented lap times around the world. The CLK GTR was built by HWA, a German racing company. Their expertise is being called upon again by Apollo, to help finalize the details of the IE.White Apollo IE Unleashed in Hong KongThe Apollo IE (Intense Emotion) is a V12 powered beast that weighs in at only 2,700 lbs. Attention to detail and extensive simulations yielded a chassis that weighs 275 lbs, or 16 times lighter than my 1991 Buick Station Wagon. The team at HWA built every example of the race and street legal versions of many famous cars, so they are the right crew to perfect Apollo's designs. A historical moment: In the spirit of staying true to the ethos of Apollo and to the philosophy of the IE, in its efforts to pay homage to our favorite days, the GT1 era, we have created a strategic technical partnership for the final development of the IE with HWA AG. _ HWA AG was responsible for the legendary Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR racing car development and produced all road-going examples of the famous GT1 car. _ Now the team behind the most successful GT1 car of all-time is working on the only modern day GT1, the Apollo IE. _ #IntensaEmozione / #ApolloIE A post shared by Apollo Automobil Official (@apollo_automobil) on Jun 13, 2018 at 6:37am PDT All 10 cars for model year 2018 will be powered by Ferrari's F140 series V12. Yes, the same V12 from the Enzo and the Maserati MC12 will make the IE a force to be reckoned with. If you can't handle power of this level, click the link below for other options and stay with us for all your Apollo updates.Browse Exotic Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 22, 2018

White Apollo IE Unleashed in Hong Kong

So far, the only example of the Apollo Intensa Emozione (IE) that we've seen is covered in a black exterior, giving it the resemblance of a Batmobile. Now, Apollo Automobil has unleashed a "Bianco" (white) version of the IE in Hong Kong. This exact car, which they called the "White Dragon" in an Instagram post. Does it look better than the black version? That's up for debate, but these images give us a good basis for what the car will look like in shades other than black and they also show off the intricacies of the body panels that make up the IE.The color of this hypercar's body may be different from what we've seen, but powering it is still a massive 6.3-liter V12 engine. When put to the test, this engine produces 780 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. Mated to the engine is a 6-speed sequential automatic gearbox. Only 10 examples of the IE will be created and each will have a price tag that starts around $2.7 million.https://www.instagram.com/p/BeIh6p9Ax9v/?taken-by=apollo_automobil

By Edward Jones – November 16, 2017

Apollo Intensa Emozione is the Real Deal

So far in 2017, the most insane car that's been revealed is without a doubt the Apollo Intensa Emozione (IE). Its design is something you'd see on a spaceship with sharp angles and a wing that looks ready for intergalactic flight. While it looked almost too good to be true when it was revealed, it's definitely the real deal.Supercars for SaleIn a Facebook post on the Apollo Automobili page, a series of photos were included that show the IE strutting its stuff during a round of testing at the Cremona Circuit in Italy. On top of these images, Apollo Automobili also posted up a video of the IE testing on the circuit to YouTube. In the video the IE is running with a light throttle, not exceeding 4,000 rpm. Even at such a low rpm, the IE sounds mindblowing. You can check that video out below.

By Edward Jones – October 25, 2017

Apollo Intensa Emozione Supercar Revealed

Apollo Automobil is officially moving away from their old Gumpert days with the just-unveiled Intensa Emozione (IE) supercar.The new, sharp and visually stunning Apollo IE is a sign of great things to come from the revamped automaker. Its exterior is as aggressive as they come, from the front to the back. Each edge found on the supercar's body is crafted out of carbon fiber, as is the chassis. Thanks to this lightweight material, the car only weighs 2,755 pounds.Apollo Arrow: By the NumbersMaking the most out of every pound is a naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V12 engine that dishes out 780 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque. Some may say that the lack of a turbocharger is a miss, but that's not how Apollo sees is: "The decision to refrain from using any emotionally dilutive technological systems, such as hybridization, was made to deliver a modern, yet nostalgically, pure, unadulterated sensory experience."Transferring all of the naturally aspirated power is a 6-speed sequential automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. What's more this Hewland gearbox has fully interchangeable gear ratios.For the sake of exclusivity, Apollo is limited the IE to just 10 units, each being customized to the "highest degree" per customer request. That means we can look forward to seeing 10 extremely IE examples. With the low production volume also a high price tag of $2.7 million.

By Andrew Nabors – May 21, 2017

Apollo Arrow: By the Numbers

Apollo Automobili, the automaker formerly known as Gumpert Sportwagenmanufaktur GmbH, has introduced a brand new model into their upcoming lineup, the Apollo Arrow. Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show, the Arrow is being called a hypercar by Apollo and from the looks of the car, that moniker is deserved. When they started building the car, they put an incredible amount of effort into having the most fluid aerodynamics possible, while keeping the target dry weight of the car at 1,300 kg (2,866 lbs).As for the final design, they landed on an exterior that was “inspired by the carnivorous ruthlessness of the ocean.” Yes, it’s the shark of the road. Under its hood is a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 986 hp and 737 lb-ft of torque. Those are most certainly hypercar numbers. This power flows through a 7-speed sequential transmission with a twin-plate clutch configuration. With massive power, a quick transmission and lightweight, the Arrow can shoot from 0-60 mph in 2.9 seconds, 0-124 mph in 8.8 seconds and to a top speed of 224 mph. Could the Apollo Arrow be the next big contender in the hypercar segment? Only time will tell, but the specifications are quite telling of a formidable opponent. Building exotic cars in low volume is how Apollo remains a threat to the competition. A new concept is being prepared for Goodwood, so stay with us for coverage of the event. PRICE: Currently Unknown ENGINE: 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 HORSEPOWER: 986 TORQUE: 737 lb-ft 0-60: 2.9 seconds TOP SPEED: 224 mph TRANSMISSION: 7-speed sequential

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