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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 10, 2017

Chevrolet Performance Presents "El Nino" by Superformance

Back in 2003, we were lucky to be at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance to witness history being made. All five 1963 Corvette Grand Sports were together in the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton. Since they are among the most significant cars ever built, it is rare to see one in public. Corvette's Chief Engineer Zora Duntov built the cars in secret, to avoid GM's corporate ban on racing. When they finally discovered the blueprints and fiberglass molds, the cars were hidden by Chevrolet Performance and the program was shut down.Also Check Out: Indy Pace Car 2017: Corvette Grand SportYou can't deny the appeal of the widebody Grand Sport. But if you want one for yourself, your choices have been limited until now. For those with unlimited budgets, cutting up an original '63 is an option, but you might find a target on your back from the Corvette faithful. So our friends in South Africa have the next best thing: My former career was a marketing manager at a Corvette aftermarket shop, and the notion of a new 1963 Grand Sport left me speechless. That was a decade ago, and GM was hesitant to embrace the idea at first. Chevrolet still builds a Corvette Grand Sport, and it's the mid-level edition between Stingray and Z06.But a customer who is in the market for a C7 doesn't exactly go running to a race-ready classic. GM and Superformance worked out the details, so now you can order a Superformance Grand Sport with modern LS3 power. The 6.2 Liter V8 and Super Magnum six-speed transmission are available as a package for any classic. The monster camshaft is from the ASA late model series and can cause hearing loss with open headers. Nothing sounds better than side pipes, even if they burn you once in awhile. So if you want modern power with a classic look, Superformance and Chevrolet Performance have the solution. If you want the real thing, our dealers will be happy to find a classic Corvette for you. Stay with us for all your Chevrolet Performance news.

By Edward Jones – April 21, 2017

The New TECHART GrandGT: Panamera Gone Wild

TECHART has just launched a new model based on the Porsche Panamera, the new GrandGT. The tuning company went ahead and gave the four-door Porsche new exterior and interior components.On the outside is a list of components that increase the car's width by 50 mm in the front and 80 mm in the rear. The components include side skirts, wheel arches, engine lid, front apron, rear diffuser, tailgate, and spoiler. Joining these new components are wide 22-inch TECHART alloy wheels with tires sized 285/30 ZR 22 at the front and 335/25 ZR 22 at the rear. Related - Our Top 10 Most Sought After Porsche 911 Models in 2017 So FarInside the GrandGT is a custom-made interior that is created according to each customer. Fine leather, Alcantara and carbon fiber can be used throughout the car's interior, giving the cabin a refined and personal touch. Customers can also get the TECHART Type-7 sports steering wheel, paddle shifter trim, illuminated door entry guards, aluminum sport pedals and much more.TECHART will be releasing powerkits and exhaust systems for the GrandGT later this year. To learn more, visit TECHART.de.

By Edward Jones – March 23, 2017

TECHART GTstreet R Cabriolet Unveiled: 720 hp of Open-air...

The new Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet models are getting a Spring makeover at the hands of TECHART. The new GTstreet R Cabriolet offers drivers a new take on the topless sports car thanks to a long list of modifications.For power, TECHART offers a wide range of Powerkits for the GTstreet R Cabriolet, which can bring the power of the car all the way up to 720 horsepower. To match this power are 265/35 ZR 20 tires at the front (also available: 265/30 ZR 21) and 325/30 ZR 20 tires at the rear (optional: 325/25 ZR 21). TECHART can supply customers with 20-inch TECHART Formula IV Race centerlock wheels of 21-inch TECHART FOrumla IV wheels.Leonberg, March 22nd, 2017 Open-air concert with 720 hp: The new TECHART GTstreet R Cabriolet.TECHART launches into spring with a new body version of the GTstreet R. Based on the Porsche 911 Turbo Cabriolet models, the TECHART GTstreet R Cabriolet provides open-air driving pleasure with breathtaking performance. The TECHART powerkit with a total power output of up to 530 kW (720 hp) allows the open version of the GTstreet R to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds and to reach a top track speed of 340 km/h.The wind tunnel tested carbon fiber body parts put the 911 Turbo Cabriolet in the spotlight – at the same time the aerokit optimizes the road handling of the GTstreet R by increased downforce. Active aerodynamics provide a total downforce of 321 kg at 300 km/h in Performance Mode.For enhanced grip and a precise steering behaviour, TECHART equipped the GTstreet R with impressive tire dimensions. to the GTstreet R. The TECHART manufactury flatters with a exclusive interior executed decorative GTstreet R design stitching.Unforgettable design and sophisticated aerodynamics.The carbon fiber GTstreet R front apron with its active front spoiler lip optimizes the airflow onto the water- and oil coolers with additional air intakes. A central air outlet helps to reduce the aerodynamic lift. The integrated front lights are tastefully surrounded by carbon airframes. Laterally positioned flaps increase the downforce and reduce the drag coefficient at the same time. The lightweight carbon front lid, which bears a three dimensional TECHART logotype at its inside, underlines the vigorous appearance of the TECHART GTstreet R Cabriolet with its dynamic shape.The carbon front fenders feature front wheel arch air outlets. Both, the heat generated by the brakes as well as the overpressure produced by the turning wheels are discharged through racy visible carbon slats. The carbon side skirts continue the GTstreet R Cabriolet design line and interlink the extended wheel arches at front and rear aesthetically. For maximum airflow to the intercoolers, the rear side sections of the GTstreet R Cabriolet feature powerful carbon air intakes.The rear apron incorporates distinctive air outlet ducts – typical for the TECHART GTstreet styling.A trim panel made of visible carbon fiber creates visual impact by connecting the three dimensional taillights. A carbon rear diffusor frames another GTstreet R highlight: the high performance sport exhaust system. Four central carbon fiber tailpipes release the exhaust fumes while generating an extraordinary and powerful soundscape.On top of the engine lid, the active GTstreet R rear wing catches the eye with its contoured carbon wing profile, carbon side panels and two aerodynamic carbon fiber winglets. In Performance Mode, the GTstreet R Cabriolet wing is raised automatically and its angle is adjusted by up to 15 degrees. A large aerodynamically shaped carbon air intake unit ensures sufficient air supply for the engine at any time.Optimized road handling and up to 720 hp.To provide the required grip, TECHART fits enlarged tire dimensions to the GTstreet R Cabriolet. The road contact is ensured by 265/35 ZR 20 tires at the front (also available: 265/30 ZR 21) and 325/30 ZR 20 tires at the rear (optional: 325/25 ZR 21). Customers can chose among 20-inch or 21-inch wheels. The forged 20-inch TECHART Formula IV Race centerlock wheels are equipped with roadlegal UHP tires. The 21-inch TECHART Formula IV wheels feature a weight optimized rim construction and are equipped with road tires. Both wheels can be individually customized in color and surface finish.TECHART provides different options for the chassis such as the TECHART VarioPlus coilover suspension with PDCC connectivity or the TECHART Noselift front axle lift system. TECHART Noselift makes common obstacles like parking garages, ramps or speed humps a thing of the past as it instantly provides 60 mm of additional ground clearance at the front axle at the push of a button. Individualization of the brake calipers is quality-made with a temperature-resistant coating and ensures a perfect color match.Needless to say that the new TECHART GTstreet R Cabriolet demonstrates its performance skills not only in terms of its visual appearance but also when it hits the road. TECHART boosts the performance of the engines of the 991/I and 991/II 911 Turbo and Turbo S models with a range of impressive powerkits, which generate a total power output of up to 530 kW (720 hp) and a maximum torque of 920 Nm.In combination with the 911 Turbos’ active all-wheel drive system, the driving performance of the GTstreet R Cabriolet reaches a new level. Besides its stunning sound and appearance, the new TECHART high performance sport exhaust system features another highlight. TECHART introduces a continuously variable pneumatic valve control as a novelty in the GTstreet R. The stepless valve adjustment optimizes the exhaust back pressure depending on different load conditions and avoids unwanted frequencies effectively.Exclusive GTstreet R design interior.Entering the new GTstreet R Cabriolet, the whole know-how and workmanship of TECHART’s interior manufactury reveals. The interior flatters with finest leather and Alcantara® as well as with decorative GTstreet R design stitching for the door panel inserts and the seats. Dashboard, center console, roof liner, sun visors and door pillars are covered in leather or Alcantara. The mode switch at the steering wheel, the air vents, the air vent adjusters, the PDK gear selector, the gear lever surround and the seat adjustment are lacquered in custom color. As an option, TECHART carbon fiber interior parts complete the tailormade surrounding, such as trims, panels or seat backpanels in different visible carbon fiber finishes, to mention a few.Settled in the sport or in the sport bucket seats, the ergonomic TECHART sport steering wheel awaits the driver. Coming with a smaller diameter, a straight-ahead marker, paddle back-covers as well as fully individualized in terms of colors and materials, no wishes remain unfulfilled. Color-matched instrument dials, door entry guards and aluminium sport pedals round off the unique interior design. As a sign of exclusiveness and originality, the glove compartment features a milled GTstreet R signet with a sequential number on its lid, and, inside the glove compartment, an exclusive handmade GTstreet R wallet contains the vehicle documents.

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2017

Jay Leno Drives the Callaway Corvette AeroWagen

Last month Peter Callaway revealed the latest in custom Corvettes. The AeroWagen is a shooting brake conversion with a bold new style. Three decades of building bespoke Corvettes have led to innovations in power and aerodynamics which have culminated in 757 hp and 777 lb-ft of torque. Those numbers are based on the Z06, but the package is available for Stingray and Grand Sport also. It centers around a new 2.3-liter supercharger that is so massive it requires a hole in the hood. Because the blower has its own intercooler, boost pressure is increased and heat is removed. To set it apart from lesser impersonations, the new hatch gives Corvette a Shooting Brake roofline and more storage capacity out back.Jay Leno is no stranger to Callaway's creations, so he invited Peter and his father Reeves to the garage for a flashback to the 80's. While his father was busy making Callaway a leader in Golf Clubs, Reeves developed a twin turbo kit for the C4 Corvette. Chevrolet was so impressed with the design, it became a production option from 1987 to 1991. Working their magic on everything from Alfas to Z28s, Callaway Cars in Old Lyme, CT has been a fixture in our magazine since we began. The AeroWagen Kit is available for all Corvette Coupes for $15,000, and the supercharger upgrade is $18,000. You will get a nice discount ordering a completed car from their factory once production ramps up. Stay with us for more Callaway updates and Corvette news.Sports Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 02, 2017

2017 STARTECH Maserati Levante True Refinement

STARTECH has modified and refined the new Maserati Levante, and have turned the luxury SUV into an even more attractive vehicle than before. With new exterior and interior features, I can say that this may be the best look the Levante has had since its release. You can learn all about it in the press release from STARTECH below.View Prices Press Release - STARTECH is synonymous worldwide with equally innovative, tasteful and professional refinement of British luxury cars of the Bentley, Jaguar, Land Rover and Range Rover brands. At the Geneva Auto Show 2017, STARTECH, a BRABUS Group Company, presents an exclusive customization program for the Maserati Levante.With it, STARTECH expands its activities for the first time to an Italian brand.In the first step, the STARTECH REFINEMENT product range for the lifestyle SUV from Modena comprises a bodywork conversion with sporty-elegant styling, tailor-made 21-inch Monostar M wheels with center lock look, and excusive options for the interior.The STARTECH designers developed a styling program for the all-wheel-drive Maserati that was designed predominantly for driving on the road. All bodywork components are manufactured from Pur-R-Rim in OEM quality. Carbon can optionally be used for the production of the bodywork components.New attachments for the front and rear bumpers were developed with the help of state-of-the-art CAD technology. Because the STARTECH components use the same mounting technology, the standard lower sections of the bumpers can be replaced with the design components with little installation effort.The STARTECH front spoiler lends the face of the first SUV from Maserati an even more distinctive profile. As demonstrated on the show car for the Geneva Auto Show 2017, the integrated wing profile that energetically juts into the wind is also available in a decidedly sporty naked carbon version. However, the new aerodynamic-enhancement component has more than just visual benefits: The shape optimized in the wind tunnel further reduces lift on the front axle. This benefits the handling stability at high speeds. Of course, the new STARTECH front component complies with the strict EU directives on pedestrian protection.The same concept lies behind the design of the STARTECH attachment for the stock rear bumper. The strikingly styled component provides the perfect backdrop for the four tailpipes featuring the hallmark design of the refinement specialist. They are combined with the standard exhaust system of either of the Levante’s two types of engine. A STARTECH sport exhaust with actively controlled exhaust flap will shortly be available for the twin-turbo V-6 gasoline engine.Another important feature of the STARTECH rear component is the integrated diffusor, which as this vehicle demonstrates also comes optionally in a naked carbon version. This lends the SUV from Maserati a touch of motor racing looks from the rear as well.As a visually and aerodynamically effective addition to the standard roof spoiler, the designers created the STARTECH C-Blades, which attach on the left and right side of the tailgate and calm the airflow.Of course, the STARTECH REFINEMENT design program for the Italian SUV also includes tailor-made wheels. The 21-inch wheels on the front axle are 9.5 inches wide and mounted with tires of size 265/40 ZR 21. The rear features 10.5Jx21 wheels with size 295/35R 21 tires. However, the new STARTECH Monostar M wheels impress not only with their king-sized format: An innovative hub cover lends the striking design with five double spokes an unusual center lock look like on a racecar.STARTECH performance upgrades for the twin-turbo V-6 gasoline engine and the six-cylinder turbo diesel engine are in the pipeline.Another focal point of the STARTECH refinement for the Maserati Levante is on the interior. The product range starts with scuff plates with backlit STARTECH logo and aluminum pedals and footrest.To incorporate the motor racing looks of the carbon aerodynamic-enhancement components and thereby put even more emphasis on the character of the Italian all-wheel-drive car in the cockpit as well, the STARTECH interior designers developed tailor-made carbon elements for the dashboard, center console and door panels. Alternatively, wood trim sets are available in any desired color, a variety grains and different surface finishes.Of course, STARTECH will also fulfill any conceivable special request for the redesign of the interior appointments in the company upholstery shop. The upholsterers transform the finest leather and Alcantara in any desired color and upholstery layout into a tasteful and either extremely luxurious or decidedly sporty interior.STARTECH backs all components and work with a comprehensive three-year, 100,000-kilometer warranty (see STARTECH Warranty Terms and Conditions, updated June 2013).View Prices

By Andrew Nabors – January 05, 2017

2017 Cadillac Escalade CEO by LCW Automotive

Limousines do not have easy lives. They must be inviting and luxurious for the passengers, and rugged enough for daily abuse. In the old days, reverse engineering a production car into a limo was done by cutting and inserting longer body panels for a stretched ride. But considering the complexities of modern cars and SUVs, who in their right mind would want to undertake such a task? That's what LCW does. Cadillac's Escalade ESV is already plush from the factory, but for an executive who demands only the best, LCW has focused their coachbuilding prowess into the Escalade CEO. Only a handful of builders are master certified by Cadillac, and that designation carries a lot of weight- literally! Starting at the top, the roof is skinned and replaced by a new insulated panel with 3" of additional headroom. Suede lines the upper body panels while incorporating all factory heat and A/C systems. The window sills are all hand finished hardwood with several coats of Sayerlac for years of UV resistance. The partition between driver and passengers is fabricated from aluminum alloy and hides a 40" TV that rides on a silent gas pressure shock. A fabric partition is also included and operated by remote control. A hands-free intercom will keep you connected to your driver. Rear-facing jump seats are standard, but the optional content will blow your mind. Used Cadillac Escalade For Sale | duPont REGISTRY The jump seats can be omitted in favor of a custom cabinet of hardwood with tambour doors. An electronic drink dispenser will keep your favorite beverages on tap while the 14 speaker audio and satellite TV keep you entertained. A smoke extractor can be added to the HVAC system if you would like to enjoy a cigar on your commute. A soft ride air suspension system will keep potholes from disturbing your peace of mind. The main seats are covered in European leather with contoured orthopedic memory foam. Machined aluminum aircraft tables fold away once your work is done. To make sure the CEO has years of trouble-free operation, all of the electronics and amplifiers are mounted in a proprietary cool box behind the rear seats. This keeps the relays and transformers from overheating on long trips. A steel reinforced storage box behind the rear seats has plenty of luggage space for the passengers. This is a vehicle that the owner can drive or be driven in. They could drive it to the golf course with some friends or have someone drive them around while they're relaxed in the back, enjoying a glass of champagne with friends for a special occasion. For over 40 years, LCW has been building the most luxurious limos on the road. If you find yourself near San Antonio, stop by for a private tour and see for yourself what sets them apart from the competition. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – December 13, 2016

Outlaw FM700 by Ford of Murfreesboro

Ford fans have a brutal new F150 in the latest Raptor, but sport truck enthusiasts were sad to learn that Lightning only struck twice. The Ford Lightning was a regular cab short bed F150 with a monster V8. The first generation was built in 1993 to 95 as a response to Chevrolet's 454 Super Sport Silverado, and it was powered by a police-spec 351 Windsor small block. But because of Ford's over engineering, many were daily driven, so finding a preserved example is becoming increasingly hard. Lightning's 2nd and final generation debuted in 1999 with a supercharged 5.4 liter V8 that would later be used in the Ford GT.Reminiscing back to my college days, the Lightning was one of the fastest production vehicles on the market. The best part is, Lighting owners always want to race. But I learned my lesson the hard way. Once your friends hear that you were shamed by an F150, your social life evaporates. I still flinch at the sound of supercharger whine, but therapy has helped. Let's break it down by the numbers. The final production year was 2004 and the Lightning made 380 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. Everyone who has seen them in action knows the true output is considerably higher, but insurance companies and bean counters would have "outlawed" such a fast truck. Any Ford dealer will be happy to sell you a new truck with 3.5-liter twin turbo, and it does make 470 lb-ft of torque along with 375 hp. Yes, it shares many parts with the Raptor and Ford GT engines, but many people simply do not like six cylinder engines.The formula for building a fast Ford has been perfected only a few minutes from Nashville. Take a V8 powered short bed regular cab and install the largest supecharger available. Then drop it 3" front and 6" on the rear. Add Borla exhaust and a K&N intake and you have a 700 hp monster. I was able to get behind the wheel at the Nashville auto show, and it feels like a 10-second truck. The master technicians in their service department have engineered a proprietary fuel tune in order to build boost safely, so the Outlaw is backed by a full warranty. Each Outlaw is built to order, so please contact Special Vehicles Manager Ryan Greatrex for more information (877)-736-1408. View Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – December 07, 2016

Hamann Motorsport Unveils Upgrades for BMW M2

If you need something new for your potent BMW M2, if stock power is leaving you blue, then follow along as we sing you a song of carbon and boost pressure too. Hamann Motorsport has developed an entire accessory line for the BMW M2, and it looks as if the sun visors are the only parts they left in original form. By reverse engineering the body and engine, power has been increased and carbon fiber has infiltrated almost every surface. New front and rear diffusers work with spoilers along the rocker panels to control the air along the lower body. The trunk-mounted rear spoiler is available in carbon or body color and it has small winglets to reduce turbulence behind the car.To improve suspension response and along with appearance, Hamann has commissioned new 20" wheels in a forged one-piece design. Offered in silver or black, the staggered sets are 8.5" wide on the front and 10" for the rear. An optional set of lowering springs have progressive coils to remove 20mm of ride height. More grip demands more power, so a new ignition control module piggybacks between the engine and its computer to raise horsepower to 420 and torque to 390 lb-ft. A comprehensive exhaust package includes a new down pipe with high flow cats and a free-flowing muffler. Hamann is so proud of their efforts that insurance on the parts is available as part of the package. Capable of reaching 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, a Hamann equipped M2 will walk away from an E39 M5 without breaking a sweat.BMW For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 14, 2016

Alpha Performance Alpha-G GTR Sets New World Record

One of the most contested world records out there and one that switches hands all the time has to be the Nissan GT-R quarter-mile record. Since I've been writing about cars, I've seen the record broken on countless occasions, but each new record is just as exciting as the last. (Related - Modified Lamborghini Huracan Hits 236 mph, Breaks Record) The latest car to break the record was the Diamonds By Wire Alpha Performance Alpha-G Nissan GTR, driven by Gidi Chamdi. The record-breaking run happened at Milan Dragway new Detroit, Michigan where the track temperature was 58 degrees, which is far from an ideal temperature. But, that didn't stop the 2,500+ hp monster from getting work done with a pass of 7.14 @ 212 mph. You can view the run and Chamdi's fantastic reaction in the video below. The entire run is also detailed in AMD Performance's blog post, so be sure to check it out. All Nissan GT-R For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 04, 2016

New TechArt GTstreet R is a Mean and Green 911 Turbo

Every auto manufacturer is guilty of leaving performance on the table. They must play it safe to avoid warranty issues and often times the engineers are forced to make sacrifices in the name of fuel economy. But the aftermarket exists to see production cars reach their full potential, and nobody does it better than TechArt. As a leader in German car modifications, they have spent countless late nights building their latest creation: 2017 TechArt GTstreet R.(Sports Cars For Sale)Starting with a solid foundation of a 911 Turbo or Turbo S, almost every component is replaced with their designs. Active aerodynamics provide over 700 lbs of downforce when fully deployed, because this car needs more grip than you have experienced on the street. Doing so while offering less drag than a factory 911 was not easy to do. Weight was also reduced because the new body panels are carbon fiber. Since the new body is much wider, it allows the front tires to measure in at 265/35/20, with 325/30/20 on the rear.Porsche 911 For Sale For suspension you have two choices: The TechArt VarioPlus coil overs have been designed to retain the PDCC system. But if you have a steep driveway their new lifting front axles allow for more ground clearance when needed. Unlocking the engine computer, they found 40 more horsepower and 95 lb-ft of torque. This pushes the top speed to 210 mph if you can endure a 2.8 second 0-60.All Porsche For Sale

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