Articles

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

142142350-2787d7b1-c757-417f-bd01-5db0a87ec5c0

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2020

The New Language of Ferrari Design

Enzo Ferrari raced cars. Winning for several manufacturers prompted him to build his own race cars. But in order to fund his team (Scuderia Ferrari), he decided to build street-legal cars. Too busy with the details, he left styling and production to firms like Pininfarina, Scaglietti, and a few other friends. Now that Ferrari is worth more than Ford or GM, they have the resources to do everything in-house. Flavio Manzoni has been the director of Ferrari Centro Stile (Ferrari's Central Design Department) since 2010. Since then, he has blessed us with the 488 Series, F12tdf, 812 Superfast, and the Roma just to name a few. His greatest triumph so far was the release of 5 new models for the 2019 model year. In the most recent issue of Ferrari Magazine, Chris Rees goes into detail about Flavio's inspirations. Maranello still has 2 new cars to be unveiled before 2021, so the future looks bright. Ferrari's styling language is easy to understand in person, so click the button below to find our dealer near you and stay with us for all your Ferrari news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2020

Lotus Evija Aerodynamic Secrets Revealed

Electric cars by nature need to be slippery. Cutting through the air better than your competitors allows for a longer range, and better performance. With those goals in mind, the Lotus Evija aerodynamic secrets have been revealed in their latest press release. For the first time, Richard Hill, the highly experienced senior engineer who has guided this critical element of the 2,000 PS car’s design, details the philosophy of the Evija’s sophisticated aerodynamics. Richard is chief aerodynamicist and has worked at Lotus for more than 30 years, supporting countless road and race car projects. When asked how the Evija compares to regular sports cars, he replied: “It’s like comparing a fighter jet to a child’s kite.’’ He then answered a few questions from their marketing team: - What’s the overall philosophy behind the Evija’s aerodynamics? It’s about keeping the airflow low and flat at the front and guiding it through the body to emerge high at the rear. Put simply, it transforms the whole car into an inverted wing to produce that all-important dynamic downforce. - How would you compare the Evija’s aerodynamic performance to that of a regular sports car? It’s like comparing a fighter jet to a child’s kite.’’ - Can you explain the car’s porosity in aerodynamic terms? Most cars have to punch a hole in the air, to get through using brute force, but the Evija is unique because of its porosity. The car literally ‘breathes’ the air. The front acts like a mouth; it ingests the air, sucks every kilogram of value from it – in this case, the downforce – then exhales it through that dramatic rear end. - What role does that deep front splitter play? It’s designed in three sections; the larger central area provides air to cool the battery pack – which is mid-mounted behind the two seats – while the air channeled through the two smaller outer sections cools the front e-axle. The splitter minimises the amount of air allowed under the vehicle, thus reducing drag and lift on the underbody. It also provides something for the difference in pressure between the upper and lower splitter surfaces to push down on, so generating downforce.’ Click the button below to find our Lotus dealer near you and stay with us for all your Lotus news. Find Your Lotus Here " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – May 12, 2020

One of One Blanc Noir 2010 Bugatti Veyron Veyron Grand Sp...

Building a modern Bugatti was a leap of faith. When the Veyron arrived, customers jumped at the opportunity to own the world's fastest car. Once the manufacturer realized what a sensation they had, they decided to introduce the Grand Sport. It had substantial chassis improvements so the roof could be left at home. Only 150 examples were built, and a few special editions blurred the line between art and automobile. As such, the Blanc Noir represents the duality present in every Bugatti. The ability to look gorgeous and intimidating. Acting civilized with the ability to disrupt the peace, it is all at your command. Translating literally to " White Black", it is our favorite 2-tone hypercar. What you see here is 1 of 1, and will never be repeated. Our friends at Fusion Luxury Motors. It has new tires and has just undergone a full service. With only 2,509 miles, it deserves to be your weekend machine. View Listing

By Jordan Aquistapace – May 08, 2020

Toyota GR's Road to IMSA Becoming More Clear

Toyota has talked to DailySportsCar.com regarding more specifics on their racing division’s upcoming arrival in the LMDH and LMH classes for the International Supermodified Association (IMSA) racing. Toyota Gazoo Racing (Toyota GR) has its eyes set on releasing the hypercar on infamous grids such as Daytona for the 24-hour race, as well as hopes to see Le Mans in 2022. The current shutdown had delayed part production on some of the vehicles, but Toyota believes that they will see their tires touch the track in October 2020. In a class full of technologically advanced hypercars that are constructed to take the abuse of racing for 24 hours straight, we would love to see Toyota’s participation and added competition to the grid. Also, be sure to check out the video of the awesome Visit ToyotaGazooRacing.com " width="680"> Source: DailySportsCar.com, Toyota Gazoo Racing

DBS_Superleggera_Concorde_Edition01-jpg (5)

By Andrew Nabors – May 07, 2020

Aston Martin is Back to Work

When we first heard of an Aston Martin SUV, we thought it was a prank. However, the Aston Martin DBX for sale has proved to be an unprecedented success for the brand. That is why it has a dedicated plant in Wales that is back online. In their most recent press release, we learned that the headquarters in Gaydon will re-open soon. All employees are wearing protective gear at all times. Distancing is strictly adhered to, while deliveries of PPE continue to the National Health Service. Using the recent quarantine to take advantage of the desolate Interstate, I took a DBS Superleggera on a test run. Words can not describe the refinement combined with raw power. To see what I mean, click the button below and stay with us for all your Aston Martin news. Browse DBS Superleggera For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 07, 2020

2021 Lamborghini Huracán EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder Unve...

Remember the old days? When choosing a convertible meant a shaky ride and more weight? Thanks to Lamborghini, those sacrifices are a thing of the past. Because the Huracan was designed as a roadster from the beginning, adding a roof simply added a few lbs for those who prefer a coupe. For those of us who don't need AWD, the EVO lost its front axles last year. Now we come to the next logical model, as the 2021 Lamborghini Huracán EVO Rear-Wheel Drive Spyder has been unveiled. The party started this morning at 7 am using augmented reality. Anyone with a late-model Apple product could view every detail in full size. If not, here are the details. Behind the cockpit is the same V10 found in the EVO RWD Coupe. Because they only send power to the rear wheels, the computer limits power to 610 with 413 lb-ft of torque. To execute the perfect drift, the Performance Traction Control System makes sure torque is never abruptly denied to the rear differential. This flies in the logic of the nuisance nanny systems that seem to end your fun halfway around a corner. Lamborghini Huracan Evo Price, Specs, Photos & Review It will reach 62 mph in 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 201 mph. With a dry weight of 3,326 lbs, it will be nimble and comfortable. Magnetic ride control is an option, as is Lamborghini Dynamic Steering. It shares styling with the RWD coupe to differentiate it from its AWD siblings. Pricing in the U.S. will start at $229,428, so click the button below to order yours. Browse Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

Tech-talk--How-Audi-plans-to-bring-20-all-electric-models-to-market-in-the-next-five-years-7026

By Andrew Nabors – May 06, 2020

Audi Announces Updates for 2021 Model Year

Audi never stops innovating, and they have a nice array of upgrades for 2021. If you have been on the fence about upgrading to their latest model, here are nice updates we can all appreciate. A4, A5, S4, S5 While being all new for 2020, this year the 4-cylinder models incorporate receive a power increase of 13 horsepower and a 12v mild-hybrid electric vehicle system. New for 2021, the A4 40 TFSI is now standard equipped with quattro® all-wheel drive, and an A5 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro is introduced. The Convenience package now includes a heated steering wheel and parking system plus (front and rear parking sensors). Perhaps the best news of all is that the Premium Plus trim is now standard equipped with adaptive cruise control with active lane assist, top-view camera system, and hands-on detection steering wheel. Heated rear seats are now standard on the Prestige trim across the A4/S4 model line and the A5/S5 Sportback. A4 For Sale A5 For Sale S4 For Sale S5 For Sale A6 & S6 Premium trim is now standard with 19-inch wheels with all-season tires (2.0-liter engine variants), advanced key, and integrated toll module. The top-view camera system and MMI Navigation High (10.1-inch display) has been added to the optional Convenience package available on the Premium trim. On the Prestige trim, the power rear window and manual side sunshades are now standard. The Black optic sport package is now available on all trims and adds black optic exterior accents, 20-inch bi-color wheels with all-season tires and sport suspension. The 2021 A6 for sale now includes Adaptive Cruise Assist including Audi active lane assist as part of the available Executive package on the Premium Plus trim. The S6 is now standard equipped with 21-inch wheels with summer tires, virtual cockpit plus, and carbon twill inlays now accent the cabin. Adaptive Cruise Assist including Audi active lane assist is now part of the available S6 Executive package on the Premium Plus trim. A6 For Sale S6 For Sale A7 & S7 Additional standard features and design offerings for 2021 include 20-inch wheels with all-season tires that are now standard on the Premium trim. The top-view camera system and MMI Navigation High have been added to the optional Convenience package available on the Premium trim. Adaptive Cruise Assist including Audi active lane assist is now standard on the Premium Plus trim on every A7 for sale The S7 for sale now comes standard equipped with 21-inch wheels with summer tires, virtual cockpit plus and carbon twill inlays. Adaptive Cruise Assist including Audi active lane assist is now offered in the optional S7 Executive package. A7 For Sale S7 For Sale A8 & S8 All A8 for sale now have 22-way ventilated front seats, the Audi phone box and top-view camera system with Virtual 360 view. The A8 60 TFSI is now standard equipped with the Sport style exterior kit, HD Matrix-design LED headlights and Valcona leather interior. The available Executive plus packages includes 20-inch wheels with all-season tires, the Driver Assistance package, Cold Weather package, front heated interior surfaces, rear heated seats, and a rear seat remote control. The S8 is now standard equipped with 21-inch wheels with summer tires and front heated armrests. The S8 Black optic package includes black exterior trim, black mirror covers, and 21-inch 10-Y-spoke bi-color wheels with summer performance tires. A8 For Sale S8 For Sale Q3 The Audi Q3 45 TFSI® is now offered exclusively in an S line exterior. On the Premium trim, power front seats with lumbar support are now standard, in addition to Audi lane departure warning, progressive steering, and shift paddles on the steering wheel. The available Convenience package now includes an auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, heated, driver auto-dimming, power-folding exterior mirrors, and an LED interior lighting package. On the Premium Plus trim, Audi cruise assist, the customizable LED interior lighting package plus, and a stainless steel trunk sill are all now standard equipment. The optional Technology package now includes a Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System and traffic sign recognition. New for 2021, an available Parking Assistance package adds a top-view camera and park steering assist. Q3 For Sale Q7 & SQ7 After a major refresh last year, some of the new features include additional driver assistance features. Audi side assist, pre sense rear and pre sense front are now standard on the Premium trim. The available Convenience package on the Premium trim (standard on Premium Plus) now includes a heated steering wheel and top-view camera system with a virtual 360 view. The newly available Executive package on the Premium Plus trim combines the Cold Weather, Warm Weather, and Driver Assistance packages. On the 2021 SQ7, a heated steering wheel is now standard on the Premium Plus trim. The optional Executive package on the Premium Plus trim now includes the leather package, including leather upholstered armrests. Q7 For Sale SQ7 For Sale Q8 Their flagship SUV is now standard equipped with additional driver assistance features and updated packaging. Audi side assist and pre sense rear are now standard on the Premium trim. The available Convenience package now includes a heated steering wheel and top-view camera on the Premium trim. The Premium Plus trim now includes a heated steering wheel. The newly available Executive Package, offered on the Premium Plus trim, includes Adaptive Cruise Assist including Audi active lane assist, HD Matrix-design LED headlights, heated rear seats, and leather upholstered armrests. Dynamic photo, Color: Daytona grey Q8 For Sale SQ8 For Sale TT The TT family has been updated to feature newly standard equipment as well as a refreshed color program. S sport seats in Fine Nappa leather, Audi smartphone interface, MMI Navigation plus, Audi Connect, Audi side assist, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system are now standard equipment across the model line. Interiors of the TT Coupe, TT Roadster, and TTS now feature extended leather interior elements as standard. The standard 18-inch wheels are now fitted with all-season tires instead of summer tires, and new 19-inch wheels with summer tires are available as a standalone option. The TT Roadster now features standard neck-level heating, and the TTS is now standard with 20-inch wheels with summer tires. TT For Sale These are only the major upgrades, so our dealers will have all the info. Stay with us for all your Audi news.

fc28a6_4837d83611904e63b98b220c2306f244_mv2_d_5000_3335_s_4_2

By Alyssa Mammano – May 05, 2020

Tour This South Florida Mansion That Just Sold for $16 Mi...

South Florida continues to see a strong luxury market and demand for homes priced $1 million or more. Just last week, another high-end property was sold for $16 million along the waterfront of Coral Gables. The home was that of Jose E. Souto, the inheritor of a notable Cuban coffee empire, which he sold to J.M. Smucker for $360 million in 2011. Spanning nearly 15,000 square feet with 145 feet of water frontage, the estate has seven bedrooms and nine total bathrooms. Souto purchased the 45,000-square-foot lot in 2011 for $5.15 million and had the estate constructed thereafter. Agents Isabel Castro and Maria Bradley with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices EWM Realty represented both the buyer and the seller in last week's $16 million transaction. Features within the home include six-car garages, artistic fountains, striking marble flooring and soaring ceilings. A library and 2,500-bottle wine room are adjacent to the great room. The elegant chef's kitchen overlooks a lush courtyard. Extravagant finishes and eye-catching chandeliers complete the spacious design. View Sold Listing Main Image via www.23tahitibeachislandroad.com/Isabel Castro and Maria C. Bradley, PA of EWM Realty InternationalMusic - Green Leaves via audionautix.com

By Andrew Nabors – May 05, 2020

Ferrari Resumes Production With new Safety Procedures

Those who dream of Scuderia Shields and screaming exhaust can now enjoy a good night's sleep. That's because Ferrari has resumed production with enhanced safety procedures. Everyone will wear protective gear, and wipe down their tools between each build. Virus tests are free to everyone, and several training sessions have already been completed. To see their masterpieces in person, click the link below to find a dealer near you and stay with us for all your Ferrari news. Browse Ferrari For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – May 04, 2020

Indian Unveils FTR Carbon

When you think of American V-twins, does carbon fiber come to mind? Indian has always dared to be different. Pushing the boundaries of style and power have kept them on the cutting edge, so get ready for the 2020 FTR Carbon. As the new flagship of the FTR series, it arrives with: • Carbon fiber front fender• Carbon fiber headlight nacelle• Carbon fiber tank/airbox covers• Carbon fiber passenger seat cowl• Titanium Akrapovič low-mount exhaust in black• ‘FTR Carbon’ branded center console plate Fully loaded, it comes with a 4.3" touch screen USB fast charge ports, cruise control, dual-disc Brembo ABS, bluetooth and LED lighting. While it might look like the FTR750, you will be sitting on 1,203 cc of liquid-cooled goodness. You will have 125 horsepower and 88 lb-ft of torque with a comfortable, upright riding position. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Indian news. Learn More

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe