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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 – October 30, 2019

Project LpX Unveiled by Loupe System and MB&F

When it comes to jewelry and fine watches, immense beauty can be found in the smallest details. That is why you need a loupe to bring them into view. In order to store these delicate optical devices, Project LpX has been unveiled by Loupe System along with MB&F. This retro-inspired rocked is machined from billet aluminum and is stored in a heavy-duty travel case. A hands-free phone clip is included with 3x and 6x magnification lenses. Stored inside the rocket, it makes a perfect accessory for the watch collector in your life. MB&F builds amazing timepieces and Loupe System provides the best way to view them. That is why this collaboration is unlike anything else on the market. Form & function are combined into a perfect accessory, and they are anodized in black, blue, red, or green. As an added bonus, a machined block of tritium in the rocket nozzle will stay glowing for decades. Along with the included 3x and 6x Loupes, you have one open payload bay for storage. It can house a 3rd Loupe or make a great place to store something important in plain sight. Only 99 examples of each color will be made, so act quickly before this rocket leaves you behind. Click Here To Learn More " width="680"> Related: MB&F Legacy Machine No.2 Red Gold Blue Edition Announced MB&F + L'Epee 1839 Have Created Robot-Clocks

By Andrew Nabors – October 28, 2019

Toyo Tires SEMA 2019 Preview

Loyalty to a tire brand runs deep for most of us. Finding the perfect blend of grip and treadwear can be trial and error if you haven't experienced the perfect tire. It took me a decade to discover what many already knew, so here is the Toyo Tires SEMA 2019 preview. It took Nitto drag radials to get my Camaro moving at the track, and I am thankful that Nitto is a Toyo brand. Boulevard Customs is a subsidiary of duPont REGISTRY, and our shop proudly sells more Toyo products than any other brand. Their rubber is simply superior on Florida's crumbling infrastructure. Being so popular has allowed them to expand their Toyo Tires Treadpass around the South Hall entrance to the SEMA show. Taking place November 5-8, you will encounter 30 incredible cars & trucks rolling on the world's best tires. Here are six that will leave you speechless. First up is the Baja 911. It began as a '91 Porsche 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet before being transformed by Russell Built Fabrication. TJ Russell was the lead fabricator for Singer Vehicle Design before opening his own shop, so this one will undoubtedly take your breath away. Chris Ashton lives in Orange County, California, and he built the Ruffian Mustang in his two-car garage. This 1970 Ford Mustang Fastback is inspired by the Boss 302 that dominated the Trans-Am series, and the handmade steel fenders keep the massive tires tucked inside the body. The fronts are 18x11 and the rears are 19x12.5, mounted on Signature ONE wheels. The "Button Built BB355" was styled by Mitch Button. Last year his BB328 was the most-photographed car at SEMA, so this is a brilliant encore. This classic Ferrari F355 sports a body inspired by the Japanese Super GT series. The twin-turbo kit resembles the setup of the legendary 288 GTO, and it is just as powerful. Jonny Grunwald is known as TRMNL in the custom car world, and this 2020 Toyota Supra Widebody is a collaboration with Daniel Song. Pandem supplied the 17-piece body kit, and everything was painted in factory Turbulence Gray. Flexing your survival skills starts with proper transportation. That's why DEFCONBRIX built this '71 Ford Bronco. It was a 6-month build incorporating Detroit Steel Wheels, Bell Auto Upholstery, and Kreative Image in Phoenix. Also in Phoenix, TommyGun Fab built a 3-link front and 4-link rear suspension. It has a 5.0L Coyote V8, six-speed manual transmission and Atlas transfer case. The Mitsubishi Lancer Evo has always been popular with those who must finance their car modifications, so this 1998 model has a "rare" Varis widebody kit and the 4G63 engine tuned to 450 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. To give you a proper preview, below is their booth from last year. We will have live coverage on Facebook this year, so stay with us for all your SEMA news. " width="680"> Related: 5 Wicked Custom Ford Trucks Heading to SEMA 2019 4Play Wheels Heading to SEMA 2019 With Special Debut

By Andrew Nabors – October 28, 2019

2020 Ferrari 488 GT3 EVO Adds Refinement & Loses Weight

Rules are meant to be broken, but not by Ferrari. Engineers dissected the regulations for the upcoming season to keep their clientele competitive, so the 2020 Ferrari 488 GT3 EVO has added refinement and lost weight. More power wasn't needed, as their twin-turbo V8 has proven to be a brutal champion. To make it more livable and smooth, engineers wrote new programming and gave it a faster computer. Splitting the difference between GTE and GT3 classes, the wheelbase was stretched to allow more for more stability and to fit larger tires. Rolling on a better foundation, the car was subjected to extensive CFD modeling to address aerodynamic deficiencies. This yielded a new front end with more downforce. Upgrades to the interior shaved several pounds and made room for more ballast weight at a lower center of gravity. In summary, these changes will make for an exciting season, so stay with us for all your Ferrari news. Browse All Ferrari 488 For Sale Related: Ferrari 488 Pista Price, Specs, Photos & Review 2018 Ferrari 488 GTB & 488 Spider Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By P.A. Remmell – October 26, 2019

Hummer H1 Price, Specs, Photos, & Review

First Hummer H1 It's 1990. The stage is set: a caravan slouches toward Baghdad. Cue Operation Desert Storm, the first war to bring America's military might live, via television, right into our living rooms. Hummer H1 History One of the stars of that first Gulf War was the High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV or the M998 Humvee), manufactured by AM General in the 1980s for military use. It can climb over 22-inch high obstacles, haul itself up steep grades (as much as 60%) and rumble through water as deep as 30”. When Did The Hummer H1 Come Out? The Hummer H1 came out in 1992 for the civilian market. After watching it tear through Iraq, Arnold Schwarzenegger began a national petition for a street-legal version. After much debate, AM General acquiesced. General Motors purchased the brand in 1998 and added a 2nd production line at the plant. Hummer H1 Alpha Around 2001, GM began to plan the 2nd generation Hummer H1. Starting with the engine, the old Detroit 6.5 had to go. The new Duramax 6.6 is larger, wider, and taller. This required a 2" body lift, and the entire frame was changed to thicker, high-strength steel. It offered 300 Horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque, so the differential gearing was increased accordingly. The number of changes made it essentially a new model. The H1 Alpha was introduced for 2006, but only 729 examples were built before GM discontinued the H1 program. Production ceased on the civilian Hummer H1 in 2006, with AM General continuing to build them for our Armed Forces. The H1 Alpha changes were made in 2005, so there is no '05 model year. The Hummer H1 production years are 1992 to 2004, and 2006 was the end of the line Hummer H1 Models The Hummer H1 is technically a pickup truck/SUV and comes in a 2-door soft top, 4-door hard-top SUV, 4-door soft top, and a slant-back version. There is also a 2-door pickup truck that can hold machine guns, rocket launchers, radar, or troops. Hummer H1 Engine There are actually five different engine types available: a 6.2 and 6.5-liter Detroit Diesel V8, a 5.7-liter Chevrolet V8, & a 6.6-liter turbo DuraMAX Diesel V8. Transmission choices include a GM TH400/3L80 3-speed automatic, a GM 4L80-E 4-speed automatic, an Allison 1000 5-speed automatic and Allison 1000 6-speed automatic. Hummer H1 Ground Clearance These vehicles were neither built for comfort nor for speed, but who needs that when you have what is essentially a Jeep on steroids? With 16” of ground clearance the Hummer H1 can climb stairs. It has a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) that allows the driver to increase or decrease the amount of air to the tires. This helps to get the optimum footprint for climbing over objects and inboard brakes and portal gears, as well as intake snorkels tucked up high for protection behind a tubular, reinforcedundercarriage. Sports Cars For Sale Hummer H1 Specs Price: $60,000 Engine: Detroit Diesel 6.2, 6.5, or Duramax 6.6 Transmission: Chevrolet TH400, or 4L80E Horsepower: 215 hp Torque: 440 lb-ft 0-60: 12 seconds 1/4 Mile: 18.3 seconds Top Speed: 96 mph Hummer H1 Tires The Hummer H1 has a generous 130” wide wheelbase and runs on aggressive tires. The 2-piece steel wheels include magnesium-aluminum alloy inserts for run-flat ability. The stock tire size is 37x12.5x16.5, and most aftermarket wheels do not have the CTIS ability. The Hummer H1 top speed is limited to 96 mph to protect the heavy-duty axles. Hummer H1 Price A daily-driven Hummer H1 price usually starts around $60,000. Expect to pay over $100,000 for low mileage examples and older models. The real treat is the 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha. They are changing hands for over $300,000, even in used condition. Hummer H1 Weight Considering the Hummer H1 is one of the widest street-legal SUVs, it is heavy. Considering it was engineered to handle a cannon, missiles, troops, and body armor, the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is 10,300 lbs. The diesel engine alone is a major contributor, so it is needless to say it is not a light ride. View All Hummer For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 25, 2019

Indian Motorcycle Introduces Powerplus 108" V-Twin

My Great-Grandmother was Cherokee, and we are considered one of the 5 "Civilized Tribes". No matter how civil you are, it is still advantageous to hit your competitor when he is on the ropes. That is exactly what happened yesterday as Indian Motorcycle introduced their Powerplus 108" V-Twin. This liquid-cooled beast raises the bar for American bikes, offering 122 horsepower and 128 lb-ft of torque. It is the centerpiece of their new Challenger motorcycle. You better not miss arm day at the gym, because this will rip your rotator cuffs when unleashed. Indian Chieftan Inspired By Travis Pastrana & Evel Knievel No matter if you prefer Sportbikes or Cafe Racers, Indian has gone off the reservation and is about to scalp the competition. Tell us what you think of their newfound power in the comments below. Browse All Indian Motorcycles For Sale " width="680"> Related: Billy Joel Stops by NMOTO Headquarters to Test Fit His New Bike

By Edward Jones – October 24, 2019

Lexus LF-30 Electrified Concept Hints Towards Brand's Future

The new Lexus LF-30 Electrified Concept has been revealed and it gives us all a glimpse into the automaker's future. This new concept car was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019. Lexus notes that the exterior "foreshadows the Lexus Electrified vehicles towards 2030." There's a lot of technology packed into this concept that makes it a true futuristic concept. For example, the seats have very precise electric motors that can provide instant adjustments to posture that's just not possible with modern cars. Also, as with more concept cars we've seen as of late, the LF-30 is an autonomous vehicle. Most interesting is the Lexus Airporter support drone. This drone is autonomous and can accomplish tasks like transporting baggage. You can learn more about this car here. see all lexus for sale

By Andrew Nabors – October 24, 2019

Donkervoort Previews Their D8 GTO-JD70

If you look at a map of the Netherlands you will see a maze of levees holding back the sea. That is why Joop Donkervoort builds cars that can take corners with ease. His team wanted to surprise him for his 70th birthday, so Donkervoort previews their D8 GTO-JD70. Powered by an Audi 2.5L inline-5, the fully loaded supercar only weighs 1,543 lbs. With 415 horsepower and 383 lb-ft of torque, it can accelerate at 1.02G. Browse Exotic Cars For Sale Thanks to carbon fiber construction, it will be the first street-legal car to corner at 2.05G! Only 70 cars will be made, so stay with us for all your Donkervoort updates. Related: The History of Donkervoort by Carfection First Donkervoort D8 GTO RS Bare Naked Carbon Edition Delivered

By Andrew Nabors – October 16, 2019

Prestige Imports Pop-Up Appears in Miami's Design District

If your trip to Florida includes the latest in Performing Art, fashion or dining, head to 3841 NE 2nd Avenue. You will see the latest works from world-renowned creators, and that includes automobiles. To give this popular spot an injection of horsepower, a Prestige Imports Pop-Up has appeared in Miami's Design District. In a Facebook film uploaded on Monday, we've learned the store will be open Monday-Friday 11 AM to 8 PM, and 12 PM to 6PM on the weekend. Owner Brett David chose a few icons of automotive style to become temporary exhibits: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722S Roadster 2018 Backdraft Racing Cobra 2020 Shelby GT500 by Classic Recreations 2020 Lotus Evora GT 2018 Karma Revero 2016 Pagani Huayra 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder 2010 Bugatti Veyron 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ 2020 Lamborghini Huracan EVO Learn More Any car placed in such a curated setting is bound to build anticipation, but that is why we're here. Click the button above to view Prestige Imports inventory, and stay with us for their future events. Prestige Imports: Spring Cleaning Supercar Shuffle Prestige Imports Announces New YouTube Series: Inside The Lab

By Edward Jones – October 11, 2019

Ford x Versace High-Top Sneakers Released

Source: LuisaViaRoma.com Ford and Versace have teamed up to release a number of clothing options that feature the automaker's famous badge. Donatella Versace noted that she hopes the items in the collection “channel the excitement of buying your first car.” As for the specifics of these shoes, they come covered in the Ford badge with a matching blue midsole. The silhouette of the shoe is a high top, just like the Versace Ophion High Tops. You can pick these shoes up from LuisaViaRoma.com for around $1,200. see all mustangs for sale Source: LuisaViaRoma.com Source: LuisaViaRoma.com via Hypebeast.com

By Andrew Nabors – October 11, 2019

Porsche & Boeing Join Forces to Create Uber Air

William Boeing was born in 1881 to German emigrants in Detroit. He grew up to found The Boeing Company in 1916, a company that would become the Boeing we know today. Over the decades, Boeing has evolved but their latest partnership with Porsche seems to be one of the most extreme yet. In a press release last night, both companies signaled the start of research. This will encounter miles of red tape from the FAA and its European equivalents due to decades of bureaucracy. Whatever the end result, it will be safer than private aviation, so long as you give your autonomous flying Porsche a 5-Star review. We hope this is not just a ploy to take heat off of the 737 MAX sensor debacle, so stay with us for more Porsche & Boeing new. Related: Top 10 Reasons Why To Buy Porsche 918 Spyder Porsche 911 GT2 RS Specs, Price, Photos & Review

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