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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 – March 06, 2017

Aston Martin Reveals Official Name of Project AM-RB 001

Saint Patrick's day is just around the corner. Since he pretty much killed pagan religions in Ireland, we needed a brief refresher on Norse Mythology for Aston Martin's latest creation. A Valkyrie is one who decides your path in the afterlife. It is wise to keep them on your good side because they decide if souls are worthy of serving Odin in Valhalla, The prototype was a collaboration between Aston-Martin and Red Bull Racing to explore the future of hypercars. Known as the AM-RB 001, it is a continuation of reserving the letter V for upper-end models. A tradition that dates back to the original Vantage in 1951, and continues with Vulcan and Vanquish.Chief Creative Officer Marek Reichman said: "Aston Martin model names have deep meaning. They need to inspire and excite. To tell a story and enrich a narrative that stretches back some 104-years. The Aston Martin Valkyrie is an incredibly special car that demands an equally remarkable name; an uncompromising car that leaves nothing in reserve. The connotations of power and honor, of being chosen by the Gods are so evocative and so pertinent to a car that only a fortunate few will ever experience.”Cosworth is building a new V12 engine that will be coupled to a hybrid system for instant response. The wild front suspension travels through an open-air channel ahead of the doors, which will probably be difficult to wax without having a lift in your driveway. No word on how many are being produced, so as soon as we have the details from Geneva, you will see them first here on Autofluence.Aston Martin For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 06, 2017

Bugatti Begins Chiron Already Half-Way Sold Out

The Geneva International Motor Show is the beating pulse of the exotic car industry, so Bugatti released stunning news to start off the week. The long road of development for the Chiron is over. Customers are beginning to receive their orders and sales have reached 250 cars. Only 500 will be produced, so reaching the half-way point is significant. One lucky owner allowed the manufacturer to showcase his car in their booth, finished in "Bleu Royal" exposed carbon fiber. Bugatti President Wolfgang Dürheimer said: “The fact that we have already taken orders for half of the Chiron series even without test drives so far bears witness to the great confidence of our customers in our brand and its strong aura”.Capping the number of production cars at this price range might seem trivial, especially if Bugatti claims to lose money on each example due to development costs. As the successor to the quad turbo sixteen cylinder Veyron, the engine is one of the few parts to be carried over. Of course, it has been fortified to produce 1,479 hp and 1,180 lb-ft of torque. In theory, it should make for a top speed north of 280. This would claim the title of world's fastest production car back from Hennessey Performance but he has something new in the works. Also noted in the press release is that European orders are surpassing US and Asian markets, but we know a few are coming this way. So stay with us for Bugatti updates as cars begin to arrive.

By Andrew Nabors – March 05, 2017

Rolls Royce Phantom II: Chauffeur Not Included

Next to a $50-mill Gulfstream V jet, a Rolls-Royce Phantom still provides the most luxurious, most hedonistic, most decadent means of wafting from A to B. Since its debut in 2003, apart from one or two minor wrinkles, the Phantom sedan has remained just about perfect. So it’s appreciated that for 2013, those minor wrinkles have been spray-starched and ironed out with the arrival of Phantom Series II. Of course, we’re talking evolution not a revolution here - revolution is not the way Rolls-Royce rolls. But the styling and mechanical tweaks are just enough to keep the Phantom at the pinnacle of the list of the world’s One-Percentiles as their luxury ride of choice. The most obvious change comes at that majestic front end. Gone are those much-maligned porthole-like headlights in favor of new slim ’n slender rectangular LED units that now match the style of the larger driving lights above. Those, coupled with a new, slightly more rounded bumper design, new, sleeker-looking forged 21-inch alloys, plus a subtle, yet significant change to the frame of that Greek Temple-esque grille - it’s now formed from a single piece of stainless steel—show the neighbors you’ve upgraded to the latest model. Inside changes are fewer but equally welcome. A big criticism of the Phantom has been the overly small nav screen. That gets ditched in favor of a Cinemascope-like 8.8-inch monitor and array of new cameras to show pretty much a 360-degree view of the lurking paparazzi. And back in 2003, a six-speed automatic was the bee’s knees. But since then the world has moved on. Hence this new Rolls-Royce Phantom gets the latest eight-speed from ZF, which adds to the refinement and responsiveness to the driving experience. Talking of driving experience, for those few who pilot their own Phantom, there’s now the offer of an optional Dynamic Package. It adds additional strengthening crossbars to the aluminum spaceframe, stiffens the suspension, recalibrates the transmission for quicker responses, and even adds a thicker rim for the wheel. Do we hear the name Bentley here? It’s hardly necessary. For its size, the Phantom is amazingly agile and athletic. That big 6.7-liter BMW-sourced V-12 has the thrust of that aforementioned Gulfstream on takeoff—standstill to 60 is covered in under six seconds - while the steering is surprisingly precise and involving. And braking power is quite sensational. And we haven’t even talked about the stretch-out comfort, the refinement, the craftsmanship, the utter sybaritic joy of being transported in this remarkable machine. Best car in the world? Yep, we’d go with that. LIST PRICE: $403,970 sedan, $475,295 extended wheelbase ENGINE: 6.7-liter V-12 HORSEPOWER: 453 hp @ 5,350 rpm TORQUE: 531 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm TRANSMISSION: 8-speed automatic 0–60: 5.8 seconds TOP SPEED: 149 mph (limited) WEIGHT: 5,644 lbs LENGTH: 179 inches (estimated) TIRES: Front: 255/50R-21, Rear: 285/45R-21 PRO: Subtle upgrades reaffirm its unrivaled status CON: Now tough to be seen driving last year’s model

By Andrew Nabors – March 03, 2017

Bentley Unveils Mulsanne Hallmark Series by Mulliner

Many people ask us "what happened to all the coachbuilders?" In the old days, if you built a high-quality custom body, the manufacturer took notice. Many names like LeBaron, Fleetwood and Mulliner have become wholly owned subsidiaries of the big automakers. H.J. Mulliner began building custom coaches in 1897, which carried over into bespoke versions of luxury cars. Over the years his business has evolved into Bentley's in-house customizers who have taken precious metals to a new level in newest Bentley for sale worldwide.A press release early Friday morning outlines new Silver & Gold Hallmark editions of their flagship Mulsanne. Limited to only 50 cars, Silver and Gold will be available on Mulsanne Speed and Extended Wheelbase models. Only the finest metals receive hallmarks to their authenticity, so Mulliner included them in silver or gold versions of the Flying B hood ornament. A hand painted pinstripe runs from bow to stern, with unique 21" polished wheels included. Inside you will find contrast leather seating with silver or gold stitching. Silver or gold plated inlays are found about the cabin, and illuminated sill plates display the car's build number of the 50 total examples.Diamond-stitched leather and stunning embroidery along with Alcantara cushions are just a few examples of how Mulliner showcases their talents. We're glad nothing was changed under the hood because the venerable 6.75-liter big block V8 will never go out of style. To get your Gold moving, it offers 505 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque. Pricing was not mentioned, but you will probably have to cash in a few Krugerrands for the down payment. A few of the 50 will probably come stateside, so stay with us for more Bentley updates.Bentley For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 03, 2017

New Koenigsegg Regera and Agera RS Gryphon Making an Appe...

At the upcoming Geneva Motor Show, Koenigsegg will be showing off three very special vehicles in their booth. They include two Regeras and the new Agera RS Gryphon. One of the Regeras has a stunning green carbon fiber exterior that Koenigsegg says is reminiscent of the famed British Racing Green. Inside the car is a Saddle Brown leather interior with basket weave and flat leather on the seats, rear wall, steering wheel and doors. This is essentially the most English Koenigsegg they've ever produced. Also, it just so happens to be the first car to be delivered. The second Regera that Koenigsegg will be displaying is finished in a Candy Apple Red with clear carbon fiber, giving off a two-tone visual. Inside, this red/black theme continues with black leather and Lingonberry highlights. On top of these two hypercars, Koenigsegg will also bring the Agera RS Gryphon. In fact, this will mark the world debut of the new model. Why the name "Gryphon?" Koenigsegg notes that the gryphon, a mythical creature with the body and rear legs of a lion and the head, wings and front talons of an eagle, is the symbol used on the provincial flag of Skåne, where the Koenigsegg Factory is located. The car has a clear carbon fiber exterior with gold leaf highlights across the body. What's pretty neat is that the car comes with a helmet that matches the car's exterior, complete with gold. Inside the Agera RS Gryphon is black Alcantara and contrasting gold piping. Under the hood is the optional 1MW engine, which is Koenigsegg's twin-turbo V8 that has 1,360 horsepower at the ready. What's more? This car is ready for the U.S. roads. Stay with us for more information on these cars as we draw closer to the 2017 Geneva International Motor Show. Supercars For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 03, 2017

It's Happening! First Bugatti Chirons Delivered

It's finally happening: the first three Bugatti Chirons have been delivered to their respective owners. This news from Bugatti starts a new era of hypercar appearances at shows and on the road.Bugatti noted today that 50 logistics, production and quality assurance team members sent the cars on their way. These three were part of up to 70 examples that Bugatti is planning on creating at their Molsheim plant this year. Additionally, they will be presenting another customer Chiron this year at the Geneva Motor Show (March 9-19).Bugatti Chiron 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 Edward Jones – March 02, 2017

New 2018 Range Rover Velar Prices and Specs Revealed

Land Rover has officially unveiled their new Range Rover Velar model in a spectacular fashion at the Design Museum, London. The Velar will sit between the Evoque and Sport models in the Range Rover lineup.According to a press release from Land Rover Jaguar, the Velar was created "using the Jaguar Land Rover Lightweight Aluminium Architecture, the Range Rover Velar continues the brand’s history of innovation, incorporating advanced technologies, compelling design and absolute attention to detail."Inside, Land Rover has made a few advancements that set the Velar apart from the rest. For instance, Land Rover is now offering a sustainable and premium textile seat material as an alternative to leather. This "Dapple Grey" material compliments the Suedecloth inserts. Outside of the car are full LED headlights, flush door handles that deploy out and very attractive Burnished Copper detailing on the vents and blades."Two high definition 10-inch touchscreens are your window into the world. The connected infotainment system learns from you and anticipates your needs, serving you what you want, when you want it – but never intrudes letting you enjoy the drive, while it takes the stress out of daily life, like any good butler or digital personal assistant should." - Peter Virk, Director of Connected Car & Future Technology As for power, the Velar will be available with three engines in the U.S.: 180 hp 2.0-liter Ingenium diesel engine, 247 hp 2.0-liter Ingenium gasoline engine and a 380 hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 engine. Additionally, Land Rover currently have six different models available for sale: Velar ($49,900), Velar S ($54,700), Velar SE ($67,400), Velar R-Dynamic SE ($60,100), Velar R-Dynamic HSE ($67,600) and Velar First Edition ($89,300). The range-topping supercharged V6 engines will take the Velar SE from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, making it the quickest out of the bunch. Every model comes with a limited top speed of 155 mph.Customers can configure their cars on the Range Rover Velar page of LandRoverUSA.com.

By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2017

How the SRT Viper Dominates the Competition

The Snake is back. With a vengeance! The new body, new lighter-weight materials, stiffer chassis and even more raw power and performance from a redesigned version of that Louisville Slugger 8.4-liter V-10. How much more? We’re talking a mighty 640 hp—up 40—and massive 600 lb-ft of twist, which is the most torque of any naturally aspirated sports car motor on the planet.Pedal to the metal the folks at Chrysler’s Street and Racing Technology—SRT—reckon it should run zero-to-60 in under 3.5 seconds, pass the 100 mph mark in 7.5, spear through the quarter-mile in 11.4 and not quit till the needle is kissing the 206 mph mark. This is the new-from-the rubber-up 2013 SRT Viper. Yes, it’s still as bad to the bone as the last-generation version that quietly slipped out of production in the summer of 2010. But this latest snake joins the modern world with new technologies, like electronic stability control, traction control, even launch control. But perhaps the most amazing aspect of this new Viper is that it even exists at all. When Chrysler was in the depths of doom, gloom, and bankruptcy, the last thing on anyone’s mind was developing an updated Viper. That didn’t stop Team SRT which quietly and secretly developed this new version which debuted at the 2012 New York auto show and goes on sale this fall in two versions—SRT Viper and more upscale SRT Viper GTS. This will sticker between an estimated $100,000 and $120,000. So SRT Viper it is. The new Dodge Viper for sale has the slithering, reptilian essence of the original. Every body panel is new—only the windshield is carried over.And in a bid to shed pounds, raise quality and improve aerodynamics, the hood, double-bubble roof and rear deck are made of carbon fiber while the new doors switch from sheet molded composite to aluminum. The result? A whopping 140 pounds lost, taking the overall weight down to around 3,350 pounds. Vipers have always been a blast to drive in a scary, white-knuckle, fear-for-your-life kind of way. But for this new version, SRT decided to take out a little of the fear-factor by adding new safety features like electronic multistage stability control, traction control, and new, four-channel anti-lock braking. They also stiffened the chassis by an impressive 50 percent to sharpen handling, while the Michelins have been jettisoned in favor of more gripping Pirelli P Zeros. And finally, the Viper gets the interior that is has always deserved. Everything is now wrapped in leather, including the new thin-shell seats that come from the same supplier as Ferrari. Also, there is much more headroom and legroom in the cabin.All we can say to Chrysler and its Italian masters is “Fangs a lot.” Viper stands alone as the only naturally aspirated exotic cars for sale to never offer an automatic transmission. Thank you for keeping the art of driving alive!LIST PRICE$100,000 for base Viper (estimated)$120,000 for Viper GTSENGINE8.4-liter pushrod 20-valve V-10HORSEPOWER640 hp @ 6,150 rpmTORQUE600 lb-ft @ 4,950 rpmTRANSMISSION6-speed manual0–603.4 secondsTOP SPEED206 mphWEIGHT3,350 lbsLENGTH175.7 inchesTIRESFront: 275/3518Rear: 335/3019PROMore muscle than anissue of Men’s HealthCONStill as subtle as a plane crash

By Edward Jones – March 01, 2017

McLaren Creates Coolest Dashboard Ever for the 720S

The upcoming McLaren 720S just keeps on getting better with each tease. For this week, McLaren has decided to tease us with the car's new dashboard setup, which is quite genius.This new "Folding Driver Display" includes aluminum switches that allow it to rotate. In the Full Display Mode, the display will give the driver all of the usual information you'd expect from an instrument cluster. If the driver changes the mode (Comfort, Sport or Track), the layout of the display appropriately. In the Slim Display Mode, the display will slide down and back, showing only the essential information in a slim strip. McLaren says this is perfect for drivers who want limited distraction and their information in the simplest form possible.Related - McLaren Excites Us About the New 720S With a New Engine“The new McLaren Driver Interface is a matchless example of advanced driver engagement built around two separate high-definition screens; a Folding Driver Display and a Central Infotainment Touchscreen,” explained Mark Vinnels, Executive Director – Product Development at McLaren Automotive. “The Folding Driver Display is revolutionary in offering both a choice of information shown and physical position, seamlessly complementing driver preferences while at the same time furnishing a glorious piece of engineering theater.”McLaren For Sale

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