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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 – January 03, 2017

Jay Leno Drives the Ring Brothers' G Code Camaro

Fans of first generation Camaros fall into two groups: Those who prefer numbers matching originals, and the others who see the beautiful design as a starting point for something wild. For their latest build, brothers Jim and Mike Ring have transformed a 1969 Rally Sport into a show stopper. The owner commissioned them to leave almost nothing original, and the G Code is unlike anything you have seen before.Starting at the front, the bumper was machined from one piece of billet and the iconic hideaway headlight doors inspired an LED conversion. The front splitter is carbon fiber, along with a full aerodynamics package. Often times custom cars go overboard in this area which compromises ground clearance, but G Code was built to be daily driven. In a normal Camaro, the rocker panels are a major structural component so many builders hesitate cutting into them. But since the Ring Brothers built a full-length frame underneath, it allowed them to round the edges of the doors and give the roof a double bubble design inspired by the 5th generation coupes.(Also Check Out - Camaro ZL1 vs Challenger Hellcat)Once the new chassis was completed, new floor pans were fabricated to control the air under the car. From the engine to the rear axle, every component is tucked inside the tunnel in a symmetrical fashion. Countless hours and many late nights were spent on this Camaro, and the final build cost is probably more than a Manhattan apartment. Unlike other builders, the brothers also sell some of the parts they create. From billet hood hinges to complete body kits, they are a dominant force in the aftermarket. Stay with us for the latest from Jay Leno's Garage.All Camaro For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 03, 2017

Was the Pagani Huayra Roadster Leaked?

Well, we knew it was going to happen, but now it's more official than ever: the Pagani Huayra Roadster is on its way. Images of the car have been both leaked and purposefully posted on social media. On the Pagani Automobili Facebook page, an image of the car was posted with the undeniable hashtags "#pagani #huayra #roadster #huayraroadster #geneva2017 #newyear#2k17." Those may be the most straightforward and purposeful hashtags I've seen. https://www.facebook.com/PaganiAutomobili/photos/a.320040968023049.96834.225904110770069/1597106206983179/?type=3 If the image from Pagani wasn't enough, Instagram user @fede_perico posted an image of what appears to be drawings of the Huayra Roadster eight weeks ago. In the images, we see a rear three-quarter angle, side shot and birds-eye view of the car. The most changed aspect of the car that we can see in this image is the new rear diffuser, "eyelid" on the taillights and more. https://www.instagram.com/p/BMjZ4QTgbSs/ As with most car unveilings, we will more than likely see a full debut of the car before the Geneva International Motor Show (March 9-19). So, be sure to stay with us for more news on the Pagani Huayra Roadster as it's unveiled. All Pagani For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 21, 2016

Ferrari Reveals the SP 275 RW Competizione

One of the most significant cars of all time is the 275 GTB. A Gran Turismo Berlinetta embodies everything that is right with the motoring world. For one lucky customer, Maranello has built a modern interpretation upon the chassis of the F12berlinetta. When it arrived in Daytona for Finali Mondiali, we instantly knew it was something special. Indeed, Special Project 275 RW used the engine and transmission of the F12 tdf along with a wider track width on the rear. Details have been scarce until now, but a press release last night confirms many of our assumptions. By Taylor ShenuskiVents in the front fenders are the most prominent throwback to the classic design. Indentations behind the windows and an aluminum gas cap evoke memories of the race prepped 275 that won the GT class at Le Mans in '65. The paint scheme of Ecurie Francorchamps and carbon fiber is an homage to the winning team. Within reason, Ferrari will build anything your heart desires, and we hope to see this car at Cavallino next month. If you were given the opportunity, tell us your vision for a custom build and stay with us for more Ferrari news.F12 Berlinetta For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 20, 2016

BMW Updates the 6 Series for 2018

BMW buyers will have a few new options to choose from next year. The popular 6 Series is built in 3 body styles: Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe (sedan). In order to offer something for everyone, a press release yesterday outlines a few additional choices in color and equipment. A new exterior finish is named Sonic Speed Blue metallic, which sounds like they might be receiving a call from Sega's legal department.(Related - BMW Considers M Performance Versions of i3 and i8)The M Sport package elevates the car closer to the potent M6 in speed and handling, and a new 20" forged wheel will be available in a two-tone finish. The M-specific double spoke design has staggered width front to rear and wears extended range run-flat rubber. Also borrowed from the M6 is a carbon fiber interior package. Two main option packages are named Design Pure Experience and Design Pure Excellence. Both are collections of BMW Individual program which is the home for bespoke builds. Power comes from a twin turbo straight six making 320 hp and 315 lb-ft of torque. If you need more, a 450 hp V8 is optional. Either way you will have a great car, so contact our dealers for more information on the new slick 6.All BMW 6 Series For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 20, 2016

Say Goodbye to the Original Top Gear Test Track

It looks like we're going to have to say goodbye to the Top Gear Test Track that we have all come to know and love. According to BBC News, the Dunsfold Aerodrome, where the test track is located, it set to be torn down in order to make way for a housing development.(Related - The Grand Tour Hosts Quizzed While Racing Corvette)Instead of housing thousands of horsepower, the Dunsfold Park will have 1,800 homes, along with shopping areas, recreation areas, and a health center. Additionally, the roads in the area will be improved upon and a new bus service will be created for the area.Jim McAllister, Dunsfold Park chief executive, told BBC News: "The development of Dunsfold Aerodrome will provide homes for young families currently priced out of the area, direct development away from green fields, create new jobs and deliver a range of new community facilities and infrastructure improvements."We've had some great times at the track:

By Andrew Nabors – December 19, 2016

Lamborghini Aventador S Revealed: More Power and Four-Whe...

Even the best knives need occasional sharpening, so Lamborghini have rolled out an updated version of their flagship: the Aventador S. Last week a teaser video was released on YouTube making us wonder what was coming, and many of you were just as stumped as we were. By carefully studying the efficiency of the engine's air flow, the variable camshaft timing and intake manifolds have been massaged to deliver 740 horsepower. The Aventador S arrives with 740 hp and 509 lb-ft of torque. A top speed of 217 mph is achieved by raising the red line from 8,350 to a screaming 8,500 rpm. The engine enhancements are a logical evolution of their potent V12, but other changes took us by surprise. It will be Lamborghini's first production car with rear wheel steering. While they didn't go into specifics on how many degrees the rear wheels will be able to move, it is a clear response to another Italian flagship with a similar system.Quick Specs: 740 Horsepower 509 lb-ft of torque 217 mph Top Speed $421,350 Price With more power and steering response, Aventador S needed more grip. The new front end has a more aggressive splitter to keep air from going under the car, and two giant scoops to cool the brakes. The front end has 130% more downforce, and the revised rear has up to 400% more thanks to a new spoiler. To cool the more powerful engine, most of the rear body has been redesigned to force more air across the radiators. Increasing grip puts more stress on the tires, so Pirelli has delivered a new version of the P-Zero. On the inside, a new gauge cluster has multiple display modes to keep you informed. Apple CarPlay is now standard equipment, along with magnetic shocks. Production will begin soon, with a base price of $421,350. Since the Aventador SV will remain the hardcore model, Aventador S will offer something for everyone. For more information please contact our dealers in the link below, and stay with us for all your Lamborghini news. Aventador For Sale

By Edward Jones – December 16, 2016

Remember This Car: First 2017 Ford GT Rolls Off Assembly ...

It's finally happening, ladies and gentlemen, the first 2017 Ford GT has rolled off of the assembly line. In a press release issued by Ford, they announced that the first road-going version of the new GT has rolled off of the line, marking the start of deliveries for the anticipated American supercar.(Related - Ford GT Caught Speed Testing, Sounds Like a Missile)“When we kicked off 2016, we had two primary objectives for our Ford GT supercar – to excel at Le Mans, and to start deliveries before year-end,” says Raj Nair, Ford executive vice president, global product development, and chief technical officer. “We’ve achieved both." Nair went on to thank the employees and suppliers that made this moment happen and boasted the GT's aerodynamics and EcoBoost engine.With this announcement, expect Ford GTs to starting being delivered very soon. This may be one of the best Christmas surprises Ford has ever given us.All Ford GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – December 15, 2016

John Hennessey Discover's the 2017 Ford Raptor's 0-60 Time

After a few delays to validate the quality of their latest build, Ford's Special Vehicles Team has delivered the new F150 Raptor. Zerin Dube from SpeedSportLife.com borrowed the truck from Ford's Press Fleet and drove it directly to Hennessey Performance to see how it compares to the previous bird of prey. John wasted no time in establishing a baseline for future tuning. The first video was a test of the powertrain on HPE's chassis dyno. A pair of EcoBoost turbos on the 3.5-liter V6 produce 365 hp and 422 lb-ft of torque. The latter appears gradually and peaks at a usable 3,700 rpm. It's easy to see that boost is carefully controlled by the computer to save fuel and wear on the 10-speed automatic transmission. Developed in a partnership with General Motors, they both have a lot riding on the new gearbox.For video 2.0, it was time for a quarter mile test. At Hennessey's adjacent Lonestar Motorsports Park, the Raptor was outfitted with telemetry and cameras to record the runs. BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires are not exactly designed for drags, but the tall sidewalls have enough flex for grip out of the hole. With a unique exhaust soundtrack, 60 mph arrives in 5.3 seconds and it goes across the finish line quicker than you might have guessed. Undoubtedly his team is already at work dissecting the data and developing a new tune. More boost and more fuel are the basic ingredients, but we hope to see bigger cams and maybe some Nitrous Oxide for the brave. As soon as pricing is released on the HPE Raptor you will see it here first. To learn what Hennessey Performance can do for you, please click on the link below.Learn More

By Edward Jones – December 14, 2016

Final Bugatti Veyron Coupe to be Auctioned Off

Back in August 2012, Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport chassis no. 300 was delivered to its owner as the final Veyron coupe to ever be created. What's more, it was also one of only eight Super Sports that were built to U.S.-specifications. To say this is an important car would be an incredible understatement. The Veyron itself is most certainly a legendary car, but the last of any of its kind is even more legendary. What's more, this example is looking for a new owner at RM Sotheby's Arizona auction in January.This exact car recently traveled to Geneva in order to be displayed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show. Sitting alongside this historic Veyron was the very first Veyron ever produced, chassis number 001. This was done to celebrate the car's 10-year production run.According to the vehicle's listing, the car has been well documented and that it will be presented in as-new condition. It has undergone annual service at the hands of Braman Bugatti in November 2013 and in May 2015. The current vendor acquired the car in August 2015, who had it serviced by Bentley Beverly Hills in May of this year. With only one private owner, it shows less than 400 miles since new.Be sure to check out the auction, running January 19-20 and click the button below to learn more about the car.Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – December 14, 2016

Kimi Raikkonen Laps Daytona With John Hennessey in Ferrar...

Sometimes a YouTube video is filled with so much win, it has the potential to break the internet. Such is the case at Ferrari Finali Mondiali when Kimi Raikkonen took John Hennessey for a blistering lap of the road course of Daytona International Speedway. The vehicle of choice was a new Ferrari 488 GTB, so if you have any preconceived notions of turbo lag or brake fade this video will change your life. When you place Scuderia Ferrari's Iceman and a twin turbo Texan in the same vicinity, acceleration is guaranteed. The best part of this footage is the audio, as you can hear the traction control attempt to prevent wheel spin coming out of the chicane. Being able to reach 60 mph in under 3 seconds with a redline of 8,000 rpm are only possible from innovations derived from Formula 1 racing, which is probably why the driver makes it look easy.If you thought Mr. Hennessey limited his talents to domestic power, he let me drive his 599 GTB in Anaheim (See below). So perhaps his intentions are to turn up the boost on Ferrari's latest GTB, and when he does you will see it first here on Autofluence.View Hennessey Cars For Sale Related Video:

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