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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 Edward Jones – November 07, 2016

2018 Aston Martin Vantage's New Engine Heard for First Time

The Aston Martin Vantage has remained relatively untouched for quite some time, but the English automaker is shaking up the model with the inclusion of the Mercedes-AMG GT's M178 V8 engine.(Related - Reviewed: Aston Martin AM37 Boat)While the exacts of the car still remain under wraps, AutoEvolution's spy photographers caught the car being tested on Nurburgring roads. They also suggest that with this engine, a new gearbox and chassis, this year's Vantage could be quicker than the V12 Vantage.Aside from the engine, the new Vantage is also getting a decent facelift. Aston Martin has noted before that the Vantage would take after the DB10, and this video seems to conclude that.Hear the new Vantage for yourself by clicking play below.All V8 Vantage For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 07, 2016

The 2017 Ford F150 Raptor is quickly becoming one of the automaker's most popular trucks, thanks in part to a successful product launch on Ford.com and at their dealerships. According to a press release issued today, the American automaker noted that they've had more than 90,000 hits in their Raptor build and price site within the first 10 days of launch.(Related - Hennessey Reveals Velociraptor 6x6 and It's an American Monster)In the press release, Ford details some of the most popular packages and other interested factoids regarding the truck. 91% of orders are for the SuperCrew 90% of orders include the luxury group package 77% of orders include the technology package The largest markets include Texas, California and Florida Shadow Black is the most common paint color “This is one of the fastest and most popular product launches we’ve seen in some time,” says said Rob Rosenbach, Ford F-150 brand manager. “Traffic volume on the Raptor pages is more than five times our other performance vehicle lines, with dealer demand far ahead of expectations. This demonstrates the Ford Performance team hit its mark with the new F-150 Raptor.”To get your own F-150 Raptor, be sure to check out our listings by clicking the button below.All Ford Raptor For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 07, 2016

African Dictator's Son Has 11 Supercars Seized

Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea and son of African dictator Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, was an owner of eleven supercars. These supercars included a Koenigsegg One:1, Lamborghini Veneno Roadster and Bugatti Veyron. Notice how I said the word "was" because he seems to no longer be the owner of these cars after the cars were seized in Geneva. Altogether, it's suggested that the total value of the cars seized is around $10.5 million.(Related - Sultan of Brunei and His 5,000 Car Collection)According to The Drive, these cars were seized due to an investigation against him, led by the Swiss authorities. Le Dauphine also reports that he will be going on trial next year in Paris over "ill-gotten gains." Apparently, the cars were seized at the Geneva Airport leading many to believe he was trying to smuggle them out of the country before they could be seized.https://www.instagram.com/p/BMT14p4DH4KInstagram user @swisssupercars happened to capture some of the cars being seized, while other cars were captured in photos behind a chainlink fence.Supercars For Salehttps://twitter.com/GVA_Watcher/status/794123630108143616

By Andrew Nabors – November 07, 2016

Range Rover Sport Dominates Downhill Alpine Challenge

Ascending a ski slope in the summer is a great way to reach the summit, but coming down can be treacherous. That's why Land Rover invited the press to witness the abilities of the latest Range Rover Sport Supercharged. The event took place on a run known as the Inferno in Mürren, Switzerland. In need of a brave driver, none other than Ben Collins was strapped in behind the wheel. Descending almost 7,200 feet in a matter of minutes is a great way to smoke your brakes, but the Terrain Response computer uses other means to keep acceleration in check.(Related - Luxury SUV Battle: Bentley Bentayga vs Range Rover SVAutobiography)The computer closes the throttle and keeps the transmission in a lower gear while allowing downhill speeds of 96 mph. A few of the grades surpassed 75%, which is how it only took 21:36 for the descent. Keeping the brake fluid from boiling is critical, especially at high altitudes. Luckily the near freezing temperatures kept them from being burned. A roll cage and off-road tires were added for additional safety, but the vehicle performed flawlessly.All Range Rover Sport For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 04, 2016

5 Critical Tips For Breaking In A New Car

Great advances have been made inside of the engines of late model cars. Engineering Explained is a helpful YouTube channel that will leave you fascinated. He has 5 tips to be mindful of when you take delivery of your new car. Now for full disclosure, his scenarios are aimed at normal car engines and not the wild internals of Ferrari or Lamborghini. But this information is useful for a majority of daily drivers, so if you are considering a new car, you might want to take a few notes.(Related - Five Things to Love About the Lamborghini Huracan)For many normal cars, the engine's first hours of life are critical to long-term health. Most engines are not cranked until the end of the assembly line, then its weeks of sitting on a dealer lot without the common courtesy of letting the pistons become acquainted in their forever homes. So when you sign the purchase agreement, remember to go easy during the break in process. If you are breaking in a rebuilt older engine, the break in is much different. Before the 90's, many cars had flat tappet lifters on the camshafts. We will cover the break in procedure on classics in another post, so sit back and see what you have been doing wrong, then go apologize to your car. For more insights into new car ownership, stay with us here at Autofluence.Buy a Car to Break In

By Andrew Nabors – November 04, 2016

New TechArt GTstreet R is a Mean and Green 911 Turbo

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

By Andrew Nabors – November 04, 2016

Mini Sets Slow But Epic Record at the Ring

Any car that laps the Nürburgring under 8 minutes is working hard, but what happens when two tires are eliminated? Chinese stunt driver and holder of two Guinness world records Han Yue wanted to show off his abilities. Using a ramp to get put a Mini on its sidewalls, he lapped the Ring in a gangster lean. Driving on two is walking a tightrope between falling back to earth or a roll over. This probably took a few test runs, but he managed to keep it rolling for 45 minutes from Bridge to Gantry.(Sports Cars For Sale)We don't recommend driving in this manner because it destroys your tires and steering system in the process. The Mini has a low roof line and a very low center of gravity, which makes it a great choice for stunts. So for a more challenging test of skill, we are going to replicate this event using AJ Burnett's Terradyne Gurkha. If you enjoy having fun on two wheels please do so on a motorcycle with a helmet. We do not condone dangerous behavior, but it's fun to watch. Tell us what car you would choose for two wheel tomfoolery and stay with us for all your automotive entertainment.Mini For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 04, 2016

New Acura NSX Autobahn Top Speed Test

Underneath the hood of the new 2017 Acura NSX is a powerful twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6 engine. Acura states that this engine and the NSX's direct drive electric motor are good for a combined 573 hp and 476 lb-ft of torque. The automaker also states that the car has a 0- 60 mph time of 2.7 seconds and a top speed of 191 mph.Apparently, Auto Bild wanted to test the truth behind these numbers and took the car out for a top speed test run on a long stretch of the Autobahn.(Exotic Cars For Sale)It didn't take them very long, but they ended up hitting a top speed of 309 kph, which equates to 192 mph. Wait, they went faster than the manufacturer's suggested top speed? Well that's pretty darn neat, although it's common for these types of things to happen. Let's face it, manufacturers don't want to state a top speed that a driver couldn't possibly reach and people go wild when they go faster than the stated top speed.Check out the run by click play below.New Acura NSX For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 04, 2016

"Stina Stunts" Drifts and Spins the RWD Lamborghini Huracan

Stina Hübinettes is a commercial and film stunt driver, as well a professional driver who just picked up a pretty darn epic Lamborghini Huracan. However, this isn't the normal Huracan you've seen before.For starters, this Huracan is the LP 580-2. Notice that there's a "2" in the model name instead of a "4"? That signifies that this is the rear-wheel drive version of the car, which Lamborghini designed for the tail-sliding purists, like Stina.(Related - Couple Drifts New Modified Huracan Around Lamborghini Newport Beach)Of course, her and her husband, Sam Hübinettes, fitting the car with quite a few extra custom parts. This includes a custom hydraulic handbrake, an additional set of rear Wilwood Brake calipers, Vorsteiner Novara Edizione Aero Package, 20-inch Platinum Gunmetal Vorsteiner V-FF 103 Flow Forged Wheels and Nitto Tire NT555 G2 tires.Check the video below to see her rip give a walkaround of the car and rip the Nitto tires to shreds.All Lamborghini Huracan For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – November 03, 2016

Reviewed: Aston Martin AM37

Back in September, we received a press release about Aston Martin's nautical experiments. The AM37 was formally revealed in Monaco and we have been waiting to see it in action. We keep our reviews limited to land-based transportation, so we turned to Harry's Garage for a proper shakedown run. Initially, the boat was to be powered by twin Mercruiser 8.2 liter big blocks, but it appears that Aston Martin pulled out all the stops. Under the deck are twin 8.6 liter V8 engines (540 cubic inches) which are descendants of Chevrolet's legendary 572.(Related - St. Louis Auto Detail Protects Aston Martin Vulcan #19)If your boat has 1,040 horsepower, what would you do with it? Mulder Design builds the wildest watercraft money can buy, so they took an idea from Aston Martin and made it a reality. The cockpit is inspired by features found on the Vulcan and One77. Carbon fiber and teakwood are not normally found within close proximity, but it's clear to see the hand finished quality of every piece. Down below is a cabin lined with rosewood and leather. The front mounted TV is a nice touch, but we hope it's up for serious vertical motions in choppy seas.With an MSRP of 1.5 million GBP, we would keep it in fresh water to protect the investment. But to make sure it performs as well as it looks, Harry took it out into the Mediterranean for a few high-speed runs. The soundtrack from the exhaust is undeniably American, but the latest from Aston Martin looks at home along the European shoreline. No mention of production has been made, but perhaps a few examples will find a home on this side of the pond. If this project is given the green light, you will see it first here on Autofluence.Aston Martin For Sale

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