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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 – February 20, 2017

How Fast is the New 2017 Camaro ZL1? It's the Fastest Yet

Engineers at Chevrolet have a reputation for taking the Corvette's most powerful engine and stuffing it into a Camaro. The Camaro ZL1 is just such a machine, packing the 650 hp and 650 lb-ft supercharged LT4 from the Z06. Top Speed and Camaro are not normally heard in the same paragraph, but inquiring minds have been wondering how fast the supercar ZL1 really is. The location of the test was the 7.6-mile oval track in Papenburg, Germany. No changes were made to body or drivetrain and the first run was 202.3 mph. Equipped with the new 10-speed automatic transmission, the factory Goodyear Supercar 3 tires were pumped up to 44 psi to cope with the 49-degree banking of the track. After running both directions around the track the top speed was certified at 198 mph.Chief Engineer Al Oppenheiser said “It’s the most capable — and fastest —Camaro ever.” Other noteworthy accomplishments are a 0-60 run of 3.5 seconds and 1.02g of cornering grip. Camber was zeroed out to replicate a daily driven alignment, so the car is capable of more if given a few degrees. Having 10 gears in the transmission allows for agility out of the hole also, with quarter-mile times in the low 11s. It is nice to see Camaro receive such attention from GM, and we wonder how the aftermarket will respond to this factory built powerhouse. If it's not up to your standards, Hennessey Performance will bump it up to 800 hp. The sixth generation of Camaro is proving to be an incredible machine, and it gives the Super Troopers something new to focus on instead of my 2002 SS.Chevrolet Camaro For Sale

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 – December 09, 2016

Hennessey Makes 1,000 HP Camaros Possible

Hennessey Performance recently showed us how powerful the new 2017 Camaro ZL1 is when stood up against the Corvette Z06. Now, they're showing us that they're capable of creating a 1,000 bhp Camaro ZL1.On their website, the Texas-based automotive performance company details the HPE1000 package that make this much power possible in the new ZL1. They include:• High-flow Supercharger System• Forged Pistons• Forged Steel Rods• Custom HPE Camshaft• Ported Cylinder Heads• Upgraded Fuel Injectors• Upgraded Fuel System• High Flow Intercooling System• Intercooler Heat Exchanger Upgrade• Long-tube Stainless Steel Headers• Stainless Steel Midpipes• High Flow Catalytic Converters• All Necessary Gaskets & Fluids• HPE Engine Management CalibrationOn top of these upgrades, the HPE1000 upgrade includes dyno tuning and road testing, serial-numbered plaques, Hennessey badging, and a 1 year/12,000 mile limited warranty. They also offer their own carbon fiber door sill plates and Hennessey H10 Monoblock wheels. So, if you were looking to take your new ZL1 to the boss level, this looks like the way to do it. Learn more at HennesseyPerformance.com.All Chevrolet Camaro For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 03, 2016

World Series MVP Ben Zobrist Presented With 50th Annivers...

They did it. That Chicago Cubs have won the World Series in a stunning fashion.If you didn't watch last night's game, you missed out. I'd have to say that it was one of the most exciting sports matches I've ever watched, and I watched the " title="YouTube video" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen>.To put the Cubbies in the lead was Ben Zobrist, a former Tampa Bay Rays player. With a swing of the bat and a crack at the ball for a double, he sent home Albert Almora Jr., resulting in runs that would create history. Naturally, he was selected as the World Series MVP. Zobrist comes through in 10thWorld Series MVP, Ben Zobrist. #FlyTheWPosted by Chicago Cubs on Thursday, November 3, 2016 As with most tournaments like the World Series and Super Bowl, the MVP is always presented with a car. For Zobrist, Chevrolet presented him with a 50th Anniversary Edition Camaro SS Convertible.“In this historic matchup, Zobrist’s performance on the field truly embodies the same ‘Never Give Up’ spirit that drives the Chevrolet team to innovate every day and that has made us the Most Awarded Automotive Brand two years in a row,” said Paul Edwards, U.S. vice president of Chevrolet Marketing, in a press release issued early this morning. “We are proud to recognize the tremendous efforts of Zobrist with the MVP award and the 2017 Chevrolet Camaro 50th Anniversary Edition convertible.”Making the 50th Anniv. Edition Camaro SS Conv. special are a slew of additional features, like the exclusive 20-inch wheels, unique grille, front splitter, orange brake calipers, black leather interior, badging and an RS Appearance Package.I'd like to take this time to congratulate Ben Zobrist and Joe Maddon, two former Tampa Bay Rays that we all love here at duPont REGISTRY, the entire Cubs organization. Of course, I also want to thank the Cleveland Indians for giving it their best and fighting until the very end. We won't see another World Series like this one ever again.All Camaro For Sale Cubs win 2016 World SeriesHistory.The Chicago Cubs win the 2016 World Series. #FlyTheWPosted by Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, November 2, 2016

By Andrew Nabors – November 02, 2016

The 2017 Camaro Slammer by Chevrolet

Love them or hate them, big wheels aren't going anywhere. We sell and install truck-loads of custom wheels next door at BLVD customs. From Asanti to Vossen and everything in between, they are a great way to improve the looks of your ride. To show potential Camaro customers that giant wheels can be fitted to the 2017 model, Chevrolet released the 2017 Camaro SS Slammer last night. Pushing the styling of the latest Camaro to the extreme, they turned to none other than John Cafaro. As the director of Chevrolet Global Design, he is responsible for such hits as the Gen 4 Camaro and C5 Corvette.(Sports Cars For Sale)The press release mentions modifications to the body were needed in order to fit 22" x 9" wheels up front, and 24" x 10" on the rear. Tires are 245/30/22 and 275/25/24, which have just enough side wall to be comfortable. Because larger rolling stock transmits more road feel into the body, the Slammer rides on air suspension at all corners. Much like the Chevelle Slammer concept unveiled yesterday, the air bags allow the car to lay frame when parked and offer a menacing rake while cruising. We are big fans of air suspension because dropping your car from an app on your phone is addictive. While the Slammer Chevelle is not bound by clean air laws, the engine of the Slammer Camaro was left untouched in order to keep the car 50 state legal. Along with the 2017 Camaro COPO and the SS Drag Race Development car, it makes for a potent display at SEMA.Adding a few hundred pounds of weight to the car will make it porky in the corners, but you can't deny the visual appeal of this build. We have done several late model Camaros with big wheels, including a 2012 Camaro SS with 24" wheels front and rear. If you would like more information on how we can do this to your car, contact BLVD Customs here. Tell us how big is too big on late model Camaros and stay with us for more SEMA coverage.Camaro For Sale

By Edward Jones – October 24, 2016

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Nurburgring Lap Time and Video ...

Typically, when one talks about lap times for the Nurburgring Nordschleife they talk about European cars, but there are those occasions when American muscle weaves into the mix. For example, last year the Ford Shelby Mustang GT350R lapped the track in 7:32.19, a faster time than the Koeniggsegg CCS and Ferrari F12berlinetta (FastestLaps.com). But, what if I told you that the new 2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 has recorded a time that's almost three seconds quicker than the GT350R? Mustang fans better watch out because Chevrolet has unveiled the ZL1's official lap time.In a press release issued today, it was announced the new ZL1 has completed the lap in just 7:29.60. This time shatters the time set by the previous ZL1 generation by 11.67 seconds.(Related - Ten of the Luckiest Nurburgring Drivers and Their Near-Crashes)“To be almost 12 seconds quicker than the 5th-Generation ZL1 is a testament to the advanced design and technology of the new ZL1,” said Al Oppenheiser, Camaro chief engineer. “From the improved aerodynamics, mass reduction and 650-horsepower LT4 to the Magnetic Ride Control, electronic limited-slip differential and Custom Launch Control, the ZL1 was designed to take on the world’s most challenging track, making it right at home on any track, road or drag strip anywhere.”According to the revealing press release, the only things that made the car not stock was the data equipment, roll hoop and Sparco racing seats. That's it. Does this mean you could get out there and run the same lap time? Well, you may have to get some lessons from Drew Cattell, the Camaro ride and handling engineer and driver of the ZL1 during its lap. “Many fast laps around the Nordschleife are dramatic, with lots of oversteer and steering input,” said Cattell in the press release. “Not so with the ZL1, which is extremely planted and stable, almost calm. With Magnetic Ride and great overall chassis balance, the ZL1 is all about being inch perfect at every turn and carrying a lot of speed.”You can see the complete lap by clicking the play button below.All Chevrolet Camaros For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – August 09, 2016

Chevrolet Releases 2017 Camaro 1LE and ZL1 Performance Nu...

Camaro is turning 50 years old this year, so Chevrolet is celebrating with performance numbers for the 2017 Camaro 1LE and ZL1. The former was an option that began in the late 80's which offered upgraded suspension and brakes for showroom stock racing. We loved the 2014 1LE because it joined the best features of the ZL1 without the price of the supercharged model. For 2017 the package will offer suspension from the SS on V6 cars for $4,500. Rated at 335 hp the V6 represents a sizable portion of Camaro sales, so we're glad they also get Brembo brakes and dual-mode exhaust. For Super Sport models, the 1LE package offers magnetic suspension and the electronic differential from the upcoming ZL1 for $6,500. If you enjoy cornering, the SS 1LE will hold 1.02g in the corners and leap to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. For the ultimate in Camaro performance, the new ZL1 delivers a serious punch. In the old days, Camaro's top-level engine was always a few horsepower shy of the Corvette. Whether or not the engines were actually different will always be a matter of debate, but those days are over. By taking the 650 hp LT4 V8 directly from the Corvette Z06, you will have quarter-mile times of 11.4 seconds at 127 mph. The 6th generation ZL1 is 220 lbs lighter than its predecessor which allows it to reach 60 mph in only 3.5 seconds. For $62,000 you will have your choice of six-speed manual or a new 10-speed automatic transmission. Both 1LE and ZL1 feature the latest in Brembo brakes and active handling to make for a world-class muscle car. For more information on these new models, our dealers will be happy to help you find the right Camaro for you. Stay with us for all your Chevrolet news. Modified Camaros For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – June 21, 2016

American Muscle Gems: Two 1969 Yenko Camaros For Sale

In an unmarked warehouse somewhere in Tennessee is one of the most impressive car collections in the world. Fans of our magazine might remember my interview with Cliff Ernst from our February 2012 issue. We heard he had a few muscle cars, but what we found was nothing short of Smithsonian. (Related: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Attacks the Ring) What immediately got our attention, is that in some cases he has multiple examples of rare & early performance cars. If you like factory supercharged Thunderbirds, he has a few to choose from. If you prefer Pontiac power, two 1962 Super Duty Catalinas are ready to race. But if Camaros are your calling, the end of the room has something you might like. Don Yenko's prototype 1969 Camaro sits among several other Yenko Camaros, and two Yenko Novas. The Ernst Collection Don Yenko was a drag racer who took over his father's Chevrolet dealership in 1957. His passion for building fast Chevys transformed it into a dealership where there were no limits on performance. Due to decisions from GM's upper management, their highest performing engines were not offered in a Camaro for fear of losing a Corvette customer. In 1967 and '68, he overcame this obstacle by ordering the 427 Big Block (7.0L) through his service department and installing them into a limited number of Camaros. Racers came from across the country to buy their own Yenko Supercar. In 1969 he was able to convince GM's management to build a few Camaros with the L-72 Big Block at the factory. These cars had to be ordered from the central office, which is why they are known as COPO (Central Office Production Order). COPO #9561 is the option code every Camaro owner dreams of. Cliff likes them so much, that over a period of two decades he came to own at least one example of the original six colors, plus a few duplicates. Mr. Ernst rarely sells, so we jumped at the opportunity to showcase these rare cars. If you dream in Daytona Yellow, both of these cars are fully documented 427 powered 1969 Yenko Camaros. Both cars have four-speed manual transmissions, and they are probably capable of 10-second runs down the quarter mile. Cars such as these are what Yenko replicas are based on, but here is your chance at the real thing. View Listing

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