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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

2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Off Road Performance Edition 031

By Andrew Nabors – November 17, 2020

2021 GMC Canyon AT4 Receives Off-Road Performance Edition

Midsize trucking is taking over domestic sales. This is great news because full-size pickups have been growing bigger and heavier with each new generation. Thanks to popularity among those who love the outdoors, the 2021 GMC Canyon AT4 has received a new Off-Road Performance Edition. In a press release this morning we see the culmination of 31" Goodyear DuraTrac tires on unique gloss black 17" wheels. Thanks to a leveling kit, removing the front air dam has added 35% to the approach angle. You can now approach obstacles with 30 degrees of clearance. Other goodies include a spray-in bed liner, all-weather mats, and skid plated machined from 5/32" aluminum. The Eaton locking differentials offer Hill Descent Control and stability in all weather. Your only choice will be between the 3.6-liter V6 with 308 horsepower or the 2.8-liter Duramax with 369 lb-ft of torque. Stay with us for all your GMC news. Browse GMC For Sale

By Edward Jones – November 13, 2020

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Suspendisse condimentum porttitor sapien et dictum. Sed aliquam non erat in tincidunt. Sed felis elit, vehicula a facilisis non, euismod id odio. In hac habitasse platea dictumst. Ut ultricies leo dolor, non elementum erat finibus at. Orci varius natoque penatibus et magnis dis parturient montes, nascetur ridiculus mus.

By Andrew Nabors – November 13, 2020

First BAC Mono R Delivered In WipEout Livery

Ask anyone about their favorite PlayStation game and WipEout will be among the top. That's because the 1994 hit has spawned a franchise with 9 successive titles that followed. To see how the game has inspired real life supercars, the first BAC Mono R was delivered in WipEout livery. Starting with their classic FEISAR blue, yellow and white are also incorporated from the game. The paintwork took over 10 days to match the design laid out by the new owner. What began as a special request in January required several meetings with the game designers and artists. The 100th BAC Mono is Here and It’s Marvelous Perhaps the best part of the press release was a quote from the happy owner: "When playing WipEout on the PlayStation, I often dreamt of one day being able to fly around different race tracks for real in my own FEISAR ship. It’s not quite anti-gravity racing… but the frankly outrageous Mono R gives me the exact same sensation. It’s a true feat of engineering, technology, and design – and with the way it looks, it certainly wouldn’t be out of place in any WipEout game!" The Mono R is a street-legal race car with 340 horsepower and weighing only 1,224 lbs. Click the button below to order yours and stay with us for all your BAC news. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – November 13, 2020

Hot Wheels Ultimate Drive-Thru Will Be Fun For All Ages

Car shows have almost disappeared because of the virus, so this news could change the world of events until the crisis is over. Mattel has released their plans for a Holliday event unlike any other, and their Hot Wheels Ultimate Drive-Thru will be fun for all ages. Opening on December 3rd and running until the 2nd of January, you will be able to see life-size examples of their most famous models. The attraction has taken over the expansive parking lot of the Toyota Arena in Ontario, California. Starting with all generations of Bigfoot, your journey will include light tunnels between each collection. The Garage Of Legends is filled with the Deora, Bad To The Blade, Twin Mill, RipRod, and dozens of others. Then its time to see over 30 wild Monster Trucks in action poses. Click the button below to purchase tickets and stay with us for all your automotive events. Buy Tickets

By Andrew Nabors – November 12, 2020

Rule The Skies In The 2021 King Air 360

All great planes are worth the wait, and this one has been at the forefront of our minds. Beechcraft has been building the best combination of luxury private travel combined with reliable & economical turboprop power. With more amenities and better build quality than any competitor, you will rule the skies in the 2021 King Air 360. Our friends in Wichita have been hard at work addressing delinquencies in private aviation. As a successor to the incredible 350, the new King Air 360 starts with touchscreen avionics. Thanks to digital climate control, you will have a lower cabin altitude thanks to increased pressure. You will be able to cruise for 1,806 Nautical Miles with the ability to taste your food and without popping your ears. With room for 10 friends, you will be airborne in less than 3,300 feet with a payload of over 5,000 lbs. The interior takes contemporary styling from luxury SUVs, with ambient lighting, captain's chairs, and stylish controls for air and lighting. If you enjoy the cockpit, new IS&S Autothrottles monitor torque and temperature to protect the turbines and running gear. Not only does it reduce stress on the rotating gear, it takes a nice chunk out of the pilot's workload. You will be able to operate from short fields in remote locations, so pack your bags. We have been singing the praises of Beechcraft since our first issue in 1985, so click the button to learn why and stay with us for the latest updates from Textron Aviation. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – November 12, 2020

BMW iX Is A Glimpse Of The Future

Taking in the automotive news released in the past 24 hours, the world will receive several unprecedented concepts before the end of the year. Not to be eclipsed by other electric luxury offerings, the upcoming BMW iX is a glimpse of the future. While it is still in development they have allowed us a sneak peak at what we will probably receive. Much like the i3, their goal is to offer an interior of sustainable materials. Wood and natural fibers offer a sense of holistic wellbeing and relaxation for the occupants. Recycled plastics inside and out allow for a low curb weight compared to other high-voltage SUVs. This allows it to only use 21 kWh for every 62 miles. Currently, it has a range of more than 300 miles. The electric motors have a combined output of 500 horsepower, and the batteries can charge from 10% to 80% in under 40 minutes. It will be more powerful and more efficient as development progresses, so we will be following this one closely to help you make an informed decision. Tell us what you think of the iX and stay with us for all your BMW news. Browse BMW For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 11, 2020

Introducing The All New O’Gara Reserve

O'Gara Reserve is here to offer unprecedented experiences for their most valued clients. Pulling together their most exclusive inventory from San Diego, Westlake Village and Beverly Hills, you won't be subjected to the unpleasantries endemic of every other dealer. Click the button to see what they have to offer and be prepared to be amazed. Browse Inventory

By Andrew Nabors – November 09, 2020

Gordon Murray Group Announces New Headquarters

Building amazing cars is tough when you are paying rent. Because their upcoming T.50 demands secrecy, Gordon Murray Group has announced a new headquarters. Their latest press release includes details of this £50M project. Three buildings will be located across 54 acres in Windlesham, Surrey. Their goal is to allow design, engineering, and validation to take place in-house, without worrying about espionage. Gordon Murray Automotive Announces the T.50s Race Car Professor Gordon Murray has penned the major details of the 130,000 sq ft, and he had this to say: "This new technology campus and global headquarters is a major investment and a huge step forward for the Gordon Murray Group, as we gather momentum for the next phase of our business and our brands, spearheaded by the all-new T.50 supercar. “Our innovative new technology campus is a fantastic new home and will give us world-class facilities that have been designed with a lot of attention to communication, workflow and social interaction – which will bring new levels of productivity to our already very efficient team. This new HQ is a significant investment and will create high value-added new jobs. We’re also proud to be already making significant contribution to UK exports, and helping secure the vital UK automotive supply chain. Over 90 percent of the content of the new T.50 comes from UK supplies, which is something that we specified from the start. It is designed, engineered and manufactured from world-class British components in Britain." The T.50 now has a home among the world's leading automotive and engineering companies, so stay with us for more updates from Gordon Murray Group " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 06, 2020

2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat Orders Open Today

Last night something brutal hit our inbox. As a welcomed diversion from the election chaos, we learned that the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat orders open today. While they initially planned to build less than 2,000 examples, the team at the Detroit Jefferson North Plant have responded with big news. They will build as many as dealers can order for this model year. 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye & Durango SRT Hellcat Unleashed Now that your dealer has the ability to secure your reservation, you will have all the power of the Jeep Trackhawk with a longer wheelbase. All seven versions of the Durango can be had with 3 rows of seating, while Jeep is limited to two. Your family will enjoy reaching 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a few ticks after...A consistent NHRA-certified quarter-mile of 11.5 seconds. Your right foot will have access to 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. Brembo brakes measure 15.7" and will stop from 60 mph in 116 feet. All this for $80,995 includes a full day of learning at Bob Bondurant's High-Performance Driving School in Chandler, AZ. Click the button below to reserve yours and stay with us for all your SRT news. Browse New Dodge For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – November 05, 2020

Fast Financials 2020 Q3: GM Publishes Strong Performance

When GM decided to stop building sedans in favor of updated trucks, the media backlash was severe. The death of the Regal, Impala, Malibu, and others was criticized by many as the end of an era, but it has allowed them to rebuild Hummer and finally offer a mid-engine Corvette. As seen in their most recent press release, GM has published strong performance for the 3rd quarter. GM Chart by TradingView Top 10 Best 2022 Hummer EV Facts and Features Rebounding from the hit everyone took when the virus fears sunk in, CEO Mary Barra and her team went back to basics. Spurred by heavy investments to modernize assembly plants and praise of the new Corvette, we see a 74% increase in income YTD. With revenue of $35.5 billion, they have $9.9 in cash flow and an income of $4 billion. This equates to $2.78 earning per share versus the same time last year. Click here to view the complete press release with GAAP numbers, then click below to find a new Corvette for sale. Stay with us for more Fast Financials here at duPont REGISTRY. Browse New Corvette For Sale " width="680">

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