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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 Alyssa Mammano – September 04, 2020

Tyler Perry Installing Private Airplane Runway at Massive...

Tyler Perry's massive Atlanta, GA mansion is underway, nearing completion of its 35,000-square-foot main house on 1,200 private acres. The out-of-this-world estate boasts grandeur fit for a king with a gigantic lap pool and what seems to be an airplane runway and private jet hangar. The estate is close to the city, yet far enough and supremely private enough for a secluded family home. Perry has been designing and building the home for several years now, with plans to convert a portion of the land into an organic farm with horses and farm animals. The incredible estate is also close to Perry's 330-acre studio, which will make for an easy commute. Forbes recently announced Perry has achieved billionaire status.

By Andrew Nabors – September 04, 2020

2021 Lexus RC Black Line Is the Perfect Blend of Performa...

Sport Coupes are generally not known for plush amenities. That is why the 2021 Lexus RC Black Line Is the Perfect Blend of Performance and Luxury. Their latest Black Line edition carries on with limited production and Zero-Halliburton luggage. Available on the RC 300 and RC 350, Black Line takes their F-Sport package to a new level. Lexus Black Line Special Edition Models are Ninja-Like Starting with triple LED headlights, you will also have 19" wheels in "Black Sputtering Chrome". Exterior colors are limited to Ultra White or Cloudburst Grey, and the interior is awash in Black Nuluxe with silver stitching. Like the other Black Line models, the steering wheel and many interior trim pieces are made of Ash Wood. The RC 300 has a 2-liter turbo that offers 241 horsepower. Big brother RC 350 makes 311 horsepower from a 3.5-liter V6, along with 280 lb-ft of torque. AWD models have six-speed automatics while Rear-Wheel-Drive gets an 8-speed. Of course, every Lexus RC is loaded with the latest in safety and connectivity at a price that beats their competitors by a wide margin. Click the button below to learn more from our dealers and have a great weekend! Browse Lexus For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 04, 2020

Watch the Mercedes-AMG G63 6x6 on "Inside AMG"

No other automaker preserves their history like Mercedes-Benz. That makes sense, being that Karl Benz invented the automobile. Their most recent upload involves the history of their indestructible cross-country wagon. Since 1979 the Geländewagen (G-Class) has been built in Graz, Austria, so this episode highlights the wild abilities of the Mercedes-AMG G63, and even the 6x6. If you are reading this, you know what a status symbol the G-Wagon is, so sit back and see how capable it can be. Click the button to find yours and stay with us for all your G-Class news. Browse Mercedes-AMG G63 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – September 04, 2020

Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ & Chiron Pur Sport Attack...

Astronauts have a great view of the world's greatest test track. Located in the heel of Italy's boot, Fiat built a perfect 8-mile circle. Since the track is banked over 12 degrees, drivers don't need the steering wheel, as this angle simulates a straight line. Records have been broken here since 1975, so that is why the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+ and the Chiron Pur Sport attacked the Nardo Ring. Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport Stops in Switzerland Before Coming to the USA Two cars and 37 employees evaluated the cars before, during, and after each run, always looking for ways to go faster. This is the beginning phase of a series of tests. Four examples of each model are planned to accumulate over 12,500 miles to make sure their customers get what they pay for. Only 30 examples of the 300+ will be built, each with 100 more horsepower than a normal Chiron. Because tire technology is not quite ready for the average consumer, the production cars will be limited to 273 mph. To cover the middle ground between the base model and the 300+, the Chiron Pur Sport nearly production ready. Only 60 cars will be built, with an emphasis on handling and grip instead of top speed. Therefore they have different suspensions, transmissions, engine calibrations and cooling systems. Both models will arrive next year with the Pur Sport priced at 3 Million Euros, and 3.5 Million for the 300+. Tell us which one you have ordered in the comments below and have a great weekend. Browse Bugatti For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 04, 2020

Mcintosh Audio for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer Is Aural Perfe...

Last week we broke the news that McIntosh was returning to car audio. Every product they build is the result of extensive research and made from the best materials. Cost is not an object for them, and such is the case for their loyal customers. That is why McIntosh Audio for the Jeep Grand Wagoneer is aural perfection. The system is outlined in a press release this morning, and the details will leave you speechless. McIntosh & Alps Alpine Join Forces to Build Luxury Audio for Exotic Cars Starting with a clean slate, engineers from Jeep collaborated in the virtual realm to model the optimal speaker locations. In college, I competed in SQL competition, where a panel of judges analyze how clean and immersive your car audio is. Over the past decade, the use of VR has taken this sport to another level so I can't wait to hear this system. They won't divulge the juicy details like wattage or frequency response, mainly because audio nerds like myself will over-analyze the system. Remember, this is a Jeep Concept. Not every detail will make it to the assembly line, so we'll leave you with a quote from McIntosh Laboratory President Charlie Randall "“Like McIntosh, the Grand Wagoneer is a true American icon. Working with the Grand Wagoneer team to bring these icons together on a concept vehicle has definitely rekindled our passion for a high-end audio experience in an automobile. As a company, when we tap into our passion for audio excellence, the outcomes are plain to see…and hear.” Stay with us for all your McIntosh and Jeep news. Browse Jeep For Sale

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By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2020

Lingenfelter Performance Teases a Wild Continental C8 Sti...

Corvette collectors all have one thing in common, making their cars go faster. To say that Ken Lingenfelter likes vettes is an understatement. While Jay Leno's car collection spans all makes and models, the Lingenfelter Collection has nearly every example of Chevrolet's supercar. So their latest project involves the C8 Stingray with help from Continental tires. Lingenfelter Collection Spring Open House Lingenfelter Performance has teased a wild Corvette, but all we have are two pictures to go on. Could this be a new IMSA team? If so, they already have a big sponsor onboard. Continental has been making the world's best rubber in Germany since 1871. By perfecting the vulcanization process invented by Charles Goodyear, they are one of the largest Tier-1 suppliers in the world. Not only did they acquire Uniroyal, they also expanded to purchase VDO Gauges, Motorola's automotive division, and they are the "sole" supplier of rubber for Adidas shoes. Needless to say, whatever the put their name on, it will be the best in its field. This livery would look great to see at Sebring or LeMans, so good luck to everyone at Lingenfelter and stay with us as this car evolves. Browse C8 Corvette Stingray For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2020

2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xE Offers 375 Hybrid Horsepower

Now you can have fun offroad without worrying about harming the environment. Released minutes ago, the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xE offers 375 hybrid horsepower. Starting with their dependable 2-liter turbo, a 17 kWh battery offers 25 miles of electric range. This allows it to achieve 50 MPG, making it incredibly efficient while still being able to ford 30" of water. Watch the 2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Unveiling With Us Leaving lithium-ion in the past, a nickel-manganese battery will last longer and charge faster. The integrated starter/generator is coupled to an 8-speed automatic and, of course, 4-wheel drive. The transfer case also has a separate motor/generator with several clutch packs used to manage engine power vs battery power. When open, the battery sends torque directly to the differentials without having to go through the transmission. It can also clamp down on the driveshafts with regenerative braking. This offers 0.25G of brake force, essentially eliminating wear on your pads & rotors. " width="680"> This is truly brilliant, and something that will undoubtedly be copied by everyone else. The hybrid system is all Direct Current, so there is no need for bulky inverters. All electrical connections are triple-sealed for safety and rugged dependability where the pavement ends. Three drive modes offer a normal hybrid cycle, pure electric, and eSave. The latter demands the most of the gas engine to keep the battery stored at full power. There is literally nothing not to like about this. Even if you aren't a Jeep fan, the Wrangler 4xE is loaded with unprecedented EV technology. Click the button above browse custom Jeep Wranglers for sale and stay with us for all your Jeep news. Browse Custom Jeep Wrangler For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2020

2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer Concept Revealed

Today we are blessed to show you the future of Jeep. Not only is the Grand Wagoneer making a grand return, the Wrangler 4xE will bring carbon-neutral fun to off-road adventures. Take this with a grain of salt, as the former is being displayed in concept form, but it looks production-ready to us. What began in 1962, the Grand Wagoneer was the first 4WD family SUV to offer an automatic transmission. The 1984 model arrived with plush amenities and a rugged 5.8-liter V8 that would run reliably for 3 decades. Aiming directly at Lincoln and Cadillac, this concept has bi-functional LED headlights that are cradled by teakwood. The 7-slot grille evokes fond memories, and the obsidian black finish is anodized to match the dark features of the interior. " width="680"> Inside there is a few acres of leather with seating for 7. The full length glass roof makes for incredible views for the passengers, possible tearing them away from their electronic distractions. Machined aluminum and wood are pleasing to the touch, so we hope these small details make it to production. Dinamica suede covers the pillars and headliner, while almost 45" of display screens span across the dash. McIntosh & Alps Alpine Join Forces to Build Luxury Audio for Exotic Cars McIntosh Audio features 23 speakers and a 24-channel amp, and the cabin has several layers of acoustic and thermal insulation. Since this is a concept, no engine specs were disclosed. They are waiting on Jeep faithful to demand production, so click the button below to find our dealer near you and tell them you want a 2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. We will have more details as they become available so stay with us for all your Jeep news. Browse Jeep For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2020

2021 Mercedes-Benz SL Testing Previews an Amazing Roadster

When you ask someone to imagine the most prolific German Roadster of all time, you know what they will describe. Since it arrived in 1952, engineers have rarely allowed the public behind the scenes to see their upcoming work. Time are changing, and they want the world to see what goes into building a flagship for their brand. That is why 2021 Mercedes-Benz testing has previewed an amazing Roadster. Staying true to form, we can spot the retractable hardtop under the camo. 2018 Mercedes SL65 Specs, Price, Photos & Review The 4-liter twin-turbo will undoubtedly be a key player, and their 48-volt EQ boost will offer great mileage. Even the current generation SL is a great car, as it constantly monitors for collision avoidance in all directions. A press car I was driving noticed a crash ahead of the car I was following, so it changed lanes to avoid the inevitable. Click the button below to find yours. Browse Mercedes-Benz SL For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – September 03, 2020

Brabham BT62R Debuts as Street Legal Race Car

Great cars are worth the wait, so after 2 years of teasing you we are happy to announce that the Brabham BT62R has debuted as a street-legal race car. It is their third model, joining the Ultimate Track and Competition models. All the work needed to make it legal was done in-house, as opposed to 3rd party suppliers. Brabham Automotive & Kyron Audio Unveil $250,000 Home Entertainment System This has allowed the team to retain much of the race-ready hardware while complying with road laws. CEO Dan Marks said: Launching the BT62R is a great achievement for the team at Brabham Automotive. All the requisite design and engineering to turn the track BT62 into the road going BT62R has been done in-house by our team of engineers, which is a great testimony to their endeavor and expertise." " width="680"> Learn More To make it civilized, they added variable ride height for bumpy streets, emissions and sound-compliant exhaust, A/C with defrost, comfy seats, and the option for an audio system. Available in left or right-hand drive, it will arrive wearing Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSports. Their 5.4-liter V8 is rated at 700 horsepower and 492 lb-ft of torque. It is the most powerful production V8 without turbos or superchargers, sending power to a 6-speed sequential with street-friendly gear ratios. Perhaps the best feature is the traditional clutch pedal, in that it is only needed when starting, or if you want smooth shifting for your significant other. Click the button above to reserve yours and stay with us for all your Brabham news.

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