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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

Automobile Production At Czech Republic's Hyundai Motor Co. Plant

By Andrew Nabors – April 15, 2020

Audi, Hyundai & Renault to Resume Production

Europe wants and needs to get back to work. That's everyone is happy to read the latest headline from Bloomberg. Last night they reported that Audi, Hyundai, & Renault are ready to resume production. Because suppliers are still closed, each automaker is taking a cautious approach. Audi's engine plant in Hungary is one of the largest in the world. Because they supply engines to Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini, they are the most essential workers in the VW empire. Hyundai will start up their assembly lines in the Czech Republic on Monday, running 2 shifts instead of 3. Last but not least. Renault has resumed operations in Portugal, and their plants in Romania are planned to restart on Tuesday. Our hope is that these brave actions will jump-start the economy, so stay with us for all your automotive news. Shop Exotic Cars For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 15, 2020

See What Makes the Rezvani Tank so Wild

The Rezvani Tank is deserving of the name it was given. Don't believe me? You can either look at it or watch the video by Donut Media down below for proof. For instance, the Tank is bulletproof. Yes, it has B7 rated glass which can withstand an AK-47 round from 10-meters away. For the rest of the car, the Military Edition has ballistic armor that can deflect shrapnel and sniper rounds. Yeah, the Tank is... a tank. But this is all just the beginning of what makes the Tank such a formidable vehicle in just about any situation. Click play on the video down below and see for yourself. I'm also 100% sure you have some time to sit back and enjoy a video today. Shop Rezvanis For Sale

The CT4-V Blackwing will feature a specially tuned chassis, vehi

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2020

Cadillac Confirms Manual Transmission CT4-V & CT5-V Black...

One unavoidable fact is that history repeats itself. Although many use this phrase as a warning, we greet it with open arms. That is why we're glad to announce that Cadillac has confirmed the return of manual transmission repair. The already potent CT4-V and CT5-V are powered by the potent and reliable 3.6-liter V6. Some critics cried foul that a V-series Cadillac would have V6 power, so thankfully they will unleash Blackwing versions of both sedans. Their most recent press release mentions that Blackwing is the new name for top-level Cadillac performance. Both cars will arrive with track-tuned suspensions which probably translates to magnetic ride control. To prove they are worthy, both models have been tested around the world. Both the CT4-V and CT5-V Blackwing lapped Virginia International Raceway much faster than their ATS-V and CTS-V predecessors. We don't know what will be under the hood, but it sure sounds like a V8. Hopefully, it is a derivative of the LT2 from the C8 Corvette Stingray, so stay with us for all your Cadillac updates. Find Your CTS-V Here

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2020

Rest In Peace Sir Stirling Moss

Over his 4 decades in motor racing, he never refused to get behind the wheel. His career spanned Formula 3 to Formula 1, and from Bonneville to the broadcast booth. A decade of Le Mans racing lasted from 1951 to 1961, with a 1st and 2nd place victory along with other track records. And to fans of motorsports, his commentary and insights on ABC were worth more than attending the race in person. After beginning his career driving English cars, Mercedes-benz made him an offer he couldn't refuse. He pushed the 300 SLR to the front of the field several times in 1955, proving the German roadster was more than just good looks. It is not often that a manufacturer chooses to honor a living legend, and that was the basis for the 2009 Mercedes-McLaren SLR Stirling Moss Edition. We offer our condolences to his children and family, thank you for sharing him with us. Sir Stirling Craufurd Moss: 17 September 1929 – 12 April 2020 " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2020

How Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann Works From Home

History will remember how us essential workers kept the wheels of industry moving amidst such an outbreak. With Social Distiancing keeping many offices closed, Self Discipline has become top priority in our homes. Although he is the leader of the world's most prestigious brand, his daily routine is not unlike many others who are working remotely. If you want to know what it takes to keep sixteen cylinders ahead of the competition, here is how Bugatti President Stephan Winkelmann works from home. The following timeline is an excerpt from their latest press release: 7:00 a.m. Get up Light breakfast Obtain an overview of the day’s news; read national and international press. 8:30 a.m. Catch up with e-mails Start of my first Skype meeting with the Comité de Direction, the extended Executive Board. 10:00 a.m. Further conference calls with various departments such as Development, Sales, Design and Marketing. “Even though none of our hyper sports cars are able to leave our Molsheim site at the moment, we are continuing to work actively where possible. Apart from production, this relates primarily to development and design. Employees keep me informed of the current status, development success, or problems. This also includes the current status of our global business partners. How are they dealing with the situation and how are they continuing to support our customers? We discuss the next steps together so that our work is not impeded by a lack of decisions. Our motto is always the same: the only way we can continue to build the best cars in the world is by talking to one another. The challenges facing the Sales and Marketing departments are particularly tough and we are only able to solve these together.” 12:00 p.m. Lunch Watch the news on TV Catch up with e-mails 2:00 p.m. Further phone conferences with the Comité de Produit, the product committee, regarding the development of current and future products. Catch up with e-mails “Bugatti never stands still. Not at the weekends, not over the Christmas holidays, and definitely not on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are no limits to the creativity of our staff; new ideas for new technical solutions or products appear all the time. Consolidating them all is always a particular challenge. During our Comité de Produit conference calls, we discuss the latest developments and sketch out future projects. For me, these are some of the most exciting meetings as they give you a glimpse of all the power and creativity in our company. Things can get a little heated sometimes. However, in my experience, it precisely this kind of friction that leads to the best results.” 7:00 p.m. Endurance sports “Since I currently cannot train at the gym or in the pool, I go running for an hour in the early evening and break up my run with a few exercises. This improves my endurance and health, I enjoy it and it gives me time to review the day without my smartphone or computer. This period of meditation also recharges my batteries.” 9:00 p.m. Private phone calls 10:00 p.m. Read “For me, the only benefit of the lockdown is that I have more time to read in the evenings. I normally read two books in parallel, one fiction and one non-fiction. However, I am reading two non-fiction books at the moment – a biography of Charles de Gaulle and a book about the French paratrooper units during the Indochina war. There is also a book about the ‘Bugatti Queen’ on my shelf, which tells the story of the French female racing driver Hellé Nice, who drove a Bugatti Type 35 C. This book is next on my list.” We appreciate him sharing his life with us. It offers a shining light in this time of darkness. For me, exercise is the best way to clear my mind. Between covering the news for you, I ride my bike around the block or spar with a punching bag on the porch. Tell us what keeps you going in the comments below and stay with us for all your Bugatti news. Browse All Bugatti For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2020

VW of America Increases Mask & Gown Production

On the west side of Manhattan, the iconic Javits Center has been converted into a field hospital. Thankfully it has more beds than NYC currently needs, but medical staff can always use more protective gear. That is why Volkswagen of America has increased the production of masks & gowns. It is a collaboration with Faurecia that delivered an initial order of 70,000 masks and 5,000 gowns. They were distributed to hospitals around the city and quickly put to use. Faurecia is one of the world's largest automotive parts suppliers and they have stepped up to this unprecedented situation. Working with VW, their targets have been raised to 250,000 masks and 50,000 gowns per week. Even though the VW factory in Chattanooga is still closed, workers have loaded their trucks with food and supplies for the Tennessee and Virginia Departments of Transportation. Volkswagen Canada is using their press cars to deliver hand sanitizer, and VW Mexico is cooking food for hundreds of families around the factories in Puebla and Guanajuato. " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 10, 2020

Mecum Auctions Announces New "On The Move" Podcast

Nothing beats the fast paced action of a Mecum Auction. Because each event appeals to a wide demographic of collectors, you never know when a bidding war will erupt. These wars are caused by a few people having incredible knowledge of the car they want. However, we know that regardless of your personal tastes, everyone enjoys learning about cars and staying current on what's happening in the automotive world. That is why Dana Mecum and Company have announced their new "On The Move" podcast. It will be headlined by John Kraman, the main commentator for Mecum's NBC coverage. He will be joined by Matt Avery, Executive Producer of "The Transmission". Their goal is to provide 30 to 40 minutes every week covering upcoming events, industry trends, and insights from celebrity guests. Our friend Sam Murtaugh is the Vice President of Marketing and Presentation and had this to say: We’ve learned from research, direct contact at our auctions, and through all means of communication that our audience has an insatiable appetite for more information about Mecum Auctions and the collector car market from our inside perspective. With auctions taking place regularly throughout the year, more than 200 hours of original programming and 900 hours annually on NBC Sports Network, and the millions of people engaging with our brand at Mecum.com, we’re continuously looking for more ways to deliver fresh content to our existing audience in addition to introducing the Mecum brand to new audiences. Our podcast is the perfect extension to continue building our audience and providing even more content to those already engaged with Mecum." Episode 1 is already available, and it includes an interview with Consignment Director Frank Mecum who offers details for their next events. We have already subscribed, so click the button below and stay with us for all your Mecum news. Listen & Subscribe Here " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – April 10, 2020

Fully Loaded 2020 Harley-Davidson GMC Sierra #27 For Sale

Last year GMC shocked the world with an all-new Sierra. Bigger, stronger, and finally more distinct than its cousins at Chevrolet. With more abilities than ever before, it caught the eye of Mr. Davidosn. It took a few months for the motorcycle masters in Milwaukee to infuse it with current and classic HD style, so we're glad to offer this limited edition fully loaded 2020 Harley-Davidson GMC Sierra for sale. Starting with the ZRX off-road package, no less than 65 proprietary body and interior upgrades were added. Starting with the grille and skid plate, HD added a ram-air hood, heat extractors on the fenders, their own tonneau cover, and plush bed carpeting. Moving inside we find HD sill plates, floor mats, piano black interior accents and Harley-Davidson orange trim in several places. The piece de resistance is a new center console proudly displays the truck's build number (#27). You will hear a tuned HD stainless exhaust. It is not available separately to make sure your truck sounds unlike any other. The roar is provided by the same 6.2L V8 found in the Corvette and Camaro SS, sending 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque to all wheels via an innovative 10-speed automatic. This bulletproof transmission is shared with the Camaro ZL1 1LE, so it has been proven to offer years of crisp shifts and over 20 mpg on the highway. Each truck is built to order, and no two are alike. That's why #27 deserves to be in your driveway. Click the button below for all the info and Ride Safe! View Price & Specs

By Andrew Nabors – April 10, 2020

Mercedes-AMG Accepts Audi's Four Rings Challenge

Audi understands that many owners & fans are stuck at home. That is why the asked the world for creative ways to replicate their logo. Fan submissions included everything from cakes to graffiti, but the latest response was a bit of friendly competition from Affalterbach. In a sign of solidarity, Mercedes-AMG has accepted the Four Rings Challenge. Unleashing the brutal power of a new Mercedes-AMG C63, tell us what you think of their efforts in the comments below. Browse Mercedes-AMG C63 For Sale https://www.facebook.com/MercedesAMG/videos/550451905608809/

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By Andrew Nabors – April 09, 2020

Lamborghini North Los Angeles Offers More Than you Could ...

Traveling east from Ventura on the 101, you will notice an amazing display of new Lamborghini models, including the flagship Lamborghini Aventador S & SVJ, EVO Coupe & Spyder and a great selection of the new Urus Super SUV (SSUV). Make a stop in Calabasas and you will also find an incredible offering of pre-owned Raging Bulls awaiting you. 2018 Huracan Performante Spyder View Details With rates competitive with the other authorized Lamborghini dealers, Lamborghini financing's best incentives are available at Lamborghini North Los Angeles. With these lending and lease options, shoppers feel at ease, worry-free, and satisfied with their purchase. 2015 Aventador View Details Lamborghini North Los Angeles isn't only a place for those in the market for a new Lamborghini. It has also evolved in the go-to spot for Lamborghini owners. Our fans have noted their car service and maintenance center, is both convenient and competent. 2015 Huracan View Details It doesn't stop there-- Lamborghini North Los Angeles also hosts an array of services to personalize or enhance your Lamborghini driving experience. Just ask about their auto parts and accessories department to see what we mean. 2014 Gallardo LP 560-2 50th Anniversario View Details Still not clear about why so many trust Lamborghini North Los Angeles for all of their Lamborghini needs? Visit the dealership at 24050 Ventura Blvd Calabasas, California and find out for yourself! 2019 Huracan Performante Spyder View Details Contact Lamborghini North Los Angeles Website: https://www.lamborghinila.com/Phone: 866-476-5720Address: 24050 Ventura BlvdCalabasas, CA 91302

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