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McLaren W1 First Drive: Ferocious Hypercar Transcends the Track

You know things are getting serious when McLaren rolls-out the ‘1’ suffix. The origin story is, of course, the very first road car McLaren ever built, the F1. Designed by visionary Formula 1 aerodynamicist and engineer Gordon Murray, it arrived in 1992 and rendered all other supercars obsolete. The tiny, lightweight F1 embraced carbon-fibre material technology, adopted a radical centre seat driving position with two passengers set back and either side and was powered by a 6.1-litre V12 engine from BMW that might as well have been passed down directly from the Gods. Game-changer? That doesn’t even come close to describing its impact, even if at the time sales didn’t come easy… The P1 was very different. Rather than a unique side project from the Formula 1 team, it was instead a statement piece for McLaren Automotive, a new road car division still in its infancy. It arrived in 2013 and was a wild-eyed showstopper. It traded the long-legged gait and supple suspension of the F1 for a weaponized hybrid system capable of delivering 903bhp and huge blue flames from its drainpipe exhaust. In Race mode, it lowered by 2-inches and its massive concave rear wing extended into the sky. The P1 was all about aerodynamic downforce, crazed acceleration and a snorting, angry soundtrack that mixed venomous twin-turbocharged V8 with the manic whirr of electric motors. Not so much a car as a force of nature. And now there’s this: The W1. It’s a true successor to the P1 with a similar brief and, on the face of it, it evolves rather than radically reinvents McLaren’s vision for the ultimate hypercar. This is not a criticism. How could it be when the result is this dramatic and has such staggering, other-worldly potential? The W1 has 1258bhp delivered to the rear wheels. It’s capable of 0-124 mph in 5.8-seconds, the quarter mile in 9.6-seconds at 167 mph and produces 2205lbs of downforce at 174 mph. The active aerodynamics – particularly a rear wing that extends way out beyond the rear of the car – are pure performance art and deliver massive aerodynamic efficiency. The result, aside from looking extremely cool, is that the W1 is McLaren’s fastest road car around a racetrack. Ever. Their benchmark circuit is the breath-taking Handling Track at the Nardo proving ground in southern Italy, where the W1 beats their previous benchmark, the flyweight McLaren Senna, by three seconds per lap. Or “a lifetime” as they call it in racing. Maybe two lifetimes! Core to the W1’s performance is the new ‘Aerocell’ carbon fibre tub. With integrated seats and a raised footwell to allow for inboard pushrod-operated front suspension – which in turn gives air a clean path to the huge underbody diffuser – it’s light, stiff, space efficient and has been instrumental in McLaren realising a full ground-effect concept. Just like last year’s F1 cars, which were the fastest ever made. There is also an active front wing and the aforementioned complex rear wing dubbed ‘Active Long Tail’. All of which is very admirable. But the ‘anhedral’ or gullwing doors and the fantastically shirnked-wrapped feel to the minimalist, highly-focussed interior are a pretty good side effect. The W1 feels special. Those fixed seats are perhaps a shade more upright than expected, and the driving position is less obviously racecar than, for example, the Aston Martin Valhalla or Ferrari F80. However, once you’ve adjusted the pedals (they move on a slider) and the delicate, slim-rimmed and alcantara-trimmed steering wheel, there’s an overwhelming sense of purpose. The cabin is so tightly tailored and imparts a sense of lightness and agility before you so much as start the all-new 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, which makes 916bhp all on its own and revs to 9200rpm. Reach up to a roof-mounted control panel to find the starter button. Maybe this fighter plane trope is a little corny, but somehow you feel thrilled rather than manipulated. The W1 has a sense of humour as well as all that motorsport-derived sophistication. There’s a short delay, but when the engine does fire it’s instant – as the high-powered hybrid system negates the need for an old-school starter motor. A sharp flare of revs tells you that this engine is hyper-responsive and angry. On some deep level your brain and body have been sent all the signals required to prepare for something new and intense. Ahead of us, an empty Mugello racetrack, so press and hold the blue button next to the red starter to select Race mode. The centre display graphic shows the W1’s transformation in real time as it lowers by 37mm at the front and 17mm at the rear whilst simultaneously undocking all that active aero goodness. Race mode is not road legal and is geo-locked. You can show your friends and neighbours the aero dance, but it won’t allow you to select a gear to actually drive unless you’re at a circuit. Incidentally, the rocker switches either side of the display binnacle allow further options now: Toggle up the Handling control on the left for Race+ (for F1-spec super smooth tracks) or stick to Race for gnarlier ones. On the right toggle select ‘GP’ for sustained performance over a stint or ‘Sprint’ to unleash all 1258bhp for a time attack. There’s also a DRS and Boost function on the steering wheel. But I guarantee you won’t have the mental capacity to use them… Exit the pitlane, pin the throttle and W1 takes maybe a millisecond or two to gather its might (the gearing stretches to around 60mph in first, nearly 100mph in second, primarily to aid traction), but then lunges at the first turn with incredible ferocity. It instantly feels light, almost like inertia is no longer a thing. McLaren really does prize lightweight engineering, and at 3084lbs (dry) the W1 has a 278lbs advantage over the Ferrari F80. Plus, Ferrari uses figures for cars fitted with every single carbon fibre option. In reality, the gap is probably wider still. The impression of agility and stunning control continues as the track is unravelled at startling pace. The electric motor mounted to the side of the new 8-speed dual-clutch transmission is good for 342bhp and 324lb ft and it boosts any low rev lethargy the new flat-plane crank V8 might have (spoiler alert: It doesn’t appear to have any), so the W1 just feels massively, almost impossibly powerful at any revs. Even so, there’s real reward for wringing it out to 9200rpm and the power curve feels superheated but organic, too. In Race mode the steering – still hydraulically powered – has less assistance and it is noticeably heavier than other McLarens. However, that resistance is welcome as it gives you something to push against and imparts so much information about the front grip level. New Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres with a bigger front footprint than P1 or Senna really help. The front-end feels incredibly secure and the rear-axle follows with perfectly-aligned precision. The whole car feels super-stiff, completely locked into the surface and inspires confidence, but there’s an inherent agility and adjustability that means you’re quickly confident to push at its limits and really impose yourself on the chassis. It’s such a complex car but the driving experience is intuitive, and the driver feels a key contributor rather than just amazed (or terrified) observer, holding on for dear life. Every dynamic ingredient really is shockingly effective and yet has a subtlety and lightness of touch. From that delicious steering to the incredible brakes, the W1 just feels so mission-focussed, so hooked-up. Only the new 8-speed gearbox is a slightly disappointment. It’s fast and punchy, but after the scintillating energy of the Ferrari F80 ’box it feels competent rather than inspired. Other quibbles – it’s okay to quibble when the starting price is $2.1-million before tax and destination charge. Well, that new twin-turbocharged V8 sounds tightly wound and aggressive but if you have a P1 tucked in the garage you’ll miss the snorting, Darth Vader-style soundscape and all the drama that goes with it. Ferrari does this better, too. The F80 sounds deathly dull from the outside but is a riot of turbochargers, electric motors and all sorts of mechanical fury within the cockpit. Even so, the W1 is wildly entertaining on track, and the rear-drive configuration makes it more of a challenge and more satisfying than the F80 when chasing lap times or just sliding around for fun. In the Ferrari, you must second-guess what the front e-axle might do, whereas in the W1 it’s all on you. There are plenty of tools to help, including the ingenious Variable Drift Control, but somehow the W1 is more heroic. Or at least fools you into feeling more heroic – which is surely the point! On the road? Nimble, loaded with feel and sublime response. The ride is noticeably tougher than, say, a 750S but the control is ramped-up too, and with a bit more speed the whole car finds a delicious rhythm. Sport mode for the drivetrain brings some nice turbo whooshes and chirps, but the noise remains high-quality rather than extreme excitement. It is perhaps the one area the W1 feels just a little too tame. Of course, there’s nothing tame about the raw performance… which is genuinely shocking and literally hurts your neck muscles after a few hours. How McLaren has given the W1 such immense traction through just two driven wheels is beyond me. So, is it worthy of that ‘1’? I think so. Perhaps we won’t be talking about $25-million auction results for the W1 in 30 years from now, as we are for the F1. Perhaps it doesn’t quite have the amazing presence and jaw-dropping star quality of the simply gorgeous P1. But it is such an intense experience and the way it marries stunning track performance with delicate poise and entertainment on normal roads is something akin to magic. Maybe not ‘the one’ but definitely a searing, outrageous addition to McLaren’s fiercest family line. Just 399 W1’s will be built and they’re all sold. I’m not surprised at all. View All McLarens For Sale Images: McLaren Automotive

By Edward Jones – March 03, 2020

Koenigsegg Jesko Absolut Revealed: The Fastest Koenigsegg...

Koenigsegg is making a statement with the new Jesko Absolut: they know how to make the fastest cars in the world. The new Jesko Absolute will, in fact, be the fastest Koenigsegg that will ever be made, present and future. Christian von Koenigsegg, the CEO and founder of Koenigsegg, says that the Jesko Absolut will be a "land-based rocket-ship determined to reach underheard-of speed in record-setting pace." When designing the Jesko Absolut, Koenigsegg went out of their way to reduce drag. Every single surface element on the car has been in a way to reduce drag while increasing stability and high speeds. Koenigsegg, essentially, put together this equation: a drag coefficient value of 0.278 Cd + frontal area of 1.88 m2 + 1,600 bhp = "more extraordinary speeds than any other Koenigsegg or any other fully homologated car before it." While they don't disclose a top speed, there's no doubt in our mind that we will find out soon enough. See All Koenigseggs for Sale

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By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2020

Pininfarina Introduces Battista Anniversario

While it was supposed to be the star of the Geneva Motor Show, this year it might be safer to unveil them online. Limited to only 5 examples, Pininfarina has introduced the Battista Anniversario a few moments ago. They will be the first examples in the run of 150 electric supercars. To set them apart from the regular production models, engineers shaved 22 lbs from the curb weight and added unique forged wheels. Optional is the "Furiosa" pack that has a more aggressive splitter, rockers, and diffuser. Available in "Bianco Sestriere, Grigio Antonelliano and Iconica Blu", the paintwork takes several weeks of color sanding by hand. The pinstripes are painted by hand before the body is assembled to ensure a perfect line. Browse All Sports Cars For Sale " width="680"> Images and film (Automobili Pininfarina)

By Andrew Nabors – March 02, 2020

Most Outrageous Trucks For Sale: February 2020

While we are preparing to celebrate 35 years of selling exotic cars, we know that almost every exotic car owner has, or has had a truck. Since the modern luxury pickup appeals to everyone, lets look at the most outrageous trucks for sale in February 2020. Browse All Trucks For Sale 2020 Hennessey Gladiator Maximus New 6.2L Supercharged Hellcat V8 Ported Supercharger With Both Pulley Upgrades: 1,000 Horsepower Dana 60 Lockers With 4.88 Gears 8-Lug 20" Wheels 1 Of Only 24 Built View Price & Specs 2019 Hennessey VelociRaptor 6x6 Hennesey Turbos & Intercooler: 600+ Horsepower Three Locking Differentials B&O Surround Sound 1,200 Lbs Bed Payload Capacity View Price & Specs 2019 Harley-Davidson Supercharged F-150 700+ Horsepower Supercharger Powdercoated in HD Orange "Fatboy" Style Wheels Limited Edition Number Plate Fox Racing Suspension View Price & Specs 2019 Ford F-150 Lariat 4x4 Baja Offroad Innov8 G400 Beadlock With CNC Caps - $5,940 BFG KR2 37'' All Around Plus 2 Spares Mounted - $3,890 PRG Upper Control Arms, Lower Control Arms, Spindles, Tie Rods - $6,325 RCV Axles - $3,075 View Price & Specs 2020 Hennessey VelociRaptor V8 758 Horsepower @ 7,000 RPM (570 RWHP) 0-60: 4.1s 1/4 Mile: 12.2 @ 115 MPH 2.9L Supercharger View Price & Specs 1954 Chevrolet 3100 Art Morrison GT Sport Chassis 650 Horsepower Chevy LT4 Crate Engine 8-Speed Automatic Strange 9" Rear With 4-link View Price & Specs 2019 Ford F-250 Powerstroke Transformer SEMA Best In Show Winner As Seen On 2 Episodes of "Twin Turbos" on Discovery Microsoft Scanned Every Detail Into Forza Racing on Xbox One View Price & Specs 2019 Saleen Black Label XR Fox Racing Suspension 13.8" Brakes 2.5" Coil-Over Shocks 17x8.5" Wheels & General Tire Grabber X3 33x12.50 Saleen Supercharged V8: 700 HP & 600 Lb-Ft Of Torque View Price & Specs 2019 Shelby Super Snake F-150 Ram Air Super Snake Hood 20" Wheels With BFG K02 35-12.50 Adaptive Cruise Control With Stop/Go Fox Racing Suspension View Price & Specs 2020 Shelby Baja Raptor 525 Horsepower & 610 Lb-ft Of Torque Bed Mounted Chase Rack With Dual Spare Mounts Shelby Intercooler, Intake & Exhaust Fox/Shelby 3" Shocks With Ford Live Valve Controllers View Price & Specs 1994 Land Rover Defender 110 SPECTRE James Bond Edition 200 Tdi Engine Restored In the U.S. Clear Texas Title View Price & Specs 2020 Shelby Baja Raptor 525 Horsepower & 610 Lb-ft Of Torque Bed Mounted Chase Rack With Dual Spare Mounts Shelby Intercooler, Intake & Exhaust Fox/Shelby 3" Shocks With Ford Live Valve Controllers View Price & Specs 1950 Dodge Power Wagon 3 Year Frame Off Restoration 12V Cummins Diesel, 5-Speed Manual, Rebuilt Transfer Case White Oak Bed & 20" Wheels View Price & Specs 2018 Shelby Baja Raptor 525 Horsepower & 610 Lb-ft Of Torque Bed Mounted Chase Rack With Dual Spare Mounts Shelby Intercooler, Intake & Exhaust Fox/Shelby 3" Shocks With Ford Live Valve Controllers View Price & Specs

By Andrew Nabors – March 01, 2020

Zenith & Habanos Unveil Watches Inspired by Romeo & Julie...

Three decades ago duPont REGISTRY was founded in Cigar City (Tampa, Florida). We are accustomed to fine tobacco, even building a mobile humidor in 2013. That being said, the only thing better than a fine cigar is a quality timepiece. That is why we are proud to announce an unprecedented collaboration. Zenith Watches has unveiled a pair of equisite timepieces based on Habanos' Romeo y Julieta cigars. A perfect blend of his and hers, these chronographs evoke the detail and intrigue of Zenith's hand-rolled masterpieces. With each watch displaying the moon's face, their goal is for them both to meet according to Shakespeare's timeless plot. I can think of no other way to spend time with my wife at midnight. From Zenith: "Established in 1875 and celebrating its 145th anniversary this year, Romeo y Julieta is one of the most revered names in the world of Cuban cigars. Between 1885 and 1900, the brand won numerous awards at different tasting exhibitions, which the brand honours as medals on its logo. The brand garnered international acclaim under the ownership of Jose "Pepin" Rodriguez Fernandez at the start of the 20th century. Being a very cosmopolitan man, Rodriguez constantly travelled across Europe and the Americas to promote the Romeo y Julieta brand, with his racing horse Julieta taking part in prestigious races across the globe. Among the many avid devotees of Romeo y Julieta was Sir Winston Churchill, to whom the brand has named its flagship vitola in his honour." From the Cigar Maker: We have always said that our relationship with Zenith is marked by the emotion that unites our brands, and we are proud to witness the series of unique watches that are the result of the alliance of these two icons of luxury. In 2016, it was the time of Cohiba, the most prestigious Premium tobacco brand in the world, with which we started this partnership, reaffirmed with new special editions of Zenith watches for Cohiba in 2017 and 2018." "Then it was the time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of our Trinidad brand in 2019, and Zenith surprised Habano collectors and lovers with 3 unique watches. Today, at the dawn of the new decade, it is the time of passion, of living every second with intensity. That's why Romeo y Julieta and Zenith have come together so that we appreciate every moment that we carry this exclusive watch in our hands while enjoying this magnificent Habano” José María Lopez, Habanos Vice-president of development. Click the button below to learn more, and stay with us for the latest in chronographs. Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – February 28, 2020

KTM Unveils X-Bow GTX

2021 will be an interesting year for the GT2 Class. With a goal of setting lap records at the world's toughest tracks, KTM has unveiled the X-Bow GTX. Famous for building indestructible motorcycles, KTM is also Austria's only native automaker. The latest X-Bow is the culmination of a dozen years of building supercars. The leader of KTM Sportscar Hubert Trunkenpolz said " We transfer KTM’s essential brand elements – extreme, performance and purity – together with KTM’s core areas of expertise, which include state-of-the-art motorsports technology, extremely lightweight construction and the highest quality components, in a racing car that clearly reflects the signs of the times. In motorsport, it is necessary to focus development on a superior power-to-weight ratio to be even faster with economical, more efficient small volume engines. The knowledge acquired from this process must then also be incorporated into the series development.” KTM X-Bow GTR Unveiled as new GT4 Racer It offers 600 horsepower from Audi's 2.5L turbo, with a race weight of 2,200 lbs. Without a doubt it will beat their 2012 'Ring record, so here is a blast from the past. Stay with us for all your KTM news. Used Sports Cars For Sale " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – February 27, 2020

2021 Audi SQ7 Will Arrive With Unprecedented Power & Agility

We have seen the recent battle of midsize SUVs devolve into a stalemate, so we were glad to see this press release in our inbox. Borrowing the best parts from the Porsche Cayenne and the Lamborghini Urus, the 2021 Audi SQ7 will arrive with unprecedented power and agility. Standard features include S-tuned adaptive air suspension, Valcona leather, 21" wheels, and the legendary Quattro AWD. It stands apart from the normal Q7 thanks to aggressive styling and a unique exhaust note. It comes from the twin-turbo 4.0L V8 also found in the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo for sale. It has been de-tuned to 500 horsepower, but torque is raised to 568 lb-ft. This allows it to haul your family and 7,700 lbs behind you. Click the button below to learn more and stay with us for all your Audi news. Browse All Audi Q7 For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 26, 2020

Pagani Previews Their Geneva Display

This year marks the 90th Anniversary of the Geneva Motor Show. We have been waiting to see Mr. Pagani's latest creations, so thankfully Pagani Automobili has previewed their Geneva display. With the 20th Anniversary of the Zonda behind them, the press release says they look to 2020 as the "Performance Year" for the brand. Their modus operandi of research and engineering is evident in cars inspired by Da Vinci's combination of art and science. 2021 Pagani Imola: Lighter & Faster Therefore, it will be the European debut of the Imola and accompanied by the Huayra Roadster BC. All 5 Imolas have been consigned, so this might be a rare opportunity to see one in public again. Designed to dominate on the track, the AMG V12 offers 827 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. Since the car only weighs 2,747 lbs, acceleration is an understatement. As a tribute to his friend and first customer, the Roadster BC is named for the late Benny Caiola. The body is their first use of Carbo-Titanium HP62 and Carbo-Triax. These composites are woven in 3D to be lighter and stronger. It allows the Roadster BC to weigh in at 2,756 lbs. With 802 horsepower and 775 lb-ft of torque, it is a fitting tribute to Mr. Caiola. If you haven't experienced a Pagani in person, click the link below and stay with us for all your Geneva updates. Browse All Pagani For Sale " width="680">

By Andrew Nabors – February 25, 2020

New 700 HP Supercharged Mustang GT For Sale: $39,995 at B...

700 horsepower for $39,995 For complete editorial disclosure, there is an old Camaro in my driveway. Nevertheless, life is too short for regrets, so I wouldn't mind having 700 horsepower and a warranty. Brown Lee Ford in Nashville outsells every other Ford Performance dealer in the U.S. year after year, and you are about to see why. They have created something unprecedented by working with Jack Roush to offer 700 horsepower for $39,995. Black 700 HP Supercharged Mustang Automatic For Sale This limited run of 200 cars is the result of extensive testing by Roush Performance and Brown Lee Ford's Master Technicians. The 5.0L Coyote V8 has proven itself capable of making much more power, but this car won't break the bank. Because the blowers are so efficient, fuel mileage doesn't take much of a hit if you are light on the skinny pedal. Performance Vehicle Sales Manager Brock Patterson loaned me one for the Nashville Auto Show, and their comprehensive upgrades are worth much more than the asking price. I asked him how they can offer them at this price, and they lose money on each car. Because they sell so many high-performance Fords, Mr. Lee is willing to take a loss on a supercharged Mustang for sale in order to bring you into the Brown Lee Ford family. Green 700 HP Supercharged Mustang Six-Speed For Sale Choose from examples in the inventory, or order a new Mustang GT with a $1,000 deposit, and it will arrive exactly to your specifications. The car I drove was a six-speed, and it had enough torque to start in 2nd or 3rd gear. With 3.55 gears it will pin you to the seat on the highway without downshifting. All trades are accepted..even Chevys, so tell them where you saw this deal and stay with us for more Brown Lee Ford news. Mustang Inventory " width="680">

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By Andrew Nabors – February 24, 2020

Maserati Multi 70 Previews the MC20 Supercar

Today marks the12th Annual RORC 600. The Royal Ocean Racing Club 600 is a demanding race through the Lesser Antilles. Italians have been plying these waters since the landing of Christopher Columbus, and the boat to beat is led by Giovanni Soldini. At the helm of the Maserati Multi 70, he offers a preview of the MC20 Supercar. Not only is the MC20 logo flown on the mainsail, but this sleek craft also features several aerodynamic features as the upcoming supercar. Maserati has had Soldini in command since 2012, and he said: “I am proud to represent the Trident Brand worldwide and am honored that the trimaran Maserati Multi 70 has been chosen for the launch of the new MC20 logo. I can't wait to test drive the car and to attend the big May event in Modena.” If you don't need an electric supercar, our dealers have great incentives on new Maseratis. Click the button below and stay with us for all your Maserati news. Browse All Maserati For Sale https://www.facebook.com/Maserati/videos/178318646800184/ Related: Maserati GranTurismo Specs, Price, Photos & Review

By Andrew Nabors – February 24, 2020

Aston Martin DBX by Q is a Menacing Masterpiece

To build their first SUV, Aston Martin have built a world-class plant in Wales. We've learned the finer details of it in a pair of successive press releases. First, Prince Charles (HRH Prince of Wales) stopped by to christen the latest English invasion of Wales. After his visit, their Q division worked their magic. What you see here proves that the Aston Martin DBX by Q is a menacing masterpiece. Click the link below to order yours and stay with us for all your DBX news. Browse All Aston Martin For Sale

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