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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 22, 2018

"CarCast"Adds Co-Host WWE Superstar Bill Goldberg

Carcast, the automotive podcast hosted by Adam Carolla and Matt "The Motorator" D'Andria, is adding some more muscle to their lineup thanks to WWE Superstar and car collector Bill Goldberg. D'Andria and Goldberg will now be hosting a new, weekly podcast called "CarCast with Goldberg and the Motorator." In this new podcast, the two will be talking all about the latest in the automotive industry, their personal car projects, today's car culture and pretty much everything else surrounding cars.“I have such a love and passion for cars,” said Goldberg. “Joining CarCast gives me the opportunity to share that passion with fellow enthusiasts around the world.”The announcement of a new weekly CarCast episode comes after nearly nine years of the podcast. If you haven't heard it before, Matt and Adam combine both humor and their own expertise to provide listeners with a truly entertaining experience. They also will answer listeners' questions, as well as offer advice. Their success has brought many celebrities and important figures in the automotive industry into their studio for interviews.CarCast with Goldberg and The Motorator will be available for download every Wednesday. CarCast with Adam Carolla will continue to be available every Friday. Subscribe to CarCast on iTunes Podcasts or listen on the PodcastOne mobile app. Visit CarCastShow.com for more information.

By Andrew Nabors – March 21, 2018

Jeep & Mopar Unveil 7 Jeep Concepts for Moab

If your JK series Jeep Wrangler doesn't inspire you anymore, get ready for this year's Easter Jeep Safari. For the 52nd year, Jeepers have made a pilgrimage to Moab, Utah to tackle some of the toughest terrains on earth.Our friends at Bruiser Conversions will be there with the world's first LS-swapped Wrangler JL (that's 2018 in non-Jeep-speak), and they won't be alone. Just like years before, Jeep is teaming up with FCA's Mopar performance division to bring seven new concepts to the event. In a press release earlier today, Jeep's brand manager Mike Manley had this to say "Pushing the limit is something the Jeep brand is no stranger to and these seven new, exciting and capable concept vehicles are the latest example of that. Every year, we look forward to introducing new concept vehicles and ideas to our enthusiasts. The Moab Easter Jeep Safari presents a unique and perfect opportunity to collect valuable insight from our most loyal customers.”Each of the seven has its own target audience, so let's look at each one briefly:4SPEED This carbon fiber wrangler introduces the new 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder. A raked windshield and large door openings offer an aggressive style. The body is 22 inches shorter and yet it rides on stock suspension. This offers incredible approach and departure angles, nothing is getting in its way. The short & light body has Dana 44 axles with 4.10 gears, and 35" BFG Mud Terrain tires. It is so much lighter than a normal 2-door, the ride height is 2" higher than normal.Sandstorm If Baja is calling you, the Sandstorm is ready to head south of the border. We had an opportunity to drive over 80 miles on the Baja trail with our friends at Wide Open Baja, and it demands the very best in parts and power. Starting with tubular bumpers front and rear, the Sandstorm rides on a 2" longer wheelbase. This was accomplished with a new 4-link rear suspension with 18" of travel. Remote reservoir shocks at all corners allow the front to have 14" of movement, which is perfect for airborne situations. Dynatrac 60 axles are packed with 5.68 gears and 39.5" BFG Krawler tires. Under the vented carbon fiber hood is the 6.4 liter Hemi V8 and a six-speed manual transmission.B-Ute Not all Jeeps are Wranglers, and this 'Roided Renegade packs an entire catalog of upgrades. The B-Ute has a 1.5" lift kit to fit 17" wheels and fit BFG Baja Champion tires. Everything from the roof rack to the MOLLE packs on the front seat backs is available from your local Jeep parts department.Wagoneer Roadtrip We've been hearing rumors about the return of the Wagoneer, so let hope this makes it to production. Starting with a pristine original example, the wheelbase is 5" longer and the fender flares make it 4" wider. The original C-channel frame was fully boxed and gusseted to make it better than the original. Riding on 17" steel wheels and Dana 44 axles, the floor is coated in bed liner and the original seats are covered on Oxblood leather. Also included is a cooler made from vintage luggage and a toolbox that was once a valve cover from a Tornado straight six engine. Instead of that anemic OHC design, this Wagoneer has a 5.7 liter Hemi and 4-speed automatic transmission.Nacho Jeep Say Cheese, because this tasty Nacho Yellow machine is equipped with almost everything from the Jeep Performance Parts division. The bulging hood has inlets for the cold-air intake, and the satin black trim adds nice contrasts on the grille and Rubicon bumpers. The integrated Warn winch will get you out of danger, and auxiliary LED lights will guide your path. They are found on the A-pillars and brush guard, and even along the upper edge of the windshield. This header bar is sealed to the glass to make sure the light points ahead, and not inside. It has a 2" suspension lift, 37" tires, and the 2.0-liter turbo four.Jeepster This one was inspired by the 1966 Jeepster, and it features a concept hardtop along with a raked windshield. Under the white top is a roll cage that takes the place of the sport bar. The two-tone exterior is complemented by black Katzskin leather with red contrast stitching. Moving the spare tire inside to the bed allows for custom storage bins on the tailgate along with a rock step for easy entry.J-Wagon What began as a new Wrangler Sahara, the J-Wagon is painted Warm Neutral Grey with the fancy Brass Monkey package inside and out. There is something traditional about the brass hues on the wheels and throughout the interior, its almost calming in a way. Ment to embody the premium Jeep buyer, it is equally at home in the city or on the trails. Willy's logos are hidden like Easter eggs around this model, and it rides on 35" KM3 BFG tires.Browse Jeep Wranglers For SaleTell us which one you would pick in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Jeep news.

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2018

2018 Mercedes-AMG GT R Becomes Fastest F1 Safety Car

Formula 1 racing has been known to have rather interesting cautions, so the FIA chose a new Safety Car for the 2018 season. In a press release this morning, Mercedes-AMG announced their AMG GT R has been chosen.This season marks the 23rd consecutive year that Mercedes-AMG has provided the safety car.To set the pace during caution events, the new GT R is equipped with an LED strobe light bar. Instead of hacking into the gorgeous carbon fiber roof panel, a new roof was made to optimize aerodynamics around the lights. Formula 1 cars are engineered to run in a very unique set of circumstances, so the Safety Car must be fast enough to keep the brakes and tires from cooling off and to stay at a constant speed to prevent the engines from overheating.New Mercedes-AMG Hypercar-Inspired Boat RevealedThe 4.0-liter twin turbo V8 makes 585 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, and it can reach 62 mph in 3.6 seconds. Charlie Whiting is the FIA's F1 director, and he said: "When a Safety Car intervention is required during a Grand Prix it’s vitally important that we have full confidence in the car’s ability to lead the Formula 1 cars around the track safely. That means we need a car which is not only capable of dealing with the extreme demands a Grand Prix circuit puts on a vehicle travelling at high speed, but also one which is capable of setting a pace that allows the F1 drivers to keep tyres and brakes working at the right kind of temperature so that they do not struggle while waiting for racing to resume. With the latest versions of the FIA F1 Medical and Safety Cars, that confidence is once again assured.”Should an unfortunate injury happen, the Medical Car will be there in a hurry. It is a Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Wagon. It has plenty of room for first responders along with storage for a defibrillator and respirator. Watch this year's F1 races very closely and you might catch a glimpse of these lightning fast cars. If you want to know how you can get in on the action, click on the link below to find an AMG GT R of your own.Mercedes-AMG GT R For Sale

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By Edward Jones – March 20, 2018

Ferrari Unveils 2 More Anniversary Models

Ferrari is celebrating their 70th anniversary in many ways, but we're here to talk about their special edition models that honor the milestone. The Italian automaker is maker 70 different models that honor classic Ferraris, drawing visual cues from the cars of the past. Recently, Ferrari unveiled two more out of the 350 total limited edition Tailor-Made 70 Style Icons. Unveiled at a Lunar New Year Gala Dinner in Indonesia. One of the models was a Ferrari California T that was inspired by the classic 410 Superamerica. Painted in Bianco Italia white and Blu Abu Dhabi, this model has a very "icy" appearance. Its interior continues the color scheme with Blue Medio Soul Leather, Black leather and white piping. The other model was a 488 GTB inspired by the FXX Pachetto Evoluzione, a Ferrari that dons Rosso Corsa body with Bianco Avus accents.2016 Ferrari LaFerrari: Price, Specs, Review and Photos

By Andrew Nabors – March 20, 2018

BMW X4: Old vs New

It seems like only yesterday that BMW introduced the X4. One of their most popular SUVs, it began rolling off the assembly line for the 2015 model year. While it is sold around the world in left and right-hand drive versions, every example has been assembled by skilled Americans in Greer, South Carolina.Top 10 Fastest Quarter-Mile TimesIt has been so successful that a new version has arrived for 2019. Although it looks like a normal midlife refresh, BMW changed every line and contour inside and out. In order to highlight the differences to the public, they uploaded a great comparison video to YouTube. BMW knows their customer is a highly technical driver, a person interested in even the smallest details. The main selling points are improved aerodynamics, interior comfort, and of course- more power! Our dealers are ready to help you, so click the link below and stay with us for all your BMW news.Browse BMW X4 For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 20, 2018

Bentley's Fingerprint Scanner for Car Storage

Having peace of mind knowing that your valuables are safe is always important. For that, Bentley's Mulliner has created a new fingerprint sensor for their aluminum storage unit that's found in the Bentayga's cabin. This box is a perfect place to store those valuables when out and about, because there's no need for you to carry around a key or remember a code. All you need to do is make sure you don't lose your fingers! This aluminum storage unit also comes with two USB ports and an auxiliary socket that can be used to charge your devices that are located inside or outside the unit.Prized 1949 Bentley Race Car to be Auctioned

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2018

Volkwagen I.D. R Pikes Peak, Wildest VW Ever

“There are only three sports: bullfighting, motor racing, and mountaineering; all the rest are merely games.” -Ernest Hemingway. If there are only 3 real sports, what happens when you combine motor racing and mountaineering? You get the Pike’s Peak Hillclimb. Racers and teams from around the world will converge at Manitou Springs, Colorado in June. Of all the entrants, none will be as polarizing as Volkswagen’s latest motorsport project.Volkswagen Motorsport and Volkswagen R have been cooperating on this new electric supercar, and this morning the name was announced. The “I.D. R Pikes Peak will make a run up the mountain on June 24th with the eyes of the world looking on. It represents the future of the I.D. family, Volkswagen’s electric brand of the future. They are set on delivering over 20 new electric models by 2025, with production beginning next year.VW I.D. Buzz is a New Electric BusDr, Frank Welsh is a member of VW’s Board of Management and he said: “We want to be at the forefront of electromobility with Volkswagen and the I.D. family. Competing in the most famous hill climb in the world with the I.D. R Pikes Peak not only has symbolic meaning but is also a valuable test for the general development of electric cars.” In the old days, naturally aspirated cars struggled near the top because oxygen is rare at those heights. A battery-powered racer with 4 wheel drive should have no problems, at least in theory. So good luck to everyone in the upcoming event, and stay with us for more I.D. news from VW.

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2018

Autoline Network Confirms Cadillac Escala Production

If we've learned anything from Cadillac over the past 3 decades, it's to not call their bluff. In a YouTube video uploaded over the weekend, the industry analysts at Autoline Network confirm that the Cadillac Escala will enter production in 2021. This comes as a bit of a relief due to Cadillac's current lineup. The flagship CT6 is their most well-appointed car, with features like Bose Panaray surround sound and GM's first autonomous driving system: Supercruise. It has a twin turbo V6 that can run on 3 cylinders for great economy.The problem is that Cadillac also builds a more expensive sedan, the 3rd generation of the wild CTS-V. It uses boost and the Corvette Z06's LT4 engine to offer 640 horsepower and torque. So Caddy buyers can choose between high power or high technology, which is where the Escala will bridge this gap. The CT6 chassis has been used to unveil Plug-in Hybrid technology along with many other new features, so it will be nice to see them dropped into such a stylish package. It will also be nearly two decades since the first CTS heralded Cadillac's renaissance. It will also coincide with their top-secret mid-engined car being developed at the Corvette plant. The future looks bright for Cadillac, so tell us which car you anticipate more in the comments below.Browse Cadillac CT6 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – March 19, 2018

Porsche Opens "70 Years of Porsche Sports Car" Exhibition

Get ready for an unprecedented Porsche Party. In a press release early this morning, the first details of their 70th anniversary were outlined. Tomorrow will be the opening of the exhibit at "Drive: Volkswagen Group Forum" in Berlin. It will be divided into ten sections devoted to bringing the history of the brand to life.A look at their highlights includes the people and the cars that embody 70 years of innovation. Guests at the grand opening will include Walter Röhrl and Richy Müller, the actor known for his role as a police inspector in the German crime drama “Tatort”. The first Porsche 356 was certified for production on June 8th, 1948, so car #1 will greet attendees at the entrance. Free to the public, Berliners will be able to walk through racing and engineering highlights that culminate in the one-millionth Porsche 911.How To Sell A Ferrari 458 Italia"Sports Cars Today" showcases the Panamera Turbo S-E Hybrid Sport Turismo as their ultimate achievement to-date. Cars of the future include the Mission E and other concepts. If you are curious why they have such a loyal following, click the link below to find a Porsche 911 near you and stay with us for complete coverage of the festivities.Browse Porsche 911 For Sale

By Edward Jones – March 19, 2018

Glickenhaus' SCG004S Will Use Nissan V6

Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus (SCG) has created some incredible cars under the leadership of James Glickenhaus, including the SCG003 and SCG003CS. Now, they're going up a number and changing the engine fro the SCG004S supercar. Announced back in November 2017, the SCG004S is planned to be the company's entry-level supercar with a price tag of around $400,000. When it was first announced, SCG was planning on using a 5.0-liter V8 engine,. According to Autocar, things have changed and the SCG004S will now be powered by a Nissan V6 engine that's capable of producing 690 bhp. Glickenhaus told Autocar that the choice was made due to the Nissan engine being "lighter" and "practically bulletproof." SCG also noted that their entire 2018 allocation for cars has already been sold out.Fastest Quarter Mile Car

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