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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 08, 2018

Koenigsegg Regera d'Elegance is an Ocean on Wheels

Koenigsegg has brought a special hypercar to the 2018 Geneva Motor Show that can only be described as a car as beautiful as the ocean. Called the "Regera d'Elegance", this one-off Koenigsegg is comprised of multiple shades of blue and green that make it a perfect fit for a South Florida drive on the beaches.Its exterior comes with a Swedish Blue finish that is combined perfectly with blue-tint carbon fiber and Ocean Green striping. These tones are matched copied inside with a Swedish Blue and Ocean Green interior. One of the only dark tones you'll find on this car are the Tresex carbon fiber wheels that are what Koenigsegg calls the "world's lightest and strongest production wheels."All Records Broken by the Koenigsegg Agera RS Naturally, this car comes with a boat-load of power thanks to the Koenigsegg Direct Drive system. The power behind this Regera is rated at a whopping 1,500 horsepower. Combine that amount of horsepower with 1,475 lb-ft of torque and you have the recipe for a 0 to 60 mph time of 2.8 seconds and 0 to 248 mph time of 20 seconds.

By Edward Jones – March 08, 2018

New BMW M2 Coupe Edition Black Shadow

A new edition is being added to the M2's lineup that adds a bit of darkness to the model's lineup. The new BMW M2 Coupe Edition Black Shadow comes exclusively in a deep Sapphire Black metallic finish. This exterior paint is further accentuated by a number of other features that make this car fit for Batman.Joining the dark paint is side mirrors and rear diffuser with a carbon finish. The grille and trim bars in high-gloss black, while the tailpipes have a black-chrome trim. As for wheels, there are 19-inch matte black forged light alloys with a Y-spoke design.BMW Unveils Concept M8 Gran Coupe In Geneva BMW will be offering the M2 Coupe Edition Black Shadow in April 2018.

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2018

2019 Range Rover SV Coupe Revealed: First Full-Size Luxur...

Land Rover chose the 2018 Geneva Motor Show for the unveiling of the new Range Rover SV Coupe. The English automaker is saying this is the world's first "full-size luxury SUV coupe."This limited edition Range Rover comes with just two doors, but a lot of style and power. Powering the SV Coupe is a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 that powers it to the ranking of the fastest-ever full-size Range Rover. Power is rated at 557 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque thanks to this engine, which launches the SUV from 0 to 60 mph in just 5 seconds and to a top speed of 165 mph. Range Rover Velar Gets Wide-Body Treatment from STARTECH“The introduction of the new SV Coupe brings a new level of individual expression to the Range Rover portfolio and builds on the success of Special Vehicle Operations’ existing bespoke Range Rover program,” says John Edwards, Land Rover Special Operations Managing Director. “Feedback from SV clients who have already seen the vehicle in confidential commissioning sessions has been overwhelmingly positive.”

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2018

2018 BRABUS 800 Coupe: An S63 Taken to the Limit

The Mercedes-AMG S63 4MATIC+ is already a formidable car on its own, but that doesn't mean BRABUS won't take it and turn it into a supercar. Enter the new 2018 BRABUS 800 Coupe, a new vehicle based on the S63 4MATIC+. Thanks to the BRABUS 800 performante upgrade, the new 800 Coupe's biturbo four-liter V8 to push out 800 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque. With the all-wheel-drive system, this German supercar will run 0 to 62 mph in just 3.1 seconds and hit a top speed of 186 mph (electronically limited). Visual touches added to the car include new naked carbon fiber aerodynamic upgrades, 21- or 22-inch forged wheels and an exclusive leather interior. Mercedes-AMG Unveils GT 4-Door Coupe In Geneva BRABUS is allowing customers to order the 800 as either this coupe, a sedan or wagon. They can also convert any current E 63 4MATIC+ to this level at once or in stages.

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2018

Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR Pro Revealed: Built for Pure Speed

Did you think that the Aston Martin Valkyrie was the most extreme car that the English automaker would? I did too. That is until they recently revealed the new Valkyrie AMR Pro. Displayed at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the Valkyrie AMR Pro presents itself as a track-only car. It was created through a culmination of efforts between Red Bull Racing and Aston Martin.While Aston Martin is silent on the full suite of technical specifications, they did let out a few blurbs of specs. For example, we know that the Valkyrie AMR Pro's 6.5-liter V12 had its emission control systems and Energy Recovery System was calibrated to produce a combined output of over 1,100 bhp. Combine that amount of power with a light weight of 2,200 lbs and you have the recipe for a real track monster.Aston Martin Valkyrie With Moon Dust Paint Is 1 of 1 Aston Martin will create 25 Valkyrie AMR Pros, with deliveries starting in 2020. All cars are currently sold.

By Edward Jones – March 07, 2018

Bespoke Atlantic Blue McLaren 720S Lands in Geneva

McLaren brought one of their finest examples to Geneva, an Atlantic Blue 720S created by McLaren Special Operations (MSO). This car comes a year after McLaren introduced the 720S Velocity, a deep red take on the supercar. For 2018, McLaren seems to be going through a blue period.The finish chosen for Geneva's special 720S is Atlantic Blue, a paint that is most definitely not standard. Saddle Tan leather was chosen for the interior, creating a harmonious blend between the vibrant blue and soft cabin tones.McLaren Senna GTR Concept Revealed: Track-Only Madness Check out the blue accent lighting. Gorgeous!“Every 720S produced by MSO is elegant and distinctive and a large part of that is because they are different in some way from all the others, with each car a unique expression of the owner’s taste,” says Ansar Ali, Managing Director of McLaren Special Operations. “At MSO, we celebrate that difference by showing cars like the Atlantic Blue 720S – a world of McLaren possibilities made stunningly real.”

By Edward Jones – March 06, 2018

Rimac C_Two Promises the Most Insane 0-60 Time Yet

The Rimac Concept_One is already a competent hypercar, having 1,24 horsepower on tap and a 0 to 62 mph time of 2.5 seconds. With the new Rimac C_Two (Concept_Two), however, those numbers see a bit more inadequate.Electric Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo RevealedJust announced at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, the C_Two is an even more extreme electric hypercar that has enough power to probably literally blow your socks off and give you a decent amount of whiplash. With 1,914 horsepower and 1,696 lb-ft of torque at the ready, the C_Two will rocket from 0 to 60 mph in an absurd 1.85 seconds. No, that's not a typo. Rimac is currently claiming a 0-60 time that's pretty well into the 1's. And just because it's an electric car, don't count out the C_Two in terms of a top end as it has a top speed of 258 mph. What's more, this electric hypercar has a range of 403 miles.

By Andrew Nabors – March 06, 2018

Aston Martin Unveils The Lagonda Vision Concept In Geneva

City-dwellers know the risks of breathing noxious exhaust. So, Aston Martin is looking to the future by resurrecting Lagonda. One of the most coveted names in British motoring will return as a zero-emission luxury manufacturer. Technically Aston Martin has been known as Aston Martin Lagonda since they took control of that brand in 1947.Lagonda is the name of a small creek in Springfield, Ohio, where Wilber Gunn began building cars in 1904. His luxury cars were plush and powerful, from V12 limos to racers, they even won LeMans in 1935.Aston Martin built a Lagonda sedan from 1974 to 1990, and the futuristic angles look modern even today. So it is fitting that the Vision concept represents an optimistic future for luxury motoring. The radical design is a spacious 4-seater with gullwing doors. Looking to the autonomous future, all four passengers can face each other without the hassle of driving. CEO Dr. Andy Palmer had this to say: "We believe people associate luxury in their cars with a certain traditional and even old-fashioned approach because, to date, that is all that’s been available to them. Lagonda exists to challenge that thinking and prove that being modern and luxurious are not mutually exclusive concepts."The concept is flanked by two 40% scale models, one being an SUV and the other is a coupe. This new design language could see production as early as 2023, so stay with us for all your Aston Martin updates.

By Edward Jones – March 06, 2018

McLaren Senna GTR Concept Revealed: Track-Only Madness

The McLaren Senna was originally introduced as the most extreme car that the automaker has ever created. Well, apparently that wasn't enough because McLaren has just revealed the new Senna GTR Concept, an even more extreme car that's meant for track-only purposes.McLaren says that the Senna GTR has more power and torque than the standard Senna. For right now the only figure announced is horsepower which is set at 812 hp (24 hp increase). What's more important than the power increase is the amount of downforce the Senna GTR provides. With up to 1,000 kg (2,204 lbs) of downforce, this supercar is absolutely ready for track use.As far as its design goes, the Senna GTR definitely has a more aggressive appearance but it's all done for the sake of function. In the front is a massive splitter that joins the rear diffuser in a mission to extend the car and provide optimal downforce. There's also the massive wing in the rear that gives the low car a bit more height.Supercars for Sale

By Edward Jones – March 06, 2018

Electric Porsche Mission E Cross Turismo Revealed

At the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, Porsche has revealed what looks like a true Tesla challenger: the Mission E Cross Turismo. This four-seater German sports car comes powered by two electric motors that have a total output of 600 hp. That power can push the MIssion E Cross Turismo from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds and 0 to 124 mph in under twelve seconds. Those numbers are quite impressive for Porsche's first fully-electric modern sports car.For now, this car is simply a "concept study" of a "Cross-Utility Vehicle," with no word of production. You can see the CUV aspects in the car's big wheels and prominent wheel arches.TECHART GrandGT Takes Porsche Panamera to New Levels‘The Mission E Cross Turismo is an expression of how we envision the all-electric future. It combines sportiness and everyday practicality in unique style. Our vehicle will be fast to drive, but also quick to recharge and able to replicate its performance time after time,’ says Oliver Blume, CEO of Porsche AG.

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