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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 – May 05, 2017

The World's Fastest Gamer: McLaren Gets Into eSports

DO you fancy yourself a fast driver when it comes to racing video games? Well, McLaren is now giving you a chance to prove it. Announced on may 4 is McLaren latest venture into the world of racing, but it's all virtual.Also Check Out - How To Turn On McLaren 720S Secret Startup Exhaust Easter EggBeing called "World's Fastest Gamer," McLaren described this competition as "the world's most intense and demanding competition for virtual racers." However, if you manage to win the contest, you'll win a role with their Formula 1 team as one of their official simulator drivers. Yes, being a fast racer in the virtual world could possibly land you a real job with McLaren Automotive.McLaren P1 For SaleThe premise is simple: gamers across the world will be competing on multiple racing platforms, including video game consoles, PCs and mobile phones. During the final stages, six international finalists and four finalists from qualifying events will travel to the McLaren Technology Center for what they call "one of the most rigorous job interviews in the world." The ten hopefuls will race against each other, show off their engineering prowess, display an ability to work as a team, and demonstrate their mental and physical strengths.To learn more, click here.

By Andrew Nabors – May 05, 2017

Workhorse W-15: Would You Drive An Electric Truck?

That is the question being asked by Workhorse, a new American truck builder based in Loveland, OH. By taking off-the-shelf components and building their own chassis, their aim is an electric range of 80 miles. Under the hood is BMW's three cylinder generator that is found in the i3 and i8, and it will add another 310 miles on a tank of gas. The body is mostly carbon fiber reinforced plastic, making it impervious to corrosion and lighter than the competition.They are also building their own battery packs using individual Panasonic cells. In total it is rated at 60 kW, but only 40 will be sent to both motors. Each one makes 230 horsepower, for a combined 460 hp to the ground. It can be charged by all current methods, including high voltage DC. An inverter mounted in the right quarter panel offers 120v power to the job site. It is rated to haul 2,200 lbs of payload or tow 5,000 lbs of supplies. But their aim is to light duties and municipal fleets. If the notion of a thrifty, rust-proof truck doesn't excite you, consider its acceleration. Having 460 horsepower and all-wheel drive is something only found in the Escalade and Yukon Denali. No matter how much you beg, GM will not put their most potent engine in the Silverado for reasons nobody knows. As an enthusiast and a gasoline buyer, the video below is nothing short of earth shattering.Learn More

By Andrew Nabors – May 04, 2017

Karma Automotive Unveils Revero Configurator

Hybrid technology and battery capacity have seen incredible advances since 2012. Realizing the need for a gas-electric luxury sedan, China's Wanxiang Group has a new version of the Karma. What once was the Fisker Karma is now the Revero by Karma Automotive. The new car was the centerpiece of our display at this year's Baltimore Auto Show, and I was able to put a few miles on it after the show was over. We also have an original example in our inventory, so it was nice to see how much has changed.Going back to the drawing board, Karma has addressed all the issues that frustrated journalists and Fisker owners. The styling is familiar, but the body panel gaps are much tighter. Wheels remain 21" in staggered width with a contemporary design. Once you are inside, you are greeted by new door panels and a nicer grain of leather. Interior lighting is now LED and the touch screen interface is all new. Control screens for audio and climate are now logical and responsive, a far cry from its predecessor.I recently had the chance to drive a Karma Revero. Cruising around Baltimore's inner harbor in the new hybrid, Sport Mode was much more lively. When you need full power, the gas engine is much less noticeable thanks to new exhaust and revised motor mounts. Power steering has been dialed back to give the driver more feedback, and the new door panels have much more insulation. I wasn't able to put a dent into the electric range because it was fully charged, so I skipped charging mode to avoid regenerative braking. The six-piston Brembo calipers are worthy of their brand name.Karma has spent two years and a small fortune getting things right, so a fully loaded price around $139,000 isn't too much to ask if you are looking for a new sedan.Build Yours

By Edward Jones – May 04, 2017

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 Sets New Best Nurburgring Time

The upcoming 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 has been taken to the Nurburgring Nordschleife in order to beat its previous record of 7 minutes and 25 seconds. Did Porsche accomplish what they set out to do? You bet. In fact, they beat the previous record by 12.3 seconds, setting a lap time of 7 minutes and 12.7 seconds. For comparison's sake, that makes the new 911 GT3 faster around "Green Hell" than the Ferrari 488 GTB, 911 GT2 RS, Pagani Zonda F Clubsport, Maserati MC12 and so many other supercars. With this lap time, the 911 GT3 will sit as NurburgringLapTimes.com's 11th fastest car, sitting in between the Dodge Viper SRT-10 ACR and Lexus LFA Nurburgring Package. You can view the entire lap below.Related - Lamborghini Huracan Performante Destroys Nurburgring Record“A few years ago, lap times like this could only ever be achieved by thoroughbred racing cars with slick tires”, said Andreas Preuninger, Director GT Product Line. “The new GT3 can now achieve this with comparatively modest power, but is still fully suited to everyday use.”Powering the new Porsche sports car is a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six engine that provides 500 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. Mated to this engine is either a PDK transmission or six-speed manual gearbox. When the PDK is equipped, it has a 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds, while the manual allows for a time of 3.8 seconds.The 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 will be in the United States in Fall 2017 with a base MSRP of $143,600 (w.o the $1,050 delivery, processing and handling fee).https://vimeo.com/215996945

By Andrew Nabors – May 02, 2017

Two New Special Mercedes-Benz G-Class Models Unveiled

Riding on the recent success of the G550 4×4², Mercedes-AMG has released two new trim levels for their G-Class models. The first is an upgrade for the G500 and 350d, which are not available in the US. A series of interior upgrades and unique 19" wheels are part of the designo manufaktur Edition. A murdered out theme from head to tail includes obsidian black trim and designo black Nappa leather with contrast stitching. It is only available in three exterior colors: designo magma red, designo mystic white and obsidian black. Most of the bright work normally found inside has been replaced by Piano Black, which will make you beg for tinted windows. We hope this package is aimed at colder latitudes because it would be unbearable in Florida.Also Check Out: Naked Ferrari EnzoIf you have considered a G63 or G65, the new Exclusive Edition will arrive here with unique wheels and trim. The rolling stock consists of 295-40-21 tires with matte black wheels on the '63 and ceramic polished wheels on the '65. Both will receive a spare tire carrier in body color along with dark aluminum rub strips. Inside this Mercedes-Benz is a complete makeover by the in-house designo department. Seats can be either solid, two-tone Nappa leather, or a wild triple threat of two leather colors with a center section of black carbon leather. A color-matched steering wheel is the only leather that is not diamond stitched, which will make these G's stand out among all the competition. All models will receive "Mercedes me connect" which offers emergency calling and roadside assistance. These two packages will serve to showcase the abilities of designo for new customers. Stay with us for all of your G-Class news.

By Edward Jones – May 01, 2017

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By Andrew Nabors – May 01, 2017

Ferrari: V12 Power Is Here To Stay

Do you ever get persecuted for driving a fast car? I decided to drive my nice car this weekend, and it provoked smug remarks from a hybrid owner at the gas pump. The uneducated among us who somehow achieved a driver's license will never understand our hobby, but Ferrari CEO Sergio Marchionne does. In an interview with Autocar, he made it clear that naturally aspirated V12 engines are not going anywhere. He said, "We will always offer a V12." When the twin-turbo 488 GTB hit the market, almost all automotive publications said te V12 is on borrowed time. Everyone is going to small engines with turbos to save on fuel, but their effect on emissions is negligible. Also Check Out: Ferrari's New 488 Spider That's because high compression engines make less harmful pollutants than normal cars. Your compression ratio is how much the gasoline is squeezed before the spark plug fires. The more you squeeze, the more power it makes along with a cleaner exhaust. The Ford Model T had a ratio of 4.5, which made it able to run on anything from moonshine to paint thinner. Most production cars these days have 9.5 to 10.5 compression, but Ferrari's latest achievement in the 812 Superfast is a compression ratio of 13.64. To give you a comparison, NASCAR engines are limited to 12.0. My goal of building an 11.5 compression street engine are now garbage thanks to Ferrari's wild innovations. The fuel injectors are pressurized to 5,200 PSI, which allows Ferrari to deliver a precise spray just before ignition. You get what you pay for because this is race technology on the street. If you don't want to wait for the 812, our dealers have great deals on F12 Berlinettas just in time for summer. Stay with us for all your Ferrari updates. Ferrari For Sale San Francisco, CA

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2017

Mark Zuckerberg Helps Ford Workers Build F-150s

Just when you thought you had seen it all, social media and assembly lines collided this week. Mark Zuckerberg has challenged himself to talk to people in all 50 states in his "Year of Travel Challenge". Earlier this month, he landed in Charlotte for NASCAR driving lessons with Dale Earnhardt Jr. In his latest stop, he teamed up with the men & women of UAW's Local 600 at Ford's River Rouge assembly plant. One of the world's largest industrial complexes, it was 1,100 acres during WWII. The plant has seen the production of the Model A to forty years of Mustangs, and Ford trucks since 1949. Having its own steel mill, iron ore comes in and trucks roll out. On the assembly line, he was able to help the workers install antennas, bed cleats, and set screws as part of the finishing touches. The latest F-150 and Raptor trucks feature aluminum bodies. It allows them to be lighter and more corrosion resistant than the competition. The wonder metal requires a specially trained workforce to get ti right, so we're glad Mark was able to show their abilities to the world. Performing the same task every 52 seconds for decades demands focus and determination, so consider that if you are looking for a new Ford. We don't know where his travels will take him next, but if they are automotive related expect to see them here on Autofluence.

By Andrew Nabors – April 28, 2017

The Exorcist Camaro From Hennessey Performance

If you or your loved ones find yourselves at the mercy of a Demon, John Hennessey's latest creation will bring forth a deliverance. He teased us a few weeks ago with the name and photos, leaving many to speculate about the details of the build. So in a YouTube upload last night, The Exorcist was strapped to the dyno to measure its power. Dropping a monster cam into the 6.2 liter LT4 would be more than enough to deal with your in-laws or possibly an ex who is off their medication, but something unprecedented is needed to rebuke Dodge's evil creation. Roots superchargers are all the rage because they include the intercooler in a convenient location in the engine valley. But even the most well-engineered examples are limited by their physical size.Also Check Out: Popular Cars That Are Illegal In The USAThat is why Hennessey Performace took a page from the history book and worked with ProCharger to make the largest centrifugal blower we've ever seen. The matte black monster is mounted above the steering column and it sends boost to a front-mounted intercooler that is larger than your radiator. It feeds a carbon-fiber tunnel ram intake that looks like something out of Formula1. No detail was overlooked, as a Crucifix can be found in the graphics and hanging from the rear view mirror. You probably have the Demon's horsepower and torque memorized by now, but those readings were at the flywheel, not the ground. If you factor in drivetrain losses, The Exorcist is among the most powerful cars in the world. Click here to learn more, and stay with us for all your Hennessey updates!

By Andrew Nabors – April 26, 2017

First Production Ford Mustang Coupe Heading To Auction

If you are looking for investment grade automobiles, Dana Mecum and Company have a knack for finding irreplaceable cars. It took many years to find the first production Ford Mustang, and the convertible now resides in the Henry Ford Museum. But the first coupe (VIN 002) was among the 121,000+ cars built in the first year, making the search like a needle in a haystack. Ford knew they had a hit on their hands, so the first cars were rushed to dealers. April 17, 1964, was the public unveiling at the World's Fair in New York, so Ford's top dealers needed to have a showroom example to land the first orders.Also, Check Out - Top 10 Fastest Quarter Mile Times (Production Cars)As we're well aware, mistakes happen when shipping cars, so instead of going to a domestic dealership, the first Mustang coupe was banished to the Arctic cold of Whitehorse, in the Yukon Territory. Since the Mustang was based on the lowly Falcon, many early cars used many of the same parts. Under the hood was a 170 ci straight six engine backed by a three-speed manual. Drum brakes at all corners are hidden by the massive 13" wheels, but that is how the base model Mustang was able to offer decent performance at a bargain price. We wish Ford would make A/C and power windows optional again. Remember when cars were light and fun?If you need a new centerpiece for your stable, this Caspian Blue coupe will be the main event of Mecum's 30th Anniversary Auction. Taking place May 16-21st, the Indiana State Fairground will see many classics find new owners.View Listing

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