Articles

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 Steve Chapman Jr – February 06, 2017

Aston Martin Teases Tom Brady Collaboration

About last night! Wow, what a game. Superbowl 51 will go down as one of, if not the best games in history. Tom Brady, in Tom Brady fashion didn't allow the first half to discourage The Patriots from an incredible comeback. At the beginning of the 3rd quarter we were lamenting a Monday morning post involving vintage Falcons for sale, but Ford fans will have to wait another year.Leaving old grievances in the past, Aston-Martin (who retain a Royal Warrant from the Queen) are working with the most famous Patriot in recent history for a transatlantic collaboration. Mr. Brady has an eye for detail, so something new is in the works for the five time champion. Uploaded to Facebook on Saturday, we hope Gisele will offer input on the build. For many, the idea of an unlimited list of options can be overwhelming. The DB11 is a blank canvas, ready for inspiration. The most powerful DB series engine to date, the 5.2 liter twin turbo twelve offers 600 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque to a hand crafted body. You don't need a Lombardi Trophy to have your own Aston-Martin, our dealers look forward to bringing your dreams to life. Tell us how you would spec your DB11 and stay with us for more Super news.All Aston-Martin DB11 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 03, 2017

Reviewed: 2017 Nissan Titan Pro-4X

If you have been out of the full-size truck market for a few years, the hottest race in half-ton pickups is taking place offroad. Everyone seems to be adding rugged suspension and mud tires to otherwise stock trucks for aggressive looks and confident prowess in 4WD situations. Chevy unleashed the Colorado ZR2 to answer the latest Ford Raptor, and Dodge let us spend a week with their Ram Rebel. Not to be outdone by American offerings, Nissan has added a Pro-4X trim level to the Titan.You might find it interesting that every Nissan Titan has been built in Canton, Mississippi. It might be more American than our domestic brands, so they sent us a new one for a week of review. Titan has never seen a V6, and every model is powered by a 5.6 liter V8. It makes 390 hp and 394 lb-ft of torque. Single cab models start at $29,500 which makes Titan one of the most powerful vehicles under 30 grand. The Pro-4X package is a mid-level offering aimed at those who need to get dirty once in awhile. Starting at $45,020, it adds Bilstein shocks and 18"x8" wheels wearing 275/70 all terrain tires. Skid plates are added to the radiator and transfer case, and the latter is 2 speed with electronic shift on the fly. Projector fog lights integrated into the new lower bumper will illuminate the trail ahead, and a class IV receiver hitch will keep your cargo under control.Driving the latest Titan is easy. With a nice bump in ride height, traffic is easy to see. Riding on 70 series tires is a throwback to a simpler age. Having so much sidewall between the wheels and the road, cornering feels like something from the Disco era. But they soak up speed bumps and potholes like nothing else, so take your 24"s somewhere else. Nothing remarkable about a seven-speed automatic transmission, and the tall tires made for a deep overdrive. Power is adequate, invoking the locking differential for a proper smoke show. Sure it could use more power, but not at the expense of fuel economy. City mileage is rated at 15 mpg, but we couldn't achieve it on a lap of St Petersburg. At almost three tons, Titan is a victim of too many amenities. Like a plague on all full-size trucks, they seem to think we need dual zone climate control, 120v inverters, and climate controlled seats. Please stop the optional overload! The Pro-4X should have a 5-speed manual, crank windows and no carpet. But the Nissan Titan Pro-4X is a great truck in every circumstance, so stay with us for more Titanic news & reviews.All Nissan Titan For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 02, 2017

Range Rover Reborn: Restorations by Land Rover Classic

If you have ever wanted a new 1978 Range Rover, a press release earlier this morning outlines the program. Land Rover Classic is a team of master technicians dedicated to preserving the company's historic collection. After noticing the demand for the classic 3 door model, the team was tasked with finding well-preserved examples in need of a freshening. After a complete teardown, each one was bestowed with new parts from the original inventory. Ten examples are planned for the initial debut, which will take place at the Paris Salon Rétro-mobile. The only engine to be offered is the 3.5 liter Rover V8. Originally designed by Buick in 1959, the innovative aluminum block "Fireball 215" was canned by the bean counters in 1963. Rover purchased the design and tooling and continued production for 39 years; we'll cover that story another day.The Reborn models will be displayed alongside the reborn Jaguar XKSS from their teammates at Jaguar Classic. We love the technology and safety of the latest Land Rover models, but there is peace in knowing that a carburetor and distributor are from an era of rugged dependability. The Bahama Gold '78 three door features a four-speed manual transmission with a locking transfer case. Pricing will start at £135,000 GBP, or around $169,500. No word on US availability was mentioned, probably because Homeland Security likes to use taxpayer money to crush classic Defenders. Reborn is a brilliant way to clean out the warehouse of original parts, and offer the public a chance to relive their memories. If any of them do make it stateside, you will see it first here on Autofluence.Range Rover For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 02, 2017

Mercedes-AMG Unveils New E63 S Wagon

You knew it was going to happen. The mad scientists at AMG have stuffed their twin turbo V8 into the new E-Class wagon. The new E63 S wagon uses the 4.0 liter V8 found in other AMG models to offer 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Six times the power of a 1.0-liter Focus is sent through a nine-speed multi-clutch transmission to a revised 4MATIC+ AWD system. It allows 60 mph to arrive in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph (limited electronically). The twin-scroll turbochargers spool up quickly, offering maximum torque from 2,500 to 4,500 rpm.(Mercedes-Benz Unveils AMG GT C Edition 50)In an attempt to harness such power, 4MATIC now has an electronic center differential and a locking rear. The body is 1.1-inches wider, which brings cargo space up to 35 cubic feet. A new air ride system has triple chambers which offer lightning quick changes to ride height along with improved camber control. Front brake rotors are 15.4" and 1.4" thick. The power steering is electric, with a variable ratio to offer proper feedback. A new Drive Pilot mode uses hands-free steering control along with intelligent cruise control to drive itself in bumper to bumper traffic jams. Handing over that much power to a computer sounds like Skynet, but we will know all the details after the formal launch at the Geneva Motor Show. Stay with us for more Mercedes-AMG news.Mercedes-AMG E63 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2017

BMW Teases Us With a New 5 Series Wagon

America has a love/hate relationship with station wagons. Maybe it is a conspiracy by the Crossover Mafia, but the US has been without a full size wagon for a few years. The body style remains popular around the world, which is why BMW have developed a wagon version of the seventh generation 5 Series. Because BMW fans speak only in chassis codes, the new generation is known internally as G31. Eager to incorporate lessons learned on the latest 7 Series, the body incorporates composites and aluminum along with high strength steel for cockpit protection. Physically larger than its predecessor, the new model is around 220 lbs lighter.Officially to be known as the 5 Series Touring, four engines will be available once production begins. Your choices will be four-cylinder or straight six in gas or diesel variants. The xDrive AWD system will also be available. Attention to aerodynamics includes shutters behind the grille that transform the wagon into a bottom breather at highway speeds. An integrated rear spoiler above the rear glass is another trick employed to achieve a drag coefficient of only 0.27, which is 10% better than a Corvette Z06. Incorporating the latest in autonomous assistance, new features like lane change assist and lane keeping will handle the steering at speeds up to 130 mph. Intelligent cruise has stop & go control for inner city congestion, and the HUD screen is 70% larger to help keep your eyes on the road. No word of a US version was mentioned in the press release, but we will have more information after the Geneva Auto Show next month. Stay with us for all your BMW news.All BMW 5 Series For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – February 01, 2017

A Mid Engine Corvette May Be Coming

General Motors is not in the business of buying classic cars, so this one caught us off guard. In order to test the idea of a mid-engine Corvette, Chief Engineer Zora Duntov built the CERV in 1959. The Chevrolet Engineering Research Vehicle was his notion of the perfect Corvette. He built it to validate the independent rear suspension of the upcoming 1963 Stingray, and to see how hard a lightweight mid-engine car could be pushed. Weight was a major priority, so the 283 small block was cast of aluminum with a bellhousing of magnesium. Later on it was replaced by a fuel injected aluminum 377 ci small block rated at 500 hp. His goal was to offer a racing version of the Corvette, but the bean counters killed the program.(3,500 hp C7 Corvette Takes Flight Down Dragstrip)Chevrolet confirmed the Corvette ZR1 will be unveiled this fall, but something wicked has been spotting testing alongside it. The heavily camouflaged body has the right proportions to offer a mid-engine design, or it could just be a test mule for a new Cadillac halo car. Our friends at Motor Trend have the best images so far. GM has been guilty of building decoys to keep the media away from the real project, but something unprecedented happened at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale. GM paid $1.3 million to bring the CERV back home. Zora was reprimanded for wasting money on such futuristic concepts, so when the order came down to crush it he gave the car to Briggs Cunningham to be hidden away for years. If a mid-engine Corvette is truly on the horizon, the CERV would be the perfect marketing piece. Corvette fans are deeply divided on this topic so tell us if its time for something new, or a disgrace to such an American classic.Corvette ZR1 For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 31, 2017

Koenigsegg Motorcycle Concept

In an ideal world, Christian von Koenigsegg would work his genius into every aspect of daily life, but he seems to be content with four-wheeled transportation. Aside from Confederate Motors, motorcycle styling has been stagnant in recent years; so a Russian artist named Maksim Burov has unveiled a wild concept based on Koenigsegg design language. Wrapped in Bridgestone race rubber, it looks ready for the track. The naked design has no fenders or cowling, and a double barreled exhaust above the rear tire. Although it looks like a factory design, Burov is an independent automotive and industrial designer who has built other wild motorcycles. We figure if Koenigsegg ever builds a bike, it will be an E85 injected turbine with hover mode, so until then enjoy the finer details of this one. All Koenigsegg For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – January 31, 2017

Rolls-Royce Says Goodbye to the Phantom VII

Nine decades of luxury and refinement have produced one of the world's greatest automobiles. The seventh generation of the Rolls-Royce Phantom was the first model overseen by BMW. It brought the brand into the modern era when it was introduced in 2003. Built in short and extended wheelbase versions, it also spawned a convertible in the Drophead Coupe. Much has changed in the past 13 years, so it is with a heavy hear that we must announce the end. The final Phantom VII was a fitting tribute, being a custom ordered limousine. A press release earlier this morning outlines the history of the model along with the inspiration for the final build.Rolls-Royce For SaleInspired by the golden age of ocean liners, the nautical theme is evident inside and out. Powder blue leather has tone on tone embroidery. Clocks on the dash and partition were styled to match the chronometers of 30's era ships. The bezels have 24 hour markings in the same fashion as HG Wells' time machine. Work is now underway on preparing the machine tools and master coachbuilders for the 8th generation Phantom. Expected to arrive as a 2018 model, it will be built of aluminum instead of steel. Stay with us for all your Rolls-Royce news, and check out the great listings from our dealers below.All Rolls-Royce Phantom For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 31, 2017

How to Get Stuck in an Aston Martin Vulcan

Have you ever wanted to see a serious review on the insane Aston Martin Vulcan? Well, there are plenty of those on the internet, but this is first time I've seen someone display what it takes to get stuck in a Vulcan.(St. Louis Auto Detail Protects Aston Martin Vulcan #19)Lenny The Geeza recently uploaded a video that includes him, a Vulcan and the life of struggle. One of his friends brought the Vulcan over, which is just downright gorgeous, and Lenny decided to seat his 6-foot self into the car. While getting into the car proved to be fairly easy, it was the getting out that was difficult.Check out the video below and get a look at this downright GORGEOUS Aston Martin Vulcan.All Aston Martin Vulcan For Sale

By Edward Jones – January 30, 2017

Tesla Model S Sets New World Record

Brooks from DragTimes has been having a great time with his Tesla Model S P100D and its new Ludicrous+ Mode. After testing the true 0-60 mph time of his car, he's taken the car to the drag strip to see how it stacks up.(Tesla Model S P100D' 0-60 mph in 2.4 Seconds - Tested)His first race was against a Cadillac CTS-V with 640 hp on tap. Did he take that Caddy down? Yeah. In fact, he crushed it. After his race, there was another Model S that lined up against a fox body Ford Mustang. The resulting time of this car's sprint would turn out to be what Brooks is calling a "new world record for the quickest stock 4 door sedan."Check out both sprints in the video below by clicking play.All Tesla For Sale

Articles

duPont REGISTRY News

duPont REGISTRY Group

Support

Subscribe