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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 Andrew Nabors – April 15, 2016

Modified Lamborghini Huracan Hits 236 mph, Breaks Record

Puerto Rico is a mecca for modified cars, but space is at a premium on the island. With the popularity of standing mile events here on the mainland, enthusiasts in Aguadilla decided to organize a half-mile top speed invitational.Underground Racing loves to take normal supercars into uncharted territory, and their latest Huracan is nothing short of incredible. With the increased abilities of the new V10, larger turbos and intercoolers were combined to reach a new top speed record for Puerto Rico. Given a longer runway, it would be wild to see how fast this car really is. Ride along as this raging bull assaults the tarmac, and stay tuned to Autofluence for more wild rides..Huracans For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2016

Reviewed: 2016 BMW M4 GTS

Pushing the limits of their legendary straight six engine, BMW has unleashed a brutal new track car: the 2016 M4 GTS. The proof is in the lap time: 7.28. For those needing to lap the 'Ring in a Bavarian masterpiece, a host of new features will be at your disposal. For the 30th anniversary of the M3, BMW is building 700 examples, each one destined to be an instant collectible. To make more power, water injection is used to cool the intake charge. By turning up the boost, the 3.0L twin turbo six makes 500 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque. In addition to the wild power, engineers stripped all nonessential weight and made extensive use of carbon composites. No manual transmission will be offered, but the seven-speed M-DCT has tougher internals and a revised launch mode to cope with the power. An optional club sport package offers an Acid Orange roll cage behind the rear seats with provisions for a six-point racing harness. Covering the carbon fiber seats is a mix of Alcantara and Merino leather, with cut outs to save weight. Each owner will receive a suspension tuning box which includes a spanner wrench for the springs and a dial for tuning shock rebound. The prototype from the Amelia Island Concours displayed an MSRP of $134,200, which is a relative bargain for such a potent machine. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more BMW news. BMW M4s For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 14, 2016

ICON FJ #101 Pre Delivery

In the Dark Ages, alchemists struggled to find ways to turn simple metals into gold. Jonathan Ward and his team at ICON 4x4 have perfected this lost art by transforming oxidation and abandonment into the most coveted vehicles on the market.Many builders would be content to hand over a vehicle as soon as the paint has dried, but Mr. Ward chooses to take us along for a shakedown ride in their latest FJ44. Because rust is so prevalent on the original FJ models, ICON fabricates an all-new body of 5052-H32 aluminum. Since only the best will do, this expensive alloy body is powder coated inside and out, making it virtually indestructible.A Chevrolet LS3 V8 and automatic transmission send power to Dana style Dynatrac axles. Working with Brembo, ICON has developed a big brake kit which utilizes hydroboost instead of vacuum assist. This allows for great feedback through the pedal, and no meddlesome ABS interruptions. To fully list the finer points of this build would take a few hours, but here is a quick run down for your viewing pleasure. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more ICON builds.Icons For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 13, 2016

2018 BMW Z5 Prototype Spied

Cold weather testing is a critical phase of development for any new car, especially one intended for sale worldwide. We have heard rumors of BMW and Toyota collaborating for years on a new sporty roadster, and it looks like the program is well underway.In a YouTube video uploaded yesterday, Car Spy News somehow battled white out conditions to capture something new in action. With more camouflage than Duck Dynasty, this two-seater looks very capable on frozen roads. The rumor mill suggests that Toyota's version will feature a retractable hard top while the BMW retains cloth, but that is all we know for now. The exhaust note suggests it won't be the next Z8 or turbo Supra, but let's hope they offer a manual transmission to make it the ultimate driving machine. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more spy footage.BMW Z4s For Sale

By Edward Jones – April 13, 2016

Porsche Just Had Their Best First Quarter, Ever

With an unprecedented 55,974 new vehicles officially delivered in the first quarter of 2016, Porsche has officially named this the best quarter in the company' history. The sales surpass that of the 2015 numbers by ten percent and the maker's new SUV, the Macan, accounts for nearly half of total sales. The company is calling the Macan it's most popular model at this stage in the year. The Chinese market was largely responsible for Porche's first-quarter success, with an increase of nearly a quarter in sales.The company, though, is more focused on job security (and let's face it, they treat their employees pretty well) and customer satisfaction, states a member of the Executive Board for Sales and Marketing, Detlev von Platen. According to a Porsche company press release, von Platen states, "We do not measure our success by record sales alone."Congrats to Porsche!Porsches For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 13, 2016

Bentley Unveils Home Collection For Luxury Homes

Lifestyle collections seem to be the hot ticket for 2016, and Bentley made their lifestyle line debut at Salone Internazionale del Mobile in the form of their new Bentley Home Collection. According to a press release,The silhouettes and iconic shapes, so synonymous with Bentley, are translated into a new language of interiors. The collection balances the use of the highest quality materials and hand-crafted manufacture, with innovation; it pays homage to the brand’s illustrious heritage, while openly embracing the future. A captivating lifestyle for everyday living is brought to life.The collection includes a chair and armchair, sofa, tables and a sideboard. Bentley keeps with classic style, using neutral colors and adds modern flair through sleek lines. Depending on the piece, pricing starts at $4570 and extend to the $30,000 range.Bentley For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 13, 2016

Ford Opens Applications For 2017 Ford GT and Configurator

If owning a new Ford GT was on the list of things to do today, we have good news. The application process to become one of the lucky owners of the favored model is officially open. Reminder: Ford will only create 250 examples of the GT each year of production, bringing the grand total to 500 ultra-rare examples. In order to ensure the Ford GT goes to true Ford aficionados, Ford is taking applications rather than promising each of the 500 examples on a first-come-first-serve basis.In using this approach, Ford seeks to guarantee that the new GTs will be driven and seen, rather than holed up in a vault. Ford's move, as reported previously, ensures the Ford GT is owned by long-standing Ford customers-- brand ambassadors, in essence.Prospective buyers have from now until May 12 to complete their application. We checked out the application process, and it's pretty extensive. The first step is ensuring the prospective buyer has the ability to take delivery of the vehicle in one of 19 countries. Then, Ford asks a series of questions about your car buying history. Preferential treatment will be given to already established GT owners and those who have exhibited a long-standing relationship with the company.The GT will sell for in and around the $450,000 mark and will be completely customizable. There's even an online configurator available so potential GT owners can see what their customization options are.Ford GT For Sale

By Andrew Nabors – April 12, 2016

Chevrolet Unveils Special Edition 2016 Silverados

Saturday Night in Fort Worth was the location of NASCAR's Duck Commander 500 race at Texas Motor Speedway. Texans love trucks, so Chevrolet chose four of their top drivers to show off new editions of the 2016 Silverado.Austin Dillon arrived in the Realtree Edition, which sports camouflage accents inside and out. The Midnight Edition Silverados were driven by Kyle Larson and Kasey Kahne. Both of these murdered out models are based on the Z71 package and feature Rancho suspension along with locking differentials.Dale Earnhardt Jr crashed the festivities with the new Rally Edition. Following popular aftermarket trends, it arrives with 22" wheels and without the bling of chrome or stainless steel. By blacking out the trim and adding an aggressive graphics package, Chevrolet is able to offer more options in the full size truck market than any other manufacturer.The race was rain delayed, which gave spectators more time to view these new trucks in action. If you haven't had the opportunity to drive a new Silverado, you might be impressed with the 6.2L V8 which shares most of its internals with Camaro and Corvette. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more Chevrolet news & reviews.

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 11, 2016

Audi A8 L Extended is Stretched to Fit Extended Family

Sometimes, more than just the space provided by the traditional sedan is needed, but a limo isn't always handy. Sometimes, a few extra seats, without having to succumb to the mini-van life or take on the expenses that come along with driving an SUV are desirable.Audi heard your pleas, and they answered. It took over a year to develop and build. It features an extra two doors and seats six people comfortably. It measures 20.9 feet.It is the Audi A8 L Extended.Thanks to low body weight thanks to the "Audi Space Frame design" made nearly entirely from aluminum, the versatile A8 L Extended features an extra 3.6 ft in length which offers an additional two seats, and two doors between the wheelbases. The passengers face the driving direction and are comfortably seated in "extra supple" Valcona leather. The exterior is finished in moonlight blue with a complimenting interior of velvet beige.As for performance, the extended sedan features an uncompromising 3.0 TFSI engine, which boasts 310 hp and 324.5 lob-ft of torque. The mini-limousine style sedan still pulls a 0-60 mph time in 7.1 seconds with a top speed of 155.3 mph. Not too shabby.Audi A8 Ls For Sale

By Nicole Slaughter-Graham – April 08, 2016

Drive (Float?) the Only 'Amphibious' Lamborghini Countach

Currently for sale on eBay is a Lamborghini Countach recreation fit for the... water? Yep. That's right. According to the listing, this recreation, which was sold over 15 years ago and never used, was built specifically for the water and was one of the, "fastest amphibious" cars of the time. Though not in prime condition at the moment, anyone with a knack for restoration is encouraged by the listing to purchase this car, which, as the listing once again reports, is worth £50,000 (approx. $57,000 US) when in prime condition. Allegedly, the car also has a famous history, appearing on popular European shows and in publications like BBC TV, TopGear, Central TV, Autovisie and more. Want to know more? Check out the full listing details, and then let us know if this is something you'd ever consider adding to your collection. Lamborghini Countachs For Sale

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